Cisco is combining its WLAN products Catalyst and Meraki into one product. Existing users can continue with their current licenses.

Cisco is merging its Catalyst and Meraki kit under the new name “Cisco Wireless”. This was first announced last week at Cisco’s live conference in Australia, The Register knows. Additionally, the company announced new Wi-Fi 7 access points that can be managed via local controllers or cloud tools. This change in Cisco’s wireless products will ultimately impact the entire lineup.

A wireless brand

Cisco will make life easier by combining its two WiFi products, Catalyst and Meraki, into one product: Cisco Wireless. The company made this clear at its live conference in Australia. In addition, the company announced new Wi-Fi 7 access points under the same license that can be managed using local controllers or cloud tools. The devices will be the same everywhere, no matter where they are sold. The regional variations required to comply with local regulations can be implemented in the software.

In addition, Cisco is making changes to the licensing of its WLAN kit. This allows hardware buyers to receive a single license for hardware and management tools and support, where previously this was optional. These licenses are available in Essentials and Advantage tiers with varying levels of functionality. Existing Catalyst or Meraki device users will not be forced to give up their current license.

Matthew Landrey, product management expert for networking and security at Cisco, told The Register that this change in Cisco’s wireless products will ultimately impact the entire product lineup, with simpler licenses covering more products. This is also good for Cisco because it means the company has less design and production overhead.