Cisco simplifies licensing with new Wi-Fi 7 access points

Cisco has taken the wrappers off its new Wi-Fi 7 access points in tandem with offering a unified networking subscription that covers the entire solution. 

The smart and secure access points can be managed on-premises or through the cloud with the ability to switch between both. 

The Cisco Spaces platform has also been included in the subscription license, giving customers the ability to get an operating system to turn workspaces into smart spaces.

Cisco VP networking and solution engineering for Asia Pacific and Japan and Greater China Raymond Janse van Rensburg said it was focusing on future proofing workplaces and the role the network plays to modernise everywhere people work and serve customers. 

“The network is fundamental to transforming and modernising the workplace. That level of connectivity and engagement is critical and is the foundation that we use for building our networking cloud vision. This is where we focus on providing an intelligent infrastructure that is secured and that is also assured,” he said. 

The Wi-Fi 7 access points feature AI-native performance optimisation and self-configuration, with ability to auto-detect location as soon as it is plugged in. 

The access points are available to order in November with shipping taking place in December. 

Cisco senior VP and general manager of networking – Meraki and wireless Lawrence Huang said it was important to emphasise Cisco’s investment in the next generation, future proof workplace, stating the networking portfolio has to be intelligent.

“We’re investing in our AIOps and Gen AI capabilities to have a unified Cisco AI system across not only networking, but security, collaboration and more,” he said. 

Huang added it was continuing to invest in sustainability and intelligence within its IoT capabilities. The access points already include support for BLE and it was also adding GPS and ultra-wideband support.

“We’ve learnt to design these access points so they are as sustainable as we can make them. Not only for packaging, so that we make sure there’s zero plastic waste, but also in terms of the capabilities of the access points be able to deliver, understand the energy consumption and carbon footprint of these devices in our management platforms,” he said. 

“We’re going to continue to invest because we know our customers want granular visibility to help meet their own sustainability goals as well.”

On the licensing front, Huang said it wanted to have one licensing model across its access points to cater for customers, regardless of their operating mode, whether on-premises or through the cloud.

“No matter where our customers are in terms of how they want to operate their infrastructure, they no longer have to worry about the investment in not only the hardware, but the licensing model is going to be less entrenching,” he said. “They’re going to have the flexibility to move across different operating models and we’re simplifying the product support model so it’s consistent across these devices.

“It’s the next generation in terms of how we continue to bring our portfolio together in a much more cohesive and concerted way.”

Julia Talevski travelled to Cisco Live in Melbourne as a guest of Cisco.