CATALYST 9164I AP (W6E TRI-BAND 4X4)

The Catalyst 9164I AP is a state-of-the-art wireless access point designed to deliver high-performance Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for businesses requiring fast, reliable, and secure wireless networks. Offering tri-band coverage, this access point utilizes the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands to maximize throughput, reduce interference, and handle higher client densities. Whether it’s for small to medium-sized businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, or large enterprises, the Catalyst 9164I AP ensures robust and uninterrupted wireless service.

Built with advanced hardware and intelligent software, the Catalyst 9164I is designed to support the demands of next-generation networks. It is ideal for environments requiring high-speed internet, such as offices, hospitals, retail shops, and hotels. The integrated management capabilities allow for seamless deployment and monitoring through both cloud and on-premise solutions, making it adaptable to a wide range of business needs.

A key highlight of the Catalyst 9164I is its enhanced security features, providing enterprise-grade protection for both employees and guest users. With real-time monitoring, secure guest access, and integrated Bluetooth capabilities, it’s designed to optimize performance while safeguarding sensitive data. Businesses can also leverage this access point to future-proof their infrastructure with support for the 6 GHz band, ensuring compatibility with upcoming technologies.

In addition, the Catalyst 9164I AP offers flexibility through hybrid work environments, allowing for remote management and rapid deployment without needing on-site IT staff. The product’s plug-and-play nature ensures businesses can scale quickly while maintaining reliable, high-performance networks that meet growing demand.

Benefits to Your Business

The Catalyst 9164I AP delivers tangible benefits for businesses by boosting operational efficiency, enhancing network security, and ensuring seamless connectivity across multiple devices. One of its most significant advantages is the use of the 6 GHz frequency band, which alleviates congestion in traditional Wi-Fi spectrums, enabling higher throughput and less interference, especially in high-density environments such as schools, hospitals, and corporate offices.

For industries such as retail and education, where uninterrupted service is critical, the Catalyst 9164I AP helps prevent downtime with its reliable, always-on connectivity. With centralized cloud management through the Cisco Meraki dashboard, businesses can configure, monitor, and troubleshoot their networks remotely, reducing the need for costly on-site IT support. This ease of deployment and management translates to significant cost savings and operational simplicity.

The access point’s security features, such as integrated Layer 7 firewalls and real-time Wireless Intrusion Detection Systems (WIDS), ensure that business networks remain safe from external threats. This is especially important for industries handling sensitive data, such as healthcare and financial services.

Key Features and Specifications

• Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Performance: Supports 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands for a combined aggregate throughput of up to 7.49 Gbps, ensuring fast, high-density wireless performance.
• 4×4:4 MU-MIMO: Delivers exceptional multi-user performance by transmitting data to multiple devices simultaneously, improving overall network efficiency.
• 802.11ax Technology: Incorporates cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6E features, including UL/DL OFDMA and beamforming, to handle more devices with lower latency.
• Real-Time Spectrum Analytics: A dedicated fourth radio offers 24/7 WIDS/WIPS for enhanced security and automated RF optimization.
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): Integrated BLE radio supports advanced location-aware applications and seamless integration with IoT devices.
• Application-Aware Traffic Shaping: Configurable quality of service (QoS) policies ensure that mission-critical applications receive priority, optimizing voice and video performance.
• Plug-and-Play Deployment: Self-configuring access point for fast setup, even at remote locations without IT staff.
• Enterprise-Grade Security: Features AES hardware encryption, WPA3, and integrated guest access with VLAN tagging for secure and isolated networks.

Integration with Other Meraki Products

The Catalyst 9164I AP integrates seamlessly with the Meraki dashboard, offering centralized cloud-based management for simplified configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Businesses can easily pair it with Meraki MX security appliances and MS switches to build a comprehensive, secure, and fully managed network infrastructure. The intuitive dashboard allows network administrators to gain real-time insights, set up automatic firmware updates, and manage multiple access points from a single platform.

This access point is also compatible with Meraki Systems Manager, enabling automatic, context-aware security policies for mobile devices. By unifying the management of security, networking, and device policies, businesses can streamline operations and improve network performance.

Licensing

The Catalyst 9164I AP requires a Cisco DNA license or Meraki subscription for full access to its advanced features, including cloud management, analytics, and enhanced security tools. Depending on business needs, organizations can opt for either the cloud-managed Meraki dashboard or on-premise Catalyst 9800 controllers, with the flexibility to switch between the two modes without purchasing additional hardware.