Technical Specifications of CW9800M

Metric	Value
Maximum number of access points	3000
Maximum number of clients	32,000
Maximum throughput	Up to 50 Gbps
Maximum WLANs	4096
Maximum VLANs	4096
Maximum site tags	3000
Maximum Flex APs per site	300
Maximum policy tags	3000
Maximum RF tags	3000
Maximum RF profiles	6000
Maximum policy profiles	1000
Maximum Flex profiles	3000
Fixed uplinks	4x 1/10Gbps +
	2x 25Gbps
Redundant power supply	AC power supply
Maximum power consumption with modules	350W
Deployment modes	Centralized, Cisco FlexConnect®, and fabric wireless (SD-Access)
Form factor	1RU
License	Smart License enabled
Operating system	Cisco IOS XE
Management	Integrated WebUI, Cisco Catalyst Center, and third party (open standards APIs)*
Policy engine	Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)*
Location platform	Cisco Spaces*
Access points	Aironet 802.11ac Wave 2 access points, Cisco Catalyst 9100 Series 802.11ax access points
	Standard Power supported with Automated Frequency Coordination where applicable
Width	17.3 inches (43.94 cm)
Depth	18.4 inches (46.74 cm)
Height	1.73 inches (4.39 cm)
Weight	20.5 lb (9.3 kg)
1x RJ-45 console port	Console port for out-of-band management
1x USB 3.0 console port	Console port for out-of-band management
2x USB 3.0 ports	USB 3.0 ports for plugging in external memory
1x RJ-45 management port	Management port for out-of-band management. Also known as the
	service port
1x RJ-45 redundancy port	Redundancy port used for SSO
1x SFP 10 Gbps Ethernet redundancy port	Redundancy port used for SSO; works with Cisco supported SFPs for RP port
Fixed uplink ports	4 x 1/10 Gbps SFP+
	2 x 25 Gbps SFP+
Wireless	IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11d, WMM/802.11e, 802.11h, 802.11n, 802.11k, 802.11r, 802.11u, 802.11w, 802.11ac Wave 2, 802.11ax
Wired, switching, and routing	IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T, IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T, 1000BASE-SX, 1000-BASE-LH, IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging, IEEE 802.1AX Link Aggregation
Data standards	●  RFC 768 User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
	●  RFC 791 IP
	●  RFC 2460 IPv6
	●  RFC 792 Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)
	●  RFC 793 TCP
	●  RFC 826 Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)
	●  RFC 1122 Requirements for Internet Hosts
	●  RFC 1519 Classless Interdomain Routing (CIDR)
	●  RFC 1542 Bootstrap Protocol (BOOTP)
	●  RFC 2131 Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
	●  RFC 5415 Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP) Protocol
	●  RFC 5416 CAPWAP Binding for 802.11
Security standards	●  IEEE 802.11i (WPA2, RSN)
	●  Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3)
	●  RFC 1321 MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm
	●  RFC 1851 Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP) Triple DES (3DES) Transform
	●  RFC 2104 HMAC: Keyed-Hashing for Message Authentication
	●  RFC 2246 TLS Protocol Version 1.0
	●  RFC 2401 Security Architecture for the Internet Protocol
	●  RFC 2403 HMAC-MD5-96 within ESP and AH
	●  RFC 2404 HMAC-SHA-1-96 within ESP and AH
	●  RFC 2405 ESP DES-CBC Cipher Algorithm with Explicit IV
	RFC 8446 TLS Protocol Version 1.3
	●  RFC 2407 Interpretation for Internet Security Association Key Management Protocol (ISAKMP)
	●  RFC 2408 ISAKMP
	●  RFC 2409 Internet Key Exchange (IKE)
	●  RFC 2451 ESP CBC-Mode Cipher Algorithms
	●  RFC 3280 Internet X.509 Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Certificate and Certificate Revocation List (CRL) Profile
	●  RFC 4347 Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS)
	●  RFC 5246 TLS Protocol Version 1.2
	●  RFC 8446 TLS Protocol Version 1.3
Encryption standards	●  Advanced Encryption Standard (AES): Cipher Block Chaining (CBC), Counter with CBC-MAC (CCM), Counter with CBC Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP)
	●  Data Encryption Standard (DES): DES-CBC, 3DES
	●  Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS): RC4 128-bit and RSA 1024-and 2048-bit
	●  DTLS: AES-CBC
	●  IPsec: DES-CBC, 3DES, AES-CBC
Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA)	●  IEEE 802.1X
	●  RFC 2548 Microsoft Vendor-Specific RADIUS Attributes
	●  RFC 2716 Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)-TLS
	●  RFC 2865 RADIUS Authentication
	●  RFC 2866 RADIUS Accounting
	●  RFC 2867 RADIUS Tunnel Accounting
	●  RFC 2869 RADIUS Extensions
	●  RFC 3576 Dynamic Authorization Extensions to RADIUS
	●  RFC 5176 Dynamic Authorization Extensions to RADIUS
	●  RFC 3579 RADIUS Support for EAP
	●  RFC 3580 IEEE 802.1X RADIUS Guidelines
	●  RFC 3748 Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)
	●  Web-based authentication
	●  TACACS support for management users
Management standards	●  Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) v1, v2c, v3
	●  RFC 854 Telnet
	●  RFC 1155 Management Information for TCP/IP-based Internets
	●  RFC 1156 MIB
	●  RFC 1157 SNMP
	●  RFC 1213 SNMP MIB II
	●  RFC 1350 Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP)
	●  RFC 1643 Ethernet MIB
	●  RFC 2030 Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP)
	●  RFC 2616 HTTP
	●  RFC 2665 Ethernet-Like Interface Types MIB
	●  RFC 2674 Definitions of Managed Objects for Bridges with Traffic Classes, Multicast Filtering, and Virtual Extensions
	●  RFC 2819 Remote Monitoring (RMON) MIB
	●  RFC 2863 Interfaces Group MIB
	●  RFC 3164 Syslog
	●  RFC 3414 User-Based Security Model (USM) for SNMPv3
	●  RFC 3418 MIB for SNMP
	●  RFC 3636 Definitions of Managed Objects for IEEE 802.3 MAUs
	●  RFC 4741 Base NETCONF protocol
	●  RFC 4742 NETCONF over SSH
	●  RFC 6241 NETCONF
	●  RFC 6242 NETCONF over SSH
	●  RFC 5277 NETCONF event notifications
	●  RFC 5717 Partial Lock Remote Procedure Call
	●  RFC 6243 With-Defaults capability for NETCONF
	●  RFC 6020 YANG
	●  Cisco private MIBs
Management interfaces	●  Web-based: HTTP/HTTPS
	●  Command-line interface: Telnet, Secure Shell (SSH) Protocol, serial port
	●  SNMP
	●  NETCONF
Hard Disk Drives (HDD)	●  SATA Solid-State Drive (SSD)
	●  240 GB of memory
Environmental conditions supported	Operating temperature:
	●  Normal: 0° to 40° C (32° to 104°F)
	●  Short term:0° to 50° C (32° to 122°F)
	Nonoperating temperature:
	●  -40° to 65° C (-104° to 149°F)
	Operating humidity:
	●  Normal: 10% to 90% noncondensing
	●  Short term: 5% to 90% noncondensing
	Nonoperating temperature humidity:
	●  5% to 93% at 82°F (28°C)
	Operating altitude:
	●  Appliance operating: 0 to 3000 m (0 to 10,000 ft)
	●  Appliance nonoperating: 0 to 12,192 m (0 to 40,000 ft)
	Electrical input:
	●  AC input frequency range: 47 to 63 Hz
	●  AC input range: 90 to 264 VAC with AC PEM
	●  DC input range: -40 to -72 VDC with DC PEM
	Maximum power with modules: 350W
	Heat dissipation: 1194 BTU/hr
	Sound power level measure:
	●  Sound power level is 73.5 (dBA) under normal operating conditions
Regulatory compliance	Safety:
	●  UL/CSA 60950-1
	●  IEC/EN 60950-1
	●  AS/NZS 60950.1
	●  CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60950-1
	EMC – Emissions:
	●  FCC 47CFR15
	●  AS/NZS CISPR 22
	●  CISPR 22
	●  EN55022/EN55032 (EMI-1)
	●  ICES-003
	●  VCCI
	●  KN 32 (EMI-2)
	●  CNS-13438
	EMC – Emissions:
	●  EN61000-3-2 Power Line Harmonics (EMI-3)
	●  EN61000-3-3 Voltage Changes, Fluctuations, and Flicker (EMI-3)
	EMC – Immunity:
	●  IEC/EN61000-4-2 Electrostatic Discharge Immunity
	●  IEC/EN61000-4-3 Radiated Immunity
	●  IEC/EN61000-4-4 EFT-B Immunity (AC Power Leads)
	●  IEC/EN61000-4-4 EFT-B Immunity (DC Power Leads)
	●  IEC/EN61000-4-4 EFT-B Immunity (Signal Leads)
	●  IEC/EN61000-4-5 Surge AC Port
	●  IEC/EN61000-4-5 Surge DC Port
	●  IEC/EN61000-4-5 Surge Signal Port
	●  IEC/EN61000-4-6 Immunity to Conducted Disturbances
	●  IEC/EN61000-4-8 Power Frequency Magnetic Field Immunity
	●  IEC/EN61000-4-11 Voltage Dips, Short Interruptions, and Voltage Variations
	●  K35 (EMI-2)
	EMC (ETSI/EN)
	●  EN 300 386 Telecommunications Network Equipment (EMC) (EMC-3)
	●  EN55022 Information Technology Equipment (Emissions)
	●  EN55024/CISPR 24 Information Technology Equipment (Immunity)
	●  EN50082-1/EN61000-6-1 Generic Immunity Standard (EMC-4)

CW9800M Cisco Catalyst Wireless Controller

The CW9800M Cisco Catalyst Wireless Controller is a high-performance, modular wireless LAN controller designed for enterprises that demand scalability, resiliency, and simplified wireless operations. Built on Cisco’s proven Catalyst 9800 wireless architecture, this wireless controller delivers secure, intent-based networking with consistent policy enforcement across large and complex wireless deployments.This product-focused overview highlights features, specifications, physical attributes, and operational benefits to help you evaluate this controller for your enterprise network.

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Overview of the CW9800M Wireless Controller

The CW9800M Wireless Controller is engineered for campus and large enterprise environments where thousands of access points and clients must be managed centrally. It combines hardware-based performance with modern software capabilities, allowing IT teams to deploy, monitor, and optimize wireless networks with confidence.Designed to support Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E architectures, it ensures high throughput, low latency, and consistent user experiences across dense device environments.

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Key Features and Capabilities

The CW9800M Cisco Catalyst Wireless Controller offers a rich feature set aligned with modern enterprise requirements.

• Centralized management of large-scale wireless deployments
• Support for advanced security frameworks and policy-based access
• Seamless roaming and high availability for mission-critical applications
• Integration with automation and analytics tools
• Hardware redundancy options for enhanced uptime

With these capabilities, it becomes a strategic component of a resilient wireless infrastructure.

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Performance and Scalability

The CW9800M is designed to scale without compromising performance. It supports a high number of access points and concurrent wireless clients, making it ideal for campuses, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and large offices.Optimized forwarding, intelligent traffic handling, and real-time RF management ensure consistent wireless performance even during peak usage.

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Security and Policy Control

Security is a core strength of the CW9800M Cisco Catalyst Wireless Controller. It supports role-based access, segmentation, and encryption to protect sensitive data and users.

• Secure onboarding for users and devices
• Advanced threat detection and mitigation
• Consistent policy enforcement across wired and wireless networks

These features help organizations meet compliance and security standards without adding operational complexity.

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Physical Specifications and Design

Understanding the physical attributes of the CW9800M  controller is essential for deployment planning and rack integration.

• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.3 x 18.4 inches
• Weight: 20.5 lbs weight
• Modular chassis design to support future expansion

Detailed physical information can be referenced in the CW9800M Datasheet for exact measurements and environmental specifications.

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Deployment and Setup

Deployment of the controller is streamlined for enterprise environments. The CW9800M Installation Guide provides step-by-step instructions for initial setup, module installation, power configuration, and network integration.The controller supports both traditional and automated deployment models, helping reduce installation time and configuration errors.

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Reliability and High Availability

High availability is a critical requirement for enterprise wireless networks. The CW9800M Cisco Catalyst Wireless Controller supports redundancy features that minimize downtime and maintain seamless connectivity.

• Stateful switchover support
• Redundant power and hardware components
• Continuous wireless service during maintenance events

These capabilities ensure uninterrupted wireless access for business-critical operations.

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Why Choose the CW9800M Cisco Catalyst CW9800M Wireless Controller

The controller is purpose-built for organizations that require scalability, performance, and long-term reliability. Its modular design, enterprise-grade security, and support for next-generation wireless standards make it a future-ready investment.By leveraging the Datasheet and Installation Guide, IT teams can confidently plan, deploy, and operate a resilient wireless network.

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Frequently Asked Questions CW9800M

What is the primary use of this wireless controller? This wireless controller is used to centrally manage and secure large-scale enterprise wireless networks with high performance and reliability.Where can I find detailed technical specifications? Comprehensive technical details, including performance metrics, power requirements, CW9800M Dimensions (1.73 x 17.3 x 18.4 inches), and CW9800M Weight (20.5 lbs), are also available in the CW9800M Datasheet.Is the CW9800M suitable for large campuses? Yes, the controller is designed specifically for large campuses and enterprise environments with high device density.How complex is the installation process? Installation is straightforward when following the Installation Guide, which covers hardware setup, initial configuration, and best practices.Does the CW9800M support future wireless standards? CISCO has built this model to support modern and future wireless technologies. As a result it ensures long-term scalability and investment protection.

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Final Thoughts

The CW9800M Cisco Catalyst Wireless Controller delivers enterprise-grade wireless control with robust performance, advanced security, and modular scalability. For organizations planning long-term wireless growth, this wireless controller stands out as a powerful and reliable solution.