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Cisco Meraki MR46 Datasheet

High Performance 802.11ax Wireless

The Cisco Meraki MR46 is a cloud-managed 4x4:4 802.11ax access point designed for next-generation deployments in offices, schools, hospitals, shops, and hotels. It offers high throughput, enterprise-grade security, and simple management.

The MR46 provides a maximum of 3.5 Gbps* aggregate frame rate with concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios. A dedicated third radio provides real-time WIDS/WIPS with automated RF optimization, and a fourth integrated radio delivers Bluetooth scanning and beaconing. Its combination of cloud management, high-performance hardware, multiple radios, and advanced software features makes it an outstanding platform for demanding uses, including high-density deployments and bandwidth-intensive applications like voice and high-definition video.

MR46 and Meraki Cloud Management

Management of the MR46 is performed through the Meraki cloud, featuring an intuitive browser-based interface that enables rapid deployment without time-consuming training or costly certifications. The MR46 is self-configuring and managed over the web, allowing deployment at remote locations in minutes, even without on-site IT staff.

24x7 monitoring via the Meraki cloud delivers real-time alerts for network problems. Remote diagnostic tools enable immediate troubleshooting over the web, simplifying management of distributed networks.

The MR46's firmware is automatically updated via the cloud, delivering new features, bug fixes, and enhancements seamlessly. This eliminates the need for manual software updates or concerns about missing security patches.

Product Highlights

Features

Dual-radio aggregate frame rate of up to 3.5 Gbps*

The 5 GHz 4x4:4 radio and 2.4 GHz 4x4:4 radio offer a combined dual-radio aggregate frame rate of 3.5 Gbps*, with up to 2,402 Mbps in the 5 GHz band and 1,147 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band. Technologies like transmit beamforming and enhanced receive sensitivity allow the MR46 to support a higher client density than typical enterprise-class access points, resulting in better performance for more clients from each AP.

* Refers to maximum over-the-air data frame rate capability of the radio chipset, and may exceed data rates allowed by IEEE 802.11ax operation.

Multi User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO)

With support for features of 802.11ax, the MR46 offers MU-MIMO and OFDMA for more efficient transmission to multiple clients. Especially suited to environments with numerous mobile devices, MU-MIMO enables multiple clients to receive data simultaneously, increasing total network performance and improving the end-user experience.

Dedicated third radio delivers 24x7 wireless security and RF analytics

The MR46's dedicated dual-band scanning and security radio continually assesses the environment, characterizing RF interference and containing wireless threats like rogue access points. All functions occur in real-time without impacting client traffic or AP throughput.

Bluetooth Low Energy Beacon and scanning radio

An integrated fourth Bluetooth radio provides seamless deployment of BLE Beacon functionality and effortless visibility of Bluetooth devices. The MR46 enables next-generation location-aware applications, future-proofing deployments for new customer engagement strategies.

Automatic cloud-based RF optimization

The MR46's sophisticated and automated RF optimization eliminates the need for dedicated hardware and RF expertise typically required to tune a wireless network. RF data collected by the dedicated third radio is continuously fed back to the Meraki cloud, used to automatically tune channel selection, transmit power, and client connection settings for optimal performance under challenging RF conditions.

Integrated enterprise security and guest access

The MR46 features integrated, easy-to-use security technologies for secure connectivity for employees and guests. Advanced security features like AES hardware-based encryption and Enterprise authentication with 802.1X and Active Directory integration provide wired-like security while remaining easy to configure. One-click guest isolation provides secure, Internet-only access for visitors. PCI compliance reports check network settings against PCI requirements to simplify secure retail deployments.

Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) & Mobile Device Management (MDM) integration

Meraki Systems Manager natively integrates with the MR46 to offer automatic, context-aware security. Systems Manager's self-service enrollment helps rapidly deploy MDM without additional equipment, dynamically tying firewall and traffic shaping policies to client posture.

Application-aware traffic shaping

The MR46 includes an integrated layer 7 packet inspection, classification, and control engine, enabling QoS policies based on traffic type. This helps prioritize mission-critical applications while setting limits on recreational traffic like peer-to-peer and video streaming. Policies can be implemented per network, per SSID, per user group, or per individual user for maximum flexibility and control.

Voice and video optimizations

Industry-standard QoS features are built-in and easy to configure. Wireless MultiMedia (WMM) access categories, 802.1p, and DSCP standards ensure important applications are prioritized correctly on the MR46 and other network devices. Unscheduled Automatic Power Save Delivery (U-APSD) and new Target Wait Time features in 802.11ax clients ensure minimal battery drain on wireless VoIP phones.

Self-configuring, self-maintaining, always up-to-date

When plugged in, the MR46 automatically connects to the Meraki cloud, downloads its configuration, and joins the appropriate network. If new firmware is required, it is retrieved by the AP and updated automatically, ensuring the network is kept up-to-date with bug fixes, security updates, and new features.

Advanced analytics

Detailed network usage analytics provide highly granular traffic insights. Visibility into the physical world is enhanced with journey tracking through location analytics. Visitor numbers, dwell time, repeat visit rates, and track trends can be monitored in the dashboard, with deeper analysis enabled via simple APIs.

Specifications

Radios

Category Specifications
Radios
  • 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n/ax client access radio
  • 5 GHz 802.11a/n/ac/ax client access radio
  • 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz dual-band WIDS/WIPS, spectrum analysis, & location analytics radio
  • 2.4 GHz Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio with Beacon and BLE scanning support
  • Concurrent operation of all four radios
  • Supported frequency bands (country-specific restrictions apply):
    • 2.412-2.484 GHz
    • 5.150-5.250 GHz (UNII-1)
    • 5.250-5.350 GHZ (UNII-2)
    • 5.470-5.600, 5.660-5.725 GHz (UNII-2e)
    • 5.725 -5.825 GHz (UNII-3)

Antenna

Category Specifications
Antenna Internal Antenna (5.4 dBi gain at 2.4 GHz, 6 dBi gain at 5 GHz)

802.11ax, 802.11ac Wave 2 and 802.11n Capabilities

Category Specifications
802.11ax, 802.11ac Wave 2 and 802.11n Capabilities
  • DL-OFDMA**, UL-OFDMA**, TWT support**, BSS Coloring**
  • 4 x 4 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) with four spatial streams
  • SU-MIMO, UL MU-MIMO** and DL MU-MIMO support
  • Maximal ratio combining (MRC) & beamforming
  • 20 and 40 MHz channels (802.11n); 20, 40, and 80 MHz channels (802.11ac Wave 2); 20, 40 and 80 MHz channels (802.11ax)
  • Up to 1024-QAM on both 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz bands
  • Packet aggregation

Power

Category Specifications
Power
  • Power over Ethernet: 42.5 - 57 V (802.3at compliant)
  • Alternative: 12 V DC input
  • Power consumption: 18W max (802.3at)
  • Power over Ethernet injector and DC adapter sold separately

Interfaces

Category Specifications
Interfaces
  • 1x 1000/2.5G BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45)
  • 1x DC power connector (5.5 mm x 2.5 mm, center positive)

Mounting

Category Specifications
Mounting
  • All standard mounting hardware included
  • Desktop, ceiling, and wall mount capable
  • Ceiling tile rail (9/16, 15/16 or 1 1/2" flush or recessed rails), assorted cable junction boxes
  • Bubble level on mounting cradle for accurate horizontal wall mounting

Physical Security

Category Specifications
Physical Security
  • Two security screw options (included) (13.5 mm long and 2.5 mm diameter and 5 mm head)
  • Kensington lock hard point
  • Concealed mount plate with anti-tamper cable bay

Environment

Category Specifications
Environment
  • Operating temperature: 32 °F to 104 °F (0 °C to 40 °C)
  • Humidity: 5 to 95% non-condensing

Physical Dimensions

Category Specifications
Physical Dimensions 12.05" x 5.06" x 1.74" (30.6 cm x 12.84 cm x 4.426 cm), not including desk mount feet or mount plate
Weight 800 g

Security

Category Specifications
Security
  • Integrated Layer 7 firewall with mobile device policy management
  • Real-time WIDS/WIPS with alerting and automatic rogue AP containment with Air Marshal
  • Flexible guest access with device isolation
  • VLAN tagging (802.1q) and tunneling with IPsec VPN
  • PCI compliance reporting
  • WEP***, WPA, WPA2-PSK, WPA2-Enterprise with 802.1X, WPA3 - Personal**, WPA3 - Enterprise**, WPA3 - Enhanced Open (OWE)**
  • EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, EAP-MSCHAPv2, EAP-SIM
  • TKIP and AES encryption
  • Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) & Mobile Device Management (MDM) integration
  • Cisco ISE integration for Guest access and BYOD Posturing

Quality of Service

Category Specifications
Quality of Service
  • Advanced Power Save (U-APSD)
  • WMM Access Categories with DSCP and 802.1p support
  • Layer 7 application traffic identification and shaping

Mobility

Category Specifications
Mobility
  • PMK, OKC, & 802.11r for fast Layer 2 roaming
  • Distributed or centralized layer 3 roaming

Analytics

Category Specifications
Analytics
  • Embedded location analytics reporting and device tracking
  • Global L7 traffic analytics reporting per network, per device, & per application

LED Indicators

Category Specifications
LED Indicators 1 power/booting/firmware upgrade status

Regulatory

Category Specifications
Regulatory
  • RoHS
  • For additional country-specific regulatory information, please contact Meraki sales

Warranty

Category Specifications
Warranty Lifetime hardware warranty with advanced replacement included

Ordering Information

Category Specifications
Ordering Information
  • MR46-HW: Meraki MR46 Cloud Managed 802.11ax AP
  • MA-PWR-30W-XX: Meraki AC Adapter for MR Series (XX = US/EU/UK/AU)
  • MA-INJ-4-XX: Meraki Gigabit 802.3at Power over Ethernet Injector (XX = US/EU/UK/AU)
  • MA-INJ-5-XX: Meraki Multigigabit 802.3at Power over Ethernet Injector (XX = US/EU/UK/AU)
  • Note: Meraki access point license required.

** software features can be enabled via firmware updates

Compliance and Standards

Category Standards
IEEE Standards 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11e, 802.11g, 802.11h, 802.11i, 802.11k, 802.11n, 802.11r, and 802.11u***

Safety and Regulatory Information

Safety Approvals

Radio Approvals

EMI Approvals (Class B)

Exposure Approvals

*** feature can be enabled for required networks

Context and Comparisons

802.11ax, 802.11ac Wave 2 and 802.11n Capabilities

Capabilities MR36 MR46 MR56
Core Features DL-OFDMA**, UL-OFDMA**, TWT support**, BSS coloring** DL-OFDMA**, UL-OFDMA**, TWT support**, BSS coloring** DL-OFDMA**, UL-OFDMA**, TWT support**, BSS coloring**
MIMO Streams 2x2 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) with two spatial streams 4x4 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) with four spatial streams 8x8 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) with eight spatial streams on 5 GHz; 4x4 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) with eight spatial streams on 2.4 GHz
Combining & Beamforming Maximal ratio combining (MRC) & beamforming Maximal ratio combining (MRC) & beamforming Maximal ratio combining (MRC) & beamforming
MIMO Modes SU-MIMO, UL MU-MIMO** and DL MU-MIMO support SU-MIMO, UL MU-MIMO** and DL MU-MIMO support SU-MIMO, UL MU-MIMO** and DL MU-MIMO support
Channel Widths 20 and 40 MHz channels (802.11n); 20, 40, and 80 MHz channels (802.11ac Wave 2); 20, 40 and 80 MHz channels (802.11ax) 20 and 40 MHz channels (802.11n); 20, 40, and 80 MHz channels (802.11ac Wave 2); 20, 40 and 80 MHz channels (802.11ax) 20 and 40 MHz channels (802.11n); 20, 40, and 80 MHz channels (802.11ac Wave 2); 20, 40 and 80MHz channels (802.11ax)
QAM Up to 1024-QAM on both 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz bands Up to 1024-QAM on both 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz bands Up to 1024-QAM on both 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz bands
Aggregation Packet aggregation Packet aggregation Packet aggregation

Power

MR36 MR46 MR56
Power over Ethernet 37 - 57 V (802.af compliant) 42.5 - 57 V (802.3at compliant) 42.5 - 57 V (802.3at compliant)
Alternative Input 12 V DC input 12 V DC input 12 V DC input
Power Consumption 15W max (802.3af) 18W max 18W max
Injector/Adapter Power over Ethernet injector and DC adapter sold separately Power over Ethernet injector and DC adapter sold separately Power over Ethernet injector and DC adapter sold separately

Interfaces

MR36 MR46 MR56
Ethernet 1x 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45) 1x 1000/2.5G BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45) 1x 1000/2.5G/5G BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45)
DC Power Connector 1x DC power connector (5.5 mm x 2.5 mm, center positive) 1x DC power connector (5.5 mm x 2.5 mm, center positive) 1x DC power connector (5.5 mm x 2.5 mm, center positive)

Physical Dimensions

MR36 MR46 MR56
Dimensions (W x D x H) 9.84" x 4.72" x 1.42" (25 cm x 12 cm x 3.6 cm), not including desk mount feet or mount plate 12.05" x 5.06" x 1.74" (30.6 cm x 12.84 cm x 4.426 cm), not including desk mount feet or mount plate 12.83" x 5.54" x 1.76" (32.6 cm x 14.079 cm x 4.47 cm), not including deskmount feet or mount plate
Weight 492 g 800 g 1 kg

RF Performance Table

2.4 GHz

Operating Band Operating Mode Data Rate TX Power (conducted)
2.4 GHz802.11b1 Mb/s26.0
2 Mb/s26.0
5.5 Mb/s26.0
11 Mb/s26.0
2.4 GHz802.11g6 Mb/s26.0
9 Mb/s26.0
12 Mb/s24.0
18 Mb/s24.0
24 Mb/s23.0
36 Mb/s23.0
48 Mb/s22.0
54 Mb/s22.0
2.4 GHz802.11n (HT20)MCS026.0
MCS126.0
MCS224.0
MCS324.0
2.4 GHz802.11ac (VHT20)MCS424.0
MCS522.0
MCS622.0
MCS721.0
2.4 GHz802.11ax (HE20)MCS026.0
MCS126.0
MCS224.0
MCS324.0
MCS424.0
MCS523.0
MCS622.0
MCS722.0
MCS821.0
MCS920.0
2.4 GHz802.11ac (VHT40)MCS024.0
MCS124.0
MCS224.0
MCS324.0
MCS424.0
MCS523.0
MCS622.0
MCS722.0
MCS820.5
MCS920.0
MCS1019.0
MCS1119.0
2.4 GHz802.11ax (HE40)MCS024.0
MCS124.0
MCS224.0
MCS324.0
MCS424.0
MCS523.0
MCS622.0
MCS721.5
MCS820.5
MCS920.0
MCS1018.5
MCS1118.5

5 GHz

Operating Band Operating Mode Data Rate TX Power
5 GHz802.11a6 Mb/s26.0
9 Mb/s26.0
12 Mb/s24.0
18 Mb/s24.0
24 Mb/s23.0
36 Mb/s23.0
48 Mb/s22.0
54 Mb/s22.0
5 GHz802.11n (HT20)MCS026.0
MCS126.0
MCS224.0
MCS324.0
MCS424.0
MCS523.0
MCS622.0
MCS722.0
5 GHz802.11n (HT40)MCS024.0
MCS124.0
MCS224.0
MCS324.0
MCS424.0
MCS523.0
MCS622.0
MCS722.0
5 GHz802.11ac (VHT20)MCS026.0
MCS126.0
MCS224.0
MCS324.0
MCS424.0
MCS523.0
MCS622.0
MCS722.0
MCS821.0
5 GHz802.11ac (VHT40)MCS024.0
MCS124.0
MCS224.0
MCS324.0
MCS424.0
MCS523.0
MCS622.0
MCS722.0
MCS820.5
MCS920.0
5 GHz802.11ac (VHT80)MCS024.0
MCS124.0
MCS224.0
MCS324.0
MCS424.0
MCS522.0
MCS622.0
MCS720.0
MCS819.0
MCS919.0
5 GHz802.11ax (HE20)MCS026.0
MCS126.0
MCS224.0
MCS324.0
MCS424.0
MCS523.0
MCS622.0
MCS722.0
MCS821.0
MCS921.0
MCS1019.0
5 GHz802.11ax (HE40)MCS024.0
MCS124.0
MCS224.0
MCS324.0
MCS424.0
MCS523.0
MCS622.0
MCS721.5
MCS820.5
MCS920.0
MCS1018.5
MCS1118.5
5 GHz802.11ax (HE80)MCS024.0
MCS124.0
MCS224.0
MCS324.0
MCS424.0
MCS522.0
MCS622.0
MCS720.0
MCS819.0
MCS919.0
MCS1017.0
MCS1117.0

Signal Coverage Patterns

5 GHz - Wireless

Description: Polar plots illustrating antenna radiation patterns for 5 GHz wireless. The plots show signal strength (in dB) across different angles (degrees) for various modes. The device is depicted schematically within the plots.

X-Y plane (XY-cut)

Shows coverage in the horizontal plane. The plot indicates signal strength varying with direction, with a generally omnidirectional pattern with some lobes and nulls.

X-Z plane (XZ-cut)

Shows coverage in the vertical plane along the X-axis. This plot illustrates how signal strength is distributed above, below, and to the sides of the access point.

Y-Z plane (YZ-cut)

Shows coverage in the vertical plane along the Y-axis. This plot details signal distribution in another vertical orientation.

2.4 GHz - Wireless

Description: Polar plots illustrating antenna radiation patterns for 2.4 GHz wireless. Similar to the 5 GHz plots, these show signal strength variation with direction.

X-Y plane (XY-cut)

Horizontal plane coverage for 2.4 GHz wireless.

X-Z plane (XZ-cut)

Vertical plane coverage along the X-axis for 2.4 GHz wireless.

Y-Z plane (YZ-cut)

Vertical plane coverage along the Y-axis for 2.4 GHz wireless.

2.4GHz - Bluetooth

Description: Polar plots illustrating antenna radiation patterns for 2.4 GHz Bluetooth. These plots show signal characteristics for Bluetooth scanning and beaconing.

X-Y plane (XY-cut)

Horizontal plane coverage for 2.4 GHz Bluetooth.

X-Z plane (XZ-cut)

Vertical plane coverage along the X-axis for 2.4 GHz Bluetooth.

Y-Z plane (YZ-cut)

Vertical plane coverage along the Y-axis for 2.4 GHz Bluetooth.

2.4 GHz - Scanning

Description: Polar plots illustrating antenna radiation patterns for 2.4 GHz scanning. These plots detail the performance of the dedicated scanning radio.

X-Y plane (XY-cut)

Horizontal plane coverage for 2.4 GHz scanning.

X-Z plane (XZ-cut)

Vertical plane coverage along the X-axis for 2.4 GHz scanning.

Y-Z plane (YZ-cut)

Vertical plane coverage along the Y-axis for 2.4 GHz scanning.

5 GHz - Scanning

Description: Polar plots illustrating antenna radiation patterns for 5 GHz scanning. These plots detail the performance of the dedicated scanning radio in the 5 GHz band.

X-Y plane (XY-cut)

Horizontal plane coverage for 5 GHz scanning.

X-Z plane (XZ-cut)

Vertical plane coverage along the X-axis for 5 GHz scanning.

Y-Z plane (YZ-cut)

Vertical plane coverage along the Y-axis for 5 GHz scanning.

Installation Guide

For instructions on how to install and configure MR46 access points, please refer to the MR46 Installation Guide.

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