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Technical Architecture and Core Features
The Cisco C9120AXI-C is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) access point engineered for scalable, multi-site enterprise deployments. Operating on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, it delivers aggregate speeds up to 5.4 Gbps using 4×4 MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies. Designed for flexibility, it supports 180+ concurrent clients per radio and integrates Cisco DNA Center for centralized cloud-based management.
Key specifications include:
- Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) to avoid radar interference in the 5 GHz band.
- mGig Ethernet uplink (2.5/5 Gbps) for high-capacity backhaul.
- PoE+ compatibility (30W) for simplified power delivery over existing cabling.
- Integrated Bluetooth 5.2 and Zigbee for IoT device onboarding.
Addressing Multi-Site Operational Challenges
Simplified Cloud Management: Unlike traditional APs, the C9120AXI-C supports Cisco DNA Spaces, enabling IT teams to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot thousands of devices across locations from a single dashboard. This reduces onsite IT dependency for retail chains, branch offices, or healthcare networks.
Consistent Performance: The AP’s Flexible Radio Assignment (FRA) allows dynamic allocation of radios to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands based on real-time traffic demands. For example, a store during peak hours can prioritize 5 GHz for POS systems while relegating IoT sensors to 2.4 GHz.
Security at Scale:
- WPA3-Enterprise with 192-bit mode ensures FIPS 140-2 compliance for government and financial sectors.
- Cisco StealthWatch integration detects anomalies like unauthorized access points or rogue devices.
- Automated policy enforcement via Cisco ISE aligns with Zero Trust frameworks.
Ideal Deployment Scenarios
- Retail Chains: Supports seamless roaming for handheld scanners and customer Wi-Fi, with location analytics via BLE.
- Remote Offices: Pre-provisioned configurations enable plug-and-play deployment, minimizing setup time.
- Healthcare Branches: Meets HIPAA requirements with segmented networks for medical devices, staff, and guests.
Critical Implementation Factors
Infrastructure Readiness:
- Existing switches must support Multi-Gigabit Ethernet and Cisco StackWise for scalable uplinks.
- For mesh deployments, ensure ≤ 50 meters between APs to maintain <2 ms latency.
Licensing Model:
- Cisco DNA Advantage subscription is required for AI-driven analytics and application optimization.
- Cisco DNA Spaces licenses are sold per AP, with volume discounts for large deployments.
For enterprises prioritizing unified cloud management, the C9120AXI-C is available here.
Final Viewpoint
The C9120AXI-C redefines what distributed enterprises should expect from wireless infrastructure—seamless scalability without compromising security or control. Its cloud-native design, coupled with granular traffic prioritization, addresses the often-overlooked complexity of managing dispersed networks. In a landscape where operational agility is paramount, this AP serves as both a technical solution and a strategic enabler for growth.