Cisco Catalyst 9105 vs. Aruba 500: which series of AP fits you better?

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What is access point (AP)?

A wireless access point (WAP), or more commonly called an access point (AP), is a networking hardware device in computer networking that enables other Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network, which is a wireless network device used to expand an existing network’s wireless coverage and boost the number of users that can join it. In addition, it serves as a portal for devices to connect to a local area network.

Among the best-selling APs on Router-switch.com, two noteworthy series have similar characteristics, the Cisco Catalyst 9105 Series Access Points and Aruba 500 Series Indoor Access Points.

They all support the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ax) standard and provide integrated security, resiliency, operational flexibility, and increased network intelligence. But which of them fits you better?

Overview of Aruba 500 AP (Aruba 505 / Aruba 504)

Aruba 500 series access points, with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology and Aruba’s intelligent software innovations, deliver high-performance connectivity for mobile and IoT devices in any environment. The 500 series is designed to serve multiple clients and traffic types in dense environments simultaneously, and boost overall network performance by up to 400% compared to 802.11ac APs. The 500 Series also provides differentiated capabilities that include AI-powered RF optimization, Live upgrades, WPA3 and Enhanced Open certified security, and unified wired and wireless policy with Dynamic Segmentation. Additionally, Green AP energy savings are available when Aruba’s AI/ML capabilities are enabled.

Overview of Cisco Catalyst 9105 AP

The Catalyst 9105 access point is perfect for teleworker deployment because of its small form factor and low power consumption. This easy-to-install teleworker access point provides secure wired and wireless access for organizations with employees who work from home. In addition, the Catalyst 9105 teleworker access points are bundled with necessary accessories for easy home deployment. The Cisco Catalyst 9105 Series Access Points, paired with the Cisco Digital Network Architecture (Cisco DNA), are enterprise-class products that will address both your current and future needs. They are the first step in updating your network to take better advantage of all the features and benefits that Wi-Fi 6 provides.

Cisco Catalyst 9105 AP vs. Aruba 500 AP

Check the following list, and find the differences between Cisco Catalyst 9105 Series Access Points and Aruba 500 Series Indoor Access Points. Then, decide which one fits you better.

	Cisco Catalyst 9105 Series Access Points	Aruba 500 Series Indoor Access Points
Key features	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Uplink/downlink OFDMA, Downlink MU‑MIMO technology, BSS coloring, Intelligent Capture, Application Hosting on Catalyst 9100 Access,Bluetooth 5, etc.	1.49 Gbps maximum real-world speed (HE80/HE20), WPA3 and Enhanced Open security, Built-in technology that resolves sticky client issues for Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 devices, OFDMA for enhanced multi-user efficiency, IoT-ready Bluetooth 5 and Zigbee support.
Part numbers	Cisco Catalyst 9105AX Access Point: Indoor environments, with internal antennas ● C9105AXI-x: Cisco Catalyst 9105 Series ● C9105AXW-x: Cisco Catalyst 9105 Series ● C9105AXIT-x: Cisco Catalyst 9105 Series ● C9105AXWT-x: Cisco Catalyst 9105 Series ● C9105AXI-EWC-x: Cisco Catalyst 9105 Series	Internal antenna access points R2H25A Aruba AP-505 (EG) R2H26A Aruba AP-505 (IL) R2H27A Aruba AP-505 (JP) R2H28A Aruba AP-505 (RW) R2H28ACM Aruba CM AP-505 (RW) R2H29ACM Aruba CM AP-505 (US) R2H29A Aruba AP-505 (US) External antenna access points R2H19A Aruba AP-504 (EG) R2H20A Aruba AP-504 (IL) R2H21A Aruba AP-504 (JP) R2H22A Aruba AP-504 (RW) R2H23A Aruba AP-504 (US) Internal antenna access points – TAA models R2H35A Aruba AP-505 (EG) R2H36A Aruba AP-505 (IL) R2H37A Aruba AP-505 (JP) R2H38A Aruba AP-505 (RW) R2H39A Aruba AP-505 (US) External antenna access points – TAA models R2H30A Aruba AP-504 (EG) R2H31A Aruba AP-504 (IL) R2H32A Aruba AP-504 (JP) R2H33A Aruba AP-504 (RW) R2H34A Aruba AP-504 (US)
Interfaces	Catalyst 9105AXW ● 1x 100/1000/2500 Base-T (Ethernet) Uplink Interface ● 3x 10/100/1000 Base-T (Ethernet) Downlink Interface (LAN1,LAN2 and LAN3, LAN1 supports 10.5W PSE Power Budget) ● Management console port (RJ-45) ● USB 2.0 at 4.5W ● Passthru Port Catalyst 9105AXI ● 1x 10/100/1000 Base-T (Ethernet) Uplink Interface ● Management console port (RJ-45)	E0: Ethernet wired network port (RJ-45): Auto-sensing link speed (10/100/1000BASE-T) and MDI/MDX PoE-PD: 48Vdc (nominal) 802.3af/at PoE (class 3 or 4) 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) DC power interface: 12Vdc (nominal, +/- 5%), accepts 2.1mm/5.5mm center-positive circular plug with 9.5mm length USB 2.0 host interface (Type A connector): Capable of sourcing up to 1A / 5W to an attached device Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE5.0) and Zigbee (802.15.4) radio: BLE: up to 7dBm transmit power (class 1) and -93dBm receive sensitivity (1Mbps) Zigbee: up to 6dBm transmit power and -96dBm receive sensitivity Integrated vertically polarized omnidirectional antenna with roughly 30 degrees downtilt and peak gain of 3.3dBi