Cisco sells business Wi-Fi two ways. Catalyst access points such as the Wi-Fi 6E CW9162I-Z, CW9164I-Z and C9136I-Z run from an on-premises Catalyst 9800 wireless controller like the C9800-L-C-K9, while Meraki MR access points such as the MR78-HW are managed from the Meraki cloud dashboard. The CW9162 and CW9164 can run either way, and every "-Z" part number is the Australia/New Zealand regulatory domain version.
Quick pick: small or medium office → CW9162I-Z; busy office, school or clinic → CW9164I-Z; on-premises control of up to 250 APs → C9800-L-C-K9; outdoor Meraki courtyard or car park → MR78-HW. Several Wi-Fi 6 models (Catalyst 9105, 9115, 9120, 9130 and Meraki MR36, MR46) are end-of-sale, so check the dates below before standardising on them. ARC IP Networks is a Cisco Registered Partner and supplies new, genuine Cisco with a GST tax invoice.
Cisco Wi-Fi in Australia at a glance
Every access point below is the -Z model, which Cisco lists as the Australia/New Zealand regulatory domain version. Cisco notes that customers are responsible for verifying approval for use in their country.
| Model | In one line | Managed by | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CW9162I-Z | Wi-Fi 6E, three 2x2 radios, up to 3.9 Gbps | Catalyst 9800 or Meraki dashboard | Small to medium offices, clinics, shops |
| CW9164I-Z | Wi-Fi 6E, 4x4 on 6 and 5 GHz, up to 7.49 Gbps | Catalyst 9800 (Meraki version sold separately) | Busy offices, classrooms, meeting areas |
| C9136I-Z | Wi-Fi 6E flagship, up to 10.2 Gbps, two 5G uplinks | Catalyst 9800 | Lecture theatres, high-density venues |
| C9124AXI-Z | Outdoor Wi-Fi 6, IP66/IP67, internal omni antenna | Catalyst 9800 | Campuses, ovals, council precincts |
| CW9163E-Z | Outdoor Wi-Fi 6E with GPS, IP67, external antennas | Catalyst 9800 or Meraki dashboard | Outdoor areas planned for 6 GHz |
| MR78-HW | Outdoor Wi-Fi 6, 2x2:2, IP67 | Meraki cloud dashboard | Courtyards, car parks, outdoor dining |
| C9800-L-C-K9 | Wireless controller, 250 APs (500 with licence) | Built-in WebUI, CLI or Cisco DNA Center | One site or campus run on-premises |
Figures from Cisco and Meraki data sheets. Use cases are ARC IP Networks suggestions.
Key specifications
Headline numbers from Cisco and Meraki data sheets. Catalyst figures are maximum PHY rates; Meraki quotes an aggregate frame rate.
Swipe the table sideways to compare all models →
| Model | Radios | Max rate | Uplink | Power | Warranty (per Cisco) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW9162I-Z | Wi-Fi 6E, 2x2 on 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz | 3.9 Gbps | 1 x 2.5G mGig | PoE+ 25.5W (802.3af reduced) | Limited lifetime |
| CW9164I-Z | Wi-Fi 6E, 4x4 on 6 and 5 GHz, 2x2 on 2.4 GHz | 7.49 Gbps | 1 x 2.5G mGig | PoE+ 25.0W full radios | Limited lifetime |
| C9136I-Z | Wi-Fi 6E, 4x4 6 GHz, 8x8 5 GHz, 4x4 2.4 GHz | 10.2 Gbps | 2 x 5G mGig | UPOE 47.3W for full operation | Limited lifetime |
| C9120AXI-Z | Wi-Fi 6, 4x4:4 | 5.38 Gbps | 1 x 2.5G mGig | PoE+ 25.5W | Limited lifetime; end-of-sale |
| C9124AXI-Z | Outdoor Wi-Fi 6, IP66/IP67 | 5.38 Gbps | 2.5G + SFP | PoE, UPOE or 24-56V DC | 1-year limited |
| CW9163E-Z | Outdoor Wi-Fi 6E, IP67, GPS | 3.9 Gbps | 1 x 2.5G mGig | PoE+ 25.5W | Limited 1-year |
| MR78-HW | Outdoor Wi-Fi 6, 2x2:2, IP67 | 1.5 Gbps aggregate | Ethernet | 802.3af 15W or 12 V DC | 1-year, advanced replacement |
Sources: Cisco Catalyst 9100 and Catalyst 916x data sheets, Meraki MR78 data sheet, Cisco end-of-sale notices.
Catalyst 9800 controller or Meraki cloud: the first decision
With Catalyst access points, a Catalyst 9800 wireless controller on your network holds the configuration. The C9800-L-C-K9 is Cisco's compact controller for small and midsize enterprises: a half-width 1RU unit with two 10G/Multigigabit copper uplinks and four 2.5G/1G ports, supporting up to 250 access points and 5000 clients. The perpetual LIC-C9800L-PERF= Performance licence doubles that to 500 access points and 10,000 clients. Two controllers can run as an active-standby pair with Stateful Switchover over the dedicated redundancy port,. That suits an organisation that wants its wireless managed on site, such as a hospital, a council or a school with its own IT team.
With Meraki MR, there is no controller to buy or rack. The access point downloads its settings from the Meraki cloud, keeps its firmware up to date automatically, and the dashboard gives 24x7 monitoring, automatic RF optimisation and Layer 7 traffic shaping. That suits multi-site businesses and franchise groups run from one screen.
The newer CW9162 and CW9163E don't force the choice. Cisco states they can be managed on-premises by Catalyst 9800 controllers or in the cloud through the Meraki dashboard. Meraki's documentation adds that you can migrate between modes later. For the 9164, Cisco lists a separate Meraki part number (CW9164I-MR), so the CW9164I-Z is the Catalyst 9800 version.
Wi-Fi 6E indoor access points: CW9162I, CW9164I and C9136I
Wi-Fi 6E adds the 6 GHz band. Cisco's 6E access points steer 6E-capable laptops and phones onto 6 GHz and leave 2.4 and 5 GHz for older devices, and CleanAir Pro extends Cisco's interference detection into 6 GHz. Cisco notes the 6 GHz radio is disabled where that band is not allowed or not yet supported in software, so confirm 6 GHz use for your site with us before you design around it.
- CW9162I-Z: three 2x2 radios, up to 3.9 Gbps, a 2.5G uplink and Bluetooth LE 5.1, aimed at small to medium deployments. Full tri-band operation needs 802.3at PoE+ (25.5W); on 802.3af the 2.4 GHz radio turns off, 5 and 6 GHz run 1x1 and the uplink drops to 1G.
- CW9164I-Z: 4x4 on 6 and 5 GHz plus 2x2 on 2.4 GHz, up to 7.49 Gbps, with full radios on 802.3at PoE+ (25.0W). Cisco designed it to suit existing PoE+ switches; the USB port needs 802.3bt UPOE (30.0W), and 802.3af is for staging only.
- C9136I-Z: the flagship, with 8x8 on 5 GHz, up to 10.2 Gbps and two 5G Multigigabit ports for power-redundant uplinks. Built-in sensors measure air quality (TVOC), temperature and humidity. Full operation needs 802.3bt UPOE at 47.3W.
All three carry Cisco's limited lifetime hardware warranty. Licensing for the 9162 and 9164 is either the Cisco Networking Subscription (Wireless Essentials or Advantage, 12-month minimum term) or Cisco DNA Essentials or Advantage on 3, 5 or 7-year terms; our Cisco and Meraki licensing guide explains the difference. Planning PoE for these is covered in what PoE switch do I need.
Outdoor Cisco Wi-Fi for Australian conditions
For school ovals, council parks, sporting clubs and mine camps:
- C9124AXI-Z (internal omni antenna, 7 dBi), C9124AXD-Z (internal 9 dBi directional) and C9124AXE-Z (six N-type ports for external antennas up to 13 dBi): Wi-Fi 6, rated IP66/IP67 and -40 to 65°C, powered by PoE, UPOE or 24-56V DC. Full radios, the 2.5G link, the SFP port and PoE output need 802.3bt/UPOE or DC. Cisco states a 1-year limited warranty.
- CW9163E-Z: outdoor Wi-Fi 6E with three 2x2 radios, IP67 and -40 to 65°C, with built-in GPS for Automated Frequency Coordination. Cisco notes outdoor 6 GHz depends on local regulatory approval. Antennas are sold separately, and it can run under a Catalyst 9800 controller or the Meraki dashboard.
- MR78-HW: Meraki's entry-level outdoor Wi-Fi 6 access point, 2x2:2 with up to 1.5 Gbps aggregate, IP67 and -20 to 55°C, on 802.3af PoE or 12 V DC. It needs a Meraki access point licence.
For a single link to a shed or second building rather than area coverage, see Wi-Fi between buildings in Australia.
End-of-sale Wi-Fi 6 models: what to know before you buy
Cisco's end-of-sale notice for its Wi-Fi 6 indoor access points covers the Catalyst 9105AXI, 9105AXW wall plate, 9115AXI, 9120AXI, 9120AXE, 9130AXI and 9130AXE, plus the Meraki MR36 and MR46. The general end-of-sale date is December 31, 2026; Cisco moved the C9120AXE forward to July 10, 2026 and the C9120AXI to July 31, 2026 because of material shortages. Security support for these models runs to December 31, 2031.
They suit adding units to an existing Wi-Fi 6 network; for a new building choose a model still on sale. Supported, patchable firmware also matters to organisations working towards the ACSC Essential Eight.
Meraki MR licences in brief
Every Meraki access point needs a licence. MR licences are model-agnostic, so one licence covers any one MR access point. MR Enterprise covers cloud management, zero-touch provisioning, 24x7 enterprise support and RMA. MR Advanced adds AI-RRM, Adaptive Policy, MQTT and Cisco Spaces Advantage, and MR Upgrade is not standalone: MR Enterprise plus MR Upgrade equals MR Advanced. In the co-termination model every licence in the organisation shares one expiry date. More in our Cisco Meraki explained guide.
Which Cisco Wi-Fi for which Australian site?
ARC IP Networks suggestions.
| Site | Access points | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Medical or dental practice, accounting firm | CW9162I-Z | Catalyst 9800 or Meraki dashboard |
| Multi-storey office, open plan | CW9164I-Z | C9800-L-C-K9 |
| School: classrooms and library | CW9164I-Z | C9800-L-C-K9 in an active-standby pair |
| University lecture theatre or conference venue | C9136I-Z | Catalyst 9800 with UPOE switching |
| Retail or franchise chain, many small sites | CW9162I-Z in Meraki mode | Meraki dashboard |
| Council park, sports ground or school oval | C9124AXI-Z or C9124AXD-Z | Catalyst 9800 |
| Café courtyard or hotel pool area | MR78-HW | Meraki dashboard |
| Existing Wi-Fi 6 network, adding units | C9120AXI-Z (end-of-sale) | Existing controller |
Why buy Cisco from ARC IP Networks
- Cisco Registered Partner: genuine Cisco supplied through Cisco's authorised Australian distribution.
- New only: every unit is new, genuine Cisco stock.
- Every product page built from Cisco's own data sheets, with the warranty stated for each model.
- Licensing help: we quote the Cisco DNA, Catalyst, Meraki or Webex licence your hardware needs.
- GST tax invoice on every order, with trade and project pricing for installers and integrators.
See the full range on our Cisco Australia hub, or read where to buy Cisco in Australia. Questions? Call 1300 100 440 or email info@arcip.com.au.
Shop Cisco Wi-Fi
Live Australian pricing (inc. GST) and availability are on each product page.
Perpetual upgrade to 500 APs and 10,000 clients
Common questions
Straight answers from the ARC IP Networks team. Last reviewed October 2026.
For a small or medium office, the Catalyst 9162I (CW9162I-Z) is the natural fit: Wi-Fi 6E with three 2x2 radios, a 2.5G uplink and the choice of Catalyst 9800 controller or Meraki cloud management. Busier sites suit the Catalyst 9164I (CW9164I-Z).
Cisco lists -Z as the Australia/New Zealand regulatory domain version of the access point, for example C9120AXI-Z or CW9164I-Z.
Catalyst access points such as the CW9164I-Z are managed by a Catalyst 9800 wireless controller, such as the C9800-L-C-K9. Meraki MR access points need no controller and are managed from the Meraki cloud dashboard. The CW9162 and CW9163E can run either way.
The C9800-L-C-K9 supports up to 250 access points and 5000 clients, or 500 access points and 10,000 clients with the perpetual LIC-C9800L-PERF= Performance licence. Each connected access point needs a Cisco DNA subscription licence.
Yes. Every Meraki MR access point needs a licence. MR licences are model-agnostic and come as MR Enterprise or MR Advanced, with MR Upgrade to move from Enterprise to Advanced.
Yes. Cisco moved the C9120AXI end-of-sale date to July 31, 2026, with security support to December 31, 2031, and names the Cisco Wireless 9176I as its migration product. The 9105, 9115 and 9130 and the Meraki MR36 and MR46 are also in the end-of-sale notice.
Cisco's Wi-Fi 6E access points have a 6 GHz radio, and Cisco states that where 6 GHz use is not allowed or not yet supported in software, that radio is disabled. Ask us to confirm 6 GHz use for your site before you design around it.
ARC IP Networks is a Cisco Registered Partner and supplies new, genuine Cisco with a GST tax invoice. We quote the controller and the Cisco or Meraki licences with the access points. Call 1300 100 440 or email info@arcip.com.au.
Planning Cisco Wi-Fi for your site?
Send us the floor plans, user numbers and outdoor areas. ARC IP Networks will recommend Catalyst or Meraki, size the controller, PoE and licences, and quote it with trade pricing for installers and IT providers. Call 1300 100 440 or email info@arcip.com.au.
Related guides
- Cisco Meraki in Australia explained
- Cisco and Meraki licensing explained
- Cisco switches in Australia: which to buy
- What PoE Switch Do I Need in Australia? PoE Budgets, 2.5G and Port Types Explained
- Wi-Fi 7 Router in Australia: What to Buy (6 GHz, NBN and UniFi vs TP-Link)
- Cisco Australia hub
- Shop Cisco wireless access points and controllers