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Mixing access points of different models

uppermost
Level 1
Level 1

When designing wifi network, can I mix 9130AXE with external antennas with 9166l with internal antennas or is it a bad idea?

4 Replies 4

@uppermost its ok. but i suggest you to do heatmap generation to identify required locations for APs. and you need proper design about user density.

Please rate this and mark as solution/answer, if this resolved your issue
Good luck
KB

eglinsky2012
Level 4
Level 4

FYI, there is now a 9166D model with an internal directional antenna:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/catalyst-9166-series-access-points/catalyst-9166-series-access-points-ds.html

I am a little disappointed that it’s not higher capacity, such as a theoretical 9136D, but depending on your client counts and throughput needs, it could work well for you so you have an all 6GHz design. Like the 9130, it can run in dual 4x4 5GHz mode (via the XOR 6 GHZ radio), you just won’t get the 6 GHz fourth radio of a 9136(i).

Otherwise, I’ve always been advised to keep generations of access points the same throughout the building or area (especially when frequently roaming between them). On the other hand, if you use the ANT9103 with the 9130E now, you should be able to just swap the AP later once a 6 GHz external antenna AP is released (pending FCC regulation) and keep the antenna since it is 6 GHz capable. But by that time, who knows, there might be another new model to replace the 9166. I don’t know if there’s a clear best solution to this but am interested in what others say.

Hi@uppermost,

You can mix access points of different models when designing a Wi-Fi network. I faced a similar issue and found a solution. I successfully combined the 9130AXE access point with external antennas and the 9166l access point with internal antennas. It worked well for me, so it is not a bad idea. Just ensure that the access points are compatible and configured correctly for optimal performance.

 

General recommendation is not to mix, specifically if the APs got different capability.

In your case 9130 is Dual band and 9166 is try band AP. If you read below thread, you will understand some practical challenges on these latest AP
https://community.cisco.com/t5/wireless/cw9166i-getting-single-5-ghz-radio-operating-in-all-unii-bands/td-p/4867333 

if you have 6GHz in mind, then look at 9166D rather mix 9130 and 9166.
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/catalyst-9166-series-access-points/catalyst-9166-series-access-points-ds.html 

HTH
Rasika
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