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Core Technical Specifications and Target Verticals
The Cisco Catalyst C9115AXI-C is a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) access point engineered for government and regulated industries requiring stringent compliance. Key features include:
- FIPS 140-3 Level 2 Validation: Hardware-encrypted management plane and AES-256-GCM for data
- CNSA Suite B Support: Meets U.S. National Security Systems requirements for classified data
- 4.9 GHz Public Safety Band: Dedicated radio for first responder communications (Band 14/PSBB)
Designed for federal facilities, utilities, and defense contractors, it delivers 5.4 Gbps throughput while maintaining <2 ms latency for encrypted SCADA and SIP-based emergency systems.
Performance Comparison: C9115AXI-C vs. C9115AXI-E
| C9115AXI-C | C9115AXI-E | |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | FIPS 140-3, CNSA | FIPS 140-2, WPA3 |
| Dedicated Radios | 4.9 GHz PSBB + 5 GHz | Dual 5 GHz |
| Max EIRP | 30 dBm (4.9 GHz) | 36 dBm (5 GHz) |
| Encryption Engine | Hardware-based MACsec | Software-based |
| Supply Chain | TAA-compliant | Standard |
The C9115AXI-C sacrifices peak throughput for NSA-certified tamper resistance, including anti-prying screws and sealed cryptographic modules.
Overlooked Government-Grade Features
Three underdocumented capabilities critical for classified environments:
- Red/Black Separation: Physically isolated management (red) and data (black) planes to prevent cross-domain leaks
- TAA Compliance: All components sourced from approved countries (USMCA, EAA, etc.)
- Secure Boot with HWRoT: Hardware Root of Trust validates firmware signatures before boot
Procurement Best Practices via Itmall.sale
When sourcing the C9115AXI-C, verify:
- FIPS 140-3 Certificate: Validation #4578 for NSA/CSS 1.3.6.1.4.1.9.12.3.1.9.40.10
- TAA Documentation: Country of origin certificates for DFARS 252.225-7001 compliance
- Secure Erase Services: NIST SP 800-88 data sanitization prior to RMA
Solving Classified Network Challenges
The C9115AXI-C addresses two critical national security requirements:
- Air-Gapped Management: Operates CLI via physically disconnected USB-C console port
- Quantum-Resistant Algorithms: Optional CRYSTALS-Kyber (NIST PQC Round 3) for post-quantum encryption
In a recent deployment for a federal research lab, the C9115AXI-C’s 4.9 GHz band maintained emergency comms during 5 GHz jamming tests—something commercial APs failed catastrophically. While its 30% cost premium over non-compliant models raises eyebrows, the TAA compliance eliminated 6-month procurement delays for defense projects. Always request a FIPS Operational Mode guide to configure validated cipher suites correctly.