topic Re: CAPWAP mode and Cisco URWB mode in Wireless

CAPWAP mode and Cisco URWB mode

Umar Ali — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:07:19 GMT

Dear members,
i have a question. I would like to know that we are about to deploy Cisco 9167E outdoor access points in our locations. My questions is if we use two different type of antennas (IW-ANT-OMH-2567-N=) and (IW-ANT-OMM-53-N=) will we be able to use the AP to work in normal CAPWAP mode to support normal users and also work in urwb users to connect to the APs installed on the moving vehicles?
my understanding is saying that it is not possible. An AP can either work in CAPWAP mode or in URWB or WGB mode. then what is the solution in our case?
secondly I wanted to know what is Unified Infrastructure in this case?

This is little urgent, I shall be very thankful to you for your help.

Re: CAPWAP mode and Cisco URWB mode

Haydn Andrews — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 23:28:00 GMT

You are correct currently its one or the other, when 17.18.x is released it will support Wi-Fi or URWB per radio
so it will be able to service both, just not off same radio.
17.18 is still basically beta so recommend only for testing/ POC purposes

Re: CAPWAP mode and Cisco URWB mode

Mark Elsen — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:04:00 GMT

- @Haydn Andrews >...17.18 is still basically beta so recommend only for testing/ POC purposes
FYI : https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/catalyst-9800-series-wireless-controllers/214749-tac-recommended-ios-xe-builds-for-wirele.html#toc-hId--1794872163

Re: CAPWAP mode and Cisco URWB mode

Jens Albrecht — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:05:38 GMT

Hello @Umar Ali,

the AP itself must boot in URWB mode to use URWB backhaul.

Starting with the release 17.18.1 you can configure each radio's role separately.
This allows to use one radio for URWB backhaul and the other radio(s) for client access.

Details can be found at the Cisco Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul for Catalyst IW Access Points, Software Configuration Guide, Release 17.18.x.

If you use a Cisco WLC you might also want to take a look at the following thread:
https://community.cisco.com/t5/wireless/9167e-configuration-guide-in-unified-platform/m-p/5340225#M287026

As mentioned before the 17.18.x releases are for early deployments only so carefully testing is mandatory.

HTH!