The Huawei AirEngine 9700 series, encompassing models like the AirEngine 9700-M1 and AirEngine 9700S-S, represents a significant advancement in wireless networking.
These controllers are designed to provide centralized management for both wired and wireless networks, ensuring seamless integration and enhanced performance across enterprise environments.
Product Overview
Specifications
Feature | Huawei AirEngine 9700-M1 | Huawei AirEngine 9700S-S |
Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 7) | IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 7) |
Maximum Managed APs | Up to 3,072 APs | Up to 128 APs (expandable to 256 with software upgrade) |
Forwarding Capacity | 120 Gbps (direct and tunnel forwarding) | 10 Gbps |
Ethernet Ports | 12 × GE, 12 × 10 GE, 2 × 40 GE | 10 × GE, 2 × 10 GE (SFP+) |
Power Supply | 1+1 AC/DC redundancy | AC/DC power adapter included |
Operating Temperature | 0°C to +45°C | 0°C to +45°C |
Dimensions (H x W x D) | 43.6 mm × 442 mm × 420 mm | 43.6 mm × 442 mm × 420 mm |
Weight | Approximately 6.25 kg | Approximately 5.65 kg |
Maximum User Capacity | 3,072 users (expandable with additional controllers) | 512 users (expandable to 1,024 with software upgrade) |
USB Interface | USB 2.0 for IoT expansion (supports ZigBee, RFID) | Not available |
Bluetooth Support | BLE 5.2 for operation and maintenance via CloudCampus APP | BLE 5.0 |
Mounting Options | Ceiling, wall, T-rail mounting options | Ceiling, wall, T-rail mounting options |
Management Platform | Huawei eSight, CloudCampus | Huawei eSight, CloudCampus |
Surge Protection | Yes (surge protection on Ethernet and power ports) | Yes (surge protection on Ethernet and power ports) |
Warranty | 3-year warranty | 3-year warranty |
Huawei AirEngine 9700 vs. Competitors
Feature | Huawei AirEngine 9700-M1 | Cisco Catalyst 9800-L | Aruba 9000 Series | Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro) |
Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 7) | IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) |
Maximum Managed APs | 3,072 APs | 2,000 APs | 1,000 APs | 200 APs |
Forwarding Capacity | 120 Gbps (direct and tunnel forwarding) | 40 Gbps | 20 Gbps | 5 Gbps |
Ethernet Ports | 12 × GE, 12 × 10 GE, 2 × 40 GE | 8 × GE, 4 × 10 GE | 8 × GE, 4 × 10 GE | 8 × GE |
Power Supply | 1+1 AC/DC redundancy | 1+1 AC/DC redundancy | 1+1 AC/DC redundancy | 1+1 AC/DC redundancy |
Security Features | WPA3, 802.1X, RADIUS, HTTPS, SNMPv3 | WPA3, 802.1X, Cisco ISE | WPA3, 802.1X, Aruba ClearPass | WPA3, 802.1X |
Warranty | 3-year warranty | 1-year warranty (extendable) | 1-year warranty (extendable) | 1-year warranty (extendable) |
Advantages of Huawei AirEngine 9700 Series
- Superior Forwarding Capacity: 120 Gbps, ideal for large-scale environments with high-bandwidth applications.
- Scalable Management: Can manage up to 3,072 APs, perfect for extensive networks.
- Comprehensive Security: Advanced security protocols like WPA3, RADIUS, and SNMPv3 for robust protection.
Disadvantages of Huawei AirEngine 9700 Series
- Price: Positioned in the high-end market, it may not be affordable for smaller businesses.
- Complex Setup: Initial configuration may require more expertise, making it less ideal for non-technical teams.
- Lacks Simplicity: Compared to brands like Ubiquiti, the setup and management may feel more complex for smaller deployments.
Why Choose Huawei AirEngine 9700 Series?
- Unmatched Performance: 120 Gbps forwarding capacity ensures no bottlenecks in high-demand environments.
- Future-Proof: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7, ensuring long-term relevance as network demands grow.
- Enterprise-Grade Security: Comprehensive security features that ensure your network remains secure and compliant.
Installation and Configuration
Installation Steps for AirEngine 9700-M1
- Rack Mounting: Install the controller in a standard 19-inch server rack.
- Power Connection: Connect the power supply using the provided AC/DC modules.
- Network Connections: Connect the Ethernet ports to the network infrastructure.
- Initial Setup: Access the management interface via the console port or web browser.
- Configuration: Configure the controller settings, including AP management and forwarding modes.
Configuration Example
system-view
stelnet server enable
ssh server enable
http secure-server enable
wlan ssid-profile CorpWiFi
ssid CorpNet
authentication-mode wpa3-enterprise
pre-shared-key cipher StrongKey2025
vlan 100
interface wlan ap-model AirEngine9700-*
ax enable
ofdma enable
mu-mimo enable
interface radio 2
mode scan-serving
interface ten-gigabitEthernet 0/1
speed 10000
interface gigabitEthernet 0/2
speed 1000
smart-antenna enable
beamforming enable
ip wlan fast-roaming enable
fast-roaming method 802.11r
qos wmm enable
Deployment Scenarios
The Huawei AirEngine 9700 series is suitable for various deployment scenarios:
- Large Enterprise Campuses: Providing centralized management for extensive wireless networks.
- Educational Institutions: Ensuring seamless connectivity across multiple buildings and facilities.
- Healthcare Facilities: Supporting critical applications with high reliability and security.
- Hospitality Industry: Offering guest access and internal network management in hotels and resorts.
Technical Support and After-Sales Service
Huawei offers comprehensive support for the AirEngine 9700 series through various channels. Here's a comparison of the technical support and after-sales services provided by network-switch.com (an authorized reseller), Huawei's official channel, and third-party resellers.
Support Type | Network-Switch.com (Authorized Third-Party Reseller) | Huawei Official Channel | Other Third-Party Reseller |
Product Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | Varies |
Technical Support | 24/7 via phone, email, and chat | Business hours only | Limited |
Firmware Updates | Regular updates | Regular updates | Irregular |
On-Site Support | Available upon request | Available upon request | Not available |
Configuration Assistance | Provided at no extra cost | Provided at no extra cost | Not provided |
Remote Troubleshooting | Available 24/7 | Available during business hours | Limited or Not available |
Support Response Time | Instant response for critical issues | Standard response time for inquiries | Delayed responses |
Advantages of Purchasing from Network-Switch.com
- 24/7 Technical Support: Customers can access round-the-clock technical assistance, ensuring timely and efficient issue resolution.
- Free Configuration Assistance: Network-Switch.com offers free configuration guidance, helping customers optimize their Huawei AirEngine 9700 for their specific needs.
- On-Site Support Availability: Unlike third-party resellers, Network-Switch.com provides on-site support, ensuring that issues are resolved in person if needed.
Choosing Network-Switch.com means getting certified expertise with dedicated support, making it the best option for ensuring that your Huawei AirEngine 9700 deployment remains seamless and high-performing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the maximum throughput of the Huawei AirEngine 9700?
Answer: The AirEngine 9700 series offers up to 120 Gbps in total forwarding capacity, ensuring seamless performance even in high-traffic environments.
Q2: How many access points can the AirEngine 9700-M1 manage?
Answer: The AirEngine 9700-M1 can manage up to 3,072 APs, making it suitable for large-scale enterprise deployments.
Q3: Does the AirEngine 9700 series support Wi-Fi 7?
Answer: Yes, the AirEngine 9700 supports Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), offering faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connectivity than previous generations.
Q4: What is the warranty period for the AirEngine 9700?
Answer: The AirEngine 9700 series comes with a 3-year warranty, providing peace of mind for customers.
Q5: What are the security features of the AirEngine 9700 series?
Answer: The AirEngine 9700 series offers WPA3, 802.1X, RADIUS, HTTPS, and SNMPv3 for robust enterprise-level security.
Q6: How many clients can the AirEngine 9700-M1 support simultaneously?
Answer: The AirEngine 9700-M1 can support up to 3,072 clients, ideal for large offices, campuses, and high-density environments.
Q7: Can the AirEngine 9700 series be managed remotely?
Answer: Yes, the AirEngine 9700 can be managed remotely via Huawei's eSight and CloudCampus platforms, providing centralized management for your wireless network.
Conclusion
The Huawei AirEngine 9700 series sets the bar for enterprise-grade wireless access control. With its superior throughput, scalability, and advanced security features, it is the ideal choice for large enterprises, educational institutions, and government organizations.
For those seeking a high-performance, reliable, and future-proof solution for managing both wired and wireless networks, the Huawei AirEngine 9700 series stands out as the optimal choice. Whether you're expanding a network or upgrading to the latest wireless technology, the AirEngine 9700 offers unparalleled value.
To make a purchase or learn more, visit network-switch.com.
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