Cisco MERAKI MR44 User manual

MR44 Installation Guide
The Cisco Meraki MR44 is a dual-band enterprise-class 802.11ax cloud-managed access points. Designed for the
highest capacity and highest density, MR44 meets the needs of the most demanding environments. The access point
also includes a third radio dedicated to optimizing the RF environment and securing the airwaves.
About this Guide
This guide provides instructions on how to install and configure your MR44 access points. This guide also provides
mounting instructions and limited troubleshooting procedures. For more wireless installation guides, refer to the wireless
installation guides section on our documentation website.
Product Overview
Physical Specifications
MR44
Interfaces
• 1x 100/1000/2.5G BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45)
• 1x DC power connector (5.5 mm x 2.5 mm, center positive)
Power
•Power over Ethernet: 42.5 - 57 V (802.3at) or 37 - 57 V (802.3af) - low power mode **
• Alternative: 12 V DC input
•Power consumption: 30W max (802.3at) or 15W max (802.3af) - low power mode **
• Power over Ethernet injector and DC adapter sold separately
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In low power mode, MR44 will do the following:
1. Downshift its Ethernet uplink speed from 2.5 Gbps to 1 Gbps
2. Transition from 4x4:4 to 2x2:2 in 5G z
3. Disable its dedicated IoT (previously known as BLE) radio
4. Reduce the max Tx power
Warning: Please ensure that MR44 is connected to an 802.3at-capable (PoE+) switch/
power injector during the initial installation OR ensure that the network MR44 is added to is set
to MR 27.6 firmware (not yet available at the time of writing) or newer firmware.
This is because the default MR44 firmware image has support for the low-power mode,
however, MR 27.5/27.5.1 or lower firmware does not have low power mode support. Using
802.3af switch/power injector with MR44 set to 27.5/27.5.1 or lower firmware might result in
unexpected behaviors including but not limited to reboots or degraded performance.
Due to the reasons stated above, please do not downgrade the network with MR44 APs to 27.5/
27.5.1 or lower firmware if they are being powered on by 802.3af (PoE) switch/power injector.
Environment
• Operating temperature: 32 °F to 104 °F (0 °C to 40 °C)
• Storage and Transportation Temperature: -4 °F to 158 °F (-20 °C to 70 °C)
• umidity: 5 to 95% non-condensing
Physical Security
• Two security screw options (included) (13.5 mm long and 2.5 mm diameter and 5 mm head)
• Kensington lock hardpoint
• Concealed mount plate with anti-tamper cable bay
** features can be enabled via future firmware updates
Product View and Physical Features
Your MR44 has the following features:
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A - LED indicator
B - Security screw hole
C - Kensington lock hard point
D - Desk Mount feet
E - Mount cradle attachment point
F - Cable access bay
The mount cradle has the following features:
A - Level tool
B - Cable access slot
C - Mounting tab
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Security Features
The MR44 features multiple options for physically securing the access point after installation:
1. Security screw – The accessory kit includes screws that can be used to secure the access point to the mount
cradle. Engaging the security screw prevents accidental dislodging and theft.
2. Kensington lock – The access point contains a hard point that allows it to be secured to any nearby permanent
structure using a standard Kensington lock.
Ethernet Ports
The MR44 features an Ethernet RJ45 port that accepts 802.3at power (labeled “Eth0, PoE”). This port should be used
for uplink to your upstream network.
Power Source Options
The MR44 access point can be powered using either the Meraki AC Adapter, PoE Injector (both sold separately), or a
PoE switch.
Factory Reset Button
If the button is pressed and held for at least five seconds and then released, the AP will reboot and be restored to its
original factory settings by deleting all configuration information stored on the unit.
LED Indicators and Run Dark Mode
Your access point is equipped with a multi-color LED light on the front of the unit to convey information about system
functionality and performance:
• Orange - AP is booting (permanent Orange suggests hardware issue)
• Rainbow - AP is initializing/scanning
• Blinking Blue - AP is upgrading
• Green - AP in Gateway mode with no clients
• Blue - AP in Gateway mode with clients
• Blinking Orange - AP can't find uplink
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NOTE: Blinking Green LED indicates that the device is in site survey mode. Please see the Conducting Site Surveys
with MR Access Points for more details.
The MR44 access point may be operated in the “Run Dark” mode for additional security and to reduce the visibility of the
access point. In this mode, the LED will not be illuminated. This mode may be enabled through the Meraki Dashboard.
Package Contents
The access point packages contain the following:
MR44 Cloud-Managed Access Point
Mount cradle including built-in level tool
Drop ceiling mount kit
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Wall screws, wall screw anchors, and security screws
Safety and Warnings
These operations are to be taken with respect to all local laws. Please take the following into consideration for safe
operation:
• Power off the unit before you begin. Read the installation instructions before connecting the system to the power
source.
• Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry, and be familiar with
standard practices for preventing accidents.
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• Read the wall-mounting instructions carefully before beginning installation. Failure to use the correct hardware or to
follow the correct procedures could result in a hazardous situation to people and damage to the system.
• This product relies on the building’s installation for short-circuit (overcurrent) protection. Ensure that the protective
device is rated not greater than 15 A, 125 Vac, or 10A, 240 Vac.
• Please only power the device with the provided power cables or standard PoE to ensure regulatory compliance.
Pre-install Preparation
You should complete the following steps before going on-site to perform an installation.
Configure your Dashboard Network
The following is a brief overview only of the steps required to add an access point to your network. For detailed
instructions about creating, configuring, and managing Meraki wireless networks, refer to the online documentation
(documentation.meraki.com).
1. Login to http://dashboard.meraki.com. If this is your first time, create a new account.
2. Find the network to which you plan to add your APs or create a new network.
3. Add your APs to your network. You will need your Meraki order number (found on your invoice) or the serial
number of each AP, which looks like Qxxx-xxxx-xxxx, and is found on the bottom of the unit. You will also need
your license key, which you should have received via email.
4. Go to the map / floor plan view and place each AP on the map by clicking and dragging it to the location where you
plan to mount it.
Check and Set Firmware
To ensure your access point performs optimally immediately following installation, it is recommended that you facilitate a
firmware upgrade prior to mounting your AP.
1. Attach your AP to power and a wired Internet connection. See the "Getting Power to the AP" section for details.
2. The AP will turn on and the LED will glow solid orange. If the unit does not require a firmware upgrade, the LED
will turn either green (no clients associated) or blue (clients associated) within thirty seconds.
* If the unit requires an upgrade, the LED will begin blinking orange until the upgrade is complete, at which point the LED
will turn solid green or blue. You should allow at least a few minutes for the firmware upgrade to complete, depending on
the speed of your internet connection.
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Check and Configure Upstream Firewall Settings
If a firewall is in place, it must allow outgoing connections on particular ports to particular IP addresses. The most
current list of outbound ports and IP addresses for your particular organization can be found on the firewall configuration
page in your dashboard.
Assigning an IP Address
All gateway APs (An AP with Ethernet connections to the LAN) must be assigned routable IP addresses. These IP
addresses can be dynamically assigned via D CP or statically assigned.
Dynamic Assignment
• When using D CP, the D CP server should be configured to assign a static IP address for each MAC address
belonging to a Meraki AP. Other features of the wireless network, such as 802.1X authentication, may rely on the
property that the APs have static IP addresses.
Static Assignment
• Static IPs are assigned using the local web server on each AP. The following procedure describes how to set the
static IP:
• Using a client machine (e.g., a laptop), connect to the AP wirelessly (by associating to any SSID broadcast by the
AP) or over a wired connection.
• If using a wired connection, connect the client machine to the AP either through a PoE switch or a PoE Injector. If
using a PoE switch, plug an Ethernet cable into the AP’s Ethernet jack, and the other end into a PoE switch. Then
connect the client machine over Ethernet cable to the PoE switch. If using a PoE Injector, connect the AP to the
“PoE” port of the Injector, and the client machine to the “LAN” port.
• Using a web browser on the client machine, access the AP’s built-in web server by browsing to
http://my.meraki.com. Alternatively, browse to http://10.128.128.128.
• Click on the “Uplink Configuration” tab. Log in. The default login is the serial number (e.g. Qxxx-xxxx-xxxx), with no
password (e.g., Q2DD-551C-ZYW3).
• Configure the static IP address, net mask, gateway IP address and DNS servers that this AP will use on its wired
connection.
• If necessary, reconnect the AP to the LAN.
Static IP via DHCP Reservations
• Instead of associating to each Meraki AP individually to configure static IP addresses, an administrator can assign
static IP addresses on the upstream D CP server. Through “D CP reservations,” IP addresses are “reserved” for
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the MAC addresses of the Meraki APs. Please consult the documentation for the D CP server to configure D CP
reservations.
Collect Tools
You will need the following tools to perform an installation:
T8 Torx Screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, Hammer, Drill with 1/4" (6.3mm) bits
Collect Additional Hardware for Installation
You will need the following hardware to perform an installation:
802.3at PoE Power Source (either PoE switch or Meraki 802.3at PoE Injector) or an AC adaptor and network cables
with RJ45 connectors long enough for your particular mounting location
Installation Instructions
Warning: Due to the heat dissipation in the back of APs during normal operation, please do not stack powered on APs
on top of each other during pre-installation to avoid heat damage.
Choose Your Mounting Location
A good mounting location is important to get the best performance out of your access point. Keep the following in mind:
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