The Cisco Catalyst 9105AXI is a compact, high‑performance 802.11ax (Wi‑Fi 6) Indoor Wireless AP engineered for enterprise environments.
With 2×2 MU‑MIMO, OFDMA, and up to 1.5 Gbps aggregate throughput, it delivers reliable coverage, intelligent RF optimization, and seamless mobility—ideal for offices, classrooms, and retail spaces.
Product Overview
Specifications
Feature | Cisco Catalyst 9105AXI |
Wi‑Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11ax (Wi‑Fi 6) |
Radios | Dual‑radio: 2.4 GHz (2×2:2) & 5 GHz (2×2:2) |
Spatial Streams | 2×2 MU‑MIMO per radio |
Max Aggregate Throughput | 1.5 Gbps (574 Mbps @ 2.4 GHz + 1 Gbps @ 5 GHz) |
Ethernet Ports | 1× 2.5 GbE uplink + 1× 1 GbE (pass‑through) |
Power over Ethernet | 802.3at PoE+ or Cisco UPOE |
CPU & Memory | 528 MHz CPU; 256 MB DRAM; 128 MB Flash |
Dimensions (Ø×H) | Ø 181 mm × 37 mm |
Weight | 0.48 kg |
Operating Temp. | 0 °C to 40 °C; humidity 10–90% non‑condensing |
Security | WPA3, 802.1X, Cisco Trust Anchor |
Management Options | Cisco DNA Center, Wireless LAN Controller, Embedded Wireless Controller |
Catalyst 9105AXI vs. Competitors
Feature | Cisco 9105AXI | Aruba AP‑515 | Ubiquiti U6‑Pro | Ruckus R650 |
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11ax (Wi‑Fi 6) | 802.11ax | 802.11ax | 802.11ax |
Radios/Streams | 2×2:2 MU‑MIMO | 2×2:2 MU‑MIMO | 4×4:4 MU‑MIMO | 4×4:4 MU‑MIMO |
Max Throughput | 1.5 Gbps | 1.78 Gbps (aggregate) | 3 Gbps | 3.55 Gbps |
Ethernet Ports | 1×2.5 GbE + 1×1 GbE | 1×1 GbE | 1×2.5 GbE + 1×1 GbE | 2×1 GbE |
PoE | 802.3at PoE+ / UPOE | 802.3af/at | 802.3af/at | 802.3at PoE+ |
Management | DNA Center / WLC / EWC | Aruba Central / Instant | UniFi Controller | SmartZone / Unleashed |
Price Range | Premium | Mid‑range | Budget‑mid | Premium |
Advantages
- Flexible Uplink: 2.5 GbE uplink supports multi‑gig backhaul, unlike most competitors.
- Cisco Ecosystem: Seamless integration with Cisco DNA Center and WLCs for advanced analytics.
- Embedded Controller: Built‑in Embedded Wireless Controller mode for small deployments without extra hardware.
Disadvantages
- Throughput Ceiling: 1.5 Gbps total is lower than 4×4 competitors (e.g., Ruckus R650).
- Cost: Positioned at a premium price versus mid‑range Aruba and Ubiquiti APs.
- Stream Count: 2×2 MU‑MIMO offers fewer spatial streams than 4×4 rivals, impacting peak per‑client rates.
Why Choose Cisco Catalyst 9105AXI?
- Multi‑Gig Uplink: 2.5 GbE port eliminates bottlenecks in high‑speed campus backbones.
- Cisco DNA Center Integration: Leverage AI‑driven insights, automation, and policy enforcement across your WLAN.
- Embedded Controller Option: Run up to 100 APs in Embedded Wireless Controller mode without separate WLC investment.
Technical Support and After‑Sales Service
Support Type | Network‑Switch.com | Cisco Official | Other 3rd‑Party Reseller |
Warranty | Limited lifetime hardware warranty | Limited lifetime hardware warranty | Varies |
Technical Support | 24/7 phone, email, chat (CCIE/HCIE team) | 24/7 Cisco TAC with SmartNet contract | Limited |
Firmware Updates | Regular (feature & security patches) | Regular with SmartNet | Irregular |
On‑Site Support | Available upon request | Additional service contracts available | Not available |
Configuration Assistance | Free assistance from certified engineers | Available via services | Not provided |
Response Time | Instant for critical issues | SLA‑based | Delayed |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
What throughput does the 9105AXI deliver?
Up to 1.5 Gbps aggregate (574 Mbps @ 2.4 GHz + 1 Gbps @ 5 GHz). -
How many spatial streams and radios?
Dual radios (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), each 2×2:2 MU‑MIMO. -
Does it support multi‑gig backhaul?
Yes - a 2.5 GbE uplink eliminates uplink bottlenecks. -
Which management modes are available?
Managed via Cisco DNA Center, Wireless LAN Controller, or Embedded Wireless Controller. -
What power options are supported?
802.3at PoE+ and Cisco Universal PoE (UPOE) support. -
Is the 9105AXI backward compatible?
Fully compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac devices, plus Wave 2 features. -
What security does it offer?
WPA3, 802.1X, Cisco Trust Anchor, Secure Boot, and integration with Cisco ISE. -
Does it have an embedded controller?
Yes—runs up to 100 APs in Embedded Wireless Controller mode without external WLC.
Conclusion
The Cisco Catalyst 9105AXI is a versatile Cisco Wi‑Fi 6 AP combining multi‑gig uplinks, embedded controller flexibility, and deep integration with Cisco DNA. It’s the ideal Indoor Wireless AP for enterprises seeking high speed, simplified management, and future‑proof performance.
Where to Buy: Available through Network‑Switch.com with expert 24/7 support and free configuration assistance.
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