Spotlight - Cisco Meraki MR34 (video)

For our second video blog, John and Meeka return to spotlight the Cisco Meraki MR34.  We're excited to get one of these in the office and try it out in our Proof of Concept Lab.  Before we can turn it on, we have to unpack it, which gives us our first blog about this device.

The MR34 is Cisco Meraki's first (and at this point, only) 802.11ac access point.  The big news is that the MR34 has three radios, a 5GHz and a 2.4GHz radio as well as a dedicated radio for dual-band WIPS (wireless intrusion prevention system) and spectrum analysis.  All three radios function concurrently for uninterrupted security and client service.

As with all Cisco Meraki access points, the MR34 is managed from the cloud, eliminating the need for wireless controllers.

Tech Specs

• One 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n radio, One 5GHz 802.11a/n/ac radio, One dedicated WIPS & spectrum analysis radio
• Max data rate: 1.75Gbps
• 3x3 MIMO in both operating bands
• Fully functional using 802.3at PoE power or DC adapter
• Reduced functionality using 802.3af PoE power
• One Ethernet port
• One LED indicator

In The Box

Included with the MR34 is all of the mounting hardware.  Including all the hardware is consistent with Meraki's ease-of-use principle, eliminating the need to track down additional mounting kits.  The MR34 can be mounted on a wall or the T-rail frame of a drop ceiling.

Also included is a handy foam holder for all the small bits and tools.  There's even a bubble level on the mounting plate.

The only other thing in the box is a pamphlet of regulatory compliance information.  Meaning, there is not an included power supply.  We elected to go with Meraki's 802.3at PoE injector.  There is also a 12v 1.5amp A/C adapter available.  Cisco Meraki no longer sells the 802.3af PoE injector.  The MR34 can run on 802.3af PoE but with limited functionality.

That's all for this time.  Keep watching this blog and our YouTube channel for more on the MR34 as well as more network equipment available from CopperWiFi.com.