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.