Meraki MR56-HW Wi-fi 6 Cloud Managed Wireless Access Point

Meraki MR56-HW Wireless Access Point Details

• Manufacturer: Meraki
• Part Number: MR56-HW
• Product Type: Wireless Access Point

Technical Specifications

• Form Factor: External, suitable for versatile installations
• Included Accessories: Comes with a mounting kit for easy setup

Connectivity and Protocols

• Data Link Protocols Supported:
  • IEEE 802.11b
  • IEEE 802.11a
  • IEEE 802.11g
  • IEEE 802.11n
  • IEEE 802.11ac Wave 2
  • IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
• Frequency Bands:
  • 2.4 GHz
  • 5 GHz

Power and Efficiency

• Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Support: PoE+ compatible for efficient power delivery
• Power Options:
  • DC 12 V (non-PoE)
  • 42.5 – 57 V (PoE+)

Interfaces

• Network Interfaces: 1 x 1/2.5/5GBase-T (PoE+) – RJ-45

Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6

The Meraki MR56-HW Wireless Access Point is equipped with the latest wireless standard, Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax. This advanced technology brings numerous benefits to users, making it an essential feature for businesses and organizations looking to enhance their wireless network performance.

Enhanced Speed and Capacity

Wi-Fi 6 delivers significantly faster speeds compared to its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). With up to 4 times higher network capacity, the MR56-HW can support a larger number of devices simultaneously without sacrificing performance. This is especially crucial in modern environments where multiple devices are connected to the network at any given time, such as offices, schools, and public venues.

Improved Efficiency and Latency

The efficient use of wireless bandwidth is another key advantage of Wi-Fi 6. By implementing technologies like Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Target Wake Time (TWT), the MR56-HW optimizes the transmission of data packets, reducing latency and improving overall network efficiency. This ensures a smoother user experience, especially for applications that require real-time data transmission such as video conferencing and online gaming.

Better Performance in Dense Environments

One of the significant challenges in crowded areas is interference from neighboring networks. Wi-Fi 6 incorporates advanced features like Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) and Beamforming to mitigate interference and provide better performance in dense environments. With MU-MIMO, the MR56-HW can simultaneously communicate with multiple devices, increasing throughput and reducing congestion. Beamforming allows the access point to focus its signal directly towards devices, improving signal strength and reliability.

Future-Proof Investment

Investing in Wi-Fi 6 technology ensures that your wireless network is ready for the future. As more devices become Wi-Fi 6 compatible, having an access point like the MR56-HW enables seamless integration and optimal performance. By future-proofing your network infrastructure, you can avoid costly upgrades down the line and stay ahead of evolving technology trends.

Management: Cloud Managed

The Meraki MR56-HW Wireless Access Point offers cloud management capabilities, providing a range of benefits for users seeking a scalable, efficient, and hassle-free solution for network management.

Simplified Deployment and Maintenance

With cloud management, deploying and maintaining wireless access points becomes significantly easier. The MR56-HW can be provisioned remotely, allowing for rapid deployment across multiple locations without the need for on-site configuration. This reduces deployment time and minimizes the need for dedicated IT staff at each location. Additionally, firmware updates and network configurations can be managed centrally through the cloud dashboard, ensuring that all access points are up to date with the latest features and security patches.

Centralized Monitoring and Troubleshooting

The cloud management platform provides a centralized view of your entire network infrastructure, allowing administrators to monitor and troubleshoot issues from a single dashboard. Real-time visibility into network performance, client connectivity, and usage patterns enables proactive identification and resolution of potential problems. This not only improves network uptime but also enhances user experience by minimizing disruptions.

Scalability and Flexibility

Cloud management offers unparalleled scalability, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes. As your network grows, additional access points can be seamlessly added to the cloud dashboard, simplifying expansion without the need for complex configurations. Furthermore, the cloud-based nature of the management system ensures that you can access and manage your network from anywhere, providing flexibility for remote administration and monitoring.

Enhanced Security and Compliance

Cloud-managed networks benefit from built-in security features and regular updates. The MR56-HW access point integrates seamlessly with other Meraki security products, allowing for comprehensive threat detection and prevention. Additionally, the cloud management platform ensures compliance with industry regulations by providing centralized control over security policies and access controls.

Features: High Performance, Enterprise-Grade Security, Easy Deployment

The Meraki MR56-HW Wireless Access Point offers a range of features designed to deliver high performance, enterprise-grade security, and easy deployment for organizations of all sizes.

High Performance

The MR56-HW is engineered to deliver exceptional performance in demanding environments. With its state-of-the-art hardware and advanced software capabilities, it can handle high-density deployments with ease. The access point supports high-speed data transfer rates, ensuring smooth and reliable connectivity for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video streaming and large file transfers.

Seamless Roaming

The MR56-HW utilizes technologies like 802.11k and 802.11r to enable seamless roaming between access points within the network. This ensures uninterrupted connectivity for mobile devices as users move throughout the coverage area. Seamless roaming is particularly beneficial in environments where a constant and stable connection is critical, such as hospitals, warehouses, and large office spaces.

Quality of Service (QoS)

To prioritize network traffic and ensure optimal performance for critical applications, the MR56-HW implements Quality of Service (QoS) features. With QoS, administrators can assign different levels of priority to specific traffic types, such as voice or video data, guaranteeing a consistent and reliable user experience even during periods of high network utilization.

Enterprise-Grade Security

Security is a top priority for any wireless network, and the MR56-HW offers enterprise-grade security features to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.

WPA3 Encryption

The MR56-HW supports the latest encryption standard, WPA3, providing enhanced security compared to older protocols. WPA3 utilizes stronger encryption algorithms, making it more resistant to hacking attempts and unauthorized access. With WPA3, you can ensure that your network communications are secure and protected from potential threats.

Identity-Based Policies

To enforce granular access controls, the MR56-HW allows for the creation of identity-based policies. This means that network access can be granted or restricted based on factors such as user role, device type, or location. Identity-based policies provide an additional layer of security by ensuring that only authorized users and devices can connect to the network.

Integrated Security Services

The MR56-HW integrates seamlessly with other Meraki security products, such as firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), to provide a comprehensive security solution. By leveraging these integrated security services, you can detect and mitigate potential threats in real-time, protecting your network infrastructure and data from malicious activities.

Easy Deployment

The MR56-HW is designed for easy deployment, streamlining the setup process and reducing the time and effort required to get your wireless network up and running.

Zero-Touch Provisioning

With zero-touch provisioning, the MR56-HW can be automatically configured and provisioned once connected to the network. This eliminates the need for manual configurations, reducing human error and ensuring a consistent and standardized deployment across multiple access points.

Mesh Networking

The MR56-HW supports mesh networking, allowing for flexible deployment options in environments where running Ethernet cables is challenging or not feasible. Mesh networking enables access points to communicate with each other wirelessly, extending network coverage without the need for additional wired connections.

Intuitive Dashboard

Meraki's intuitive cloud dashboard provides a user-friendly interface for managing and configuring your wireless network. The dashboard offers a comprehensive set of tools and features, allowing administrators to monitor performance, manage access policies, and troubleshoot issues with ease. This simplifies network management and reduces the complexity associated with traditional on-premises solutions.

Interfaces: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45), 1 x 2.5Gbps Multigigabit Ethernet (RJ45)

The Meraki MR56-HW Wireless Access Point features versatile interfaces that provide flexible connectivity options for different network setups and requirements.

Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)

The MR56-HW is equipped with 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) port, allowing for traditional wired connections. This interface provides a reliable and high-speed connection to the network infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and stability.

Backward Compatibility

The Gigabit Ethernet interface is backward compatible with previous Ethernet standards, such as 10/100Mbps. This means that the MR56-HW can seamlessly integrate into existing network infrastructures without the need for additional upgrades or modifications.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

The Gigabit Ethernet port supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), allowing the MR56-HW to receive both data and power over a single Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for additional power outlets near the access point and simplifies the installation process.

2.5Gbps Multigigabit Ethernet (RJ45)

The MR56-HW also features 1 x 2.5Gbps Multigigabit Ethernet (RJ45) port, offering higher data transfer rates for bandwidth-intensive applications. The Multigigabit interface is ideal for environments where high-speed connections are required, such as offices with multiple users accessing large files or video streaming simultaneously.

Future-Proof Network Infrastructure

The Multigigabit Ethernet interface ensures that your network infrastructure is ready for the future. As network demands continue to increase, having a higher speed interface allows for seamless integration of new devices and applications without compromising performance.

Increased Bandwidth for Wireless Connectivity

By connecting the MR56-HW to a Multigigabit Ethernet switch, you can take full advantage of its high-speed capabilities, providing increased bandwidth for wireless connectivity. This enables faster data transfer rates and improved overall performance for wireless clients connected to the access point.

Antennas: Internal Omnidirectional Antennas

The Meraki MR56-HW Wireless Access Point comes equipped with internal omnidirectional antennas, offering a range of benefits for reliable and widespread wireless coverage.

Omnidirectional Coverage

The internal omnidirectional antennas provide 360-degree coverage, ensuring a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal in all directions. This allows for flexible placement of the access point, as there is no need to worry about directing the antennas towards specific areas or devices.

Seamless Roaming

The omnidirectional antennas facilitate seamless roaming between access points within the network. As users move throughout the coverage area, the MR56-HW can maintain a consistent connection, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.

Reduced Dead Zones

The internal antennas help minimize dead zones, ensuring that Wi-Fi coverage extends to all areas within the desired coverage area. This is particularly beneficial in environments with obstacles or challenging layouts, such as multi-story buildings or spaces with thick walls.

Compact Design

The MR56-HW's internal antennas are integrated into its sleek and compact design, ensuring a discreet and aesthetically pleasing installation. The compact form factor allows for easy placement in various environments without drawing unnecessary attention.

Flexible Mounting Options

The compact design and internal antennas give you flexibility in choosing the mounting option that best suits your needs. Whether you prefer wall mounting, ceiling mounting, or placing the access point on a desktop, the MR56-HW can easily adapt to different installation scenarios.

Power Over Ethernet: 1

The Meraki MR56-HW Wireless Access Point supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), providing a convenient and efficient power solution for deployments.

Simplified Installation and Setup

With PoE support, the MR56-HW can receive both power and data over a single Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for separate power cables and power outlets near the access point, simplifying the installation process and reducing clutter.

Cost Savings

By utilizing PoE, you can save on installation costs and infrastructure expenses. With a single cable providing both power and data, there is no need for additional electrical work or the purchase of extra power supplies. This makes PoE an economical choice, especially for large-scale deployments.

Flexible Placement

PoE allows for flexible placement of the MR56-HW, as it is not limited by the proximity to power outlets. This enables optimal access point placement for maximum coverage and signal strength without being restricted by power availability.

Remote Power Management

PoE also provides remote power management capabilities. Through the cloud management platform, administrators can monitor and control the power status of the access point. This enables efficient troubleshooting and power cycling, reducing the need for physical intervention and minimizing downtime.