C9800-L-C-K9 – Up to 250 APs / 5000 Clients – Compact Wireless Controller
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C9800-L-C-K9 Description
The Cisco Catalyst 9800-L-C-K9 is a fixed wireless controller designed for small to medium-sized enterprises that require high performance, flexibility, and security in a compact form factor. As the copper-uplink model in the Catalyst 9800-L series, it features four Multigigabit Ethernet (mGig) ports capable of supporting speeds up to 10 Gbps over standard copper cabling. This makes it an ideal choice for organizations looking to upgrade their wireless infrastructure to Wi-Fi 6 without replacing their existing copper cabling plant.
Built on the open and programmable Cisco IOS XE operating system, the 9800-L-C-K9 delivers always-on reliability with seamless software updates and hot patching. It supports up to 250 Access Points and 5000 concurrent clients, providing 5 Gbps of maximum data throughput. With integrated security features like Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) and support for Cisco SD-Access, this controller ensures your wireless network is secure, automated, and ready for the future of mobile connectivity.
Quick Specs
|
Feature |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Model SKU |
C9800-L-C-K9 |
|
Maximum Access Points |
250 |
|
Maximum Clients |
5,000 |
|
Maximum Throughput |
5 Gbps |
|
Uplink Interfaces |
4x 100M/1G/2.5G/10G RJ-45 (Copper) |
|
Console Ports |
1x RJ-45, 1x Micro-USB |
|
Operating System |
Cisco IOS XE |
|
Power Supply |
External 110W AC Adapter (12V DC) |
Key Features
Always-on resiliency and nonstop upgrades
In-service software upgrade and stateful switchover (SSO) minimize downtime and deliver carrier-grade reliability.
Policy-rich segmentation and security
Identity-based access, adaptive policy, Trust Anchor/secure boot, and macro/micro-segmentation for zero-trust WLAN.
Intelligent RF and performance optimization
Dynamic channel/power, advanced RRM, and application visibility (AVC) to stabilize airtime and boost QoE.
Automation & assurance at scale
Integrates with Cisco DNA Center for intent-based automation, AI-driven insights, and proactive health monitoring.
Flexible deployment models
Supports centralized/campus, SD-Branch, and distributed sites; N+1 backup and SSO for high availability.
Modern AP and standard support
Works with Cisco Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) APs, WPA3, 802.1X, and contemporary roaming/fast-secure mobility features.
Application Scenarios
Centralized control for dozens to hundreds of APs with straightforward copper uplinks to core/access switches.
Consistent guest/patient Wi-Fi with identity-based policy and dependable SSO failover.
Controller at HQ or regional site with N+1 backup, managed via DNA Center for unified automation and assurance.
C9800-L-C-K9 Front View
|
Label |
Description |
Label |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Service port LED |
2 |
Redundancy port LED |
|
3 |
Service Port (SP) (RJ-45) for out-of-band management |
4 |
Redundancy port |
|
5 |
RJ-45 console port |
6 |
Micro-B USB console |
|
7 |
USB 3.0 port |
8 |
2x 10G/Multigigabit copper |
|
9-12 |
Quad RJ-45 2.5G/1G Multigigabit Ethernet ports |
13 |
Reset button |
|
14 |
System LED |
15 |
Alarm LED |
|
16 |
High availability LED |
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C9800-L-C-K9 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Form factor |
Fixed, compact |
Fixed, compact |
1RU chassis |
|
Data ports |
4×1G RJ-45 copper |
4×1G SFP fiber |
Multiple 10G/1G |
|
Mgmt/Console |
RJ-45 mgmt, RJ-45 console, USB 3.0 |
RJ-45 mgmt, RJ-45 console, USB 3.0 |
RJ-45 mgmt, RJ-45 console, USB |
|
Max APs |
up to 250 |
up to 250 |
up to 2,000 |
|
Max clients |
up to 5,000 |
up to 5,000 |
up to 32,000 |
|
Throughput |
up to 5 Gbps |
up to 5 Gbps |
up to 40 Gbps |
|
HA options |
SSO with peer 9800-L; N+1 |
SSO with peer 9800-L; N+1 |
SSO with peer 9800-40; N+1 |
|
OS |
IOS-XE (Catalyst 9800) |
IOS-XE (Catalyst 9800) |
IOS-XE (Catalyst 9800) |
|
AP gen support |
802.11ac Wave 2 / 802.11ax |
802.11ac Wave 2 / 802.11ax |
802.11ac Wave 2 / 802.11ax |
|
Typical use |
Copper uplinks campus/branch |
Fiber uplinks or long runs |
Large campus core / aggregation |
|
Power |
Internal AC |
Internal AC |
Dual/higher capacity AC |
|
Mounting |
Rack/desk |
Rack/desk |
19″ rack, 1RU |
Selection Guide
- Copper vs. Fiber Choice
Select this “-C” (Copper) model if your switching infrastructure uses standard RJ-45 ports. It saves costs on SFP+ transceivers and fiber cabling. If you require long-distance connections to the core switch via fiber, choose the “-F” (Fiber) model instead. - Rightsizing for Mid-Market
Choose the 9800-L if you have fewer than 250 APs. It offers the same IOS XE software features (security, automation) as the larger 9800-40/80 controllers but at a price point and scale optimized for small-to-mid-sized deployments. - Upgrade from AireOS
This is the ideal replacement for the legacy Cisco 3504 or 5508 Wireless Controllers. Migrating to the 9800-L provides access to Wi-Fi 6E support, hot patching, and modern programmable telemetry that older AireOS controllers cannot support. - Space Constraint
With its compact, half-width form factor, this unit is perfect for shallow racks or desktop placement in branch wiring closets where full-depth enterprise servers won’t fit.
Specifications
| Parameter | Details | Parameter | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model SKU | C9800-L-C-K9 | Product Family | Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers |
| Uplink Ports | 4x 100M/1G/2.5G/10G RJ-45 (Copper) | Console Ports | 1x RJ-45, 1x Micro-USB (USB 2.0) |
| Management Port | 1x RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mgmt | USB Ports | 1x USB 3.0 Type A |
| Maximum Access Points | 250 | Maximum Clients | 5,000 |
| Maximum Throughput | 5 Gbps | VLANs | 4096 |
| WLANs (SSIDs) | 4096 | PMK Cache Entries | 40,000 |
| Operating System | Cisco IOS XE | Processor | Intel x86 4-Core CPU |
| DRAM Memory | 8 GB | Flash Memory | 16 GB |
| High Availability | Stateful Switchover (SSO), 1:1, N+1 | Access Point Support | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, 802.11ac Wave 1/2, 802.11n |
| Security Standards | WPA3, WPA2, AES, TKIP, 802.1X, EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, PEAP | Wireless QoS | Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Metal |
| IPv6 Support | Yes, Native IPv6 and Dual Stack | Netconf/YANG | Supported |
| Power Input (DC) | 12V DC | AC Adapter Input | 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Max Power Consumption | 86.9W (with USB load) | Power Adapter Output | 110W (12V DC) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 1.58 x 8.5 x 9.06 in (4.02 x 21.59 x 23.01 cm) | Weight | 3.95 lb (1.79 kg) |
| Mounting Options | Rack Mount (19-inch), Desktop, Wall Mount | Operating Temperature | 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) |
| Storage Temperature | -4°F to 158°F (-20°C to 70°C) | Operating Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Operating Altitude | Up to 10,000 ft (3000 m) | Mean Time Between Failures | 227,330 Hours (40°C) |
| Safety Certifications | UL 60950-1, IEC 60950-1, EN 60950-1 | EMC Certifications | FCC Part 15 Class A, EN 55032, VCCI Class A |
| RFC Compliance | RFC 768, 791, 792, 793, 826, 1122, 1123, 1542, 2131 | Warranty | Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (E-LLW) |
Get More Information
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Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
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What deployment size fits C9800-L-C-K9?
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How is C9800-L-C-K9 different from C9800-L-F-K9?
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What ports matter most on C9800-L-C-K9?
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Does C9800-L-C-K9 need AP licenses before access points join?
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Can C9800-L-C-K9 replace a Cisco 3504 controller?
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How many APs and clients can C9800-L-C-K9 handle?
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Why do HA questions appear around C9800-L-C-K9?
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What upgrade issue gets discussed for C9800-L-C-K9?
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Genuine product, properly handled. We feel confident standing behind this in our network.
I bypassed the compressor… and connected the APs. Signal is strong.
We need speed and agility. This controller handles Wi-Fi 6 perfectly.