topic Re: Wireless Licensing model in Wireless

Wireless Licensing model

i_mohamed — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:29:07 GMT

Hello,

A customer would like to have WLAN setup with Cisco controller ONLY (no DNA/Catalyst center). AP to be used is 9105.

What licenses are required is mandatory in this case?

Regards,

Re: Wireless Licensing model

Flavio Miranda — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:17:14 GMT

@i_mohamed

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/catalyst-9800-series-wireless-controllers/impl-catalyst-9800-wrls-lan-ctrlr-licens-faq.html

On this link you can find all your answer. Most specifically, this part:

"Q. Which license do I need for access points that are joined to my Catalyst 9800 WLC?

A. Every access point joined to a Catalyst 9800 controller consumes one (1) AIR Network license and one (1) AIR DNA license.

Once purchased, these licenses show up in your smart account, which can be accessed Here.

Both of these licenses can be configured to be either Essential or Advantage level. An example of a controller configured with an "

So, Cisco create this system where the WLC itself does not require any license but, for each Access Point joined, AIR Network license and one (1) AIR DNA license.

If you are planning to buy, you need to get in contact with a Cisco reseller anyway. My advise is for you to talk with them and get all your answers. Dont rely only in technical documentation as this is mostly a commercial operation.

Re: Wireless Licensing model

balaji.bandi — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:40:12 GMT

For an AP to join a Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller (WLC), a Cisco DNA subscription license is mandatory at the time of purchase, even if you do not plan to use Cisco Catalyst Centre (formerly DNA Centre).

check ordering guide :

https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/global/en_sg/solutions/small-business/pdfs/cisco-catalyst-9105-series-access-points-brochure.pdf

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/licensing/b-sl-using-policy-wireless-controllers.html#Cisco_Concept.dita_7d112493-86f2-4933-8d4b-c3ad35b0f6c6

Re: Wireless Licensing model

Karsten Iwen — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 11:44:08 GMT

And besides licensing, if the APs are not yet bought, think about going for CW9172 or CW9171. They will be supported much longer than the 9105.

Re: Wireless Licensing model

Stefan Mihajlov — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 12:13:22 GMT

@i_mohamed Cisco 9105 APs with a standalone WLC require Cisco DNA Advantage licenses (per AP, term-based), as the 9105 series mandates DNA licensing even without DNA/Catalyst Center — the controller enforces it

Re: Wireless Licensing model

i_mohamed — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:22:11 GMT

What about the new generation of WiFi7 APs? what is different? i saw some statements about licensing requirements for 917x WiFi7 APs.

Re: Wireless Licensing model

i_mohamed — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:23:46 GMT

Thanks .. these are perptual licenses - not subscription correct? as AIR DNA lic usually are subscription based (1, 3, 5, or 7 years)?

If it is a subscription based: what happenes if not renewed?

Re: Wireless Licensing model

Karsten Iwen — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:42:17 GMT

The Wi-Fi 7 APs need a Cisco Wireless Essential Subscription:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/catalyst-9100ax-access-points/wireless-wi-fi-7-access-points-aag.html

Re: Wireless Licensing model

Rich R — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:54:36 GMT

There is a NETWORK license (perpetual) and the DNA license (subscription based) which is only required for "DNA" features (including Cisco Spaces).
The catch is that you can only get the perpetual license by buying the DNA subscription which comes bundled with the perpetual network license (so buying an initial DNA subscription is mandatory).
Once the subscription expires you keep running the AP on the WLC with the network license only. Changing the WLC config (from DNA to network only) requires a reload so if you are not using DNA then best to configure for network only from day 1 otherwise you start getting regular warnings when the DNA expires.
So then you just need to choose between Essential and Advantage which affects what features can be used. Some HA features are only supported with Advantage. Despite what one of the other replies suggests you cannot mix Essential and Advantage - the WLC is configured for one or the other and every AP on that WLC must be using the same.
So far ... the only license enforcement in place (apart from frequent syslog warnings) is that the 9800-CL is limited to 50 APs unless you have an active connection to smart licensing - but that could change at any time

The WiFi 7 APs move to a Meraki style Network Subscription per AP (no more perpetual license) which includes basic RMA support (upgrading to higher RMA levels is optional extra). Cisco talked about disabling all except 2.4GHz radio on the AP until it has a valid active subscription (still mentioned in one of the docs online) but so far have not implemented or enforced this.