--- title: Cisco 9124AXE Antenna Options description: There are various Cisco 9124AXE antenna options to suit different deployment scenarios. In this blog, we’ll break this down and explore further. image: https://blog.iptel.com.au/hubfs/Blogs/Cisco%209124AXE%20Antenna%20Options/Cisco%209124AXE%20Antenna%20Configuration%20Guide%20(Instagram%20Post).gif --- [![IPTellogo-byline-2020-dark-v2-pnd-optimised-500 (1)](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/IPTellogo-byline-2020-dark-v2-pnd-optimised-500%20(1).png?width=200&height=59&name=IPTellogo-byline-2020-dark-v2-pnd-optimised-500%20(1).png "IPTellogo-byline-2020-dark-v2-pnd-optimised-500 (1)")](https://iptel.com.au) - [Home](https://iptel.com.au/) - [Solutions](https://iptel.com.au/solutions) Technologies - [Cisco Access Manager](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/cisco-access-manager) - [Cisco Catalyst Centre](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/cisco-catalyst-center) - [Cisco Meraki](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/cisco-meraki) - [Cisco SDA Fabric](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/cisco-sda-fabric) - [Cisco Spaces](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/cisco-spaces) - [Everpure Storage](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/everpure-storage) - 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[Request a Quote](https://iptel.com.au/request-a-quote) - [Managed Services](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services-enquiry) Case Studies - [DP World Video](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hubfs/Case%20Studies/DP%20World_Case_Study.mp4) - [DP World](https://blog.iptel.com.au/dp-world-case-study) - [Backup Assure](https://blog.iptel.com.au/backup-assure-a-disaster-recovery-case-study) [Contact Us](https://iptel.com.au/contact-us) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ## Cisco 9124AXE Antenna Options Sept 21, 2026 The Cisco 9124AXE is a versatile access point that supports a variety of antenna configurations to suit different deployment scenarios. However, the official documentation isn’t clear about how the antennas should be cabled. In this blog, we’ll break this down and explore further. ![Cisco 9124AXE Antenna Configuration Guide](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Cisco%209124AXE%20Antenna%20Options/Cisco%209124AXE%20Antenna%20Configuration%20Guide.gif?width=737&height=395&name=Cisco%209124AXE%20Antenna%20Configuration%20Guide.gif) Related reading - [Cisco 9124](https://blog.iptel.com.au/cisco-9124-antenna-guide) - [Wi-Fi Grades](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-grades) - [Wi-Fi Surveys](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-surveys) - [Wi-Fi and the Cinema Story](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-and-the-cinema-story) --- ## Cisco 9124AXE Port Overview Before we get into the detail of how and where each antenna plugs into the 9124AXE, let’s start with a quick overview of the usage for each port on the AP: ![Cisco 9124AXE Port Overview](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Sep-11-2025-02-59-31-0452-AM.png?width=694&height=387&name=image-png-Sep-11-2025-02-59-31-0452-AM.png) Related reading - [Increasing AP Density](https://blog.iptel.com.au/increasing-access-point-density) - [Wi-Fi Phone Dropouts](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-phone-dropouts) --- ## Cisco 9124AXE Antenna Port Overview Antenna Ports 1 to 4: - To enable both 2.4GHz and 5GHz (Dual Band) on ports 1 to 4, all 4 ports must be connected to a dual-band antenna: - i.e. With only 2 ports connected to an antenna, it will not run in dual band - To enable both 2.4GHz and 5GHz (Dual Band) on ports 1 to 4, the Access Point must be powered by UPoE (60W / 802.3bt) Antenna Ports 5 and 6: - When ports 5 and 6 are also connected to an antenna, ports 1 to 4 will not operate in dual-band mode. Instead, they will default to: - Ports 1 & 2 will be 2.4GHz only - Ports 3 & 4 will be 5GHz only ![Cisco 9124AXE Antenna Port Overview](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Sep-11-2025-03-01-19-0338-AM.png?width=491&height=348&name=image-png-Sep-11-2025-03-01-19-0338-AM.png)   As a quick sidenote, if you're able to buy the Cisco SIA Antennas, these are preferred. The SIA stands for Self Identifying Antennas - these plug in and communicate with the AP to automatically set the gain and type of antenna, which is a helpful addition. Related reading - [Cisco SIA Antennas](https://blog.iptel.com.au/cisco-sia-antennas) - [Effect of Trees on Wi-Fi](https://blog.iptel.com.au/effect-of-trees-on-wi-fi) - [Wi-Fi vs 5G](https://blog.iptel.com.au/cisco-private-5g) --- ## Real World Examples #### Example 1: Client Serving Only, 4x4 Dual-Band This is an AIR-ANT2588P4M-NS antenna. This example can support dual-band operation: - (2.4GHz and 5GHz) on all 4 ports in 4x4 - However, this would require UPoE (802.3bt) If UPoE is not available, this would default to 2x2 operation: - Ports 1 & 2 will be 2.4GHz only - Ports 3 & 4 will be 5GHz only Note: Without UPoE, the AIR-ANT2588P4M-NS will still work in this configuration, but in 2x2 operation rather than 4x4. The cabling is shown below: ![Example 1: Client Serving Only, 4x4 Dual-Band](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Sep-11-2025-03-02-10-2044-AM.png?width=940&height=517&name=image-png-Sep-11-2025-03-02-10-2044-AM.png)   Related reading - [AP Placement: Location Grade Wi-Fi](https://blog.iptel.com.au/ap-placement-location-grade) - [RF Design Surveys](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-predictive-survey-wifi-heatmaps) - [Cheapest vs Best Value Design](https://blog.iptel.com.au/cheapest-vs-best-value-wifi-design) --- #### Example 2: MESH Wireless Backhaul with Client-serving Wi-Fi - AIR-ANT2513P4M-NS for Mesh Backhaul - AIR-ANT2588P4M-NS for Client Serving Wi-Fi UPoE (802.3bt) is required, if UPoE is not available: - The 5GHz mesh backhaul radio will not be activated ![Example 2: MESH Wireless Backhaul with Client-serving Wi-Fi](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Sep-11-2025-03-03-03-5483-AM.png?width=940&height=352&name=image-png-Sep-11-2025-03-03-03-5483-AM.png)   Related reading - [Wi-Fi 6 vs 5G: Complementary Technologies](https://blog.iptel.com.au/cisco-private-5g) - [How to Fault find a Wi-Fi Network](https://blog.iptel.com.au/how-to-review-a-wifi-installation-part-1) --- #### Example 3: MESH Wireless Backhaul with Omni-Directional Client Serving Wi-Fi - AIR-ANT2513P4M-NS (or AIR-ANT2588P4M-NS) for Mesh Backhaul - Omni-Directional Dipole antennas for Client Serving Wi-Fi Again, UPoE (802.3bt) is required, if UPoE is not available: - The 5GHz mesh backhaul radio will not be activated ![Example 3: MESH Wireless Backhaul with Omni-Directional Client Serving Wi-Fi](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Sep-12-2025-01-52-54-3795-AM.png?width=940&height=736&name=image-png-Sep-12-2025-01-52-54-3795-AM.png) Related reading - [Wi-Fi Deployment](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-deployment) - [Wi-Fi Concepts](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-terminology) --- ## Summary The Cisco 9124AXE offers a range of configuration options depending on your needs. The tri-radio design is very handy for mesh backhaul applications: if you have a location you need to connect and are unable to use fibre to the AP, mesh could be a low-cost option to extend your coverage. With or without mesh backhaul, you have the option to use directional or omni-directional antennas. The right choice depends on the size and shape of the area you want to provide client-serving coverage to. As ever, if you need support with your design and install, drop us a line at [sales@iptel.com.au](mailto:sales@iptel.com.au).  Related reading - [Wi-Fi Predictive Designs](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-predictive-survey-wifi-heatmaps) - [Wi-Fi Assurance Review](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-assurance-review) - [Wi-Fi 6E and 6GHz Explained](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-6e-and-6ghz-explained) - [Wi-Fi 6 vs 5G](https://blog.iptel.com.au/cisco-private-5g) - [Wi-Fi Surveys: Overview to Wi-Fi Survey types](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-surveys)   #### Related Articles ###### [Cisco 9124AXE Power Injector](https://blog.iptel.com.au/cisco-9124axe-power-injector) Sept 4, 2026 ###### [Cisco 9124 Antenna Guide](https://blog.iptel.com.au/cisco-9124-antenna-guide) July 24, 2026 ###### [Cisco 9124](https://blog.iptel.com.au/cisco-9124) July 24, 2026 Free tool ### How Many Wi-Fi Access Points Do You Need? Work out APs, PoE and switch ports floor by floor, using the same survey grades our Cisco wireless engineers design to. Takes under a minute. 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