Meraki does it again with this largely self-configuring access point. The Meraki MR86 is an exceptionally easy-to-learn 802.11ax device. It is basically the Wi-Fi 6 version of the MR74. or maybe the bigger brother of the MR76. The difference is that it’s faster. And, like all Merakis, it is 100% cloud-managed. It’s also outdoor-rated for demanding industrial environments. You can deploy it remotely in just minutes. Plus, most actions in it’s cloud interface are point and click.
With Meraki access points, you have fully remote IT support for your hardware virtually all the time. As a result, there’s little need for full-time IT staff Once up and running, you have an unprecedented level of monitoring, reporting, and control of your network.
Wi-Fi 6 and the future
Not everybody needs to jump on the Wi-Fi 6 bandwagon right away. But it has its’ advantages. Even before the COVID shutdown, and the surge in demand for video conferencing, there was an overall growth in bandwidth-heavy applications. They include video streaming platforms, VR and AR, BYOD, cloud computing, SaaS, and IoT services. Wi-Fi 6, as the latest generation of Wi-Fi, is perfect for this development. Designed for it, in fact.
Wi-Fi 6 has several advantages to recommend it. For example, it is backward-compatible with Wi-Fi 5, and has higher network bandwidth and lower latency. It also manages simultaneous connections on both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands. This gives access points like the MR86 improved overall performance. There’s also improved support for mobile device management services. Not only that, Wi-Fi 6 features OFDMA, that divides bandwidth into subchannels for efficient data transmission across multiple devices. And there’s also just the all-around reduced operating expenses due to low maintenance and a more efficient network.
Features of the Meraki MR86
The MR86 is one of the best industrial and weatherproof 802.11ax Wave 2 access points on the market. It’s IP67-rated, near the top for such devices. It is is fully protected against impacts, shocks, dust and debris. It’s waterproofing allow it to be submerged in up to a meter of water for half an hour, no problem. Not surprisingly, it can stand up to virtually any weather conditions.
The MR86 has four radios. They are Bluetooth Low Energy, dual-band WIDS/WIPS, 2.4 GHz, and 5.0 GHz. There’s also a built-in antivirus scan. Plus, you’ll receive a secure, built-in DNS security if you opt for the advanced license. Not surprisingly, it has dual-concurrent radios for powerful and automated RF optimization. And, it supports UL/DL OFDMA.
The MR86 has a Giganet Ethernet port that’s compatible with 802.3af PoE. Its’ management features include automatic reporting, self-provisioning, and even self-healing in the case of unexpected detachments or failures. The MR86 is also suitable in a mesh network for preventing Wi-Fi dead zones in hard-to-wire parts of the environment.
MR86 specs
The Meraki MR86 is a four-radio, 4×4 access point. It provides excellent security, with a maximum of 3.5 Gbps aggregate frame rate with concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios. As mentioned earlier, a dedicated third radio provides real-time WIDS/WIPS with automated RF optimization. In addition, a fourth radio delivers BLE scanning and Beaconing functionality. The MR86 is completely, and easily, cloud-managed.
Intrigued? Curious? Reach out to Corporate Armor here, or call 877-449-0458. We have years of experience partnering with Meraki, and we can’t wait to serve you. Thanks for reading!