Description
To help customers manage lead time issues, although discontinued in the past, this item has been made available for sale until 26th July 2022 or until stocks last.
Ideal use cases
- Performance-critical wireless LANs
- High-density environments
- Challenging RF scenarios
- Focused coverage and flexible deployments
Hardware features
- 4 radios: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, dual-band WIDS/WIPS, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- 4-stream 802.11ac Wave 2 (MU-MIMO), up to 2.5 Gbps dual aggregate frame rate
- 6 × external RP-TNC antenna connectors
- 1 × Gigabit Ethernet port
- 1 × 2.5 Gbps Multigigabit Ethernet port
- PoE: 802.3at (compatible with 802.3af)
- AC adapter available
Cloud management
- Network-wide visibility and control
- Integrated analytics, reporting, and anomaly detection across networks
- Self-provisioning for rapid deployment
- Seamless firmware updates
- Redundancy and security built into cloud architecture
Analytics
- Location analytics: measure visitor capture rate, visit length, and repeat visit rate over time and across sites
- Real-time and historical AP event data across radios
- Global L7 traffic analytics reporting per device, network, and application
Enterprise security
- 802.1X and native Active Directory integration
- Air Marshal: real-time WIPS with forensics
- Stateful Layer 3-7 firewall
- Identity-based group policies
- Built-in antivirus scan (NAC)
Guest access
- 1-click secure guest access
- Guest isolation firewall
- Customizable splash pages
- Integrated Facebook and Google login
- Cisco ISE integration for guest access and BYOD posturing
RF optimization
- Dual-concurrent radios with MU-MIMO support
- Radios optimized for rate-vs-range performance
- Third radio dedicated to security and RF management
- Built-in real-time RF spectrum view
- Cloud-based automatic RF optimization
Layer 7 traffic shaping
- Classifies hundreds of applications
- Create per-application bandwidth limits
- Prioritize productivity apps
- Restrict or block recreational traffic
Device management
- Create device-specific firewall rules
- Monitor and track device inventory
- Deploy applications and enforce security settings
- Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) and Mobility Device Management (MDM) integration
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.
