Cisco AIR-CT5508-100-K9 Wireless Controller

Key Features of the Cisco AIR CT5508-100-K9 Wireless Controller

Mission Critical Wireless Performance for Campus Environments

The Cisco AIR-CT5508-100-K9 represents the pinnacle of mission critical wireless technology within the 5500 series wireless controller family. This highly scalable device delivers superior performance optimized for 802.11ac and 802.11n networks, providing up to nine times the throughput of legacy 802.11a/g systems. Designed specifically for campus environments and large enterprises, the controller ensures reliable streaming video and enhanced uptime through advanced RF visibility and protection capabilities. The AIR-CT5508-100-K9 transforms your wireless network into a robust platform that supports demanding multimedia applications while maintaining the security and performance standards required for business-critical operations.

Maximum Scalability with Flexible Platform Architecture

The 5508 wireless controller establishes itself as a maximum scalability solution through its ability to support up to 100 access points out of the box, with expansion capability reaching 500 access points through additive capacity license upgrades. This flexible platform architecture allows organizations to start with their current needs while preserving future growth options without requiring hardware replacement. The wireless controller for high availability features sub-second stateful failover capabilities, ensuring that all access points and clients seamlessly transfer from primary to standby controller during maintenance or unexpected outages. This scalability approach provides significant cost advantages over competitors who require complete system replacements as network demands grow.

Advanced Network Intelligence and Application Control

Beyond basic connectivity, the Cisco 5508 series wireless controller incorporates sophisticated network intelligence through Cisco Application Visibility and Control (AVC) technology. This capability includes the Network-Based Application Recognition 2 (NBAR-2) engine for deep packet inspection, enabling administrators to classify applications, apply quality of service settings, and prioritize business-critical traffic across the wireless network. The controller also features integrated Cisco CleanAir technology that provides real-time and historical RF interference analysis, allowing proactive troubleshooting and optimal performance maintenance. These advanced features position the air ct5508 100 k9 as not just a connectivity device but as an intelligent network platform that actively optimizes performance and user experience.

Enterprise-Grade Security and Centralized Management

Security remains paramount in the 5500 series wireless design, with the AIR-CT5508-100-K9 offering comprehensive end-to-end protection through CAPWAP-compliant DTLS encryption between access points and the controller. The wireless controller provides centralized security policy enforcement, wireless intrusion prevention system capabilities, and support for advanced authentication methods including 802.1X and various EAP protocols. Management simplicity is achieved through web-based interfaces, command-line access, and integration with Cisco Prime Infrastructure for enterprise-wide visibility. This centralized approach reduces administrative overhead while ensuring consistent security policies across all managed access points, delivering both operational efficiency and robust protection for mission critical wireless deployments.

Specifications of the Cisco AIR CT5508-100-K9 Wireless Controller

Hardware Platform Overview

The Cisco AIR-CT5508-100-K9 operates on the proven 5500 series wireless platform, designed for reliability and performance in demanding enterprise environments. This wireless controller for high availability includes dual power supply support with one AC power supply included and optional redundancy available. The device features a 1U rack-mountable form factor with dimensions of 17.30 x 21.20 x 1.75 inches and weighs 20 pounds when fully equipped. Operating temperature ranges from 32 to 104°F with humidity tolerance up to 95% non-condensing, ensuring reliable operation across various campus environments and data center conditions.

Wireless Standards and Protocols

The air ct5508 100 delivers comprehensive wireless standard support optimized for current and future wireless technologies. Primary wireless protocol support includes IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with advanced features like 802.11k for radio resource management, 802.11r for fast roaming, and 802.11w for management frame protection. The controller maintains backward compatibility with legacy devices while providing enhanced performance for modern 802.11ac clients. Additional protocol support encompasses WMM/802.11e quality of service, 802.11h dynamic frequency selection, and 802.11u access network query protocol for enhanced interoperability.

Security and Authentication Capabilities

Security architecture within the 5508 series wireless controller encompasses multiple layers of protection designed for enterprise requirements. Encryption support includes WEP (40/104/128-bit), WPA/WPA2 with TKIP and AES, and advanced AES-CBC implementations. Authentication methods span 802.1X with EAP variants (EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, PEAP), web-based authentication, and MAC address filtering. The device provides RADIUS and TACACS+ integration for centralized authentication services, while supporting advanced features like dynamic VLAN assignment and time-of-day access control through the wireless policy engine.

Software Features and Management

The ct5508 100 k9 operates on Cisco’s advanced wireless controller software platform, providing extensive management and monitoring capabilities through multiple interfaces. Web-based management offers intuitive configuration through HTTPS, while command-line access supports both SSH and Telnet protocols. SNMP v1/v2c/v3 enables integration with network management systems, and the device supports Cisco Prime Infrastructure for enterprise-wide wireless network oversight. Advanced software features include zero-touch access point deployment, automatic RF optimization, rogue access point detection, and comprehensive logging and reporting capabilities for compliance and troubleshooting purposes.

At Network Republic, our end-user accounts are covered by a 1-Year Warranty on all hardware—whether New, New Open Box, New Pull, Refurbished, or Refurbished by Manufacturer —from the date of delivery. This warranty covers hardware defects under normal use and allows for repair, replacement, or in-house credit at our discretion.

For resellers and wholesale purchases, we offer a 30-Day Warranty limited strictly to functional issues or defects upon arrival, including dead-on-arrival (DOA) items; it does not apply to problems arising after prolonged use. Resellers are responsible for inspecting and testing products within the 30-day window. This warranty excludes accidental damage, misuse, cosmetic wear, third-party modifications, and software-related issues unrelated to hardware failure. Check out our full warranty policy here.

Software licenses are not covered under the standard return and warranty policies and need to be activated on the hardware within 7 days of receipt. Any issues need to be reported immediately, within 10 days, so we can issue an exchange. Under no circumstances will refunds be issued for software licenses.