Description
General purpose, cloud-managed 802.11ac wireless
The Cisco Meraki MR42E is a cloud-managed 3×3 MIMO 802.11ac Wave 2 access point. Designed for general purpose deployments in offices, schools, shops, and hotels, the MR42E provides performance, security, and manageability. The MR42E provides a maximum 1.9 Gbps frame rate with concurrent 802.11ac Wave 2 and 802.11n 3×3:3 MIMO radios, and security and spectrum visibility via a third radio dedicated to 24×7 WIDS/WIPS and automated RF optimization. An integrated Bluetooth low energy (BLE) radio delivers Beacon functionality and BLE device scanning. The MR42E supports a variety of smart, auto-detectable external antenna that can deliver both focused, targeted coverage in challenging RF scenarios as well as broader coverage in a variety of environments, including those with very high ceilings. These antenna include panel and panel downtilt omni-directionals, wide patch, and narrow patch options. The combination of cloud management, 802.11ac Wave 2, full-time RF environment scanning, and an integrated Bluetooth technology delivers the high throughput, reliability, and flexibility required by the most demanding business applications like voice and high-definition streaming video, both today and tomorrow.
MR42E and Meraki cloud management: a powerful combination
Management of the MR42E is handled through the Meraki cloud, enabling rapid deployment across multiple sites without the need for time-consuming training or costly certifications. Since the MR42E is self-configuring and managed over the web, it can be deployed at a remote location in a matter of minutes, even without on-site IT staff. 24/7 monitoring via the Meraki cloud delivers real-time alerts if the network encounters problems. Remote diagnostic tools enable immediate troubleshooting over the web, meaning multi-site, distributed networks can be easily managed. The MR42E’s firmware is automatically kept up to date via the cloud. New features, bug fixes, and enhancements are delivered seamlessly over the web. This means no manual software updates to download or missing security patches to worry about.
Product Highlights
- 3×3:3 MU-MIMO 802.11ac Wave 2
- External antenna connectors
- 1.9 Gbps aggregate dual-band frame rate
- 24×7 real-time WIDS/WIPS and spectrum analytics via dedicated third radio
- Integrated Bluetooth Low Energy Beacon and scanning radio
- Enhanced transmit power and receive sensitivity
- Full-time WiFi location tracking via dedicated 3rd radio
- Integrated enterprise security and guest access
- Application-aware traffic shaping
- Optimized for voice and video
- Self-configuring, plug-and-play deployment
- Sleek, low-profile design blends into office environments
Antennas
Choose the antenna based on the install location and designed area of coverage. The datasheet includes a list of certified antennas. These are listed for sale on the product page.
3rd party antennas may be used but it is the responsibility of the end customer/partner to ensure operation is within regulatory compliance.
The MR42E is certified for use with the following Meraki indoor antennas:
- MA-ANT-3-A1/5 (1/5 stands for the quantity of the antennas)
- MA-ANT-3-B1/5 (1/5 stands for the quantity of the antennas)
- MA-ANT-3-C5 (5 stands for the number of ports for the antennas)
- MA-ANT-3-D5 (5 stands for the number of ports for the antennas)
- MA-ANT-3-E5 (5 stands for the number of ports for the antennas)
- MA-ANT-3-F5 (5 stands for the number of ports for the antennas)
These antennas come with RP-TNC connectors compatible with the MR42E.
Connecting MA-ANT-3-A/B series antennas
The MA-ANT-3-A/B series antennas are dipole omnidirectional antennas that may be connected to any of the antenna connectors on the MR42E, order is not important.
Connecting MA-ANT-3-C/D/E/F series antennas
The MA-ANT-3-C/D/E/F antennas will come with five antenna cables with RP-TNC connectors that connect into the five antenna ports on top of the access point. Four antenna cables have a white jacket just above the RP-TNC connector and should connect into the three 2.4/5 GHz antenna ports and one Scanning antenna port. One of the antenna cables will have a grey jacket above the RP-TNC connector and should connect into the IoT antenna port.
C/D/E/F series antennas will be automatically detected by the AP. Once an antenna is detected by the AP it cannot be changed in dashboard until the antenna is removed and AP is rebooted.
It is important to ensure that all six antenna ports on the MR42E are connected to their respective antenna cables for maximum performance and functionality.
Antenna selection
Meraki offers a number of antenna options for the MR42E access point. The MR42E features dual band antenna ports thus dual band antennas should be paired with the AP. Below is a highlight of the different antenna types and their applications. It is always best practice to consult with a Cisco SE or Partner in to select the best antenna for the unique design.
Dipole Antenna
The Dipole antenna is ideal for low ceiling installations where wall penetration or extended reach are important. Some example use cases are low-density deployments like schools and hotels to provide basic connectivity. These types of best-effort deployments usually have APs installed on walls or uneven surfaces. This antenna can be purchased bendable or straight.
Omni Directional
Omni directional antennas are best for pole mounts applications and for mesh networks. Use omni directional antennas when designing to cover 360 degrees around the Access Point.
Patch Antenna
Patch antennas are ideal for Access points mounted on a high ceiling and is intended to cover a large space. This antenna is ideal for warehouses.
