C9800-L-C-K9 Catalyst 9800-L Wireless Controller (Copper ports)

Cisco C9800-L-C-K9 - Catalyst 9800-L Wireless Controller

The Cisco Catalyst 9800-L-C-K9 is a compact, fixed-form factor wireless controller that brings the intent-based networking capabilities of the Catalyst 9000 family into the wireless domain. It combines Cisco RF excellence with IOS XE programmability, offering high availability, security, and automation for enterprise WLANs.

🔧 Key Specifications

• Form Factor: Fixed, 1RU rack-mountable
• Interfaces: 4x 1/2.5 GE ports
• Uplinks: 2x 10GE SFP+
• Throughput: Up to 5 or 10 Gbps (with Performance license
• Access Point Support: Up to 250 APs
• Client Support: Up to 5,000 clients
• Licensing: Cisco DNA subscription (Essentials, Advantage, Premier) + perpetual Network Essentials/Advantage
• Operating System: Cisco IOS XE (modular, programmable, API-driven)
• High Availability: In-service software upgrades (ISSU), hot patching, redundancy options
• Security:
  • Secure boot and runtime defenses
  • Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA)
  • WPA3 support
  • Cisco Trustworthy Solutions
• Management:
  • Cisco DNA Center for automation and assurance
  • Web UI, CLI, NETCONF/RESTCONF APIs
  • Streaming telemetry for analytics

🧩 Ideal Use Cases

• Small to midsize enterprises needing centralized wireless control
• Branch or regional offices requiring scalable, secure WLAN
• Organizations adopting Wi-Fi 6/6E and planning for future growth
• Environments needing always-on wireless with seamless updates

⚙️ Licensing & Expansion

• Requires Cisco DNA subscription (Essentials/Advantage/Premier) for advanced automation and assurance
• Network Essentials or Network Advantage perpetual license defines base feature set
• Scales up to 250 APs and 5,000 clients, making it a strong fit for mid-tier deployments