Wi-Fi 7 AP
Wi-Fi 7 APs are enterprise wireless networking devices that
-
operate across tri-band frequencies (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz)
-
support interoperability with 802.11ax/ac clients and hybrid deployments, and
-
offer multiple radio and antenna modes for regulatory and deployment flexibility.
Cisco Wi-Fi 7 AP models
The Cisco Wireless 9176I Wi-Fi 7 AP, Cisco Wireless 9176D1 Wi-Fi 7 AP, Cisco Wireless 9178I Wi-Fi 7 AP, and Cisco Wireless 9172I Wi-Fi 7 AP, are an enterprise-class tri-band APs that operate across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequencies. You can use the AP hardware with Cisco Catalyst Center, Cisco Catalyst stack, and Meraki cloud-based stack.
Operating modes and configuration
From the Cisco IOS-XE 17.15 release, split-PHY mode is supported in Cisco Wireless 9172I Series Wi-Fi 7 APs (CW9172I) radio. The radio on Cisco Wireless 9172I AP operates in the following modes:
-
5 GHz 4x4 (single-PHY)
-
5 GHz 2x2 + 6-GHz 2x2 (split-PHY)
The default mode is 5 GHz 2x2 or 6 GHz 2x2. If the AP operates in a regulatory domain where 6 GHz is not supported, it will operate in the 5 GHz 4x4 mode.
![]() Note |
If the AP radio power is off, then 802.11be capability of the radio is switched off. For the AP to be 802.11e capable, all radios have to be switched on. |
Operating modes and configuration
From the Cisco IOS-XE 17.17 release, Cisco Wireless 9172H Series AP operates in two modes:
-
2.4 GHz(4x4) + 5 GHz(2x2) + 6 GHz(2x2)
-
2.4 GHz(4x4) + 5 GHz full band(4x4)
To access the 5 GHz full band mode( 5 GHz radio in 4X4 mode):
-
Configure antenna count as 4, under mapped radio profile.
-
Disable the 6 GHz radio (slot 2) and reboot the AP.
If you do not reboot the AP, the 5 GHz radios will continue to operate in 2X2 mode even though the antenna count configuration is 4. The AP goes for a reboot when 6 GHz radio is enabled, as it requires a mode switch for the 6 GHz radio bring-up.


Feedback