Cisco Meraki MR Series Comparison Guide
Easy-to-manage Cloud Wifi Solution
The Cisco Meraki MR Series is a comprehensive line of wireless access points designed to meet various networking needs, from small offices to large enterprises and outdoor environments. This guide provides a detailed comparison of the MR series models, highlighting their key features, specifications, and ideal use cases. Whether you need high-efficiency, high-density, general-purpose, or basic wireless solutions, this guide will help you understand which MR series model best suits your specific requirements.
The MR series access points are renowned for their advanced capabilities, including Wi-Fi 6 support, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and robust security features. Additionally, ruggedized models are available for outdoor and industrial applications, ensuring reliable performance in harsh conditions. The guide also includes a section on End-of-Life (EOL) MR series products, listing models that are no longer supported to help you plan for future upgrades.
Below is a comparison guide for the main features and functionalities of different models within the Cisco Meraki MR series.
Wi-Fi 6E Indoor Models
Indoor Wi-Fi 6 Models
1x 5 GHz 802.11a/n/ac/ax
1x WIDS/WIPS
1x Bluetooth® radio 1.7 Gbit/sec max rate
2x 2:2 MU-MIMO with beamforming
1x WIDS/WIPS 1x Bluetooth® radio 1.3 Gbit/sec max rate 2x 2:2 MU-MIMO with beamforming
1x Gigabit Ethernet LAN port with 802.3af PoE
2x Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
1x 5 GHz 802.11a/n/ac/ax
1x WIDS/WIPS
1x Bluetooth® radio
3 Gbit/sec max rate
"2x 2:2 + 4x 4:4 MU-MIMO with beamforming"
Hardware-accelerated encryption
Band steering
1x WIDS/WIPS
1x Bluetooth® radio
3.5 Gbit/sec max rate
4x 4:4 MU-MIMO with beamforming
1x 2.5 multigigabit Ethernet port
802.3at PoE or DC power adapter
"4x 4:4 UL/DL MU-MIMO and OFDMA 160 MHz channels
Hardware-accelerated encryption
Band steering
Removable antennas (MR46E)
(MR46) 9.84 in x 4.72 in x 1.42 in (30.72 cm x 15.62 cm x 3.49 cm) (MR46E)
29.98 oz (0.85 kg) (MR46E)
1x WIDS/WIPS
1x Bluetooth® radio
5.9 Gbit/sec max rate
8x 8:8 MU-MIMO with beamforming
1x 5 Gbps multigigabit Ethernet port
802.3at PoE or DC power adapter
"8x 8:8 UL/DL MU-MIMO and OFDMA 160 MHz channels
160 MHz channels
Priority voice, power save (802.11e/WMM)
Hardware-accelerated encryption
Band steering
Outdoor Wi-Fi 6/6E Models
DO I NEED HIGH-EFFICIENCY, HIGH-DENSITY, GENERAL PURPOSE, OR BASIC?
- High-Efficiency: Ideal for environments requiring top performance, such as large enterprises. Consider models like the MR56 or MR86.
- High-Density: Suitable for areas with many devices, like conference centers. Models like the MR46E or MR56 are recommended.
- General Purpose: Works well for standard office environments. Models such as MR36 or MR44 fit this need.
- Basic: Best for small offices or areas with minimal usage. The MR36(H) model is appropriate here.
WHAT MAKES ACCESS POINTS RUGGEDIZED?
Ruggedized access points, such as the MR76 and MR86, are designed to endure harsh conditions. They feature water and dust sealing (IP67 rating), vibration and shock resistance, and robust construction to handle outdoor and industrial settings.
WHICH MODELS ARE WAVE 2 COMPATIBLE?
The following models are compatible with 802.11ac Wave 2 technology: MR36, MR36H, MR44, MR46E, MR56, MR76, and MR86.
WHICH MODELS OFFER 802.11AX WAVE 2?
Models that support 802.11ax Wave 2 (Wi-Fi 6) include the MR36, MR36H, MR44, MR46E, MR56, MR76, and MR86.
WHICH MODELS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH WIFI 6?
Wi-Fi 6 compatible models include the MR36, MR36H, MR44, MR46E, MR56, MR76, and MR86.
WHAT IS MERAKI GO?
Meraki Go is a line of simple, intuitive networking devices designed for small businesses. It provides easy-to-manage Wi-Fi access points, security appliances, and switches that can be set up and controlled via a mobile app. Meraki Go is not directly related to the MR series but offers a simplified networking solution for small businesses.