Description
The Cisco Meraki MG21E Cloud-Managed Cellular Gateway a cellular router, or a cellular gateway, as Meraki calls it. It converts an LTE (cellular) signal to an ethernet signal. It is managed centrally, from the web, together with all other Meraki products.
And, like all other Meraki products, it is a pleasant pushover to set up and use. Meraki’s MG21 and MG21E. routers are identical, except that the MG21E has external antennas.
A router like the Meraki MG21E helps you connect multiple devices to the Internet, and connect the devices to each other. Also, you can use routers to create local networks of devices. These local networks are useful if you want to share files among devices or allow employees to share software tools. So basically, a router sends traffic from one network to another.
It can be used for mainline or back-up connectivity. A basic home router can simply inter-connect the devices within your home or office and nothing else. For instance, if you want to print a photo from your smartphone to your home printer, all you have to do is connect the two devices to the router’s wireless hotspot.
The Meraki MG21E use cases
Of course, signal strength is key for cellular performance. With a router like the Meraki MG21E, you can use a firewall in locations where cellular signals are stronger than WiFi or other options. The thing is, the best location for the you firewall (or other appliance) is not always the best for cellular signal.
The separation of cellular antenna in the MG21, and the firewall expands options for all networks. In other words, it greatly broadens where you can locate your other appliances. The router becomes their ‘gateway’ to the outside world.
Plus, in areas where wired internet services are not available, the MG21E provides a simple, viable option for wireless connectivity.
It allows you to quickly add Internet access to kiosks, trade shows, and the like.
And, an appliance linked to the MG21 as a secondary WAN uplink can use the cellular network to establish VPNs for SD-WAN. So the MG21 becomes backup connectivity.
Specifications
MG21E series gateways push 300 Mbps with a CAT 6 LTE modem. They have two separate ethernet ports for downstream connections. And, they can be powered via DC power or PoE. They are also IP67 water and dust resistance. That means they are easily up to outdoor use.
They are completely manageable from the famous Meraki Dashboard, and are self-configuring, and self-updating.
Cisco Meraki MG21E Cloud-Managed Cellular Gateway highlights
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Time to upgrade? Find out why the MG41 and the MX75 firewall are a match made in heaven!
Cisco Meraki MG21 / MG21E Cloud Managed Cellular Gateway Datasheet
