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Huawei AirEngine 9700 Access Controllers: Unifying Wired and Wireless Networking

author
Network Switches
IT Hardware Experts
author https://network-switch.com/pages/about-us

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

  1. Superior Forwarding Capacity: 120 Gbps, ideal for large-scale environments with high-bandwidth applications.
  2. Scalable Management: Can manage up to 3,072 APs, perfect for extensive networks.
  3. Comprehensive Security: Advanced security protocols like WPA3, RADIUS, and SNMPv3 for robust protection.

Disadvantages of Huawei AirEngine 9700 Series

  1. Price: Positioned in the high-end market, it may not be affordable for smaller businesses.
  2. Complex Setup: Initial configuration may require more expertise, making it less ideal for non-technical teams.
  3. Lacks Simplicity: Compared to brands like Ubiquiti, the setup and management may feel more complex for smaller deployments.

Why Choose Huawei AirEngine 9700 Series?

  1. Unmatched Performance: 120 Gbps forwarding capacity ensures no bottlenecks in high-demand environments.
  2. Future-Proof: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7, ensuring long-term relevance as network demands grow.
  3. Enterprise-Grade Security: Comprehensive security features that ensure your network remains secure and compliant.

Installation and Configuration

Installation Steps for AirEngine 9700-M1

  1. Rack Mounting: Install the controller in a standard 19-inch server rack.
  2. Power Connection: Connect the power supply using the provided AC/DC modules.
  3. Network Connections: Connect the Ethernet ports to the network infrastructure.
  4. Initial Setup: Access the management interface via the console port or web browser.
  5. 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

  1. 24/7 Technical Support: Customers can access round-the-clock technical assistance, ensuring timely and efficient issue resolution.
  2. Free Configuration Assistance: Network-Switch.com offers free configuration guidance, helping customers optimize their Huawei AirEngine 9700 for their specific needs.
  3. 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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