At the end of 2014, Cisco was pleased to announce the introduction of two new wireless access points to its family of Meraki APs, namely the indoor MR32 and the outdoor MR72, both aimed at looking toward the future, meeting the need for improved 802.11ac access points, and to enable more active customer engagement.
The MR32 is recommended for indoor use in high density and performance critical areas, and boasts a 1.2 Gbps radio rate, and is a great option for next-generation deployments in offices, schools, hospitals and hotels.
The MR72 is the veritable Bear Grylls of APs, being recommended for outdoor use and able to withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -40 degrees celcius to 60 degrees celcius, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. It also boasts a radio rate of 1.2 Gbps, and is a good choice for industrial areas.
However, while each of these access points has individual benefits, they also have some in common, which we’ve listed, along with how they can benefit your wireless network.
Four Key Benefits of Meraki’s New APs
1. Automatic Cloud-based RF Optimisation Gives Consist Performance Value
The automating of RF optimisation found in the Meraki access points assists in eliminating the need for dedicated hardware and the timeous labour traditionally involved in manually tuning a wireless network. In the case of each of these APs, data is collected by real-time full-spectrum RF analysis, and continually fed to the Meraki cloud by a dedicated third radio. The cloud in turn uses this analysis to automatically tune the channel selections, transmit power and client connection settings, so that each access point performs optimally in even the most challenging RF conditions, which ensures your wireless network does so as well.
2. Integrated Security and Guest Access Keeps Your Network Safe
Securing connectivity to your wireless network is crucial, which is why both the MR32 and MR72 have advanced security features like AES hardware-based encryption and WPA2-Enterprise authentication with 802.1X and Active Directory integration. This provides wire-like security while remaining easy to configure and use, while one-click guest isolation offers administrators the ability to provide secure internet-only access to guest users.
3. Self-configuring, Self-optimising and Self-healing Abilities Takes Out the Stress Factor
There is beauty in simplicity, and Meraki’s new access points have taken much of the complexity of configuring, optimising and maintaining APs out of the equation through an autonomous approach to these activities. When plugged in, an AP will automatically connect to the cloud, and configure itself appropriately by downloading the right configuration. It then self-optimises with the cloud’s help, using data gleaned from the cloud-based RF optimisation process. In the event of a switch failure or error, the AP also has the ability to recover via self-healing, taking the load of administrators in terms of constant maintenance.
4. BLE Beacon and Scanning Technology is Forward-thinking
An integrated Bluetooth low energy radio provides seamless deployment and functionality of Bluetooth low energy Beacon technology, and visibility of BLE devices within the AP’s range, thereby enabling possibilities of next-generation location-aware engagement immediately after deployment. This ensures your network is ready for the arrival of BLE devices moving forward.
5. Application-aware Traffic Shaping Gives You Better Control
Both the M32 and MR72 include an integrated layer 7 packet inspection, classification and control engine, which allows you to set QoS policies based on traffic type. This ensures you can control bandwidth allocation across your network, giving priority to your mission-critical applications above guest user activities.
Ensuring your access points are functioning optimally is essential to gaining the maximum benefit from your wireless network, so consider looking into APs that’ll ensure the best performance and ease of use possible. You won’t regret it!
Photo Credit: Leon Brocard
