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Catalyst 9100 Access Points vs Cisco Meraki MR Wireless comparison

Catalyst 9100 Access Points and Cisco Meraki MR Wireless are both solutions in the Wireless LAN category. Catalyst 9100 Access Points is ranked #20 with an average rating of 9.5, while Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is ranked #23 with an average rating of 7.5. Additionally, 100% of Catalyst 9100 Access Points users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 75% of Cisco Meraki MR Wireless users who would recommend it.
Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Read 3 Catalyst 9100 Access Points reviews
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  • 122 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
Cisco Meraki MR Wireless
Read 5 Cisco Meraki MR Wireless reviews
  • 117 Views
  • 117 Comparison Views
75% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 20, 2025

Catalyst 9100 Access Points and Cisco Meraki MR Wireless compete in the wireless networking space. Catalyst 9100 holds an advantage in performance, while Cisco Meraki MR is ahead in management simplicity.

Features: Catalyst 9100 Access Points offer high throughput, flexible network deployments, and advanced security options, ideal for enterprises needing extensive customization. Cisco Meraki MR Wireless provides cloud-based management, ease of integration, and sophisticated analytics features, making it appealing for organizations seeking simplicity.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is known for rapid deployment and centralized cloud management, reducing IT intervention. Its customer service provides efficient support. Catalyst 9100 Access Points require more technical expertise for setup but benefit from Cisco's well-regarded support channels.

Pricing and ROI: Catalyst 9100 Access Points have a higher initial setup cost but deliver higher ROI with long-term scalability and advanced features. Cisco Meraki MR Wireless includes a straightforward subscription model with lower initial costs, maintaining predictable expenses, making it attractive for organizations prioritizing lower upfront investment.

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To learn more, read our detailed Catalyst 9100 Access Points vs. Cisco Meraki MR Wireless Report (Updated: December 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Catalyst 9100 Access Points vs. Cisco Meraki MR Wireless
December 2025
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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Ranking in Wireless LAN
20th
Average Rating
9.6
Reviews Sentiment
5.8
Number of Reviews
3
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Cisco Meraki MR Wireless
Ranking in Wireless LAN
23rd
Average Rating
7.6
Reviews Sentiment
3.5
Number of Reviews
5
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Featured Reviews

Syed Aathif Hussain - PeerSpot reviewer
Syed Aathif Hussain
Principal Associate IT at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
Has improved wireless connectivity by supporting high user density and signal reliability
Catalyst 9100 Access Points reduce network vulnerabilities. The frequency reuse technology is used in Wi-Fi 6 technology. The devices are nowadays intelligent compared to the legacy devices. They communicate with each other, adapt themselves, and improve the quality of Wi-Fi infrastructure connectivity within the premise. They are more robust and adaptable. They have significantly improved wireless connectivity compared to the legacy environment. The legacy environment was not effective with those kinds of algorithms, whereas Catalyst 9100 Access Points have different inbuilt features and are more optimized and adaptable to situations. Catalyst 9100 Access Points provide Wi-Fi connection to end users, similar to home routers with broadband connectivity. When a technician connects the device to the modem, it starts providing Wi-Fi. The configuration is inbuilt, requiring only an IP address to operate. It listens to the wireless controller, and whatever SSID is configured in the controller will be broadcasting. Catalyst 9100 Access Points are next-generation access points without the limitations of legacy access points. They have better reachability, signal strength, power utilization, and scalability. While legacy access points could accommodate 15 users practically, Catalyst 9100 Access Points can reach up to 40 or 50 users simultaneously on different radios with MIMO technology. There are different models of Catalyst 9100 Access Points depending on site requirements. Wi-Fi 6 technology has improved wireless connectivity significantly. Post-pandemic, everything has become hybrid, and wireless network has become an undeniable infrastructure requirement. Previously, LAN cable connectors were used for better speed achievement. Now, Wi-Fi 6 technology has improved wireless connectivity to such an extent that LAN cable connectivity is no longer necessary. Users can work remotely with Wi-Fi connectivity, achieving both speed and scalability. The sixth-generation Wi-Fi provides improved bandwidth and security on wireless infrastructure.
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SG
Sanjay Gaiswal
Technical Presales at Vcom Teachnologies
Cloud-based management transforms branch network operations efficiently
The most useful feature of Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is its cloud-based management. Configuring Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is easy because it's a cloud-based solution. Once you connect it, it gets registered on the cloud. You can configure it through there itself, and you don't need to be at the site while configuring. Layer 7 traffic shaping helps with bandwidth management, and now you have the five gigabit port on the AP itself, so the bandwidth increases. No other wireless OEM provides a bandwidth of five gigabits. I have worked with the Network Analytics feature in Cisco Meraki MR Wireless, and it's used on the cloud. The Meraki controller, which is a cloud-based controller, allows us to manage multiple Cisco Meraki MR Wireless APs and monitor their performance, user connectivity, signal, and the AP performance itself. Regarding security features such as Air Marshal and WIPS, the Meraki 1700 series has the WIPS feature. We have used the WIPS feature to prevent rogue APs and to enable the security features in the wireless itself. You don't need to buy any other separate security devices, making it a very effective and useful feature.
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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"The reliability of Cisco is the number one aspect I have seen, and the performance is pretty stable."
"Wi-Fi 6 technology has improved wireless connectivity to such an extent that LAN cable connectivity is no longer necessary, allowing users to work remotely with Wi-Fi connectivity while achieving both speed and scalability."
"The features in Catalyst 9100 Access Points that I have found most valuable include that it's a complete solution; we go with Cisco because you have access points, you have a controller, you have Cisco ISE, and you have Cisco DNA Center."
"Cloud management is something I appreciate; it's an easy product to manage in comparison to many others."
"The most useful feature of Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is its cloud-based management."
"We benefit from using Cisco Meraki cloud as it makes manageability easier—two people can manage 200 locations efficiently."
"The Meraki controller, which is a cloud-based controller, allows us to manage multiple Cisco Meraki MR Wireless APs and monitor their performance, user connectivity, signal, and the AP performance itself."
"Some of the best features with the wireless solution are that you have a cloud console, so you don't have to create or manage your own instance of a controller."
"Some of the best features with the wireless solution are that you have a cloud console, so you don't have to create or manage your own instance of a controller."
"Some of the best features with the wireless solution are that you have a cloud console, so you don't have to create or manage your own instance of a controller."
"Some of the best features with the wireless solution are that you have a cloud console, so you don't have to create or manage your own instance of a controller."
More Cisco Meraki MR Wireless pros
 

Cons

"Frankly, ease of use is one of the things that needs improvement, as the management interfaces have always been complex and not very intuitive."
"Theoretically, you can connect up to 100 clients simultaneously, but practically, this is not feasible. There will be bandwidth deterioration, and 100 clients using the same bandwidth will impact the quality of service."
"Technical support from Cisco has been a bit degraded lately because the first support we get is challenging."
"To do that effectively, I really need accurate floor plans, which I don't yet have. Without having the full picture, I'm operating somewhat blind and have to be careful."
"The challenge with Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is that for any Meraki device, you require internet connectivity to get it registered on the cloud."
"To do that effectively, I really need accurate floor plans, which I don't yet have. Without having the full picture, I'm operating somewhat blind and have to be careful."
"To do that effectively, I really need accurate floor plans, which I don't yet have. Without having the full picture, I'm operating somewhat blind and have to be careful."
"To do that effectively, I really need accurate floor plans, which I don't yet have. Without having the full picture, I'm operating somewhat blind and have to be careful."
"Overall, Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is a bit pricey; that's the main and probably only disadvantage."
"My main concern is that Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is overpriced, has limited functionality, and the hardware is not prepared for any further improvements in terms of features."
"The challenge with Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is that for any Meraki device, you require internet connectivity to get it registered on the cloud."
More Cisco Meraki MR Wireless cons
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Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with Catalyst 9100 Access Points?
Frankly, ease of use is one of the things that needs improvement, as the management interfaces have always been complex and not very intuitive. I believe Cisco needs to enhance its visibility solut...
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What is your primary use case for Catalyst 9100 Access Points?
We have recently deployed hundreds of access points in the last two years.
See all answers
What advice do you have for others considering Catalyst 9100 Access Points?
I am currently working with Fortinet, but frankly, I have a team which is more working on Fortinet and other products because I am managing them, so I am a little less hands-on right now. Basically...
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco Meraki MR Wireless?
The cost of Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is high; the price of one AP to the end customer is approximately 50,000 INR.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Cisco Meraki MR Wireless?
I have utilized Meraki's RF Optimization to some extent. To do that effectively, I really need accurate floor plans, which I don't yet have. Without having the full picture, I'm operating somewhat ...
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Cisco Meraki MR Wireless?
My use case for Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is in automotive retail. I work with a dealership ownership group that currently operates 95 locations.
See all answers
 

Comparisons

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Catalyst 9100 Access Points
January 2026
Catalyst 9100 Access Points reportDownload Catalyst 9100 Access Points product report
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Meraki MR Wireless
January 2026
Cisco Meraki MR Wireless reportDownload Cisco Meraki MR Wireless product report
 

Overview

Catalyst 9100 Access Points are cutting-edge wireless solutions designed for complex network environments, offering seamless connectivity, robust performance, and expansive coverage to enhance business operations.

Engineered to meet high-density demands, Catalyst 9100 Access Points deliver high-speed wireless performance with Wi-Fi 6 technology. These access points support advanced security protocols and artificial intelligence-driven analytics, ensuring optimal operational efficiency. Their seamless integration with existing infrastructures makes them adaptable for various enterprise needs.

What are the key features?
  • Wi-Fi 6: Enables faster speeds and increased capacity.
  • Advanced Security: Features embedded encryption for secure connections.
  • AI Analytics: Provides insights for network optimization.
  • Seamless Integration: Compatible with existing network setups.
What benefits and ROI can be expected?
  • Improved Connectivity: Enhanced device performance and fewer interruptions.
  • Cost Efficiency: Reduced operational costs through efficient energy use.
  • Scalability: Easily expand networks as business grows.

Catalyst 9100 Access Points are used in industries like healthcare and education, where reliable, high-performance wireless connections are essential, ensuring constant connectivity for critical applications and facilitating advanced data analytics to support industry-specific needs.

Cisco

Cisco Meraki MR Wireless offers a robust wireless connectivity solution designed for scalability and ease of deployment, making it suitable for modern enterprises seeking reliable network performance.

With its cloud-managed structure, Cisco Meraki MR Wireless provides comprehensive visibility and control over wireless environments, catering to diverse locations and user counts. Its seamless integration simplifies network management, crucial for data-driven decisions in enterprises. The system's configuration and maintenance are streamlined via the intuitive dashboard, ensuring users can optimize performance with minimal effort.

What are the important features of Cisco Meraki MR Wireless?
  • Cloud Management: Access and control your wireless network from anywhere, providing flexibility and ease of administration.
  • Seamless Scaling: Effortlessly expand the network as the organization grows without disruption.
  • Advanced Security: Integrated security features protect against threats and ensure data integrity.
  • Powerful Analytics: Gain insights into network usage to make informed decisions and optimize performance.
What benefits and ROI should users consider when evaluating Cisco Meraki MR Wireless?
  • Cost Efficiency: Reduced operational costs due to simplified management and deployment tools.
  • Time Savings: Quick setup and easy maintenance lead to significant time savings for IT teams.
  • Improved Performance: Enhanced network reliability and speed increase productivity and satisfaction.
  • Scalability: Adaptable solution that supports business growth without needing significant manual intervention.

Healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and retail environments favor Cisco Meraki MR Wireless for its robust security and ease of management in environments demanding reliable connectivity. Its ability to handle high-density environments with minimal latency makes it an asset in education. Retail chains utilize comprehensive analytics to optimize in-store experiences and operations.

Cisco
Buyer's Guide
Catalyst 9100 Access Points vs. Cisco Meraki MR Wireless
December 2025
Free Report: Catalyst 9100 Access Points vs. Cisco Meraki MR Wireless
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