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Cisco CW9166I-A Catalyst Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Indoor Access Point - 7.78 Gbps - Ceiling Mountable - Internal Antenna
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This access point is built on the IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E) standard, incorporating OFDMA and 1024-QAM modulation to increase network capacity and efficiency. The tri-band radio design dedicates separate radios to the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and newly available 6 GHz spectrum, reducing congestion and providing dedicated bandwidth for legacy and modern Wi-Fi 6E clients.
The unit features a single 5 Gigabit Ethernet port with PoE PD (Power over Ethernet Powered Device) support, allowing it to receive both data and power over a standard Ethernet cable from a compatible PoE switch or injector. This simplifies installation by eliminating the need for a separate power outlet near the mounting location. Integrated Bluetooth 5.1 enables location services and IoT device onboarding capabilities.
Relevant factors for this section include Wireless LAN Standard, Bluetooth Standard, Network Band, Ethernet Technology. 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 CW9166I-A delivers superior wireless performance and deployment flexibility for modern enterprise networks. Its combination of high throughput, advanced radio management, and streamlined installation makes it a robust foundation for wireless infrastructure.
Future-Ready Wi-Fi 6E Support
Access to the uncongested 6 GHz band provides additional channels for high-performance clients, reducing interference and supporting next-generation applications that require low latency and high bandwidth.
- Operates on 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands
- Delivers up to 7.78 Gbps aggregate throughput
- Reduces network congestion with dedicated spectrum
Simplified Deployment with PoE
Power over Ethernet support allows the access point to be installed in ceiling tiles or wall mounts without requiring local AC power, significantly reducing installation time and cabling complexity.
- Single 5GbE port with PoE PD
- Eliminates need for nearby power outlet
- Enables flexible placement in hard-to-wire areas
Enterprise-Grade Security & Management
Comprehensive encryption standards including WPA3, WPA2-ENT, and AES protect network traffic, while management capabilities provide centralized control over configuration, monitoring, and policy enforcement.
- Supports WPA3-ENT and WPA3-Personal
- AES encryption for data protection
- Centralized management for network control
Deployment / Use Cases
The CW9166I-A is designed for indoor environments where reliable, high-performance wireless connectivity is critical. Its ceiling-mountable form factor and internal antennas make it particularly suitable for installations where aesthetics and minimal physical footprint are important considerations.
In educational institutions, this access point can support simultaneous connections from dozens of student devices during digital learning sessions. For healthcare facilities, it provides the stable connectivity needed for medical IoT devices, patient monitoring systems, and staff communication tools. Corporate offices benefit from its ability to handle video conferencing, large file transfers, and cloud applications across multiple floors and departments.
High-Density Office Environments
Supports numerous concurrent connections in open-plan offices, meeting rooms, and common areas where employee devices compete for bandwidth.
Education & Campus Networks
Delivers reliable connectivity for classrooms, libraries, and student commons areas where dozens to hundreds of devices require simultaneous internet access for learning applications.
Physical Profile
The access point features a square design measuring 9.50" × 9.50" × 2.20" (241.30 mm × 241.30 mm × 55.88 mm) with a weight of approximately 3.54 pounds (1605.72 grams). Its low-profile depth and integrated internal antennas allow for discreet ceiling tile mounting in standard commercial drop ceilings. The unit is designed for professional installation with appropriate mounting hardware.
- Width
- 9.50" (241.30 mm)
- Depth
- 2.20" (55.88 mm)
- Height
- 9.50" (241.30 mm)
- Weight
- 3.54 lb (1605.72 g)
Highlights
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E access point operating on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequencies
- Maximum aggregate wireless throughput of 7.78 Gbps for high-density environments
- Ceiling-mountable form factor with internal antennas for clean installation
- Single 5 Gigabit Ethernet port with PoE PD support for simplified deployment
- Integrated Bluetooth 5.1 for location services and IoT device onboarding
- Advanced wireless technologies including MU-MIMO and beamforming
- Comprehensive security with WPA3, WPA2-ENT, and AES encryption support
- Lifetime limited warranty for long-term investment protection
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cisco Systems, Inc |
| Manufacturer Part Number | CW9166I-A |
| Brand Name | Cisco |
| Product Line | Catalyst |
| Product Series | 9166 |
| Product Model | CW9166I |
| Product Name | Catalyst CW9166I Wireless Access Point |
| Product Type | Wireless Access Point |
| Technical Information | |
| Wireless LAN Standard | IEEE 802.11ax |
| Bluetooth Standard | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Network Band | Tri Band |
| Frequency Band | 2.40 GHz,5 GHz,6 GHz |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor |
| Wireless Transmission Speed | 7.78 Gbit/s |
| MIMO Technology | Yes |
| Beamforming Technology | Yes |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption Standard | AES,WPA3,WPA2-PSK,WPA2-ENT,WPA3-Personal,WPA3-ENT,WEP,WPA |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Ethernet Technology | 5 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports | 1 |
| PoE PD Port | Yes |
| USB | Yes |
| USB Standard | USB 2.0 |
| Management Port | Yes |
| Network & Communication | |
| Wi-Fi Generation | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Ceiling Mountable |
| Antenna Form Factor | Internal |
| Height | 9.50" (241.30 mm) |
| Width | 9.50" (241.30 mm) |
| Depth | 2.20" (55.88 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 3.54 lb (1605.72 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What Wi-Fi standard does the Cisco Catalyst CW9166I-A support?
The CW9166I-A supports the IEEE 802.11ax standard, also known as Wi-Fi 6E. This includes operation on the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and newly available 6 GHz frequency bands. Wi-Fi 6E technology provides increased network capacity, reduced latency, and improved performance in dense client environments through features like OFDMA and 1024-QAM modulation.
Does this access point require a separate power source?
No, the access point features Power over Ethernet Powered Device (PoE PD) support through its single 5 Gigabit Ethernet port. This means it can receive both data and electrical power over a standard Ethernet cable when connected to a compatible PoE switch or injector. This eliminates the need for a separate AC power outlet near the installation location, simplifying deployment.
What is the maximum wireless throughput of this access point?
The Cisco Catalyst CW9166I-A delivers a maximum aggregate wireless throughput of 7.78 Gbit/s across its three radio bands. This high throughput capacity supports bandwidth-intensive applications, multiple concurrent high-definition video streams, and large file transfers in enterprise environments with many connected devices.
Can this access point be mounted on walls or only ceilings?
The product specification lists the form factor as 'Ceiling Mountable.' While primarily designed for ceiling tile installation in commercial environments, many ceiling-mountable access points can also be wall-mounted with appropriate brackets or hardware. For specific wall-mounting compatibility and hardware requirements, consult the installation guide or manufacturer documentation.
What security encryption standards are supported?
This access point supports comprehensive encryption standards including WPA3-ENT, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-ENT, WPA2-PSK, WEP, WPA, and AES. The inclusion of WPA3 provides enhanced protection against brute-force attacks and forward secrecy for enterprise networks. These security protocols help protect wireless communications and network access in business environments.
What is the warranty coverage for this product?
The Cisco Catalyst CW9166I-A comes with a lifetime limited warranty. This warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product when used under normal conditions and in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. For specific terms, conditions, and support details, refer to the official Cisco warranty documentation.