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Cisco Meraki CW9172I Installation Manual
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CW9172I Installation Guide
The Cisco Wireless CW9172I is a Tri-band, Tri-radio, enterprise-class, Wi-Fi 7, cloud-managed access point supporting 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and the newly opened
unlicensed 6 GHz frequency bands. Designed for moderate-density environments of regional branches, retail and health care, the CW9172I meets the needs of
the most demanding environments. The access point also includes a fourth radio dedicated to optimizing the RF environment and securing the airwaves. The
CW9172I also has an additional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capable radio used for location and other IoT applications. In addition to this, the CW9172I also
has a USB port to support external devices for IoT applications
About this Guide
This guide provides instructions on how to install and configure your CW9172I access points. It also provides mounting instructions and limited troubleshooting
procedures. For more wireless installation guides, refer to the
Product Overview
Physical Specifications
CW9172I
Interfaces
1x 100/1000/2.5G BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45)
USB 2.0 at 4.5W
Console Port (default speed of 115200 bps)
Power
Power over Ethernet: 42.5 - 57 V (802.3at/PoE+ and 802.3bt(Class 5)/PoE++/UPoE compliant)
Power consumption: 32W (802.3bt required) for full operation of AP.
Power over Ethernet injector (CW-INJ-8, MA-INJ-6 & AIR-PWRINJ7)
wireless installation guides section
on our documentation website.
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Summary of Contents for Cisco Meraki CW9172I

  • Page 1 CW9172I Installation Guide The Cisco Wireless CW9172I is a Tri-band, Tri-radio, enterprise-class, Wi-Fi 7, cloud-managed access point supporting 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and the newly opened unlicensed 6 GHz frequency bands. Designed for moderate-density environments of regional branches, retail and health care, the CW9172I meets the needs of the most demanding environments.
  • Page 2 • Alternative 54V DC Input (MA-PWR-50WAC) Note: PoE Injector sold separately Note: Actual power consumption may vary depending on the AP usage. Note: USB will be disabled when powered by 802.3at (PoE+) Note: It is required that you ensure that CDP and/or LLDP is enabled to allow proper power negotiation Environment •...
  • Page 3 Security hasp for padlocking AP to mounting bracket. Status LED USB 2.0 Port CW9172I Back View...
  • Page 4 DC 54V Input Console Port (with Cover) Security hasp for padlocking AP to mounting bracket. Rubber Feet/universal mounting bracket slide in points CW9172I Port View...
  • Page 5: Mounting Brackets

    DC 54V Input 2.5 mGig Ethernet Port Console Port Reset button Security hasp for padlocking AP to mounting brack Kensington lock hard point. Mounting Brackets The two most common mounting brackets are: • The low-profile bracket (AIR-AP-BRACKET-1), which is included by default in the package when the Ready to Go option is ordered, provides a tight fit between the access point and the ceiling but does not accommodate network or electrical boxes or above-ceiling mounts.
  • Page 6 Access point mounting keyholes Security hasp Hard surface mounting holes. The Meraki CW9172I comes with the default Cisco Low Profile Mounting Bracket (AIR-AP-BRACKET-1). The Universal mounting bracket (AIR-AP- BRACKET-2) can be ordered that has the following features:...
  • Page 7 Access Point Mounting Keyholes Security Hasp Cable access slot T-Rail attachment points Physical Security Features The CW9172I features multiple options for physically securing the access point after installation: 1. Security hasp – The universal mounting bracket and low-profile mounting bracket has a security hasp and can be used to secure the access point to the universal mounting bracket.
  • Page 8: Ethernet Ports

    Note: Cat 6/6A/5e cabling is recommended for CW9172, Warning: Some of the pre-standard 802.3at/PoE+ switches do not negotiate full 802.3at power output with the CW9172I by default. For these switches (Cisco Catalyst 2960,3560, etc) the switch port that is connected to and powering up the CW9172I should be manually configured to provide 30 watts of power. This...
  • Page 9: Factory Reset Button

    CW9172I APs can be powered by the PoE power in different modes as mentioned above when using a PoE-capable switch. CW9172I can also be powered by a single 802.3bt capable PoE injector CW-INJ-8 Cisco multiGigabit 802.3bt Power Over Ethernet Injector, or MA-INJ-6 - Meraki multiGigabit 802.3bt Power over Ethernet Injector or MA-PWR-50WAC external AC power supply.
  • Page 10: Package Contents

    NOTE: Blinking Green LED indicates that the device is in site survey mode. Please see the Conducting Site Surveys with MR Access Points for more details. The CW9172I access point may be operated in the “Run Dark” mode for additional security and to reduce the visibility of the access point. In this mode, the LED will not be illuminated.
  • Page 11: Pre-Install Preparation

    • Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry, and be familiar with standard practices for preventing accidents. • Read the wall-mounting instructions carefully before beginning installation. Failure to use the correct hardware or to follow the correct procedures could result in a hazardous situation to people and damage to the system.
  • Page 12: Static Assignment

    DHCP or statically assigned. Static Assignment • Static IPs are assigned using the local web server on each AP. The following procedure describes how to set the static IP: • Using a client machine (e.g., a laptop), connect to the AP wirelessly (by associating to any SSID broadcast by the AP) or over a wired connection. •...
  • Page 13: Collect Additional Hardware For Installation

    2. Power over Ethernet supports a maximum cable length of 300 ft (100 m). 3. If being used in a mesh deployment, the AP should have a line of sight to at least two other Meraki devices. A Cisco Partner can help ensure that your AP placement is ideal.
  • Page 14 bracket. Attach the Low Profile Mounting Bracket The access point universal mounting bracket (AIR-AP-BRACKET-1 - included) can be used to install your access point in a wide range of scenarios including wall or solid ceiling or below a drop ceiling. The mount cradle contains a variety of hole patterns that are customized for each installation scenario.
  • Page 15 Note: The T-Rail mount attachment (AIR-AP-T-RAIL-R) has two included screws pre-installed to lock the T-Rail mount to the actual T-Rail so it will not slide back and forth. These two screws are not to be confused with the #6-32 x 1/4 screws in a separate bag for mounting the universal bracket to the T-Rail mount (steps 4 and 5 below) 3.
  • Page 16 4. Align the corresponding holes (A, B, or C) on the mounting bracket over the mounting holes on the ceiling grid clip.Hold the mounting bracket and insert a 6-32 x 1/4 in. screw into each of the four corresponding holes (A, B, or C) and tighten. CW9172I is now ready to be mounted on the drop ceiling.
  • Page 17 To attach the CW9172I AP to the low profile mounting bracket properly, align the access point feet over the keyhole mounting slots on the mounting bracket. Since the cradle is already mounted to the drop ceiling, gently guide the CW9178I AP toward the mounting cradle until it clicks into place. Once the AP is mounted, the Ethernet Cable can be plugged in straight due to the lower recess and the large bay.
  • Page 18 Ceiling Mount Wall Mount 4. Place the low profile mounting bracket over the faster holes and then use screws up to 6 mm in diameter and at least 1 - 1/4 inch length (not included) to tighten it flush to the wall...
  • Page 19 Ceiling Mount Wall Mount CW9172I is now ready to be mounted on the wall or solid ceiling. To attach the CW9172I AP to the low profile mounting bracket properly, align the access point feet over the keyhole mounting slots on the mounting bracket. Since the cradle is already mounted to the wall or solid ceiling gently guide the CW9172I AP towards the mounting cradle until it clicks into place.
  • Page 20: Physical Security

    Ceiling Mount Wall Mount Once the AP is mounted, the Ethernet Cable can be plugged in straight due to the lower recess and the large bay. Getting Power to the AP If mounting to an electrical junction box, feed the Ethernet cable through the cable access hole in the mount cradle. If mounting to a wall or ceiling, the Ethernet cable will feed on behind the AP.
  • Page 21: Verify Device Functionality And Test Network Coverage

    Verify Device Functionality and Test Network Coverage Check LEDs The Power LED should be solid green (or blue, if clients are connected). If it is flashing blue, the firmware is automatically upgrading and the LED should turn green when the upgrade is completed (normally within a few minutes). See the "LED Indicators"...
  • Page 22 Wireless → Configure → Radio Settings → RF Profile → 6 GHz. Change the Channel width setting to Manual to enable 320 MHz. Flex Radio Selection The CW9172I has three client serving Wi-Fi Radios capable of operating in the 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz Frequencies as 2x2 radio chain with 2 spatial streams or as a dual band access point with 2x2:2 in 2.4 GHz and 4x4:4 in 5 GHz.
  • Page 23 WPA3 Support Wi-Fi 7 requires the client to support WPA3 or OWE with Protected Management Frame (PMF) as a mandatory mode of operation for Wi-Fi 7 -i.e. for 11be rates and MLO. The Wi-Fi 7 Access Point is very much backward compatible with the earlier security mechanisms like WPA2, but when a Wi-Fi 7 client connects with a lower security type, it cannot achieve the Wi-Fi 7 functionality.
  • Page 24 OWE Configuration: From the Wireless → Configure → Access Control → Security, Select Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) Select WPA3 as the Encryption, 802.11w as Required. From Advanced WPA3 settings (Cipher and AKM suite settings), select the cipher as GCMP 256.
  • Page 25 Note: If an SSID is configured to support WPA3 transition mode for Personal across all three frequency bands, then the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz frequency will broadcast the SSID with transition mode support. The SSID will not be broadcast in the 6 GHz mode Note: Starting R31 software release, if an SSID is configured to support WPA3 transition mode for Enterprise across all three frequency bands, then the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz frequency will broadcast the SSID with transition mode support and the SSID will be broadcasted as WPA3 in the 6 GHz band.
  • Page 26: Basic Troubleshooting

    Note: If the AP is broadcasting at least one of the SSIDs with a lower security type, then the AP will not broadcast 11be information in the Beacon and Probe Response and will function as 11ax.This behaviour is due to change in a future firmware upgrade. Basic Troubleshooting The following steps can be used for troubleshooting basic connectivity issues with your access point.
  • Page 27: Warranty

    If you are still experiencing hardware issues, please contact Cisco Meraki support by logging in to the Dashboard and using the Help option near the top of the page, then opening an email case or calling using the contact information on that page.
  • Page 28 For additional information on Meraki hardware and for other installation guides, please refer to documentation.meraki.com.