Description
Meraki MR46 802.11ax 3.50 Gbit/s Wireless Access Point
The Meraki MR46 represents the pinnacle of cloud-managed Wi‑Fi 6 technology, delivering enterprise‑grade performance, scalability, and reliability for modern networks. Built to handle dense environments—from bustling offices and busy schools to hospitals, retail spaces, and hospitality venues—the MR46 combines a 4x4:4 configuration with IEEE 802.11ax (Wi‑Fi 6) to maximize throughput, reduce latency, and improve overall user experience. With a stated wireless throughput of up to 3.50 Gbit/s, this access point is engineered to support today’s bandwidth-hungry applications, from video conferencing and cloud collaboration to high‑resolution streaming and real-time analytics. Designed for next‑generation deployments, the MR46 is cloud-managed and designed to work seamlessly with the Meraki ecosystem, providing centralized visibility, zero-touch deployment, and continuous optimization across distributed locations. It is an ideal solution for networks that prioritize simplicity, security, and performance, while enabling IT teams to scale rapidly as user density and device counts grow.
- Wi‑Fi 6 performance for dense environments: The MR46 leverages 802.11ax with a 4x4:4 MU‑MIMO configuration to deliver higher throughput, lower latency, and more efficient spectrum use in crowded spaces. With OFDMA and MU‑MIMO, it serves multiple clients simultaneously, reducing airtime contention and ensuring smoother experiences for every user. This is essential in classrooms, hospitals, or retail environments where countless devices compete for bandwidth.
- Cloud-managed simplicity and scale: As a cloud‑managed access point, MR46 integrates with the Meraki Dashboard for centralized monitoring, configuration, and policy enforcement. IT teams can deploy, monitor, and troubleshoot thousands of APs from a single pane of glass, enabling rapid rollouts, consistent security controls, and simplified firmware updates—without on‑premises controllers.
- Enterprise features that secure and optimize networks: The MR46 supports secure guest access, role‑based access control, and policy‑driven network segmentation. Its architecture works in harmony with Meraki security and SD‑WAN solutions to deliver secure, reliable connectivity across campuses and facilities. Automatic RF optimization, adaptive channel selection, and real‑time analytics help maintain peak performance while protecting user data and privacy.
- Flexible deployment for a variety of spaces: Designed for ceiling or wall mounting, the MR46 blends into modern spaces while delivering consistent coverage across large areas, corridors, and multi‑room environments. Its compact form factor, combined with robust performance, makes it suitable for offices, schools, hospitals, shops, and hotels seeking to standardize their wireless infrastructure.
- Future‑proof, energy‑efficient connectivity: Built to leverage the efficiency of Wi‑Fi 6, the MR46 provides better performance per watt and supports energy‑savvy operation in high‑density deployments. It is ready for ongoing upgrades and feature innovations delivered through Meraki’s cloud platform, helping organizations extend the life of their wireless investment and adapt to evolving user needs.
Technical Details of Meraki MR46
- Wireless standard: 802.11ax (Wi‑Fi 6) for improved efficiency, capacity, and performance in dense environments.
- Antenna configuration: 4x4:4 MU‑MIMO, enabling high throughput and better user experiences across multiple devices.
- Aggregate data rate: Up to 3.50 Gbit/s, supporting bandwidth‑intensive applications and seamless roaming for mobile users.
- Operating bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz to accommodate a wide range of clients and use cases.
- Management: Cloud‑managed via the Meraki Cloud Dashboard, enabling centralized control, analytics, and policy enforcement across distributed sites.
- Deployment scenarios: Ideal for enterprise deployments in offices, schools, hospitals, shops, and hotels seeking scalable, secure wireless coverage.
How to install Meraki MR46
Preparing for a successful MR46 deployment starts with planning. Ensure you have the appropriate Meraki cloud license and an internet connection that can reach the Meraki cloud. Confirm that you have a PoE capable switch or injector to power the AP, and verify the network path from each installation site to the Meraki dashboard for seamless adoption.
Step 1: Plan placement. Choose central ceiling locations to maximize signal coverage and minimize obstructions. Use room dimensions, expected client density, and any architectural features to determine the optimal mounting height and coverage radius. Consider conducting a heatmap to identify potential dead zones and adjust placement accordingly.
Step 2: Mount and power. Install the MR46 on a secure ceiling or wall mounting point using the provided hardware. Connect the AP to a PoE+ switch or injector to supply both data and power. Ensure cabling meets relevant standards (Cat6 or higher recommended for reliability in modern environments) and test the physical installation for vibration and stability.
Step 3: Adopt and configure in the Meraki Dashboard. In the Meraki Cloud Dashboard, assign the MR46 to the appropriate network and apply configuration templates. This enables uniform SSIDs, security policies, guest access controls, and VLAN tagging across multiple sites. The dashboard provides real‑time visibility into device status, client count, and RF performance.
Step 4: Create SSIDs and security policies. Define multiple SSIDs (e.g., corporate, guest, IoT) with tailored access rules and appropriate encryption standards. Implement WPA3 where supported, or WPA2/WPA3 transitional settings, and configure captive portals for guest networks if needed. Apply role‑based access controls to ensure compliance with security policies.
Step 5: Optimize RF settings and monitor performance. Leverage Meraki’s RF optimization tools to adjust transmit power, channel widths, and band steering. Monitor client distribution, airtime, and interference levels through the dashboard, then fine‑tune your deployment to maintain consistent performance as user density fluctuates. Regular firmware updates from Meraki will bring security enhancements and new features with minimal downtime.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the maximum wireless throughput of the MR46? The MR46 supports up to 3.50 Gbit/s aggregate data rate, enabling high‑bandwidth applications and smooth experiences in dense environments.
- Is the MR46 cloud‑managed? Yes. The MR46 is designed for cloud management via the Meraki Dashboard, providing centralized configuration, monitoring, and analytics across distributed locations.
- Does the MR46 support Wi‑Fi 6 features? Yes. It implements 802.11ax (Wi‑Fi 6) with features like OFDMA and MU‑MIMO to improve capacity and efficiency for many devices.
- Do I need a Meraki license to operate the MR46? Yes. A Meraki cloud license is required to activate and manage the device within the Meraki ecosystem.
- What environments is the MR46 suitable for? The MR46 is designed for enterprise deployments in offices, schools, hospitals, shops, and hotels, where high density, reliability, and centralized management are priorities.
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