Cisco Wi-Fi 7: A Leap into the Future, with Room for Reflection
Cisco has stepped boldly into the future of wireless networking with its Wi-Fi 7 announcements from Cisco Live Melbourne 2024 and #MFD12. These APs showcase faster speeds, smarter capabilities, and a more unified ecosystem. The promises are ambitious, with advanced features like Ultra-Wideband (UWB) integration, simplified licensing, and cutting-edge hardware leading the charge. It’s an exciting time for the wireless industry, but like any innovation, there are complexities worth exploring.
These APs include:
- Cisco Spaces included with every wireless license, providing 3D AI mapping, dynamic IoT services, and asset tracking
- Unified solutions with dual platform support for Meraki & Catalyst
- Global use AP (one SKU, simplifying manufacturing and distribution)
- Infused with Thousand Eyes to identify & remediate performance bottlenecks
- Circular design and plastic-free packaging for greater sustainability
The Bright Side: Simplification and Innovation
One of the standout aspects of Cisco’s Wi-Fi 7 approach is its commitment to simplification. The unification of licensing and hardware means less decision fatigue for IT administrators. A single license now works across cloud-managed and on-premises modes, and the new APs are smart enough to determine their management mode automatically. For enterprises juggling various deployment scenarios, this is a welcome change.
On the technology front, Wi-Fi 7 brings exciting improvements. Features like multi-link operation (MLO) and 320 MHz channel widths promise to deliver significant performance gains. Ultra-Wideband (UWB) integration could open new possibilities, especially in areas like precise indoor location tracking for healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. These are the kinds of innovations that make tech enthusiasts and business leaders take notice.
The Practical Reality: Licensing and Legacy Challenges
While simplification is a central theme, the licensing model raises some questions. Cisco assures users that networks won’t grind to a halt if licenses lapse but transitioning between cloud-managed and on-premises setups still requires planning. It’s a step in the right direction, but enterprises with long refresh cycles may find themselves navigating some grey areas.
On the client side, the rollout of Wi-Fi 7-ready devices is progressing, but challenges remain. Legacy hardware and inconsistent driver implementations are bound to cause headaches during early adoption. We have already seen examples of this with Windows 24H2 required to support MLO and 320MHz on Windows 11; however WPA3-Enterprise is NOT currently supported. Cisco is candid about these challenges, highlighting the importance of testing networks and understanding client capabilities before diving in fully.
Ultra-Wideband: A Niche with Potential
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology is a fascinating addition to Cisco’s portfolio. It promises submeter accuracy for location tracking, a leap forward from traditional Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-based solutions. While the potential is exciting, adoption may hinge on addressing the fragmented standards landscape and ensuring interoperability with existing systems. For now, UWB looks like a valuable tool for specific use cases, with broader applications likely to unfold as the technology matures.
Balancing Optimism with Caution
Cisco’s Wi-Fi 7 solutions are a testament to the company’s vision for the future of networking. The combination of technical advancements, simplified management, and futuristic features like UWB is compelling. However, as with any transformative technology, the path forward will have its hurdles. Licensing nuances, compatibility issues, and the practicalities of real-world deployment will require careful consideration by IT teams.
For organizations considering the upgrade, Cisco’s offerings provide a solid foundation for the future—but they also remind us that even the most exciting innovations come with layers of complexity. The promise of Wi-Fi 7 is bright, but its success will depend on how well the industry navigates these transitional challenges.
Slàinte!
Resources
Cisco 9176i / 9176D1 Series Access Point Data Sheet
Cisco 9178 Series Access Point Data Sheet
Cisco Wireless and Mobility
https://www.cisco.com/site/ca/en/products/networking/wireless/index.html
Cisco Presents at #MFD12