Cisco AIR-WLC2106-8 (AIR-WLC2106-K9) Full Official Product Description
1. Part Number & Naming Definition
Official Full Name
Cisco 2106 Wireless LAN Controller
Formal SKU:AIR-WLC2106-K9, commonly referenced as AIR-WLC2106-8 in trading market
Naming Breakdown
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AIR: Cisco Aironet Wireless product family
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WLC: Wireless LAN Controller
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2106: 2100 series model supporting maximum 6 lightweight access points
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8: Equipped with eight 10/100BASE-TX Ethernet ports
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K9: Standard enterprise encryption licensed firmware package
Core Product Positioning
The Cisco 2106 Wireless LAN Controller is an entry-level component of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network architecture. It centrally manages Cisco lightweight access points (LAPs), delivering unified wireless control, security enforcement, RF management, user mobility and WLAN service orchestration. Optimized for small-to-medium businesses, retail sites and enterprise branch office deployments, it provides a cost-effective centralized wireless management solution to operate secure voice-ready Wi-Fi networks.
2. Hardware Compatibility & Supported Software
Supported Access Points
All Cisco Aironet lightweight CAPWAP/LWAPP access points compatible with controller firmware 4.x / 5.x / 7.0 releases
Unsupported Devices
Autonomous IOS APs, modern Catalyst Wi-Fi 6/6E APs, 9800-series wireless architecture
Supported Firmware Versions
Minimum firmware: 4.0; Main validated releases: 5.x, 7.0.x
Critical Capacity Limitation
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Maximum managed lightweight APs: 6
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Maximum configurable WLAN profiles: 16
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Doesnotsupport Link Aggregation (LAG)
3. Physical & Electrical Technical Specifications
Form Factor
Desktop compact chassis, optional 19-inch 1U rack mount kit
Front Panel Interfaces
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8 × RJ45 10/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet ports
-- 2 ports support IEEE 802.3af Cisco Pre-standard PoE output for direct AP power supply
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1 × DB9 RS232 Console port for local CLI configuration
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System status LED indicators: Power, Status, Alarm, Port Link/Activity
Power Specifications
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Input: 100–240 VAC universal external AC power adapter
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PoE budget: Limited PoE power output for connected lightweight APs
Environmental Operating Parameters
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Operating temperature: 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F – 104 °F)
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Storage temperature: -40 °C to 70 °C (-40 °F – 158 °F)
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Relative humidity: 10% – 90% non-condensing
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Maximum operating altitude: 2000 meters
4. Key Wireless & Networking Feature Set
Wireless Infrastructure & Mobility
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LWAPP / CAPWAP tunneled lightweight AP operation
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Dynamic RF Resource Management (RRM): auto channel & transmit power adjustment
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Intra-controller Layer 2 / Layer 3 client roaming
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Support for voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi), 802.11e WMM QoS prioritization
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Rogue access point detection, classification and containment
Enterprise Wireless Security
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802.1X authentication framework
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WEP, WPA, WPA2 (AES-CCMP / TKIP) encryption suites
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LEAP, EAP-FAST, PEAP, EAP-TLS authentication methods
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Local EAP authentication or external RADIUS / TACACS+ AAA integration
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Guest access web authentication portal
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MAC address filtering, AP authorization policies
Networking Functions
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802.1Q VLAN trunking, multiple dynamic interface support
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DHCP relay, built-in DHCP server
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Multicast forwarding optimization for wireless clients
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Syslog, SNMP v1/v2c/v3, SSHv2, HTTPS management access
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Integration with Cisco WCS / WLSE wireless management platforms
Diagnostic & Monitoring Tools
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Real-time client connection statistics and RF metrics
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Event logging, crash capture and debug utilities
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Trap notifications for fault and security events
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Support for location services when paired with compatible APs
5. Typical Enterprise Deployment Use Cases
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Branch Office Centralized Wi-Fi Control: Manage up to six lightweight APs at remote enterprise branches
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Small Retail & Restaurant Wireless Networks: Secure employee Wi-Fi and guest internet access
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Mid-size Office Unified Wireless Deployment: Support office data connectivity and voice-over-Wi-Fi handsets
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Pilot Wireless Projects: Low-cost platform for testing Cisco unified wireless architecture
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Secondary Backup Wireless Controller in multi-site WLAN designs
6. Regulatory & Compliance Certifications
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Safety: UL 60950-1, CSA C22.2 No.60950-1, IEC/EN 60950-1
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EMC: CE Mark, FCC Part 15 Class A, ICES-003, VCCI Class A
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Environmental: EU RoHS 2.0 compliant, WEEE compliant
7. Standard Factory Package Contents
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Cisco AIR-WLC2106-K9 Wireless LAN Controller
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External AC power supply and mains power cord
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RS232 console cable
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Hardware installation and quick start guide
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Regulatory safety documentation set
End-of-Life Status Note
The Cisco AIR-WLC2106-K9 2106 Wireless LAN Controller has reached Cisco End-of-Sale (EoS) and End-of-Support (EOL). Official Cisco software updates and TAC engineering support are discontinued. Recommended modern migration platform: Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers.
UNSPSC Classification Code
43222612 – Cisco AIR-WLC2106-8 (AIR-WLC2106-K9) entry-level unified wireless LAN controller, supporting up to six lightweight Cisco Aironet access points, featuring eight Fast Ethernet ports including two PoE-enabled ports, delivering centralized RF management, client mobility, enterprise WLAN security and QoS, designed for small business and enterprise branch office Wi-Fi deployments.
Standard Hardware Warranty
Original new units ship with 1-year limited hardware warranty against manufacturing defects. Refurbished stock follows supplier warranty terms.
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