Cisco MERAKI MR66 User manual

MR66 Installation Guide
The Meraki MR66 is an enterprise-class, 802.11n access point designed for rugged environments. When connected to
the Meraki Cloud Controller, the MR66 enables the creation of high-speed and reliable networks that cover large outdoor
and industrial areas quickly, easily, and cost-effectively.
Package Contents
The MR66 package contains the following:
• MR66 Cloud-Managed Access Point
• Mount cradle
1

• Wall screws, wall screw anchors
• Mounting straps
2

• Cable gland
Understanding the MR66
Your Meraki MR66 has the following features:
3

The Vent
The vent allows pressure and humidity equalization between the interior and the environment. This prevents internal
condensation and maintains a water proof seal.
The Ground Post
The Ground Post provides an attachment point on the access point for the grounding strap (included). This post is
threaded to accept a M4 x 0.7mm bolt.
4

The mount plate has the following features:
Antennas and Ports
The Meraki MR66 has two 802.11n radios (the MR62 has one radio). Each radio has two external antenna connectors;
both connectors for a particular radio should be attached to the same type of antenna. The 5 GHz radio is used for mesh
or client communication. The 2.4 GHz radio is primarily used for client communication. However, it can also
communicate with Meraki 2.4 GHz access points. Meraki offers a number of different antennas for use with the MR66.
Alternately, you may purchase 3rd party antennas for use with the MR66. Make sure they have N-type connectors and
support the proper frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
5

Power Source Options
The MR66 access point can be powered using either a third-party 802.3af PoE switch or the Meraki 802.3af PoE injector
(sold separately).
Factory Reset Button
If the button is pressed and held for at least five seconds and then released, the MR66 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 MR66 is equipped with a series of LED lights on the front of the unit to convey information about system
functionality and performance.
The MR66 may be operated in “Run Dark” mode for additional security and to reduce the visibility of the access point. In
this mode, the LEDs will not be illuminated. This mode may be enabled through Meraki Dashboard.
Pre-Install Preparation
You should complete the following steps before going on-site to perform an installation.
6

Configure Your Network in Dashboard
The following is a brief overview only of the steps required to add an MR66 to your network. For detailed instructions
about creating, configuring and managing Meraki wireless networks, refer to the online documentation
(documentation.meraki.com/mr).
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 Enterprise 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 Upgrade Firmware
To ensure your MR66 performs optimally immediately following installation, it is recommended that you facilitate a
firmware upgrade prior to mounting your MR66.
1. Attach your MR66 to power and a wired Internet connection. See the "Power the MR66" section for details.
2. The MR66 will turn on and the LED will glow solid orange. If the unit does not require a firmware upgrade, the LED
will turn green
* If the unit requires an upgrade, the Power LED will begin blinking orange until the upgrade is complete, at which point
the Power LED will turn solid green. You should allow at least a few minutes for the firmware upgrade to complete,
depending on the speed of your internet connection.
Check and Configure 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 here.
Assigning IP Addresses to MR66s
All gateway MR66s (MR66s with Ethernet connections to the LAN) must be assigned routable IP addresses. These IP
addresses can be dynamically assigned via DHCP or statically assigned.
Dynamic Assignment
When using DHCP, the DHCP 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.
7

Static Assignment
Static IPs are assigned using the local web server on each AP. The following procedure describes how to set the static
IP:
1. 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.
2. If using a wired connection, connect the client machine to the MR66 either through a PoE switch or a PoE Injector.
If using a PoE switch, plug an Ethernet cable into the MR66’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
MR66 to the “PoE” port of the Injector, and the client machine to the “LAN” port.
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. Configure the static IP address, net mask, gateway IP address and DNS servers that this AP will use on its wired
connection.
6. 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 DHCP server. Through “DHCP reservations,” IP addresses are “reserved” for the MAC
addresses of the Meraki APs. Please consult the documentation for the DHCP server to configure DHCP reservations.
Collect Tools
You will need the following tools to perform an installation:
Collect Additional Hardware for Installation
You will need the following tools to perform an installation:
8

• Network cables with R 45 connectors long enough for your particular mounting location
• 802.3af PoE power source (either PoE switch or Meraki 802.3af PoE Injector)
• Connection to the internet (if you are setting up your MR66 as a gateway to the internet)
• Appropriately sized metal straps (if mounting to a pole larger than 3.9” in diameter)
• Specialized mounting hardware if mounting to surface other than wood, stucco or stone
Installation Instructions
Choose Your Mounting Location
A good mounting location is important to getting the best performance out of your MR66 access point. Keep the
following in mind:
1. The device should have unobstructed line of sight to most coverage areas. For example, if installing in an office
filled with workspaces divided by mid-height cubicle walls, installing on the ceiling or high on a wall would be ideal.
2. Power over Ethernet supports a maximum cable length of 300 ft (100 m).
3. If being used in a mesh deployment, the MR66 should have line of sight to at least two other Meraki devices. For
more detailed instructions regarding a mesh deployment, please refer to the Mesh Deployment Guide.
4. The antennas should be as unobstructed as possible. Make sure that there is clearance around the MR66 for
installation of all of your chosen antennas.
Install the MR66
For most mounting scenarios, the MR66 mount cradle provides a quick, simple, and flexible means of mounting your
device. The installation should be done in two steps. First, install the mount plate to your selected location. Then, attach
the MR66 to the mount plate.
Remove the Mount Plate from the Access Point
Before installing the mount plate, you must remove it from the back of the access point.
1. Unscrew the mount plate attachment screw.
2. Lift the mount plate release tab upwards. .
3. While holding the mount plate release tab up, slide the mount plate off the access point in the direction shown
below.
9

Attach the mount cradle
The MR66 mount plate can be used to install your access point in a wide range of scenarios.
Wall or Solid Ceiling Mount Using mount cradle
Using included wall anchors and screws, attach the mount plate to your mounting wall or ceiling.
It is recommended that the MR66 be mounted to a wall or solid ceiling using the mount plate for physical security
reasons.
Pole Mount Using Mount Plate
Use the included mounting straps to mount the AP to a pole less than 3.9” in diameter. Thread the mounting straps
through the mounting strap slots to secure the mount plate in a horizontal or vertical orientation.
10