C9800-80-K9 – 6000 APs – 80G Controller – 2RU Catalyst 9800-80
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C9800-80-K9 Description
C9800-80-K9 is a Cisco Catalyst 9800-80 wireless controller appliance for large campus and distributed WLAN deployments, providing centralized control for up to 6000 access points and 64000 clients with up to 80 Gbps maximum controller throughput. This 2RU controller supports centralized, Cisco FlexConnect, and Fabric Wireless (SD-Access) deployment modes, with eight fixed 10G-capable uplink positions and optional 10G, 40G, or 100G modular uplink expansion for higher-capacity controller designs.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C9800-80-K9 |
|
Product type |
Catalyst 9800-80 wireless controller appliance |
|
Controller scale |
Up to 6000 access points and 64000 clients |
|
Maximum throughput |
Up to 80 Gbps |
|
Fixed uplinks |
8x 10G or 6x 10G plus 2x 1G SFP+/SFP |
|
Optional modular uplinks |
10G, 40G, and 100G module options supported |
|
Deployment modes |
Centralized, Cisco FlexConnect, and Fabric Wireless (SD-Access) |
|
Form factor |
2RU appliance |
|
Operating system |
Cisco IOS XE |
|
Minimum software release |
Cisco IOS XE Software Release 16.10.1 |
|
Licensing |
Smart License enabled with Cisco DNA subscriptions for access points |
Product Performance
Application Scenarios
C9800-80-K9 fits a campus WLAN design where the controller count, AP count, and client population are above the C9800-40-K9 scale band but still require a hardware appliance running Cisco IOS XE.
Use this SKU when the network design calls for the fixed 10G-capable uplinks and may also require a modular 10G, 40G, or 100G uplink option on the same controller platform.
The controller is relevant when the approved wireless design uses centralized mode, Cisco FlexConnect, or Fabric Wireless under SD-Access, and the BOM must align AP support, software release, and Cisco DNA licensing.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C9800-80-K9 |
C9800-CL-K9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Product type |
Catalyst 9800-80 wireless controller appliance |
Catalyst 9800-40 wireless controller appliance |
Catalyst 9800-40 wireless controller appliance |
|
Maximum access points |
Up to 6000 |
Up to 2000 |
Up to 2000 |
|
Maximum clients |
64000 |
32000 |
32000 |
|
Maximum throughput |
Up to 80 Gbps |
Up to 40 Gbps |
Up to 40 Gbps |
|
Fixed connectivity |
8x10G ports in the deployment guide |
4x10G ports in the deployment guide |
4x10G ports in the deployment guide |
|
Form factor |
2RU |
1RU |
1RU |
|
Maximum WLANs |
4096 |
4096 |
4096 |
|
Maximum VLANs |
4096 |
4096 |
4096 |
|
Maximum site tags |
6000 |
2000 |
2000 |
|
Maximum RF profiles |
12000 |
4000 |
4000 |
|
Maximum Flex profiles |
6000 |
2000 |
2000 |
|
Deployment modes |
Centralized, Cisco FlexConnect, Fabric Wireless (SD-Access) |
Centralized, Cisco FlexConnect, Fabric Wireless (SD-Access) |
Centralized, Cisco FlexConnect, Fabric Wireless (SD-Access) |
- In a C9800-80-K9 vs C9800-40-K9 comparison, the core difference is scale: C9800-80-K9 raises the AP limit to 6000, the client limit to 64000, and the throughput ceiling to 80 Gbps.
- The C9800-80-K9 difference from C9800-40-K9 also includes the appliance footprint and connectivity plan, with a 2RU chassis and eight fixed 10G-capable uplink positions instead of the smaller 1RU controller.
- For buyers deciding which model to choose, C9800-40-K9 remains the closer fit for lower AP counts, while C9800-80-K9 should be reviewed when the controller design needs the larger 9800 appliance scale band. C9800-CL-K9 is included as an additional same-family comparison point.
Selection Guide
1. Size the WLAN controller before comparing price
Choose C9800-80-K9 when the approved design approaches the Cisco 9800-80 scale row for access points, clients, site tags, RF tags, or RF profiles.
2. Keep C9800-40-K9 for smaller appliance footprints
Select C9800-40-K9 only when the deployment fits the lower 2000 AP and 32000 client row and the site prefers the 1RU appliance format.
3. Confirm the uplink module plan early
Review whether the built-in uplinks are enough or whether the controller needs a 10G, 40G, or 100G modular uplink option, because that decision affects the hardware line items around the controller.
4. Tie controller purchase to licensing and AP support
Verify Cisco DNA subscription terms, Smart Account readiness, Cisco IOS XE baseline, and AP family support before finalizing the controller quote.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Exact controller PID |
C9800-80-K9 |
Prevents substitution with the lower-scale C9800-40-K9 appliance |
|
Controller sizing |
Up to 6000 APs, 64000 clients, and 80 Gbps throughput |
Aligns the hardware order with the documented Cisco scale row |
|
Power entry choice |
AC or DC PEM plan and matching redundant power type |
Cisco notes redundancy is supported with the same power supply types |
|
Software and AP support |
Cisco IOS XE 16.10.1 baseline and supported Aironet or Catalyst AP families |
Keeps the controller order aligned with the WLAN release and AP migration plan |
|
Licensing setup |
Cisco DNA subscription term and Smart Account readiness |
Smart Licensing is part of the controller order and AP entitlement workflow |
C9800-80-K9 Front View
|
Label |
Component |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Power supply (PEM 0) |
|
2 |
Power supply (PEM 1) |
|
3 |
Power (PWR) switch |
|
4 |
PWR: Power LED |
|
5 |
SYS: System LED |
|
6 |
ALM: Alarm LED |
|
7 |
HA: High-availability LED |
|
8 |
SP: RJ-45 10/100/1000 management Ethernet port |
|
9 |
RP: RJ-45 10/100/1000 redundancy Ethernet port |
|
10 |
RP: 1G SFP port (the only SFPs supported on the RP port are GLC-SX-MMD and GLC-LH-SMD) |
|
11 |
USB ports 0 and 1 |
|
12 |
Fixed: 6x 10G and 2x 1G or 8x 10G |
|
13 |
CON: RJ-45 compatible console port |
|
14 |
LINK: RJ-45 connector LED |
|
15 |
CON: Mini USB console port |
|
16 |
SSD: SSD activity LED |
|
17 |
SSD access |
|
18 |
Modular uplink |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | C9800-80-K9 | Controller model | Cisco Catalyst 9800-80 Wireless Controller |
| Product type | Wireless controller appliance | Form factor | 2RU appliance |
| Operating system | Cisco IOS XE | Minimum software release | Cisco IOS XE Software Release 16.10.1 |
| Maximum access points | Up to 6000 | Maximum clients | 64000 |
| Maximum throughput | Up to 80 Gbps | Maximum WLANs | 4096 |
| Maximum VLANs | 4096 | Maximum Flex APs per site | 100 |
| Maximum site tags | 6000 | Maximum policy tags | 6000 |
| Maximum RF tags | 6000 | Maximum RF profiles | 12000 |
| Maximum policy profiles | 1000 | Maximum Flex profiles | 6000 |
| Fixed uplinks | 8x 10G or 6x 10G plus 2x 1G SFP+/SFP | Modular uplink support | Optional 10G, 40G, and 100G modules |
| Deployment modes | Centralized, Cisco FlexConnect, and Fabric Wireless (SD-Access) | Management | Cisco DNA Center, Cisco Prime Infrastructure, integrated WebUI, and open standards APIs |
| Policy engine integration | Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) | Location platform | Cisco Connected Mobile Experiences (CMX) and Cisco Spaces |
| Access point support | Aironet 802.11ac Wave 1 and Wave 2 access points plus Cisco Catalyst 9100 802.11ax access points | License model | Smart License enabled |
| Wireless license requirement | Cisco DNA licenses required for connecting any access points | Redundant power supply | AC or DC power supply options |
| Power entry module behavior | Can operate with a single PEM installed; PEMs are hot-swappable | Airflow | Front-to-rear chassis airflow |
| Internal fans | Four internal fans located at the rear of the chassis | Electrical input | 90 to 264 VAC with AC PEM; -40 to -72 VDC with DC PEM |
| Maximum power with modules | 600W | Heat dissipation | 2047 BTU/hr |
| Dimensions | 3.5 x 17.3 x 22.0 in. including card handles, cable-management brackets, and power supply handles | Weight | 34 lb (15.42 kg) fully loaded |
| Operating temperature | 32 to 104F (0 to 40C) nominal | Operating humidity | 10 to 90% relative humidity nominal |
| Short-term operating humidity | 5 to 90% relative humidity |
Get More Information
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Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
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Who is C9800-80-K9 built for?
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How many APs can C9800-80-K9 support?
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What uplink options does C9800-80-K9 support?
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When is C9800-80-K9 better than C9800-40-K9?
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Does C9800-80-K9 support 100G uplink modules?
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Do C9800-80-K9 APs need Cisco DNA licenses?
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Is C9800-80-K9 end-of-life and moving to CW9800?
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What 2RU rack and redundant power details matter for C9800-80-K9?
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