The next frontier of connectivity
Across every industry, networks are under pressure. AI applications are consuming exponentially more bandwidth than traditional workloads. Device density is surging and experiences increasingly depend on reliable, real-time wireless performance.
As organizations embrace hybrid work, intelligent buildings, and connected operations, wireless networks must now handle unprecedented bandwidth, latency, and security demands.
But AI is more than a challenge—it’s an opportunity. From safer autonomous factories to smarter hospitals and immersive digital campuses, AI-driven innovation depends on fast, trustworthy data exchanges. To realize these opportunities, organizations need networks that are intelligent, secure, and scalable.
The latest Cisco wireless innovations deliver exactly that. IDC recently named Cisco a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Enterprise Wireless LAN 2025 Vendor Assessment—recognition that reflects our commitment to define what enterprise-grade connectivity looks like today. I’m excited to share how our newest advancements—built on three pillars: scalable devices ready for AI, AgenticOps for operational simplicity, and security fused into the network—extend that leadership even further.
Scalable devices ready for AI
The Cisco Wi-Fi 7 portfolio delivers comprehensive coverage for every operational need through a full range of advanced access points and infrastructure solutions. It provides scalable, reliable connectivity across hospitality, education, enterprise campuses, and high-density venues such as stadiums. Built on a foundation of continuous innovation, Cisco continues to raise the bar for wireless performance and scale with flexible management options spanning cloud, on-premises, and hybrid deployments.
We’re now extending this portfolio with new, versatile options engineered for low- to medium-density environments:
- Cisco Wireless 9171 Series Access Points: Providing the flexibility, intelligence, security, and full performance of Wi-Fi 7 without the cost or complexity of high-density infrastructure; designed for low-density environments like classrooms, retail spaces, and small- to mid-sized businesses.
- Cisco Wireless 9174 Series Access Points: Delivering high-speed, reliable connectivity for modern applications that can’t tolerate downtime; designed for demanding environments like healthcare facilities, hospitality, manufacturing floors, and large office campuses. This enterprise-grade access point offers tri-band support (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) with both integrated omnidirectional and external antenna connector models, allowing the CW9174E to adapt to unique coverage scenarios and support mission-critical wireless needs.
- Cisco CW9800L Wireless Controller: Enabling enterprises in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government to modernize their wireless infrastructure while meeting stringent security certifications and compliance requirements. This robust and scalable controller platform delivers the secure, reliable wireless infrastructure that’s essential for critical business functions, seamlessly integrating with Cisco’s broader networking and security ecosystem without compromising performance.
Complementing these devices is the Cisco Campus Gateway, recently recognized with the Wireless Broadband Alliance Wi-Fi Network Technology Award 2025. This enterprise-class, cloud-native solution delivers real-time control and active-active stateful load balancing to ensure seamless roaming at scale—supporting up to 50,000 clients and 5000 access points with cloud management, without requiring network redesign.
This unified infrastructure empowers enterprises to meet evolving connectivity needs with seamless, high-performance, and secure wireless experiences built to handle AI’s unique demands.
AgenticOps for operational simplicity
Cisco is redefining wireless assurance—simplifying radio frequency (RF) and client management, accelerating troubleshooting, and delivering on the promise of AgenticOps. These innovations give IT teams greater visibility and control, allowing them to proactively detect issues, reduce mean time to resolution, (MTTR) and keep users connected with confidence.
Features like Cisco AI-Enhanced Radio Resource Management (AI-RRM), which automatically optimizes radio performance, and Cisco Intelligent Packet Capture, which provides real-time visibility and actionable insights down to the packet level—keep networks performing at their best.
Building on these foundations, we’re introducing new capabilities that further streamline operations and proactively maintain wireless health:
- Roaming health insights: Identify and display roaming issues at the network and location level to accelerate troubleshooting. This feature simplifies visibility into client roaming behavior, providing actionable data that reduces MTTR.
- Client analytics with Zebra integration: Gain native visibility into Zebra devices without requiring extra client software. Zebra joins Apple, Intel, and Samsung in partnering with Cisco to simplify client management by displaying trends and insights at the device and driver level. For instance, in a warehouse environment, network admins can leverage this to track Zebra handheld scanners—including driver and serial number information—to quickly troubleshoot connectivity issues.
- Active testing (currently in beta): Enable on-demand and scheduled tests at the access point to proactively identify network issues. Powered by ThousandEyes, active testing enables network admins to easily pinpoint where issues occur—anywhere from the access point to the cloud. For example, a university campus can run active tests with the access point acting as a client device, helping to detect and resolve network bottlenecks before students experience connectivity problems during peak hours.
Together, these capabilities reduce manual effort, save time, and ensure consistent, reliable experiences across both cloud and on-premises deployments.
Security fused into the network
Security is foundational to everything we build. Cisco goes beyond traditional security measures by integrating it deeply into the network. This includes securing app access for users, things, and agents through solutions like Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), secure access service edge (SASE), and adaptive policy enforcement. Network access is protected with advanced wireless intrusion prevention systems (aWIPS) and Air Marshal, while network connectivity is safeguarded using WPA3, MACSec, and IPsec protocols.
Devices themselves are secured with features such as Cisco Secure Boot (PDF) and Cisco Live Protect. This holistic, multi-layered approach means security is intrinsic, not an add-on. Every component, from device to application, works together to protect data, prevent threats, and enable organizations to confidently scale wireless access in an increasingly complex, AI-driven environment.
Connectivity built for tomorrow
These innovations position Cisco at the forefront of wireless technology, delivering scalable, intelligent, and secure solutions that empower customers to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
Thank you for your continued trust in Cisco as we build the future of wireless together.
Discover wireless solutions built for the AI era
Additional resources:
See why IDC named Cisco a Leader in Enterprise WLAN
