Guide
Which access point?
Cisco access points come in two families: Meraki MR and Cisco Wireless CW91xx, where the new models can run with either Meraki or a Catalyst controller. Here is how to choose generation, model and mode.
Short answer
For new deployments we recommend Wi-Fi 7 (CW917x) where the switches support it, otherwise Wi-Fi 6E (CW916x). Choose the mode by how the network is run: Meraki for cloud or a Catalyst controller for local operation. Check the switch port's PoE and speed – several Wi-Fi 7 models need UPOE and multigigabit for full performance. Each access point needs a licence.
Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 6E (CW916x, MR57) gives access to the 6 GHz band with less interference. Wi-Fi 7 (CW917x) gives higher capacity and lower latency, and needs more from the switch: the CW9172 works with PoE+ and a 2.5G uplink but with some limitations (full functionality needs 802.3bt), while the CW9176 and CW9178 need UPOE (802.3bt) and 10G for full performance. For new deployments we recommend Wi-Fi 7 where the switches support it.
What do the letters in the model name mean?
The letter after the model number indicates antenna and mounting.
- I – internal antennas (most common indoors)
- E – connectors for external antennas
- D1 – directional antenna for halls and warehouses
- H (Meraki, e.g. MR36H) / W (Catalyst) – wall-plate model, e.g. for hotel rooms
Which mode and regulatory domain?
CW916x comes as -E (European regulatory domain, managed by a Catalyst controller) and -MR (Meraki mode). The Wi-Fi 7 models are global and the mode is chosen when they are onboarded; the suffix -RTG means "Ready to Go" (stocked standard configuration) and -CFG that accessories are chosen when ordering. The models we sell are either for the EU (-E) or global (Wi-Fi 7).
Can the switch handle the access point?
Make sure the switch port can deliver the access point's power (PoE+ or UPOE) and speed (multigigabit for Wi-Fi 6E/7). Otherwise you need a PoE injector or a different switch.
Read more: PoE – is there enough power? · Meraki or Catalyst? · All access points
Conclusion
How we would choose
Examples:
Catalyst 9162I WiFi 6E, 2x2 (Meraki)
Wi-Fi 6E in Meraki mode for regular offices, simple cloud management.
Catalyst 9166I WiFi 6E, 4x4
Wi-Fi 6E for offices with a Catalyst controller.
Wireless 9172I WiFi 7, 3 radio, 2x2
Wi-Fi 7 for new deployments – Meraki or Catalyst mode.
Frequently asked questions
Questions we often get
How many access points do we need?
It depends on the area, the walls and how many use the network at the same time. Meraki recommends around 25 devices per radio, i.e. about 50 per access point, for good quality. With a computer and a phone per person that is roughly 20–25 users per access point in an open-plan office. For larger or more difficult premises we are happy to do a coverage plan.
Can the same Wi-Fi 7 access point be used with both Meraki and Catalyst?
Yes. The Wi-Fi 7 models are global and the mode is chosen when they are onboarded. The Wi-Fi 6E CW916x models are instead ordered as -E (Catalyst controller) or -MR (Meraki).
Is a controller needed?
Not in Meraki mode – everything is managed from the cloud. In Catalyst mode you need a Catalyst 9800 controller, as hardware or as a virtual controller.
What replaces the Meraki MR36 and MR46?
Cisco stops selling the MR36, MR36H, MR44, MR46 and MR46E on 31 December 2026. We recommend the CW9162I-MR or CW9164I-MR (Wi-Fi 6E) or one of the Wi-Fi 7 models instead.