Product Overview # The Cisco Catalyst 9800-L Wireless Controller is designed for small campus deployments, offering flexibility with copper or fiber uplinks. Built on the Cisco IOS XE operating system, it provides a secure, programmable, and resilient platform for managing wireless networks. The 9800-L is ideal for organizations seeking a cost-effective solution without compromising on performance or security.
Key Features # Deployment Flexibility : Supports centralized, Cisco FlexConnect, and fabric wireless (SD-Access) deployment modes.High Availability : Features Stateful Switchover (SSO) with active standby and N+1 redundancy to ensure continuous network operation.Seamless Software Upgrades : In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) capabilities allow for software updates without network downtime.Advanced Security : Built-in security features include Secure Boot, runtime defenses, image signing, and hardware authenticity.Programmability : Open and programmable APIs enable automation of day-0 to day-N network operations.Performance Licensing : Optional Performance license enhances scalability and throughput.Technical Specifications # Feature Description Maximum Access Points 250 (500 with Performance license) Maximum Clients 5,000 (10,000 with Performance license) Maximum Throughput 5 Gbps (10 Gbps with Performance license) Maximum WLANs 4,096 Maximum VLANs 4,096 Uplink Ports 2x 10G/Multigigabit copper or 2x 10G/Multigigabit fiber Power Supply 110W, 12V DC, AC/DC adapter Maximum Power Consumption 9800-L-C: 86.9W; 9800-L-F: 84.5W Form Factor 1RU; half-width chassis for side-by-side installation in standard 19-in. rack Operating System Cisco IOS XE Management Cisco DNA Center, Cisco Prime Infrastructure, and third-party (open standards APIs) Interoperability AireOS-based controllers Access Points Supported Cisco Aironet 802.11ac Wave 1 and Wave 2, Cisco Catalyst 9100 802.11ax access points Security Standards WPA3, 802.1X, MACsec, DTLS, IPsec Environmental Conditions Operating temperature: 0° to 40°C; Nonoperating temperature: –25° to 70°C Warranty 1-year limited hardware warranty
Supported Modules & Accessories # Product ID Description C9800-L-F-K9 Cisco Catalyst 9800-L (Fiber Uplink) Wireless Controller C9800-L-C-K9 Cisco Catalyst 9800-L (Copper Uplink) Wireless Controller LIC-C9800-DTLS-K9 Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller DTLS License C9800L-RMNT= Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller Rack Mount Bracket C9800-AC-110W= Cisco Catalyst Wireless Controller 110W AC Power Supply
Ordering Information # Product ID Description C9800-L-F-K9 Cisco Catalyst 9800-L (Fiber Uplink) Wireless Controller C9800-L-C-K9 Cisco Catalyst 9800-L (Copper Uplink) Wireless Controller LIC-C9800-DTLS-K9 Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller DTLS License C9800L-RMNT= Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller Rack Mount Bracket C9800-AC-110W= Cisco Catalyst Wireless Controller 110W AC Power Supply
Licensing Details # Overview # The Catalyst 9800-L requires two types of licenses:
Network License : Perpetual license that includes basic connectivity and device-level capabilities.Cisco DNA Software Subscription : Adds automation, analytics, security, and assurance features.License Tiers # Tier Description Cisco DNA Essentials Basic features including 802.1X, QoS, and PnP Cisco DNA Advantage Advanced features including telemetry, automation, and security
Performance License # Feature Without Performance License With Performance License Access Points Supported 250 500 Clients Supported 5,000 10,000 Throughput 5 Gbps 10 Gbps
Licensing Models # Model Description Smart Licensing Cloud-based license registration and reporting through Cisco Smart Software Manager (SSM) Specific License Reservation (SLR) Offline model for highly secure or air-gapped environments
License Duration # License Type Validity Behavior After Expiry Network License Perpetual Features remain enabled Cisco DNA Subscription 3/5/7 years DNA features disabled post expiry; base remains active
Managing Licenses with Smart Accounts # Creating Smart Accounts using the Cisco Smart Software Manager (SSM) enables centralized management of software licenses.
