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Cisco C9800-L-C-K9-RF Catalyst 9800-L Wireless LAN Controller - 802. 11ax - 6x RJ-45 Ports - 2. 5/10GbE - Rack-Mountable
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Product Features
Technical Overview
The Catalyst 9800-L controller is engineered for high-performance wireless network orchestration. It leverages the 802.11ax standard to improve efficiency, capacity, and performance in dense client environments, supporting features like OFDMA and MU-MIMO for better throughput and reduced latency. The dual-band radio operation ensures backward compatibility with legacy Wi-Fi devices while maximizing available spectrum for modern applications.
Network connectivity is handled through six copper Ethernet ports, which support multi-gigabit speeds of 2.5 GbE and 10 GbE. This allows for flexible uplink configurations to core switches or aggregation points, preventing bottlenecks in high-traffic scenarios. The controller's hardware design includes essential I/O for administration and expansion, including a USB port for local storage or security key integration and a dedicated management port for out-of-band network access.
Relevant factors for this section include Wireless LAN Standard, Frequency Band, Ethernet Technology, Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
The Catalyst 9800-L controller centralizes wireless network management, simplifying the deployment and operation of large-scale Wi-Fi infrastructures. It provides granular control over access points, client policies, and security settings from a single pane of glass, reducing administrative overhead and improving operational consistency.
Scalable Performance
Supports 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 for increased network capacity and efficiency, ideal for environments with high client density like offices, campuses, or retail spaces.
- Dual-band 2.4/5 GHz operation
- OFDMA and MU-MIMO support
High-Speed Uplinks
Six RJ-45 ports with 2.5 GbE and 10 GbE capabilities ensure sufficient bandwidth for aggregating traffic from multiple access points, preventing uplink congestion.
- Flexible port configuration
- Future-proof multi-gigabit speeds
Enterprise-Ready Design
Rack-mountable 1U form factor with a compact footprint allows for easy integration into existing network racks, while USB and management ports offer additional administrative flexibility.
- Standard 19" rack mounting
- Dedicated management access
Deployment / Use Cases
The Catalyst 9800-L controller is suited for medium to large enterprise wireless deployments where centralized management, scalability, and high performance are critical. It acts as the brain of the wireless network, coordinating dozens to hundreds of access points to deliver seamless connectivity across campuses, office buildings, or multi-site organizations.
Common deployment scenarios include corporate headquarters with dense Wi-Fi requirements, educational institutions managing campus-wide networks, healthcare facilities needing reliable wireless for medical devices and staff mobility, and retail environments supporting point-of-sale systems and customer Wi-Fi. The controller's 802.11ax support makes it particularly effective for modern applications like video conferencing, cloud-based tools, and IoT device integration, where network efficiency and low latency are paramount.
Physical Profile
The controller is built for standard rack installation with a 1U height of 1.58 inches (40.13 mm), a width of 8.50 inches (215.90 mm), and a depth of 9.06 inches (230.12 mm). This compact design optimizes rack space while providing sufficient internal cooling and component layout for reliable operation. The approximate weight of 3.95 pounds (1791.69 grams) ensures easy handling during installation. The rack-mountable form factor includes appropriate mounting hardware for secure placement in data centers, wiring closets, or network cabinets, aligning with typical enterprise infrastructure practices.
- Width
- 8.50" (215.90 mm)
- Depth
- 9.06" (230.12 mm)
- Height
- 1.58" (40.13 mm)
- Weight
- 3.95 lb (1791.69 g)
Highlights
- 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless controller for modern enterprise networks
- Dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency support
- Six RJ-45 network ports with 2.5 GbE and 10 GbE uplink capabilities
- Rack-mountable 1U form factor for standard installation
- Includes USB port for expansion and management port for administrative access
- Centralized management for scalable wireless deployments
- Compact dimensions: 1.58" H x 8.50" W x 9.06" D
- Refurbished condition with full functionality
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cisco Systems, Inc |
| Manufacturer Part Number | C9800-L-C-K9-RF |
| Brand Name | Cisco |
| Product Line | Catalyst |
| Product Model | 9800-L |
| Product Name | Catalyst 9800-L Wireless Controller |
| Product Condition | Refurbished |
| Product Type | Wireless LAN Controller |
| Technical Information | |
| Wireless LAN Standard | 802.11ax |
| Frequency Band | 2.40 GHz,5 GHz |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Ethernet Technology | 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet,10 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports | 6 |
| USB | Yes |
| Management Port | Yes |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Rack-mountable |
| Height | 1.58" (40.13 mm) |
| Width | 8.50" (215.90 mm) |
| Depth | 9.06" (230.12 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 3.95 lb (1791.69 g) |
User Manual
FAQ
What wireless standard does the Cisco Catalyst 9800-L controller support?
The Catalyst 9800-L controller supports the 802.11ax standard, also known as Wi-Fi 6. This latest Wi-Fi generation improves network efficiency, capacity, and performance in environments with many connected devices, using technologies like OFDMA and MU-MIMO to reduce latency and increase throughput for modern applications.
How many network ports does this wireless controller have, and what speeds do they support?
This controller features six RJ-45 Ethernet ports. These ports support multi-gigabit speeds, specifically 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet. This allows for high-bandwidth uplinks to network switches, ensuring sufficient capacity for aggregating traffic from multiple wireless access points without bottlenecks.
Is the Cisco Catalyst 9800-L controller rack-mountable?
Yes, the Catalyst 9800-L has a rack-mountable form factor designed for standard 19-inch racks. Its dimensions are 1.58 inches in height (1U), 8.50 inches in width, and 9.06 inches in depth, making it easy to integrate into data center or network closet environments for organized deployment.
What frequency bands does this controller operate on?
The controller operates on dual frequency bands: 2.40 GHz and 5 GHz. This dual-band support allows for flexible network design, with the 2.4 GHz band offering better range and compatibility with older devices, and the 5 GHz band providing higher speeds and less interference for modern Wi-Fi 6 clients.
Does the Catalyst 9800-L include any additional ports for management or expansion?
Yes, in addition to the six network ports, the controller includes a USB port for connecting storage devices or security keys, and a dedicated management port for out-of-band network access. These ports provide extra flexibility for administrative tasks, configuration backups, or secure management without impacting production traffic.
What is the typical use case for this wireless LAN controller?
The Catalyst 9800-L is ideal for medium to large enterprise environments that require centralized management of wireless networks. Common use cases include corporate offices, educational campuses, healthcare facilities, and retail stores, where it coordinates multiple access points to deliver reliable, high-performance Wi-Fi for applications like video conferencing, cloud services, and IoT devices.