Cisco Wi-Fi Technology Experts

Progent's Cisco-certified wireless networking consultants can provide online and onsite expertise to help you design, deploy, manage, tune, and troubleshoot Wi-Fi networks that include Cisco Meraki wireless access points. Progent can also assist your organization to design and configure hybrid environments that seamlessly integrate on-premises and cloud resources and that feature convenient access, advanced security, centralized management, and responsive performance across all your wired and wireless client devices. Progent also offers economical wireless site surveys to assist you in the selection, placement, and configuration of Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi access points in order to build a Wi-Fi solution tuned to your physical site or sites, user density, and application workloads.

Cisco Meraki Indoor Wireless Access Points
Cisco's selection of Meraki dual-band indoor WiFi access points runs from entry-level devices for small office or home workers to high-end APs that deliver enterprise-class performance and scale. All Meraki indoor APs feature advanced functions like plug-and-play installation, tight security, mobile device support, integrated analytics, automatic over-the-web firmware updates, and centralized cloud management for multi-site and distributed networks. Each Meraki indoor WiFi AP also includes two powerful client-serving radios with boosted receive sensitivity plus a dedicated WIDS/WIPS security radio that performs spectrum analysis and deep packet inspection in real time.

Other features of Meraki indoor WiFi APs include a Gigabit Ethernet interface, 802.3af PoE compatibility, hardware-accelerated encryption, wireless IPs, self-healing mesh routing with zero-configuration, cloud-centric location analytics, single-click secure guest access with an isolation firewall, customizable splash pages for hot spots, access control based on groups or devices, integrated anti-virus scan, WPA2-Enterprise authentication with 802.1X and native Active Directory integration, Layer 7 traffic shaping for controlling bandwidth allocation according to application class, plus MIMO and built-in beam forming to accommodate high-density venues.

Cisco's Meraki MR20 is an entry-level Wave 2 wireless AP intended for for small office networks. The dual-radio MR20 features 2x2:2 MU-MIMO with two spatial streams and delivers 1.3 Gbps total performance (as high as 866 Mbps for the 5 GHz radio and 400 Mbps for the 2.4 GHz radio). The AP includes Meraki's Air Marshal wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) for enhanced security. The WiFi access point has one integrated 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet RJ45 interface and does not include a Bluetooth radio. The MR20 AP can be placed on a desktop or attached to a wall or ceiling.

The Meraki MR42 is an 802.11ac Wave 2 wireless access point intended for Wi-Fi environments that need speed and high density. The MR42 features 3x3:3 MU-MIMO with beamforming, provides 1.9 Gbps aggregate throughput, has a built-in Gigabit Ethernet interface, and includes a Bluetooth radio for beaconing. Cisco's Meraki MR52 is a Wave 2 access point designed for high-density campus and enterprise networks. Equipped with four radios, the MR52 features 4x4 MU-MIMO with beamforming, delivers up to 2.5 Gbps combined throughput, supports 160 MHz channels, has two integrated GE Ethernet interfaces, and includes an integrated Bluetooth BLE radio. The Meraki MR53 AP is similar to the Meraki MR52 appliance but incorporates an integrated GE interface and a 2.5 Gbps Multigigabit Ethernet interface.

Cisco's Meraki MR30H is a wall switch WiFi AP intended for hospitality or dorm deployments. This Wave 2 access point offers 2x2 MU-MIMO, an integrated 4-port GB Ethernet interface, and a Bluetooth radio for scanning and beaconing. The MR30H delivers 1.3 Gbps aggregate throughput. The Meraki MR33 is a flexible WiFi access point intended for for offices,hospitals and other relatively dense environments. The MR33 is similar to the MR30H AP but features a low-profile enclosure and does not have a 4-port GB Ethernet switch.

The Meraki MR28 is an entry-level 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 AP designed for small office/home office (SOHO) environments. The MR28 AP features concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios, 2x2:2 MU-MIMO for each radio, a built-in 1x 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45) port, and an integrated antenna. The Meraki MR28 access point supports a maximum frame rate of 1.7 Gbps. The Meraki MR36 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 AP is a general-purpose appliance intended for environments like offices and schools. The MR36 incorporates simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios with 2x2:2 MU-MIMO for each radio, an integrated 1x 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45) interface, and a built-in antenna. The Meraki MR36H 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wall-switch access point is designed for in-room hotel or dorm networks. The MR36H features concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios with 2x2:2 MU-MIMO for both radios, incorporates an integrated antenna, and delivers a combined frame rate of 1.3 Gbps. Integrated interfaces include 1x 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45) port with 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) output, 2x 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45) ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet passthrough interface.

Cisco's Meraki MR44 is an 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 AP suited for high-density or speed-critical networks. The MR44 AP features simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios, 2x2:2 MU-MIMO for the 2.4 GHz radio and 4x4:4 MU-MIMO for the 5 GHz radio, a fixed 1x 100/1000/2.5G BASE-T Ethernet (RJ-45) port, and an integrated antenna. The Cisco/Meraki MR44 access point delivers an aggregate frame rate of 2.7 Gbps. The Meraki MR45 is an 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 AP targeted at high-density networks. The MR45 access point includes four dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios with 4x4:4 MU-MIMO for each radio, a fixed 1x 1/2.5/5G Ethernet port, and four integrated antennas. The Meraki MR45 AP supports maximum aggregate throughput of 3.5 Gbps. The Meraki MR46 is an 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 access point designed for high-performance deployments such as offices, schools, hospitals, shops, and hotels. Cisco's MR44 access point includes concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios, 4x4:4 MU-MIMO for both the 2.4 and the GHz radios, an integrated 1x 100/1000/2.5G BASE-T Ethernet (RJ-45) port, and a built-in antenna. The MR44 is desktop, ceiling, and wall mount capable. The MR44 access point delivers a combined maximum throughput of 2.98 Gbps.

Cisco's Meraki MR55 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 AP includes four dual-band radios and provides 4x4:4 MU-MIMO for the 2.4 GHz radio and 8x8:8 MU-MIMO for the 5 GHz radio. The Meraki MR55 AP provides an integrated 1x 1/2.5/5G Base-T Ethernet port and eight internal antennas. The maximum throughput for the MR55 access point is 5.9 Gbps. The Meraki MR56 is an 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 access point intended for deployment in high-density indoor environments. The MR56 access point includes concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios, 4x4:4 MU-MIMO for the 2.4 GHz radio and 8x8:8 for the 5 GHz radio, an integrated 5 Gbps multigigabit Ethernet interface, and an integrated antenna. Cisco's Meraki MR56 AP supports a top combined throughput of 5.9 Gbps. The Meraki MR57 WiFi 6E AP features support for the 6 GHz band, more than doubling the spectrum available to earlier versions of Meraki APs. You can run the MR57 access point in dual 5 GHz mode or in tri-band 2.5/5/6 GHz mode. The 4x4:4 MU-MIMO MR57 delivers a top aggregate data rate of 7.78 Gbps. The Meraki MR57 features dual configurable multigigabit 5Gbps Ethernet ports and integrated omni-directional antennas.

Catalyst 916x Family Wi-Fi 6E APs with Meraki Cloud Management Capability
Cisco's Catalyst 916x Series Wi-Fi 6E APs are the first Cisco APs to offer the capability of being managed on-prem via Cisco DNA Center or from the cloud by using Meraki management utilities. This allows organizations to transition to cloud-centric or hybrid management environments on their own timetable. All Catalyst 916x APs meet the a/b/g/n/ac/ax and 6E Wi-Fi specifications and include support for the new 6-GHz band. Each AP has 5 radios and supports as many as 400 clients on each radio. Every model also contains a dedicated radio for Cisco CleanAir Pro for mitigating wireless interference, comes with a USB 2.0 port, and supports Bluetooth Low Energy. The value-priced Catalyst 9162 Series AP is designed for small businesses, incorporates three 2x2 radios, and includes 1x 100M/1000M/2.5G mGig Ethernet connectivity. The Catalyst 9164 Series access point is suited for small and mid-size enterprises, includes one 2x2 radio and two 4x4 radios, and provides 1x 100M/1000M/2.5G mGig Ethernet support. The Catalyst 9166 Series Wi-Fi access point is intended for large and medium-sized enterprises, incorporates three 4x4 radios, and provides 1x 100M/1000M/2.5G/5G mGig Ethernet connectivity. The 9166 also has environmental sensors to track air quality, temperature, and humidity.

Earlier Generation Meraki Indoor Wi-Fi Access Points
Cisco's Meraki MR18 is a wall-mountable or desktop 802.11n dual-radio Wi-Fi access point that features 2x2:2 MIMO and delivers 600 Mbps performances. This value-priced AP is intended for general-purpose use in low-density venues. The Meraki MR32 is a wall/ceiling mountable or desktop wireless access point with a 5 GHz 2x2:2 802.11ac radio plus a 2.4 GHz 2x2:2 802.11n radio. Maximum performance is 1.2 Gbps. This access point includes a Bluetooth radio for beaconing and BLE scanning and is intended for medium-density campus, shop, and enterprise venues.

The Meraki MR34 Wave 1 access point features 3x3 MIMO and delivers 1.75 Gbps throughput. Designed for high density applications, the MR34 offers 802.af PoE and 802.3at PoE+ and does not include a Bluetooth radio. The MR34 has reached end-of-life status.

Cisco Meraki Cloud-managed Outdoor/Industrial Wi-Fi Access Points
Cisco's Meraki outdoor and industrial wireless access points are IP67 rated, engineered to work in outdoor venues, and certified to withstand dust, shock, vibration and moisture. Meraki outdoor WiFi APs include a GB Ethernet interface and provide advanced features such as cloud management, 802.1X and native Active Directory support, integrated AV security scanning, single-click secure guest access and firewall isolation, application-aware traffic shaping, and self-configuring mesh with MIMO and beamforming.

Cisco's Meraki MR62 is an entry-level single-radio 802.11n outdoor WiFi access point offering 300 Mbps throughput and featuring a single-radio mesh plus VPN support for remote clients. The Meraki MR66 has dual radios with band steering, delivers 600 Mbps throughput, and features 2x2 MIMO, beamforming, and multi-radio mesh. The Meraki MR72 is a three-radio WiFi access point that delivers 1.2 Gbps performance with concurrent 802.11ac and 802.11n 2x2:2 MIMO radios. A third radio is dedicated to WIDS/WIPS security and automatic spectrum optimization. The MR72 incorporates a Bluetooth radio for beaconing and scanning. The high-end Meraki MR84 is a 4-radio outdoor WiFi access point intended for challenging high-density venues like stadiums or other outdoor venues. The MR84 features 4'4:4 MU-MIMO, 160 MHz channels, a 1 GB Ethernet interface and a Multigigabit Ethernet port, plus a built-in Bluetooth radio.

Meraki's Cloud-based WiFi Management Services
Meraki's cloud-based management services offer centralized administration and control over multi-site WiFi networks of practically any size. Meraki's web-accessible control console provides device and application visibility, availability and performance monitoring with automatic alerts, extensive reporting and analytics for network tuning, over-the-web software updates, and advanced security. Meraki cloud services also handle issues such as route discovery, authentication, and security policy enforcement.

Individual Meraki wireless access points have the CPU power, storage capacity, and system architecture needed to perform line-rate packet processing, Quality of Service, layer 3-7 security, hardware-assisted encryption, and other core functions while at the same time communicating with Meraki's cloud services for remote management. If the connection to Meraki cloud services is interrupted for any reason, clients can continue to use their Wi-Fi networks while service is being restored. You can also integrate Meraki service stacks for Meraki switches and firewalls, allowing you to build a unified solution for managing your entire network infrastructure from a single pane of glass.

Traffic sent from Meraki access points to the Meraki service cloud is limited to control information and does not include application data or web browsing traffic. WiFi access point control data is transmitted efficiently over an out-of-band management tunnel that requires only around 1 kbps of bandwidth per managed access point. This avoids AP performance degradation while at the same time saving businesses the cost and management hassle of installing and operating wireless controller hardware within the network core.

For more details about the features of Meraki's cloud-based management services, see Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi access point cloud management services consulting.

How Progent Can Help You Integrate and Manage Cisco Meraki WiFi Access Points
Progent's Cisco-certified Wi-Fi networking consultants offer online and onsite support to help businesses of any size to plan, deploy, manage, expand, or debug Wi-Fi environments that utilize Cisco Meraki wireless access points. Progent's consultants can provide on-demand expertise to help you resolve occasional technical issues or Progent can provide full-service project management or co-management support to make sure strategic Wi-Fi projects are carried out successfully, on schedule, and on budget. Progent can help you integrate Meraki wireless access points with Meraki switches and security appliances or with non-Meraki network products from Cisco or other manufacturers. (See Cisco Meraki switches consulting.) Progent's also offers wireless site surveys to help you select, place, and configure Cisco Meraki wireless access points to provide optimal coverage, performance, and user capacity as required by your Wi-Fi environment.

Progent's certified network security and compliance experts can help you apply consistent best-practices-based policies across your Wi-Fi and wired networks and verify that your security profile is compliant with industry and regulatory requirements. Progent's disaster preparedness and business continuity planning consultants can help you design and test a high-availability and recoverable Wi-Fi environment that incorporates the fault-tolerant technology built into Cisco-Meraki wireless access points and cloud services.

To learn more about Progent's Wi-Fi consulting services, visit Progent's Wi-Fi Integration Consulting and Troubleshooting Support.

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