Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series User manual

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Cisco Systems, Inc. www.cisco.com
GETTING STARTED GUIDE
Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access
Points
First Published: October 25, 2019
Last Updated: October 27, 2020

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
1About this Guide
2About the Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Wireless Access Point
3Safety Instructions
4Unpacking
5AP Views, Ports, and Connectors
6Preparing the AP for Installation
7Installation Overview
8Perform ing a Pre-Installation Configuration
9Mounting the Access Point
10 Grounding the Access Point
11 Pow ering the Access Point
12 Configuring and Deploying the Access Point
13 Self-Identifying Antennas
14 Checking the Access Point LEDs
15 Miscellaneous Usage and Configuration Guidelines
16 FAQs
17 Related Documentation
18 Declarations of Conform ity and Regulatory Information
Communications, Services, and Additional Information
Cisco Bug Search Tool

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
1 About this Guide
This guide provides instructions on how to install your Cisco Catalyst 9130AX series access point and provides links to
resources that can help you configure it. This guide also provides mounting instructions and troubleshooting information.
Note that the C9130AX series access point is referred to as the access point or the AP in this document.
2 About the Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series W ireless Access Point
The Cisco Catalyst 9130AX series wireless access point is a dual-band, dual-concurrent, enterprise 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
AP. This AP series has two models, one with integrated antennas and the other with external antennas, which are
designed to use both 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz bands. This AP series supports a greater overall High Density Experience
(HDX), which provides a more predictable performance for advanced applications such as 4K or 8K videos, high-density
and high-definition collaboration applications, all-wireless offices, and Internet-of-Things (IoT). The AP supports full
interoperability with leading 802.11ax and 802.11ac clients, along with a mixed deployment with other APs and
controllers. These APs provide integrated security, resiliency and operational flexibility as well as increased network
intelligence.
A full listing of the AP's features and specifications are provided in the Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Point Data
Sheet, at the following URL:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/catalyst-9100ax-access-points/nb-06-cat-9130-ser-ap
-ds-cte-en.html
Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series W ireless Access Point Features
The C9130AX series AP is a wireless controller-based product, and supports:
Four radios, a dual-band 5 GHz (8x8) flexible radio with 2.4 GHz and 4x4 5 GHz, a single-band 5 GHz radio, and an
omni IoT radio that can be used with BLE, Zigbee, Thread and other multi-protocol 802.15.4 devices
Four dual-band and four single-band 5 GHz integrated antennas on the C9130AXI AP models (C9130AXI-xand
C9130AXI-EWC-x).
Note The ‘x’ in the model numbers represents the regulatory domain. For information on supported regulatory
domains, see the“ AP Model N umbers and Regulatory Domains” section on page 5.
Integrated internal antennas that are omni directional in azimuth, for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
External antennas on the C9130AXE AP model (C9130AXE-xand C9130AXE-EWC-x).
Multiuser Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) technology for uplink and downlink.
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)-based scheduling for both uplink and downlink.
Multigigabit Ethernet (mGig)
The following hardware external interfaces:
—1x100/1000/2500/5000 Multigigabit Ethernet (RJ-45)
—RS-232 Console Interface through RJ-45
—Recovery push button (enables partial or full system configuration recovery)
—USB 2.0 Port

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
—One multi-color LED Status indicator. see the “Self-Identifying Antennas” section on page 29 for information on
the colors of the LED status indicator.
Integrated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio to enable IoT use cases such as location tracking and wayfinding.
Cisco RF ASIC, a fully integrated Software Defined Radio (SDR), that can perform advanced RF spectrum analysis
and delivers features like CleanAir, Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS), and DFS detection.
Intelligent Capture probes the network and provides Cisco DNA Center with deep analysis.
Spatial Reuse (also known as Basic Service Set (BSS) coloring) which allows APs and their clients to differentiate
between BSSs, thus permitting more simultaneous transmissions.
New power savings mode called Target Wake Time (TWT) which allows the client to stay asleep and wake up only
at pre-scheduled (target) times to exchange data with the AP. This provides significant energy savings for
battery-operated devices.
Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA) support enables Cisco DNA Spaces, Apple FastLane and Cisco Identity
Services Engine.
Optimized AP Roaming for ensuring that client devices associate with the AP in their coverage range that offers the
fastest data rate available.
Cisco CleanAir technology enhanced with 160MHz channel support. CleanAir delivers proactive, high-speed
spectrum intelligence across 20-, 40-, and 80-, and 160-MHz-wide channels to combat performance problems
arising from wireless interference.
The AP supports both Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller and lightweight deployments (using Cisco Wireless
Controllers). The AP also supports the following operating modes:
Local—This is the default mode for the Cisco AP. In this mode, the AP serves clients.
In local mode, the AP creates two CAPWAP tunnels to the Cisco WLC, one for management and the other for data
traffic. This is known as central switching because the data traffic is switched (bridged) from the AP to the controller
where it is then routed.
FlexConnect—In FlexConnect mode (previously known as HREAP), the data traffic is switched locally and is not sent
to the controller. In this mode, the Cisco AP behaves like an autonomous AP, but is managed by the Cisco WLC. Here,
the AP continues to function even if connection to the controller is lost.
Monitor—In the monitor mode, specified Cisco APs can exclude themselves from handling data traffic between
clients and the infrastructure. These APs act as dedicated sensors for location based services (LBS), rogue AP
detection, and intrusion detection (IDS).
When APs are in monitor mode, they actively monitor the airwaves and typically do not serve clients.
Sniffer—In the wireless sniffer mode, the AP starts sniffing the air on a given channel. It captures and forwards all the
packets from the clients on that channel to a remote machine that runs Airopeek or Wireshark (packet analyzers for
IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs). This includes information on the time stamp, signal strength, packet size, etc.
Note In the sniffer mode, the server to which the data is sent should be on the same VLAN as the wireless
controller management VLAN otherwise an error will be displayed.

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
AP M odel Numbers and Regulatory Domains
You need to verify whether the AP model you have is approved for use in your country. To verify approval and to identify
the regulatory domain that corresponds to a particular country, visit http://www.cisco.com/go/aironet/compliance. Not
all regulatory domains have been approved. As and when they are approved, this compliance list will be updated.
Antennas and Radios
The C9130AX series access point configurations are:
C9130AXI-x
C9130AXI-EWC-x
C9130AXE-x
C9130AXE-EWC-x
Internal Antennas
The C9130AXI models (C9130AXI-xand C9130AXI-EWC-x) have four internal dual-band antennas with a dedicated
2.4 GHz radio and a 5 GHz radio, four internal single-band antennas with a dedicated 5 GHz radio, one internal
single-band antenna with a dedicated 2.4 GHz IOT radio, and one dual-band antenna with a dedicated 2.4 GHz radio
and a 5 GHz AUX radio.
External Antennas
The C9130AXE models (C9130AXE-xand C9130AXE-EWC-x) support up to eight external antennas. These include four
dual-band and four single-band 5 GHz antennas.
The C9130AXE model has an 8-port Smart Antenna (DART) connector on its side. Ext 8*8 antennas can be directly
connected to the C9130AXE AP using the 8-port Smart Antenna (DART) connector. Antennas with RP-TNC and N-type
connectors can be connected to this 8-port DART cable connector using the AIR-CAB002-D8-R= for RP-TNC
connectors or AIR-CAB003-D8-N= for N-type connectors.
For more information on Self Identifying Antennas, see “What are Self Identifying Antennas?” section on page 33
Note Always connect the antennas to the AP before powering the AP up. Enabling the AP radios without
connecting the antennas can result in damage to the AP.
AP Type M odel Number Details
Access Point for indoor
environments, with internal
antennas
C9130AXI-xDual-band, controller-based 802.11ax
C9130AXI-EWC-xC9130AXI-xwith a Cisco Embedded
Wireless Controller software image
Access Point for indoor
environments, with external
antennas
C9130AXE-xDual-band, controller-based 802.11ax
C9130AXE-EWC-xC9130AXE-xwith a Cisco Embedded
Wireless Controller software image

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
The radio and antennas support frequency bands 2400–2500 MHz and 5150–5850 MHz through a common dual-band
RF interface. The C-ANT9101=, C-ANT9102=, and C-ANT9103= support frequency bands 2400–2500 MHz and
5150–7125 MHz.
Table 1 List of External Antennas Supported on C9130AXE
Part Number Description Gain
C-ANT9101= Ceiling Mount Omni Self-Identifying Antenna with
Bluetooth, 8-port, with DART connectors.
2 dBi (2.4 GHz)
6 dBi (5 GHz)
3 dBi (BLE)
C-ANT9102= Pole or Wall Mount Omni Self-Identifying Antenna
with Bluetooth, 8-port, with DART connectors.
4 dBi (2.4 GHz)
4 dBi (5 GHz)
4 dBi (BLE)
C-ANT9103= Pole or Wall mount 75° Directional Self-Identifying
Antenna with Bluetooth, 8-port, with DART
connectors.
6 dBi (2.4 GHz)
6 dBi (5 GHz)
6 dBi (BLE)
AIR-ANT2513P4M-N= Patch Antenna, 4-port, with N connectors.
Note Connect to AP using AIR-CAB003-D8-N =.
13 dBi (2.4 GHz)
13 dBi (5 GHz)
13 dBi (BLE)
AIR-ANT2524V4C-R= Ceiling Mount Omni Antenna, 4-port, with RP-TNC
connectors.
Note Connect to AP using AIR-CAB002-D8-R=.
2 dBi (2.4 GHz)
4 dBi (5 GHz)
AIR-ANT2524V4C-RS= Ceiling Mount Omni Self-Identifying Antenna, 4-port,
with RP-TNC connectors.
Note Connect to AP using AIR-CAB002-D8-R=.
2 dBi (2.4 GHz)
4 dBi (5 GHz)
AIR-ANT2544V4M-R= Wall Mount Omni Antenna, 4-port, with RP-TNC
connectors.
Note Connect to AP using AIR-CAB002-D8-R=.
4 dBi (2.4 GHz)
4 dBi (5 GHz)
AIR-ANT2544V4M-RS= Wall Mount Omni Self-Identifying Antenna, 4-port,
with RP-TNC connectors.
Note Connect to AP using AIR-CAB002-D8-R=.
4 dBi (2.4 GHz)
4 dBi (5 GHz)
AIR-ANT2566D4M-R= 60° Patch Antenna, 4-port, with RP-TNC connectors.
Note Connect to AP using AIR-CAB002-D8-R=.
6 dBi (2.4 GHz)
6 dBi (5 GHz)
AIR-ANT2566D4M-RS= 60° Patch Self-Identifying Antenna, 4-port, with
RP-TNC connectors.
Note Connect to AP using AIR-CAB002-D8-R=.
6 dBi (2.4 GHz)
6 dBi (5 GHz)

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
Note When using the breakout cables and connecting to legacy dual band antennas, the BLE radio will experience
the gain of that antenna at 2.4 GH z.
Cisco also provides the following external antenna accessories:
2 ft Smart Antenna Connector to RP-TNC breakout cable (AIR-CAB002-D8-R=)—For conventional (non-DART)
antennas with gains up to 6 dBi
3 ft Smart Antenna Connector to N Connectors (AIR-CAB003-D8-N=)—For conventional (non-DART) antennas with
gains up to 13 dBi
Antenna bracket (AIR-AP-BRACKET-9=)—To mount the C9130AXE directly to the back of the C-ANT9103= antenna
3 Safety Instructions
Translated versions of the following safety warnings are provided in the translated safety warnings document that is
shipped with your access point. The translated warnings are also in the Translated Safety Warnings for Cisco Catalyst
Access Points, which is available on Cisco.com.
Warning IM PORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This w arning symbol means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury. Before you
w ork on any equipment, be aw are of the hazards involved w ith electrical circuitry and be familiar w ith
standard practices for preventing accidents. Use the statement number provided at the end of each
w arning to locate its translation in the translated safety w arnings that accompanied this device.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS Statement 1071
Warning Read the installation instructions before using, installing or connecting the system to the power source.
Statement 1004
AIR-ANT2566P4W-R= Directional Antenna, 4-port, with RP-TNC
connectors.
Note Connect to AP using AIR-CAB002-D8-R=.
6 dBi (2.4 GHz)
6 dBi (5 GHz)
AIR-ANT2566P4W-RS= Directional Self-Identifying Antenna, 4-port, with
RP-TNC connectors.
Note Connect to AP using AIR-CAB002-D8-R=.
6 dBi (2.4 GHz)
6 dBi (5 GHz)
Table 1 List of External Antennas Supported on C9130AXE
Part Number Description Gain

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
Warning This product relies on the building’s installation for short-circuit (overcurrent) protection. Ensure that
the protective device is rated not greater than 20A. Statement 1005
Warning Installation of the equipment must comply w ith local and national electrical codes. Statement 1074
Warning In order to comply w ith FCC radio frequency (RF) exposure limits, antennas should be located at a
minimum of 12 inches (30 cm) or more from the body of all persons. Statement 332
Warning Ultimate disposal of this product should be handled according to all national law s and regulations.
Statement 1040
Warning This equipment is suitable for use in environment air spaces (plenums) in accordance w ith Section
300.22 (C) of the National Electrical Code, and Sections 2-128, 12-010(3) and 12-100 of the Canadian
Electrical Code, Part 1, CSA C22.2. External pow er supply, pow er adapter and/or pow er injector, if
provided, are not suitable for installation in air spaces. Statement 440
4 Unpacking
To unpack the access point, follow these steps:
Step 1 Unpack and remove the access point and the accessory kit from the shipping box.
Step 2 Return any packing material to the shipping container and save it for future use.
Step 3 Verify that you have received the items listed below. If any item is missing or damaged, contact your Cisco
representative or reseller for instructions.
—The access point
—(Optional) Mounting bracket (AIR-AP-BRACKET-1= (default) or AIR-AP-BRACKET-2=, only if selected when
you order the access point)
—Adjustable ceiling-rail clip (AIR-AP-T-RAIL-R or AIR-AP-T-RAIL-F) (selected when you order the access point)
The following accessories can be ordered separately from Cisco:
•Antenna bracket AIR-AP-BRACKET-9= to mount the C9130AXE directly to the back of the C-ANT9103=
antenna
•AIR-AP-BRACKET-1= for ceiling mount installations
•AIR-AP-BRACKET-2= for wall or electrical box installations
•Mid-span power injector AIR-PWRIN J6= when PoE is not available

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
5 AP View s, Ports, and Connectors
Figure 1 Face of the 9130AXI M odel
1Status LED 3USB 2.0 port
2
Location of the ports and connectors on the head of the
AP.

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
Figure 2 Ports and Connectors on the Head of the C9130AXI M odel
1Kensington lock slot 4RJ-45 console port
2Security hasp for padlocking AP to mounting bracket 55 GbE port
3
Mode button
For information on how to use the Mode button, see “Using
the Mode Button” section. 6
USB 2.0 port

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
Figure 3 Face of the C9130AXE Model
1Location of the Smart Antenna connector port under yellow cap1
1. Only external antennas with the 8-port DART cable can be connected to this AP.
3Status LED
2Location of the ports on the head of the AP. 4USB 2.0 port

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
The ports and connections on the bottom of the access point are shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4 Ports and Connections on the Head of the C9130AXE M odel
1
8-port Smart Antenna (DART) connector
port, under a yellow cap1
For more information, see “What is a
Smart Antenna connector?” section.
1. Only external antennas with the 8-port DART cable can be connected to this AP.
4Mode button
For more information, see “Using the Mode Button” section.
5RJ-45 console port
2Kensington lock slot 65 GbE port
3Security hasp for padlocking AP to
mounting bracket 7
USB 2.0 port

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
dC9130AXI (Internal Antenna)
The C9130AXI access point is equipped with four integrated, omnidirectional, dual-band antennas (2.4 GHz and 5
GHz), four integrated, omnidirectional, single-band antennas (5 GHz only), one integrated, omnidirectional, single-band
antenna (2.4 GHz) for the dedicated 2.4 GHz IOT radio, and one integrated, omnidirectional, dual-band antenna (2.4
GHz and 5 GHz) for the dedicated 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz AUX radio.
Figure 3-5 C9130AXI - Dual-band Antenna radiation pattern (2.4 GHz Azimuth)

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
Figure 3-6 C9130AXI - Dual-band Antenna radiation pattern (2.4 GHz Elevation)

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
Figure 3-7 C9130AXI - Dual-band Antenna radiation pattern (5 GHz Azimuth)

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
Figure 3-8 C9130AXI - Dual-band Antenna radiation pattern (5 GHz Elevation)

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
Figure 3-9 C9130AXI - Single-band Antenna radiation pattern (5 GHz Azimuth)

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
Figure 3-10 C9130AXI - Single-band Antenna radiation pattern (5 GHz Elevation)

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
Figure 3-11 C9130AXI - AUX Antenna radiation pattern (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Azimuth)

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Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Series Access Points
Figure 3-12 C9130AXI - AUX Antenna radiation pattern (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Elevation)