Cisco Meraki MR18 Dual-radio 2x2 MIMO 802.11n Access Point with third radio dedicated to RF and security
The Cisco Meraki MR18 is an industry-first three-radio, cloud managed 2x2 MIMO 802.11n access point designed for deployments in offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, and large retail stores.
Cisco Meraki MR18 Key Features
- Dual-concurrent 802.11n radios
- Up to 600 Mbps combined data rate
- 24x7 real-time WIPS/WIDS and spectrum analytics via dedicated third radio*
- Enhanced transmit power and receive sensitivity
- Self-healing, zero-configuration mesh
- Integrated enterprise security and guest access
- Application-aware traffic shaping
- Self-configuring, plug-and-play deployment
- Sleek, low profile design blends into office environments
- Optimised for voice and video
The MR18 features dual-concurrent, dual-band operation and advanced 802.11n technologies such as MIMO and beam forming, delivering the high throughput and reliable coverage required by demanding business applications like voice and video.
Not only does the MR18 provide speeds of up to 600 Mbps with two concurrent 2x2:2 MIMO radios, but also delivers unprecedented security and spectrum visibility via a third radio dedicated to 24x7 WIDS/WIPS and advanced RF analytics.
Dual enterprise class 802.11n radios, up to 600 Mbps
The MR18 features two powerful radios and advanced RF design for enhanced receive sensitivity. Combined with 802.11n technologies including 2x2 MIMO and transmit beamforming, the MR18 delivers data rates of up to 600 Mbps and enhanced coverage, meaning fewer access points are required for a given deployment. In addition, the MR18 uses band steering to automatically serve 5 GHz-capable clients with the 5 GHz radio, maximizing capacity in the 2.4 GHz range for older 802.11b/g and 2.4 GHz-only clients
Dedicated third radio delivers 24x7 wireless security and RF analytics*
The MR18’s dedicated dual-band third radio scans the environment continuously, characterizing RF interference and containing wireless threats like rogue access points. No more need to choose between wireless security, advanced RF analysis, and serving client data: a dedicated third radio means that all three occur in real-time, without any impact to client traffic or AP throughput.
Application-aware traffic shaping
The MR18 includes an integrated layer 7 packet inspection, classification, and control engine, enabling QoS policies based on traffic type. Integrated support for Wireless Multi Media (WMM) and 802.1p DSCP tagging. Prioritize your mission critical applications, while setting limits on recreational traffic, e.g., peer-to-peer and video streaming.
Automatic RF optimization with spectrum analysis
The MR18’s sophisticated, automated RF optimization means that there is no need for the dedicated hardware and RF expertise typically required to tune a wireless network. An integrated spectrum analyzer monitors the airspace for neighboring WiFi devices as well as non-802.11 interference – microwave ovens, Bluetooth headsets, etc. The Meraki cloud then automatically optimizes the MR18’s channel selection, transmit power, and client connection settings, providing optimal performance even under challenging RF conditions.
Integrated enterprise security and guest access
The MR18 features integrated, easy-to-use security technologies to provide secure connectivity for employees and guests alike. Advanced security features such as AES hardware-based encryption and WPA2-Enterprise authentication with 802.1X and Active Directory integration provide wire-like security while still being easy to configure. One-click guest isolation provides secure, Internet-only access for visitors. The integrated policy firewall (Identity Policy Manager) enables granular group or device-based access control. Meraki Teleworker VPN makes it easy to extend the corporate LAN to remote sites, without requiring clients and devices to have client VPN software. PCI compliance reports check network settings against PCI requirements to simplify secure retail deployments.
Secure wireless environments 24x7 using Air Marshal
There’s no need to choose between a wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) and serving client data: thanks to the dedicated third radio, Air Marshal, a highly optimized built-in WIPS, scans continuously for threats and remediates them as commanded, all without disrupting client service. Alarms and auto-containment of malicious and rogue APs are configured via flexible remediation policies, ensuring optimal security and performance in even the most challenging wireless environments.
High performance mesh
The MR18’s advanced mesh technologies like multi-channel routing protocols and multiple gateway support enable scalable, high throughput coverage of hard-to-wire areas with zero configuration. Mesh also improves network reliability – in the event of a switch or cable failure, the MR18 will automatically revert to mesh mode, providing continued gateway connectivity to clients.
Self-configuring, self-optimizing, self-healing
When plugged in, the MR18 automatically connects to the Meraki cloud, downloads its configuration, and joins the appropriate network. It self optimizes, determining the ideal channel, transmit power, and client connection parameters. It also self heals, responding automatically to switch failures and other errors.
Low profile, environmentally friendly design
Despite its incredible power and feature set, the MR18 is the lowest profile 802.11n access point available – at just one inch thick, it blends seamlessly into any environment. In addition to looking great, the MR18 is earth friendly: we’ve eliminated excess packaging and documentation, and 90% of the access point materials are recyclable. A maximum power draw of only 9.8 watts and a cloud-managed architecture mean that pollution, material utilization and electricity bills are minimized.
Cisco Meraki MR18 Technical Specifications
Radios
- One 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n radio, one 5 GHz 802.11a/n radio
- Dedicated radio for dual-band WIPS & spectrum analysis*
- Concurrent operations of all three radios
- Max data rate 600 Mbit/s
- Operating Bands:
- FCC (US) EU (Europe)
- 2.412-2.484 GHz 2.412-2.484 GHz
- 5.150-5.250 GHz (UNII-1) 5.150-5.250 GHz (UNII-1)
- 5.725 -5.825 GHz (UNII-3) 5.250-5.350, 5.470-5.600, 5.650-5.725 GHz (UNII-2)
802.11n Capabilities
- 2 x 2 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) with two spatial streams
- Maximal ratio combining (MRC)
- Beamforming
- 20 and 40 MHz channels
- Packet aggregation
- Cyclic shift diversity (CSD) support
Power
- Power over Ethernet: 24 - 57 V (802.3af compatible)
- 12V DC
- Power consumption: 9.8 W max
- Power over Ethernet injector and DC adapter sold separately
Mounting
- All standard mounting hardware included
- Desktop and wall mount
- Ceiling tile rail (9/16, 15/16 or 1 ½” flush or recessed rails), assorted cable junction boxes
Physical Security
- Security screw included
- Kensington lock hard point
- Anti-tamper cable bay
- Concealed mount plate
Environment
- Operating temperature: 32 °F to 104 °F (0 °C to 40 °C)
- Humidity: 5 to 95% non-condensing
Physical Dimensions
- 7.25” x 5.69” x 1.17” (186 mm x 146 mm x 30 mm) excluding deskmount feet or mount plate
- Weight: 25.7 oz (0.73 kg)
Antenna
- Integrated omni-directional antennas
- Gain: 3 dBi @ 2.4 GHz, 5 dBi @ 5 GHz
Interfaces
- 1x 100/1000Base-T Ethernet (RJ45) with 48V DC 802.3af PoE
- 1x DC power connector (5mm x 2.1mm, center positive)
Security
- Integrated policy firewall (Identity Policy Manager)
- Mobile device policies
- Air Marshal: Real-time WIPS (wireless intrusion prevention system) with alarms
- Guest isolation
- Teleworker VPN with IPsec
- PCI compliance reporting
- WEP, WPA, WPA2-PSK, WPA2-Enterprise with 802.1X
- TKIP and AES encryption
- VLAN tagging (802.1q)
Quality of Service
- Wireless Quality of Service (WMM/802.11e)
- DSCP (802.1p)
- Layer 7 application traffic shaping and firewall
Mobility
- PMK and OKC credential support for fast Layer 2 roaming
- 802.11r and 802.11k
- Layer 3 roaming
LED Indicators
- 2 Ethernet status
- 1 power/booting/firmgrade upgrade status
Regulatory
- FCC (US), IC (Canada), CE (Europe), C-Tick (Australia/New Zealand)
- RoHS
- For additional country-specific regulatory information, please contact Meraki sales
Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)