Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
The IEEE 802.11ax emerging standard, also known as High-Efficiency-Wireless (HEW) or Wi-Fi 6, builds on 802.11ac. It delivers a better experience in typical environments with more predictable performance for advanced applications such as 4K or 8K video, high-density, high-definition collaboration apps, all-wireless offices, and IoT. Wi-Fi 6 is designed to use both the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands, unlike the 802.11ac standard.
Cisco RF ASIC
Cisco RF ASIC is a fully integrated Software-Defined Radio (SDR) that can perform advanced RF spectrum analysis and delivers features like Cisco CleanAir, Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (wIPS), Fast Locate*, and DFS detection.
(*Future)
Uplink/downlink OFDMA
Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)-based scheduling splits the bandwidth into smaller chunks called Resource Units (RUs), which can be allocated to individual clients in both the downlink and uplink directions to reduce overhead and latency.
MUMIMO technology
Supporting four spatial streams, Multiuser Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) enables access points to split spatial streams between client devices, to maximize throughput.
BSS coloring
Spatial reuse (also known as Basic Service Set [BSS] coloring) allows the access points and their clients to differentiate between BSSs, thus permitting more simultaneous transmissions.
Target wake time
A new power savings mode called Target Wake Time (TWT) allows the client to stay asleep and to wake up only at prescheduled (target) times to exchange data with the access point. This offers significant energy savings for battery-operated devices, up to three to four times greater compared to 802.11n and 802.11ac.
Intelligent Capture
Intelligent Capture probes the network and provides Cisco DNA Center with deep analysis. The software can track over 240 anomalies and instantaneously review all packets on demand, emulating the onsite network administrator. Intelligent Capture allows for more informed decisions on your wireless networks.
Flexible Radio Assignment
Allows the access points to intelligently determine the operating mode of serving radios based on the RF environment. The access points can operate in the following modes:
2.4-GHz and 5-GHz mode: One radio will serve clients in 2.4-GHz mode, while the other serves clients in 5-GHz mode.
Dual 5-GHz mode: Both radios inside the access point operate on the 5-GHz band, maximizing the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 and increasing client device capacity.
Dual 5-GHz radio support
Enables both radios to operate in 5-GHz client serving mode, allowing an industry-leading 5.2 Gbps (2 x 2.6 Gbps) over-the-air speeds while increasing client capacity.
Smart antenna connector
An intelligent second physical antenna connector is included on 9120AX Series access points with an external antenna. This connector provides advanced network design flexibility for high-density and large open-area environments such as auditoriums, convention centers, libraries, cafeterias, and arenas/stadiums, allowing two sets of antennas to be connected and active on a single access point.
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller
The 9120AX Series Wi-Fi 6 access points is available with a built-in controller. The Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst 9100 Access Points provides an easy-to-deploy and manage option that does not require a physical appliance. The control resides on the access point so there is no added footprint or complexity. And, because it uses Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series code, its easy to migrate your network as your needs grow.
