Cisco is merging its Catalyst and Meraki Wi-Fi products into one product. Existing users can still continue with their current licenses, however.
Cisco is bringing its Catalyst and Meraki kit together under the new name “Cisco Wireless.” That was first announced last week at Cisco’s Live conference in Australia, The Register knows. In addition, the company announced new Wi-Fi-7 access points that can be managed via either on-prem controller or cloud tools. This change in Cisco’s wireless products will eventually reflect on its entire lineup.
One wireless brand
Cisco will make life easier for itself by bundling its two Wi-Fi products, Catalyst and Meraki, into one product: Cisco Wireless. The company hinted at that at its Live conference in Australia. In addition, the company announced new Wi-Fi 7 access points, which can be managed with on-prem controller or cloud tools, under the same license. The devices will be the same wherever they are sold. Regional variations needed to meet local regulations can be implemented in the software.
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In addition, Cisco is making changes to the licensing of its Wi-Fi kit. Thus, hardware buyers can get a single license for hardware and management tools, plus support, where previously that was optional. These licenses are available within the “Essentials” and “Advantage” tiers, with different levels of functionality. Existing users of Catalyst or Meraki equipment will not be forced to give up their current license.
Matthew Landrey, product management expert for networking and security at Cisco, told The Register that this change in Cisco’s wireless products will eventually be reflected across the entire lineup, with simpler licenses covering more products. This is also good for Cisco, as it means that the company will have to conduct less design and production work.