Cisco has decided to stop developing and manufacturing two different ranges of products for WiFi networks and has decided merge these products, from Meraki and Catalyst, into a single brand: Cisco Wireless. The company confirmed this during its latest event, held a few days ago in Australia, in which it also took the opportunity to announce the launch of two new WiFI 7 access points: the CW9178 and the CW9176available starting next December.
Like all Cisco Wireless products that the company will launch from now on, they can be managed using a local controller, or cloud tools, with the same license. Both control systems can even be used at the same time with the same equipment.
These devices are the same no matter where they are sold, and regional variants that have to comply with local regulations will be able to implement these via software. In this way, Cisco does not have to manufacture different hardware devices for the same model, because the changes they require will be made via software.
So, for example, the company’s clients who have offices and presence in several countries will not have to worry about whether they have to Buy different kits for one or two of those countries, and will be able to buy all of them centrally and distribute them. Even transfer them from one country to another in the future.
Cisco has also changed the licenses for its WiFi kit, so that those who buy it will have a single agreement for the hardware and its management tools. Also support, which until now was optional. The licenses will be available in two modalities: Essentials and Advantage. Each of them has different levels of features and functions.
Users of products from the Catalyst or Meraki lines will not necessarily have to take the step to new licenses now and will be able to continue with the current ones. Cisco will offer them more simplified ones when they have to renew them, and if they wish they can do it sooner. Meanwhile, the changes that will occur in Cisco wireless products, with simpler licenses, will be progressive from the end of this year, until covering the entire range.
