Meraki's latest entries in their line of high-end WiFi access points are here, and they are impressive. They have developed quite a reputation for being on the cutting edge of networking, and the new MR52 Meraki access point doesn't disappoint. It's easily one of the most powerful 802.11ac Wave 2 APs available, and makes a compelling argument for network upgrades.
This Meraki access point is designed specifically for larger organizations such as big office buildings, schools, universities, and hospitals which are in need of robust WiFi services in a high-density radio environment. If your bandwidth needs are growing, read on to learn more about this new offering.
Meraki MR52 Review
Everything about this AP is focused on providing as much possible bandwidth, and the smoothest connection experience, for users in need of high-tech mobile options.
Advanced Technical Features for Optimal Performance
It features a total of four radios. The first two utilize the 2.5ghz and 5ghz bandwidth ranges in a 4x4 MU-MIMO array, offering a maximum potential aggregate frame rate of 2.5Gbps. (However, this requires other compatible high-speed Wave 2 clients for best results of course.) This AP features two Gigabit Ethernet uplinks with link-aggregation options for the most throughput.
Enhanced Security and User Experience
The third radio is dedicated to providing information and security for admins. It performs 24/7 intrusion detection and prevention services, as well as gathering a wide variety of usage data and analytics. The fourth radio is a low-power Bluetooth beacon, bringing advanced site-wide messaging options for compatible devices.
The acess point has multiple smart on-board services to provide a smooth user experience. The unit can automatically shift between multiple frequencies in the 2.5 and 5ghz ranges to avoid interference from other wireless devices. Its omni-directional internal antennas (one per radio) also engage in smart beamshaping to increase coverage. Finally, it deploys both Layer 2 and Layer 3 roaming features to allow easy physical movement around larger grounds and campuses.
All these features do come at a small price: Like many Wave 2 devices, it requires a high-power 802.3at PoE (PoE+) connection for full functionality. Luckily, 30w PoE+ is becoming increasingly common in installations.
Unparalleled Administrator Options
Like their other products, the MR52 access point is remarkably simple to administer while providing a wealth of information and options to admins. The easy-to-use Meraki Dashboard GUI requires no previous networking experience, while still offering advanced functionality.
Superior Network Optimization and Security
Besides providing security, that third radio is continually reporting detailed information on user activity, including consistently-updated location tracking. An admin can truly see everything going on with the network, as well as being able to physically oversee the location of users. This can be highly valuable both for network optimization, as well as understanding the movements of visitors around a retail space.
Meraki also has unrivaled Layer 7 app-level awareness. The on-board smart firewall consistently watches for questionable behavior among apps, going well beyond most internal firewalls. Likewise, admins have the power to regulate or restrict usage of specific apps. This can be used for traffic shaping, or simply to block access to questionable or non-work-safe programs.
Ready for the BYOD Revolution
This is one of the few APs on the market we'd say is truly ready for the ongoing BYOD revolution. In the future, more and more security threats will come from apps, rather than users, and this WAP is prepared to deal with that. If you are interested in secuirty and BYOD you should check out more info on mobile device managment (MDM).
The MR52 and MR53: Leading the Wave 2 Revolution
All in all, the Meraki MR52 has a lot of positives and remarkably few downsides. Along with its multigigabit cousin, the MR53, it's at the true top-of-the-line for 802.11ac Wave 2 functionality as well as providing a wealth of options for superior optimization and security.
How to Experience the MR52 for Yourself
If your organization is beginning to outgrow its current WiFi implementation, Cisco Meraki makes a strong argument for embracing Wave 2. Contact Hummingbird Networks today for a free future-focused consultation on the benefits...and we will even send you a FREE TRIAL!
