Cisco Wireless Services Module

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The Cisco Wireless Services Module (WiSM) is an integrated wireless controller that plugs into compatible Cisco Catalyst switch chassis to centrally manage, secure, and scale Wi-Fi networks for enterprise campuses.

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The Cisco WiSM is supported on Cisco Catalyst 6500 and 6800 Series switches with a Supervisor Engine 2T or 2T-E, enabling seamless integration of wired and wireless services in a single chassis.

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WiSM key features include:\n• Centralized RF management and dynamic channel assignment\n• Layer 2/3 roaming and seamless client mobility\n• Integrated security (WPA2, 802.1X, Advanced Malware Protection)\n• Quality of Service for voice and video\n• Scalability to hundreds of APs per module

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A single Cisco WiSM 2 can support up to 500 lightweight access points and 7,680 wireless clients, providing enterprise-class scale for large campus deployments.

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The Cisco WiSM 2 delivers up to 20 Gbps of wired backplane throughput and supports individual AP data rates up to 1.3 Gbps (802.11ac Wave 2), ensuring high-performance wireless access.

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WiSM supports:\n• WPA2/WPA3 enterprise and personal\n• 802.1X with RADIUS and TACACS+\n• Cisco TrustSec and SGT mapping\n• Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (wIPS)\n• Flexible Authentication via web (Hotspot) and MAB

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Cisco WiSM supports:\n• Stateful switchovers with Supervisor Engine 2T-E\n• AP and client session persistence\n• Redundant power supplies and fans in the Catalyst chassis\n• Seamless failover for minimal service disruption

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Licensing is managed via Cisco Smart Licensing with two tiers:\n• Access Point license (per-AP basis)\n• Advanced feature licenses (Analytics, Location, MSE integration)\nAll licenses are perpetual with optional support and subscription services.

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Deployment steps:\n1. Insert WiSM into a supported Catalyst chassis\n2. Connect uplink and PoE-powered access points\n3. Configure controller settings via CLI or Prime Infrastructure\n4. Apply WLAN, security, and QoS policies\n5. Validate coverage and roaming

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You can manage WiSM via:\n• Cisco Prime Infrastructure for centralized monitoring and troubleshooting\n• CLI and GUI on the module for real-time configuration\n• REST APIs for automation and integration

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Yes. Cisco WiSM integrates natively with Cisco Prime Infrastructure, providing unified visibility of wired and wireless infrastructure, client analytics, and automated firmware upgrades.

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WiSM itself draws power from the Catalyst chassis. Access points require PoE or PoE+ on switch ports according to 802.3af/at standards, depending on AP model and features.

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WiSM offers:\n• Self-service guest portals and onboarding\n• Device profiling and posture assessment\n• Dynamic VLAN assignment and role-based access control\n• Secure segmentation via TrustSec and SGT tags

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WiSM installs in a Cisco Catalyst chassis slot and requires:\n• Operating temperature: 0° to 40°C\n• Airflow: front-to-back per chassis specification\n• Rack-mount as part of the host chassis

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Cisco offers a limited lifetime warranty for the module paired with optional Cisco SMARTnet or Solution Support, providing 24×7 access to TAC, hardware replacement, and software updates.