MR57-HW MR57 Tri Band 802.11ax Wireless Access Point 8.35 Gbit/s - HW Meraki

Meraki MR57-HW Wireless Access Point

The Meraki MR57-HW Wireless Access Point represents the forefront of wireless technology with its support for Wi-Fi 6E. This advanced access point is designed to deliver high-performance wireless connectivity across multiple frequency bands, including 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. As a cloud-managed device, the MR57-HW provides seamless integration with Meraki’s cloud management platform, offering robust features for efficient network management and enhanced user experiences.

General Information

Product Type and Brand

• Brand: Meraki
• Part Number: MR57-HW
• Type: Wireless Access Point designed for seamless connectivity

Networking Specifications

Connectivity and Protocols

• Form Factor: External, suitable for various mounting configurations.
• Connectivity Technology: Wireless, offering freedom from wired constraints.
• Data Transfer Rate: Achieves speeds up to 8.35 Gbps, supporting high-bandwidth applications.
• Data Link Protocols Supported: Compatible with IEEE standards including 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac Wave 2, and the latest 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E).
• Cloud-Managed: Yes, providing remote configuration and management via the cloud.
• Frequency Bands: Operates on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands for versatile performance.

Performance Metrics

• 2.4 GHz Band: Maximum throughput of 1147 Mbps for basic connectivity.
• 5 GHz Band: Supports up to 2402 Mbps, enhancing medium to high-density scenarios.
• 6 GHz Band: Reaches speeds of up to 4804 Mbps, ideal for next-generation applications.
• Status Indicators: Visual status through Power, Boot State, and Status LEDs.

Advanced Functionalities

Enhanced Features

• Firmware Upgradability: Keeps the device up-to-date with the latest enhancements and security updates.
• Mounting Options: Wall and ceiling mountable, adapting to different installation needs.
• Wireless Security Systems: Includes WIDS (Wireless Intrusion Detection System) and WIPS (Wireless Intrusion Prevention System) for added protection.
• QoS and Multimedia Support: Supports Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM), QoS, and DiffServ Code Point (DSCP) for efficient traffic management.
• MU-MIMO Technology: Multi-User MIMO capabilities for simultaneous high-speed connections to multiple devices.
• Bluetooth Low Energy: BLE beaconing support for location-based services.
• Power-Saving Features: U-APSD (Unscheduled Automatic Power Save Delivery) and TWT (Target Wake Time) for energy efficiency.
• Beamforming and OFDMA: Optimizes signal strength and reduces latency.

Security and Authentication

• Encryption Algorithms: Robust encryption with AES, TKIP, WPA, WPA2-PSK, WPA2-Enterprise, WPA3-Personal, WPA3-Enterprise, WPA3-Enhanced Open, WEP, EAP-SIM, EAP-TLS, and EAP-TTLS.
• Authentication Methods: Supports MS-CHAP v.2 and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), providing flexibility in secure access control.

Compliance and Standards

Compliant Standards

• IEEE Standards: Conforms to various IEEE standards including 802.1Q, 802.1P, 802.11 series, 802.1X, 802.3at, and Wi-Fi Certified 6E.
• Additional Compliance: Adheres to CSA, VCCI, ICES-003, EN55024, CISPR 22, FCC Parts 15B/C/E, UL 2043, RoHS, and more.

Hardware and Connectivity

Antennas and Interfaces

• Antenna Type: Internal, designed to minimize interference while maintaining optimal signal strength.
• Network Ports: Equipped with 2 x 1/2.5/5GBASE-T (PoE+) RJ-45 ports for flexible connectivity options.
• USB Port: 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, allowing for additional peripheral support.

Additional Features

• Included Accessories: Comes with a mounting kit to facilitate easy installation.
• MTBF: Offers a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 998,440 hours, indicating high reliability and durability.

Power Specifications

Power Over Ethernet (PoE)

• PoE Supported: PoE+ enabled, simplifying power management and reducing the need for additional cabling.

Key Features of the MR57-HW Access Point

The MR57-HW is equipped with cutting-edge features to meet the demands of modern wireless networks. Here are some of its key features:

Wi-Fi 6E Technology

Wi-Fi 6E extends the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 by introducing an additional 6 GHz band, providing more bandwidth and less interference. This enhancement is crucial for high-density environments and applications requiring high-speed connectivity.

Enhanced Bandwidth

The 6 GHz band offers up to 1.2 GHz of additional spectrum, allowing for higher throughput and reduced congestion. This is particularly beneficial in environments with many connected devices or high-bandwidth applications.

Improved Network Efficiency

With features like Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Target Wake Time (TWT), Wi-Fi 6E improves overall network efficiency. OFDMA enables simultaneous data transmission to multiple devices, while TWT schedules device wake times to save power and reduce latency.

Tri-Band Operation

The MR57-HW operates across three frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. This tri-band capability ensures optimal performance by balancing network load and minimizing interference.

2.4 GHz Band

The 2.4 GHz band offers broad coverage and is ideal for devices with lower bandwidth requirements. It is useful for connecting legacy devices and applications that do not require high-speed connections.

5 GHz Band

The 5 GHz band provides faster speeds and more bandwidth than the 2.4 GHz band. It is suitable for high-performance applications, including video streaming and online gaming, where speed and low latency are crucial.

6 GHz Band

The 6 GHz band, newly introduced with Wi-Fi 6E, delivers even higher performance with additional channels and reduced interference. This band is ideal for environments with high device density and demanding applications.

Cloud Management Integration

The MR57-HW is fully integrated with Meraki’s cloud management platform, offering several advantages for network administrators:

Centralized Management

The cloud-based management interface allows administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the MR57-HW from a single dashboard. This centralized management simplifies network operations and enhances visibility.

Real-Time Analytics

Gain insights into network performance and user activity with real-time analytics provided by Meraki’s cloud platform. This data helps optimize network performance and address potential issues proactively.

Automatic Updates

Keep the MR57-HW firmware up to date with automatic updates from the cloud. This ensures that the access point benefits from the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements without manual intervention.

Security Features

Security is a top priority with the MR57-HW, which includes several advanced security features to protect the network:

Advanced Encryption

The access point supports WPA3 encryption, providing enhanced security for wireless communications. WPA3 offers improved protection against brute-force attacks and ensures the confidentiality of data transmitted over the network.

Secure Guest Access

Secure guest access features include captive portals and guest VLANs, ensuring that visitors can connect to the network safely without compromising the security of the internal network.

Threat Detection and Prevention

Integrated threat detection and prevention mechanisms help identify and mitigate potential security threats. This includes real-time monitoring for suspicious activity and automatic responses to security incidents.

Performance and Reliability

The MR57-HW is designed to deliver exceptional performance and reliability, making it suitable for a wide range of environments:

High Throughput

With support for multiple bands and advanced Wi-Fi 6E features, the MR57-HW offers high throughput and low latency. This ensures smooth and fast wireless connectivity for all connected devices.

Coverage and Range

The access point provides extensive coverage and range, making it suitable for large areas or multiple floors. Its advanced antenna design and signal optimization techniques enhance wireless coverage and reduce dead zones.

Reliability

The MR57-HW is built for reliability, with robust hardware and software designed to operate continuously in demanding environments. Its high availability features include redundancy and failover capabilities to ensure uninterrupted service.

Applications and Use Cases

The MR57-HW is versatile and can be deployed in various environments and scenarios:

Enterprise Environments

In enterprise environments, the MR57-HW provides high-speed wireless connectivity for office spaces, conference rooms, and collaboration areas. Its cloud management and security features make it ideal for large-scale deployments.

Educational Institutions

For schools and universities, the MR57-HW offers reliable connectivity for classrooms, labs, and common areas. The advanced features support high-density environments and provide secure guest access for students and visitors.

Retail and Hospitality

In retail and hospitality settings, the MR57-HW enhances the customer experience with fast and reliable wireless access. It also supports secure guest networks and helps manage in-store or venue-wide wireless coverage.

Healthcare Facilities

In healthcare settings, the MR57-HW supports critical applications such as patient monitoring, electronic health records, and medical device connectivity. Its security features ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and protect sensitive data.