Catalyst 9163E Access point, 2048 MB DRAM, outdoor, 2048GB RAM

The Cisco Catalyst 9163E is a high-performance, outdoor-rated Wi-Fi 6E access point designed for enterprises requiring robust connectivity in outdoor environments. It supports tri-band radios, offering operation on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands for enhanced throughput and reduced interference. Built with 2×2 MU-MIMO, the device ensures efficient handling of multiple devices simultaneously, making it perfect for medium to high-density outdoor environments. Equipped with IoT capabilities such as BLE, Zigbee, and Thread, the Catalyst 9163E also features an integrated GNSS for accurate location tracking and AFC compliance for the 6 GHz band.

Ideal for industries like education, retail, and hospitality, the Catalyst 9163E supports seamless transitions between on-premise and cloud management, offering businesses flexibility as their network grows. The access point is capable of delivering up to 3.9 Gbps in combined throughput, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications like video streaming and large data transfers. With support for external antennas, this access point provides extensive coverage, even in wide outdoor spaces.

This device comes with integrated Layer 7 traffic shaping, allowing administrators to prioritize critical business applications while restricting less important traffic. The access point also features real-time monitoring tools, enabling IT teams to measure visitor analytics such as capture rates and visit duration, which are particularly valuable for retail and event-driven environments. By providing a GPS receiver and integrated GPS antennas, the Catalyst 9163E ensures precise location services for outdoor installations.

With a rugged design and IP67-rated protection against dust and water, the Cisco Catalyst 9163E is built to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a reliable solution for outdoor use. The combination of high performance, extensive coverage, and advanced security features ensures that businesses can maintain a stable and secure wireless network in even the most demanding outdoor settings.

Benefits to Your Business

The Catalyst 9163E delivers practical business benefits by improving outdoor network performance with its high throughput and low interference, particularly in crowded areas. The 6 GHz band enhances network capacity, ensuring smooth connections for users across various applications, from high-density events to large outdoor workspaces.

This access point offers scalability and ease of management, perfect for businesses looking to expand their network. With seamless cloud integration via the Meraki dashboard, the Catalyst 9163E simplifies deployment, reducing IT overhead. The built-in analytics and monitoring tools also allow businesses to gain insights into network usage patterns, enabling data-driven decisions for optimizing performance.

Additionally, its advanced security protocols protect sensitive data, ensuring a secure wireless environment for businesses in industries like healthcare, retail, and education. The flexible management and robust security features make it an ideal choice for organizations looking to secure their outdoor network environments without compromising on performance or ease of use.

Key Features and Specifications

• Tri-Band Radios: 2×2 MU-MIMO radios for 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, delivering up to 3.9 Gbps total throughput.
• Integrated IoT Radios: Includes a dedicated 2.4 GHz IoT radio supporting BLE, Zigbee, and Thread.
• Layer 7 Traffic Shaping: Application-aware traffic shaping, enabling bandwidth prioritization for business-critical apps.
• GPS Integration: Built-in GNSS receiver for precise location tracking.
• Air Marshal: Real-time WIDS/WIPS for rogue AP detection and wireless security.
• Cloud Management: Manage your network via the Meraki dashboard with zero-touch provisioning and automatic updates.
• Antenna Support: Compatible with omnidirectional dipole antennas (sold separately) for extended coverage.

Integration with Other Meraki Products

The Cisco Catalyst 9163E integrates seamlessly with other Meraki products, ensuring a unified and scalable network solution. With Meraki’s cloud-based dashboard, administrators can manage not only access points but also switches, security appliances, and IoT devices. The access point supports Meraki Health analytics, providing real-time visibility into network performance and device connectivity. When combined with Meraki sensors and smart cameras, the 9163E becomes part of a broader IoT ecosystem, offering enhanced monitoring and automated responses to network events.

Additionally, the Catalyst 9163E can pair with Meraki SD-WAN and Umbrella DNS security to ensure secure and optimized traffic routing. By integrating with Cisco ISE, the device enhances guest access and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) posturing, providing businesses with a complete network management and security solution.

Licensing

The Cisco Catalyst 9163E requires a Meraki cloud license for full functionality, which includes access to the Meraki dashboard, automatic firmware updates, and support for advanced security features such as Layer 7 traffic shaping and Air Marshal.