The future of work demands more than just better connectivity. As AI reshapes technology and redefines what’s possible, organizations need a network that doesn’t just keep up—but leads. They can’t afford to be held back by outdated, underpowered systems. They need a network—and a platform—built to grow, adapt, and take on whatever comes next.
Today, I’m thrilled to announce that Wi-Fi 7 from Cisco is here. We’ve gone far beyond the standard to deliver a wireless solution truly capable of future-proofing every workplace. It’s more intelligent than any other solution, combining AI-native capabilities with a self-configuring out-of-box experience. It secures every connection with advanced device profiling and threat prevention built for scale. And with end-to-end network assurance powered by Cisco ThousandEyes, Cisco Wi-Fi 7 ensures every experience is flawless and secure.
Meet Cisco’s First Wi-Fi 7 Access Points
The new Cisco Wi-Fi 7 access points are more than just upgrades. Our high-end 9176 and 9178 models represent a fundamental reimagining of what’s possible in wireless networking.
For the first time, we’re introducing truly global, converged access points—smart enough to detect their location the moment they’re plugged in. We’ve eliminated regional SKUs, creating a single product model that works anywhere in the world, automatically and seamlessly switching between cloud or on-premises management as needed.
AI and security aren’t just add-on features—they’re built into every layer. Whether you’re using Cisco AI-Enhanced Radio Resource Management (AI-RRM) to automate the RF tuning of your wireless network and improve user experience or automatically identifying and applying policies to every connected device on your network with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), our access points are built to adapt and scale to any organization. And with built-in Bluetooth Low Energy, ultra-wideband, and GPS capabilities, they can support any IoT use case imaginable—from precise asset tracking in hospitals to immersive AR experiences in retail—all through a single, intelligent platform.
What I’m particularly proud of is that these access points represent a huge stride forward for sustainability. We’ve incorporated circular design principles, optimized for energy efficiency, and ensured zero plastic in our packaging. With a power save mode, smart port scheduling, and detailed visibility into energy use, cost, and carbon footprint impact, these are our most advanced products for energy savings yet.
It’s not just about building a digital-first space.
It’s about providing an experience that’s connected, immersive, and innovative.
Transforming Spaces and Experiences with Cisco Spaces
Wi-Fi 7 is more than a network for connectivity—it’s the foundation you need to build truly smart spaces. That’s why Cisco Spaces is included as part of every wireless subscription license. Out of the box, you’ll have access to rich AI 3D mapping, dynamic IoT services, precise asset tracking, and more.
It’s not just about building a digital-first space. It’s about providing an experience that’s connected, immersive, and innovative. Imagine hospitals that track critical equipment in real time, retail stores that automatically send contextual notifications when connected to Wi-Fi with OpenRoaming, or office buildings that can seamlessly navigate employees to available meeting rooms and desks, all without the need to download an additional app.
With the power of Wi-Fi 7 and Cisco Spaces, there’s an opportunity to build unique, rich, and collaborative spaces that provide truly transformative experiences, with a powerful network and insights into every nook and cranny.
A New, Simplified Era of Licensing
With the Cisco Networking Subscription, we’re also introducing a complete reimagining of how organizations deploy and manage their wireless networks, starting with our Wi-Fi 7 access points.
Gone are the days of different licenses and support packages for cloud versus on-premises deployments. Now, you get the same seamless experience in one license whether you’re managing your network from the cloud, on-premises, or in a hybrid model. This means greater operational simplicity and the freedom to evolve your network management approach as your needs change. A truly smart, unified, and simple licensing model.
Building the Future, Today
The wireless landscape is becoming increasingly complex, with growing device density and bandwidth-hungry applications pushing previous Wi-Fi generations to its limits. Organizations don’t just need faster speeds, they need better resilience, reliability, and security to unlock truly transformative and critical experiences.
Whether you’re reimagining retail experiences, connecting 40,000 students across campus, or transforming a factory floor, Cisco Wi-Fi 7 gives you the foundation to build intelligent spaces that will help you evolve and stay ahead.
Ready to learn more? Explore our new Wi-Fi 7 solutions and see how they can transform your workplace.
The integration of AI-native capabilities, global compatibility, and advanced security features addresses the evolving needs of modern digital workplaces. I’m particularly impressed by the emphasis on sustainability, and energy-efficient design. As we move towards increasingly connected and AI-enabled workplaces, Cisco’s Wi-Fi 7 solution seems well-positioned to support this transformation.
Mahamat
Very exciting! Cisco is providing the flexibility to meet our customers where they are, and simplification to streamline purchasing and adoption. These APs are a must when considering the secure and sustainable workplace of the future. Hats off to the team for the engineering innovation and the continued commitment to deliver on the value of Cisco’s one platform architecture.
Good to see these advances in mobility.
Thrilled to be working with this latest evolution of Cisco’s Wi-Fi 7 APs and the impact they will have on our mission to transform how physical spaces are experienced through intelligent, data-driven solutions. At Cisco Spaces, we’ve always aimed to create smarter environments where people and things connect seamlessly, and these advancements in networking will provide an even more powerful foundation.
By integrating BLE, UWB, and GPS capabilities directly into the APs, we can unlock an unparalleled range of use cases, all within one cohesive platform. This isn’t just about connectivity; it’s about enabling real-time insights and interactions that redefine experiences across verticals.
Customers have always voiced this and Cisco has heard. Two things – the new simplified licensing model and One-Cisco initiative, ensuring greater accessibility and operational efficiency across all deployment models—whether cloud-based, on-premises, or hybrid.
As a part of Cisco Smart Spaces engineering team, our focus remains on pushing the boundaries of innovation, providing secure, scalable, and impactful digital interactions that truly enhance every space we touch. The possibilities for what we can build on this robust network infrastructure are endless, and I’m excited to lead our teams as we develop the next generation of intelligent, connected solutions.
Cisco’s new Wi-Fi 7 solution heralds an exciting era for smart workplaces, delivering powerful, seamless connectivity combined with AI-driven features and advanced security. This innovation simplifies global deployments with intelligent access points that adapt to any environment and offers robust support for IoT applications. Moreover, Cisco’s commitment to sustainability through energy-efficient designs and circular principles ensures a future-proof solution that aligns with modern ecological priorities. With these advancements, Cisco is well-positioned to empower workplaces with reliable, transformative connectivity.
It is good to see many of the advances made by the Meraki team; plastic free packaging, location mapping and more, coming to the full Cisco audience and being taken to another level at the same time.
This blog from Cisco introduces ‘Zero Friction Wireless,’ a groundbreaking solution that aims to enhance the efficiency of smart workplaces. By reducing the complexities of network setup and management, it enables seamless connectivity for users, creating an environment where technology works effortlessly in the background. I particularly like how it focuses on improving employee productivity and the overall user experience by eliminating network interruptions. The combination of simplicity and reliability seems like a game-changer for modern businesses. Anyone else excited about the potential of zero-friction wireless solutions in their own workplaces?
Happy to see Meraki is still focused on reducing management complexity! This is something I really appreciate…
The future of work is changing rapidly, and it’s exciting to see innovations like Cisco Wi-Fi 7 pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. At TechVertu, we understand how crucial it is to have a network that doesn’t just support current needs but also adapts to what lies ahead.
The integration of AI and sustainability into these access points is a step in the right direction. These are the kinds of solutions that help organisations thrive, creating smarter, more efficient spaces for everyone.
The future of work is changing rapidly, and it’s exciting to see innovations like Cisco Wi-Fi 7 pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. At TechVertu, we understand how crucial it is to have a network that doesn’t just support current needs but also adapts to what lies ahead.
The integration of AI and sustainability into these access points is a step in the right direction. These are the kinds of solutions that help organisations thrive, creating smarter, more efficient spaces for everyone.