Description
High performance 802.11ac Wave 2 wireless
The Cisco Meraki MR53E is a cloud-managed 4×4:4 802.11ac Wave 2 access point with 80 MHz channels and MU-MIMO support. Designed for demanding next-generation deployments in busy offices, schools, hospitals, stadiums, factories, warehouses, and other venues, the MR53E offers high performance, enterprise-grade security, and simple management. The MR53E provides a maximum of 2.5 Gbps* aggregate frame rate with concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios. A dedicated third radio provides real-time WIDS/WIPS with automated RF optimization, and a fourth integrated radio delivers Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) scanning and Beaconing. The MR53E 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 omnidirectionals, wide patch, and narrow patch options. With the combination of cloud management, best-in-class hardware, multiple radios, and advanced software features that leverage the intelligence and power of the Meraki cloud, the MR53E makes an outstanding platform for the most challenging use cases — including high-density deployments and bandwidth or performance-critical applications like voice and high-definition video.
MR53E and Meraki cloud management: a powerful combination
Management of the MR53E is handled through the Meraki dashboard, an intuitive browser-based interface that enables rapid deployment across multiple sites without the need for timeconsuming training or costly certifications. Since the MR53E 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 so that distributed networks can be managed with a minimum of hassle. The MR53E’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
- External antenna connectors4 x 4 80 MHz MU-MIMO 802.11ac Wave 2
- 2.5 Gbps dual-radio aggregate frame rate
- Multigigabit ethernet
- 24 x 7 real-time WIPS/WIDS 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
- Self-configuring, plug-and-play deployment
- Sleek, low-profile design blends into office environments
- Optimized for voice and video
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 MR53E is certified for use with the following Meraki indoor antennas:
- MA-ANT-3-A1/6 (1/6 stands for the quantity of the antennas)
- MA-ANT-3-B1/6 (1/6 stands for the quantity of the antennas)
- MA-ANT-3-C6 (6 stands for the number of ports for the antennas)
- MA-ANT-3-D6 (6 stands for the number of ports for the antennas)
- MA-ANT-3-E6 (6 stands for the number of ports for the antennas)
- MA-ANT-3-F6 (6 stands for the number of ports for the antennas)
These antennas come with RP-TNC connectors compatible with the MR53E.
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 MR53E, 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 six antenna cables with RP-TNC connectors that connect into the six antenna ports on top of the access point. Five antenna cables have a white jacket just above the RP-TNC connector and should connect into the four 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 MR53E are connected to their respective antenna cables for maximum performance and functionality.
Antenna selection
Meraki offers a number of antenna options for the MR53E access point. The MR53E 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.
