Delivering high-performance Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, Cisco Catalyst access points are engineered for enterprise and data-centre environments. These 9100 Series models provide high density, secure, and intelligent wireless with centralised management and automation for modern B2B networks.
As a trusted Cisco partner, we bring decades of expertise in networking and security solutions. Our team has an extensive technical understanding of Cisco’s product portfolio – enabling us to assess, integrate, and optimise solutions for even the most complex or high-demand environments.
Expert guidance for the right fit
We don’t just sell IT hardware. Every Cisco solution we recommend is assessed against your specific security concerns, performance requirements, and both current and future infrastructure plans. This consultative approach ensures that our guidance is aligned with your bespoke needs, so that you can invest in new access points with complete confidence.
Exclusive access and strategic advantages
Through our partnership with Cisco, your business will gain access to partner-only promotions, bundled solutions, and live demos. Combined with our technical expertise and ongoing support, this ensures your hardware is secure, cost-optimised, and future-ready.
Expert Networking Services
When you buy Cisco hardware from Steel City Consulting, you’ll receive expert deployment and maximum benefits. We also provide support in the following specialist areas:
| Our service | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Networking Design & Installation |
+ Custom architecture aligned to your business goals + Scalable networks built for growth + Expert installation with minimal disruption to operations + 30-day support window post-installation |
| Network Management & Support |
+ Real-time performance and traffic monitoring + Network design tools for scaling and upgrades + Security alerting and incident response + Backup and failover strategy implementation |
| WiFi Site Surveys |
+ Heatmapping and signal analysis + Access point optimisation + Detailed reports and tailored recommendations + Security enhancements and interference mitigation |
| Business Fibre & FTTP Installation |
+ Up to 1Gbps dedicated bandwidth + Private and uncontended connections + Seamless installation and expert aftercare + 24/7 support and monitoring |
Through Cisco’s Capital Finance and Flexible Payment Solutions, we help enterprises and data centres fund new initiatives in ways that fit both IT and business priorities.
Speak with our team today to explore how Cisco financing can help to launch your next IT project sooner.
Cisco Refresh gives you access to certified remanufactured equipment that performs like new and has the same warranty, but at a lower cost and environmental impact.
Cisco Refresh must be purchased via authorised partners like Steel City Consulting. Ask us to check Cisco Refresh stock availability and provide a cost comparison for your next upgrade or expansion project today.
As a certified partner, we provide access to Cisco promotions that reduce upfront spend and accelerate upgrades.
When you work with us, we can bundle and stack multiple offers, navigate application processes, and secure pricing that often isn’t accessible without a Cisco partner. Visit our promotions hub for current Cisco offers and to discuss your eligibility
Cisco provides a broad range of subscription services that enhance visibility, security, and resilience across enterprise and data center networks. With the right mix of platforms and licenses, you can simplify management, protect critical infrastructure, and gain actionable analytics.
Explore Cisco service options below.
What is Cisco SMARTnet (Smart Net Total Care)?
Cisco SMARTnet provides hardware support and maintenance for Cisco access points and wireless infrastructure.
| SMARTnet Service Levels | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Next Business Day | Replacement hardware shipped by the next business day. | Cost-effective protection for branch or campus access-point fleets. |
| 4-Hour Onsite | 24/7 support with 4-hour onsite replacement. | Reduce exposure for critical APs in high-availability environments. |
| 2-Hour Onsite | 24/7 support with 2-hour replacement (where available). | Fastest recovery for aggregation points or high-density sites. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
SMARTnet can only be purchased via authorised partners. We ensure each Cisco access point is mapped to the correct SMARTnet tier, managing renewals and RMAs. We’ll also coordinate firmware updates and lifecycle planning so that your wireless estate remains compliant and resilient.
What is Cisco DNA Software for Wireless?
Cisco DNA Software for Wireless is a subscription model that unlocks automation, assurance and advanced wireless features for Cisco Catalyst access points and controllers.
| DNA License Tiers | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | Basic automation, software image management, and telemetry. | Simplify AP provisioning and firmware lifecycle across sites. |
| Advantage | Adds policy-based automation, assurance, and security integrations. | Improve user experience with proactive issue detection and faster mean time to repair |
| Additional Expansion Pack | Add-ons such as ISE, Cisco Spaces, ThousandEyes and Secure Network Analytics | Extend wireless capabilities with location services, threat detection and third-party integrations |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
DNA licensing, device counts and add-on packs can be complex across mixed access points and controller estates. We can align DNA licences to your deployment model and help your business to avoid overspending.
What is Cisco Catalyst Center?
Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly known as Cisco DNA Center or Catalyst Cloud Management) is a centralised platform that allows you to manage, monitor, and optimise all your Catalyst access points and wireless controllers from a single interface.
| DNA License Tiers | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| On-premises management | Full automation for device lifecycle, policy orchestration, and wireless performance assurance. | Best for organisations requiring on-premises control and integration with on-site systems. |
| Cloud & Hybrid management | Simplified cloud dashboards, remote troubleshooting and telemetry | Enables faster rollout, easier scaling, and lower management overhead - perfect for distributed or multi-site environments. |
| Assurance & Analytics | Client experience scoring, radio frequency visualisation, and automatic event correlation. | Proactively detect and resolve issues before users are impacted. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
Selecting the right management model depends on your environment, site density, and operational priorities.
As your Cisco partner, we can align wireless architecture, assurance, and analytics to your business needs – delivering a right-sized design, SLA-driven visibility, and integrated workflows that keep your network performing at its best.
What is Cisco Spaces?
With Cisco Spaces, your Catalyst access points deliver real-time location and occupancy analytics for smarter, data-driven space management.
| Package | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Location Services | Real-time location tracking, asset visibility, and heatmaps | Improve space planning and quickly locate critical assets |
| Engagement & Analytics | Occupancy trends, visitor flow analysis, and custom dashboards | Optimise space utilisation and guide hybrid workplace decisions |
| Integrations | APIs for business systems and third-party applications | Embed location insights into operations and customer experiences |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
Collecting and using location data requires careful planning for accuracy and privacy. We can configure Cisco Spaces packages, align access point placement to your location goals, and integrate insights with your business systems.
Talk to a certified Cisco expert. We’ll help you choose the right combination of hardware, licenses, and services.
Considering Catalyst Wi-Fi access points for enhanced connectivity? Our FAQ answers 6 common questions.
Q1. Do Catalyst 9100 access points require a wireless controller to operate?
While many deployments use Cisco wireless controllers or Cisco DNA Center, the Catalyst 9100 family also supports embedded wireless controller mode, allowing APs to self-manage in small networks. This flexibility suits enterprises that prefer a simplified architecture.
Q2. How well do Catalyst 9130 access points support roaming and handover in large deployments?
Cisco’s 9130 model supports fast roaming standards like 802.11r/k/v and assist seamless client mobility across access points. This significantly benefits enterprise deployments when utilising voice, video, and real-time applications.
Q3. Can Catalyst 9100 / 9130 access points operate in hybrid cloud-managed environments?
Cisco enables hybrid and cloud-managed deployments that unify on-premises control with cloud-driven visibility, lifecycle updates, and assurance. Organisations can adopt cloud management in phases, while maintaining uninterrupted network services.
Q4. What are the licensing and subscription options for the Catalyst 9100 series?
Licensing is managed via Cisco Smart Licensing with tiers such as DNA Essentials, DNA Advantage, and DNA Premier, unlocking analytics, automation, and advanced security features.
As an official Cisco partner, we can help identify the ideal licensing model for your deployment. For more information, please navigate to our ‘Cisco Licences & Subscriptions’ section above. Our team is available for a free 30 minute consultation or 10 minute initial phone call, to suit your preference.
Q5. What are the key differences between Catalyst 9130, 9115, and 9120 models?
Feature | Catalyst 9115 | Catalyst 9120 | Catalyst 9130 |
Max Data Rate | Up to 1.7 Gbps | Up to 2.4 Gbps | Up to 5.4 Gbps (with 8×8 MU-MIMO) |
Antenna / Radio | Internal or External | Internal / External | High-density internal or external |
Client Density | Medium | High | Very high |
Ideal Use Case | Medium-sized offices | Larger sites & high-traffic areas | Enterprise core, auditoriums, dense zones |
Q6. What upgrade paths exist from earlier access-point generations to Catalyst 9100 – 9130?
Organisations that migrate from earlier Wi-Fi models can reuse cabling (supporting multigigabit uplinks) and switch infrastructure. Cisco 9100 access points feature a modular design that supports phased rollouts, ensuring your investment scales efficiently with future requirements.
