Primary Device
Cisco Catalyst 9120AX
★ 3.4 Value Score
Technical Specifications
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Spatial Streams (MIMO): 4x4:4 MU-MIMO
- Aggregate Throughput: Up to 5.2 Gbps (Dual 5 GHz mode)
- Radios (bands): 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz (supports Dual 5 GHz FRA)
- Uplink Port Speed: 1x 100M/1G/2.5G Multigigabit (mGig)
- Max Clients: 400 total (200 per radio)
- PoE Requirement: 802.3at (PoE+) for full functionality
Curation Review
- ✔ Pros: Dedicated Cisco RF ASIC for advanced spectrum analysis and security; Flexible Radio Assignment (FRA) allows dual 5 GHz operation; Integrated 2.5 Gbps Multigigabit uplink prevents wired bottlenecks
- ✘ Cons: High hardware cost and mandatory Cisco DNA subscription licensing; Requires PoE+ (802.3at) to operate all features at full performance; Significant configuration complexity compared to consumer or prosumer alternatives
- Est. Price: $650 - $1,100
Compare Against
Ubiquiti UniFi U7 Pro Wall
★ 5.0 Value Score
Technical Specifications
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
- Spatial Streams (MIMO): 6 total (2x2 MIMO on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands)
- Aggregate Throughput: 10.7 Gbps
- Radios (bands): Tri-band (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz)
- Uplink Port Speed: 2.5 GbE RJ45
- Max Clients: 300+
- PoE Requirement: PoE+ (802.3at)
Curation Review
- ✔ Pros: Supports the full Wi-Fi 7 standard including the 6 GHz band for low-latency performance; Massive 10.7 Gbps aggregate throughput; 2.5 GbE uplink prevents bottlenecking; Slim, aesthetically pleasing wall-mount design with optional table stand.
- ✘ Cons: Lacks the integrated Ethernet switch/passthrough ports found on previous 'In-Wall' models; Requires PoE+ power due to higher 22W max consumption; Runs noticeably warm during operation.
- Est. Price: $199 - $229