Meraki Auto RF is a powerful, yet completely automated RF optimization system that delivers hassle-free, high-performance Wi-Fi, even under challenging interference conditions. With Auto RF, every access point on the network continuously and automatically monitors its surroundings for any source of interference that could affect Wi-Fi performance. Interference metrics, including data from a powerful spectrum analyzer built into each Meraki AP, are uploaded to the Cloud Controller. Armed with real-time and historical data, the Cloud Controller continually assesses the health of the entire network, dynamically tuning wireless channel selection, transmit power, and client connection settings to automatically adapt to changing interference conditions. The result is consistent, reliable network performance.

Key Benefits

• Increased reliability under challenging RF conditions
• Better coverage with fewer access points
• Higher client throughput
• Requires no additional hardware, licenses, cost or complexity

Spectrum Analyzer Detects Non-802.11 Interference

Every Meraki 802.11n access point features dedicated spectrum analysis hardware, which quantifies interference from non-802.11 sources like Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, cordless phones, etc. High resolution, real-time spectrum analysis can be viewed through the Meraki Cloud Controller dashboard, and is continually evaluated from the cloud by the Auto RF optimization algorithms. As a result, Meraki networks automatically detect and mitigate interference from non-802.11 sources.

802.11 Radios Monitor WiFi environment

Meraki access points monitor 802.11 channel utilization on both 2.4 and 5Ghz, detecting interference from neighboring APs on the Meraki network, as well as rogue APs on other networks. This interference data is uploaded to the Cloud Controller, enabling automatic optimal channel selection and transmit power settings. Additionally, APs monitor client device capabilities, selecting optimal datarates based on client signal strength, and steering 5Ghz capable clients off of the 2.4Ghz spectrum, reducing crowding and increasing client performance.

Cloud-Based Algorithms Determine Optimal Configuration

Every access point on the network gathers interference data and client perfomance metrics, and uploads these to the Cloud Controller. Armed with real-time and historical data, the Cloud Controller continually assesses the health of the entire network, dynamically tuning wireless channel selection, transmit power, and client connection settings to automatically adapt to changing interference conditions. Auto RF, leveraging the power of multi-tenant cloud computing, tunes optimization algorithms with inputs from 15,000+ networks.