In today’s fast-paced industrial environments, reliable wireless connectivity is crucial. Cisco Meraki’s MR46 and MR46E are two advanced wireless access points that cater to different needs in warehouses and production areas. Let’s delve into their features, compare them, and also look at other popular Meraki access points suitable for similar environments.
Meraki MR46
The Cisco Meraki MR46 is designed for high-density environments requiring robust performance. It features integrated omni-directional antennas and is equipped with 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) capabilities, making it ideal for environments with a large number of devices.
Meraki MR46E
The MR46E, on the other hand, offers the flexibility of external antennas. This is particularly advantageous in challenging RF environments, such as large warehouses with complex layouts or outdoor areas.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Meraki MR46 | Meraki MR46E |
|---|---|---|
| Antenna Type | Integrated Omni-directional | External (Flexible) |
| Radio Configuration | Triple-radio (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and dual-band WIDS/WIPS) | Same as MR46 |
| Throughput | High (802.11ax) | High (802.11ax) |
| Ideal Use Case | High-density indoor environments | Challenging RF environments |
| Mounting | Ceiling/Wall | Customizable based on antenna type |
| Flexibility | Standard | High (customizable coverage) |
Use in Warehouses and Production Areas
In warehouses and production areas, the choice between these two models depends largely on the specific layout and wireless coverage needs.
- MR46 is typically more suitable for standard indoor environments with clear line-of-sight and fewer physical obstructions.
- MR46E is advantageous in larger or more complex spaces where custom antenna solutions are necessary to navigate around obstructions and provide targeted coverage.
Other Popular Meraki Access Points for Similar Environments
- Meraki MR36: A reliable option for environments needing basic Wi-Fi 6 capabilities without the complexity of the MR46 series.
- Meraki MR76: Designed for outdoor or industrial environments, offering ruggedized and weather-resistant features.
- Meraki MR55: Ideal for very high-density environments, like large warehouses, offering the highest performance in the Meraki range.
Both the MR46 and MR46E are excellent choices for different scenarios in industrial environments, and their selection should be based on specific site requirements. For larger or more complex spaces, the MR46E’s flexibility with external antennas might be more beneficial. In contrast, for more standardized environments, the MR46’s integrated antennas offer a simpler and equally effective solution. Additionally, other Meraki models like the MR36, MR76, and MR55 can be considered based on specific needs and environmental conditions.
When deploying Access Points (APs) in a warehouse or office, conducting a wireless site survey is an essential step that should not be overlooked. This survey serves as a comprehensive assessment of the environment to ensure optimal placement and configuration of APs, guaranteeing efficient wireless network performance. Moreover, a survey can reveal existing network interferences and propose solutions to mitigate them. It also assists in selecting the right type of APs (like the Meraki MR46 or MR46E) and their features based on the specific environmental needs.
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