Cisco Meraki MR84 Manual

Meraki MR84!
Hardware Installation Guide

Trademarks
Cisco, Cisco Meraki, Meraki, Meraki MR84, and Meraki Cloud Controller are
trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. Other brand and product names are
registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
Warranty
Cisco Systems, Inc. provides a one year warranty on this product. Warranty
details may be found at www.meraki.cisco.com/support.
Table of Contents
.1 Scope of Document and Related Publications
.2 MR84 Overview
.3 Pre-Install Preparation
.4 Installation Instructions
.5 Troubleshooting
.6 Regulatory

1 Scope of Document and Related Publications
The MR84 Hardware Installation Guide describes the installation procedure
for the MR84 access point.
Additional reference documents are available online at
meraki.cisco.com/support
2 MR84 Overview
The Meraki MR84 is an enterprise-class, 802.11abgn/ac outdoor access
point designed for rugged environments. When connected to the Meraki
Cloud Controller, the MR84 enables the creation of high-speed and reliable
networks that cover large outdoor and industrial areas quickly, easily, and
cost-effectively.
The Meraki MR84 has an operating temperature of -40oto 60oC.
2.1 Package Contents
The MR84 package contains the following:
- MR84 access point
- Wall screws & anchors
- Mounting plate
- Cable glands
- Mounting straps
2.2 Antennas and Ports
The Meraki MR84 has two radios. 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 MR84: MA-
ANT-20, MA-ANT-25, MA-ANT-27, and AIR-ANT2413P4M-N.
The Meraki MA-ANT-20 omni-directional antennas must be installed
vertically.
The Meraki MA-ANT-25 patch antenna, MA-ANT-27 dual-band sector
antenna, and Cisco AIR-ANT2513P4M-N stadium antenna must be installed
facing downward, at least 30 degrees from the horizon line.
2.3 Power Source Options
The MR84 access point can be powered using either an 802.3at capable
PoE switch or the Meraki 802.3at PoE injector (sold separately).
2.4 LED Indicators and Run Dark Mode
Your MR84 uses a single LED to inform the user of the device’s status.
Function
LED Status
Meaning
Power Up/
Boot
Solid Orange
Power is applied
Connecting
Rainbow
Device in process of connecting to the
Meraki Dashboard
Connected
Solid White
Fully operational
Upgrading
Flashing
White
During boot or no WAN link
The MR84 may be operated in “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 Meraki Dashboard.
3 Pre-Install Preparation
You should complete the following steps before going on-site to perform an

installation.
3.1 Configure Your Network in Dashboard
Meraki recommends that you add your MR84 to a network in Dashboard
before mounting it in the field. The following is a brief overview only of the
steps required to add an MR84 to your network. For detailed instructions
about creating, configuring and managing Meraki wireless networks, refer
to the Meraki Cloud Controller Manual
(cisco.meraki.com/support/#documentation).
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 nodes or create a new
network.
3.Add your nodes to your network. You will need your Meraki order number
(found on your invoice if you ordered directly from Meraki) or the
serial number of each node, which looks like Qxxx-xxxx-xxxx, and is
found on the bottom of the unit.
4.Finally, go to the map / floor plan view and place each node on the map
by clicking and dragging it to the location where you plan to mount it.
You can always modify the location later.
3.2 Check and Upgrade Firmware
To ensure your MR84 performs optimally immediately following installation,
Meraki recommends that you facilitate a firmware upgrade prior to
mounting your MR84.
1. Attach your MR84 to power and a wired Internet connection.
2.The MR84 will turn on and the LED will glow solid orange. If the unit does
not require a firmware upgrade, the LED will turn solid white within 30
seconds.
* If the unit requires an upgrade, the LED will cycle rainbow until the
upgrade is complete, at which point the Power LED will turn solid white. You
should allow about an hour for the firmware upgrade to complete,
depending on the speed of your internet connection.

3.3 Check and Configure Firewall Settings
If your network will be located behind a firewall, it must allow outgoing
connections on particular ports to particular IP addresses in order for the
MR84 to be able to seamlessly communicate with the Cloud Controller. The
most current list of outbound ports and IP addresses can be found here:
http://bit.ly/oZpMQ7
3.4 Assigning IP Addresses to MR84s
All gateway MR84s (MR84s with Ethernet connections to the LAN) must be
assigned routable IP addresses. These IP addresses can be dynamically
assigned via DHCP or statically assigned.
3.4.1 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.
3.4.2 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 either 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 MR84 either through a PoE switch or a Meraki PoE Injector. If
using a PoE switch, plug an Ethernet cable into the MR84’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 Meraki PoE
Injector, connect the MR84 to the “PoE” port of the Injector, and the
client machine to the “LAN” port.
2.Using a web browser on the client machine, access the AP’s built-in web
server by browsing to http://ap.meraki.com. Alternatively, browse to
http://10.128.128.128.
3.Click on the “Static IP Configuration” tab. Log in. The default user name is
“admin”. The default password is the AP’s serial number, with
hyphens included (e.g., Q2BD-551C-ZYW3).
4.Configure the static IP address, net mask, gateway IP address and DNS

servers that this AP will use on its wired connection.
5.If necessary, reconnect the AP to the LAN.
3.5 Collect Tools
You will need the following tools to perform an installation:
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Drill with appropriate bits for mounting wall anchors (if mounting to a wall)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Tin snips (if mounting with hose clamps)
- Power screwdriver with 5/16” (8 mm) nut driver, Phillips & flat heads
(recommended)
3.6 Collect Additional Hardware for Installation
- Network cables with RJ45 connectors long enough for your particular
mounting location
- 802.3at PoE power source (either PoE switch or Meraki 802.3at PoE
Injector)
- Connection to the internet (if you are setting up your MR84 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
- Laptop with wireless to verify setup (recommended)
4 Installation Instructions
4.1 Choose Your Mounting Location

A good mounting location is important to getting the best performance out
of your MR84 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 MR84 should have line of sight to
at least two other Meraki devices. For more detailed instructions
regarding access point location selection, reference the Meraki
Network Design Guide (cisco.meraki.com/support/#documentation).
4.The antennas should be as unobstructed as possible. Make sure that
there is clearance around the MR84 for installation of all of your
chosen antennas.
4.2 Install the MR84
For most mounting scenarios, the MR84 mount plate 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 MR84 to the mount plate.
4.2.1 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.
4.2.2 Attach the Mount Plate
The MR84 mount plate can be used to install your access point in a wide
range of scenarios.
4.2.2.1 Wall or Solid Ceiling Mount Using Mount Plate
Using included wall anchors and screws, attach the mount plate to your
mounting wall or ceiling.

It is recommended that the MR84 be mounted to a wall or solid ceiling
using the mount plate for physical security reasons.
4.2.2.2 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.
4.2.3 Mount the MR84
Insert the posts on the mount plate into the attachment slots on the access
point.
4.2.3.1 Attach Antennas
Remove protective plastic covers from all four N-type RF connectors. Attach
appropriate antennas (and protective boots if included).
4.2.3.2 Aim Antennas
If you are using directional antennas, aim them appropriately to ensure
optimal performance for your specific network topography. Omnidirectional
antennas perform best in a mesh network when oriented vertically.
4.2.3.3 Powering the MR84 with the Meraki 802.3at Power over Ethernet
Injector (sold separately)
1. Plug the power cord into the PoE Injector and the other end into
wall power.
2. Plug an Ethernet cable that is connected to an active Ethernet
connection into the “IN” port on the injector.
3. Route Ethernet cable from the “OUT” port on the injector to the
Ethernet port in the bay of the MR84.
For more details, see Meraki 802.3at Power Over Ethernet Injector
datasheet.
4.2.3.4 Powering the MR84 with an 802.3at Power over Ethernet Switch
Route Ethernet cable from a port on an active 802.3at PoE switch to the
Ethernet port in the bay of the MR84.
The MR84 is Gigabit Ethernet-capable. To maximize device performance, a
Gigabit Ethernet-capable switch should be used.
4.2.3.5 Attach Power over Ethernet to the MR84
1. Remove the dust cover from the Ethernet port of the MR84.

Unscrew it with a coin or flathead screwdriver.
2. Route the Ethernet cable from the PoE Injector “OUT” port to the
MR84.
3. Install a cable gland on the MR84 end of the cable.
4. Plug the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port of the Meraki MR84.
a. Connect the cable to the Ethernet port on the MR84.
b. Screw the gland body into the threaded hole of the port. Use
an adjustable wrench to make sure the gland body is fully
seated in the hole.
c. Insert the split ring gasket into the gland body.
d. Screw the cap tightly onto the gland. You may need a
wrench to fully tighten the cap, but take care not to damage
the cable in the process.
Optional: Make the MR84 a gateway
1. Connect an active internet connection to the “IN” port of the PoE injector.
4.2.3.6 Attach Grounding Strap
Connect one end of grounding strap to grounding post with included screw
and washer. Securely attach the other end nearby metal structure.
4.4 Verify Device Functionality and Test Network
Coverage
1. Check LEDs The Radio Power LED should be solid white. If it is cycling
rainbow, the firmware is automatically upgrading and the LED should
turn white when the upgrade is completed (normally in under thirty
minutes).
2.Note: Your MR84 must have an active route to the Internet to check and
upgrade its firmware.
3.Verify access point connectivity Use any 802.11 client device to connect
to the MR84 and verify proper connectivity using the client’s web
browser.
4.Check network coverage Confirm that you have good signal strength
throughout your coverage area. You can use the signal strength
meter on a laptop, smart phone, or other wireless device.