MR20 Installation Guide (2024)

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The Cisco Meraki MR20is a dual-band enterprise class 802.11ac cloud-managed access point.

Package Contents

The MR20package contains the following:

  • MR20Cloud-Managed Access Point

MR20 Installation Guide (1)

  • Mount plate

MR20 Installation Guide (2)

  • Mount Kit
    • Wall screws, wall screw anchors, and security screws

Understanding the MR20

Your Meraki MR20has the following features:

MR20 Installation Guide (4)

MR20 Installation Guide (5)

MR20 Installation Guide (6)

The mount plate has the following features:

Security Features

The MR20 features multiple options for physically securing the access point after installation:

  1. Security screw – The accessory kit includes screws that can be used to secure the access point to the mount cradle. Engaging the security screw prevents accidental dislodging and theft.

Ethernet Ports

The MR20 features a Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port that accepts 802.3at and 802.3af power (labeled “Eth0, PoE”). This port should be used for uplink to your WAN connection.

Power Source Options

The MR20 access point can be powered using either the Meraki AC Adapter, PoE Injector (both soldseparately), or a third-party PoE switch. The MR20 operates at full power with 802.3af PoE.

Factory Reset Button

If the button is pressed and held for at least five seconds and then released, the MR20 will reboot and be restored to its original factory settings by deleting all configuration information stored on the unit.

LED Indicators and Run Dark Mode

Your MR20 is equipped with a multi-color LED light on the front of the unit to convey information about system functionality and performance:

  • Orange - AP is booting (permanent Orange suggests hardware issue)
  • Rainbow - AP is initializing/scanning
  • Blinking Blue - AP is upgrading
  • Green - AP in Gateway mode with no clients
  • Blue - AP in Gateway mode with clients
  • Blinking Orange - AP can't find uplink

The MR20 may be operated in “Run Dark” mode for additional security and to reduce the visibility of the access point. In this mode, the LED will not be illuminated. This mode may be enabled through Meraki dashboard.

NOTE:Blinking Green LED indicates that the device is in site survey mode. Please see the Conducting Site Surveys with MR Access Points for more details.

Pre-Install Preparation

You should complete the following steps before going on-site to perform an installation.

Configure Your Network in Dashboard

The following is a brief overview only of the steps required to add an MR20 to your network. For detailed instructions about creating, configuring and managing Meraki wireless networks, refer to the online documentation (documentation.meraki.com).

  1. Login tohttp://dashboard.meraki.com. If this is your first time, create a new account.
  2. Find the network to which you plan to add your APs or create a new network.
  3. Add your APs to your network. You will need your Meraki order number (found on your invoice) or the serial number of each AP, which looks like Qxxx-xxxx-xxxx, and is found on the bottom of the unit. You will also need your Enterprise license key, which you should have received via email.
  4. Go to the map / floor plan view and place each AP on the map by clicking and dragging it to the location where you plan to mount it.

Check and Upgrade Firmware

To ensure your MR20 performs optimally immediately following installation, it is recommended that you facilitate a firmware upgrade prior to mounting your MR20.

  1. Attach your MR20 to power and a wired Internet connection. See the "Power the MR20" section for details.
  2. The MR20 will turn on and the LED will glow solid orange. If the unit does not require a firmware upgrade, the LED will turn eithergreen (no clients associated) or blue (clients associated) within thirty seconds.

* If the unit requires an upgrade, the LED will begin blinking orange until the upgrade is complete, at which point the LED will turn solid green or blue. You should allow at least a few minutes for the firmware upgrade to complete, depending on the speed of your internet connection.

Check and Configure Firewall Settings

If a firewall is in place, it must allow outgoing connections on particular ports to particular IP addresses. The most current list of outbound ports and IP addresses for your particular organization can be foundhere.

Assigning IP Addresses to MR20s

All gateway MR20s (MR20s with Ethernet connections to the LAN) must be assigned routable IP addresses. These IP addresses can be dynamically assigned via DHCP or statically assigned.

Dynamic Assignment

When using DHCP, the DHCP server should be configured to assign a static IP address for each MAC address belonging to a Meraki AP. Other features of the wireless network, such as 802.1X authentication, may rely on the property that the APs have static IP addresses.

Static Assignment

Static IPs are assigned using the local web server on each AP. The following procedure describes how to set the static IP:

  1. Using a client machine (e.g., a laptop), connect to the AP wirelessly (by associating to any SSID broadcast by the AP) or over a wired connection.
  2. If using a wired connection, connect the client machine to the MR20 either through a PoE switch or a PoE Injector. If using a PoE switch, plug an Ethernet cable into the MR20’s Ethernet jack, and the other end into a PoE switch. Then connect the client machine over Ethernet cable to the PoE switch. If using a PoE Injector, connect the MR20 to the “PoE” port of the Injector, and the client machine to the “LAN” port.
  3. Using a web browser on the client machine, access the AP’s built-in web server by browsing tohttp://my.meraki.com. Alternatively, browse tohttp://10.128.128.128.
  4. Click on the “Uplink Configuration” tab. Log in. The default login is the serial number (e.g. Qxxx-xxxx-xxxx), with no password(e.g., Q2DD-551C-ZYW3).
  5. Configure the static IP address, net mask, gateway IP address and DNS servers that this AP will use on its wired connection.
  6. If necessary, reconnect the AP to the LAN.

Static IP via DHCP Reservations

Instead of associating to each Meraki AP individually to configure static IP addresses, an administrator can assign static IP addresses on the upstream DHCP server. Through “DHCP reservations,” IP addresses are “reserved” for the MAC addresses of the Meraki APs. Please consult the documentation for the DHCP server to configure DHCP reservations.

Collect Tools

You will need the following tools to perform an installation:

MR20 Installation Guide (7)

Collect Additional Hardware for Installation

You will need the following hardware to perform an installation:

MR20 Installation Guide (8)

Installation Instructions

Warning: Due to the heat dissipation in the back ofAPs during normal operation, please do not stack powered on APs on top of each other during pre-installationto avoid heat damage.

Choose Your Mounting Location

A good mounting location is important to getting the best performance out of your MR20 access point. Keep the following in mind:

  1. The device should have unobstructed line of sight to most coverage areas. For example, if installing in an office filled with workspaces divided by mid-height cubicle walls, installing on the ceiling or high on a wall would be ideal.
  2. Power over Ethernet supports a maximum cable length of 300 ft (100 m).
  3. If being used in a mesh deployment, the MR20 should have line of sight to at least two other Meraki devices. A Cisco Partner can help ensure that your AP placement is ideal.

Power the MR20

If mounting to an electrical junction box, feed the Ethernet cable through the cable access hole in the mount cradle.If mounting to a wall or ceiling, the Ethernet cable will feed from behind the MR20. The "Power Source Options" section of this document lists the different powering options and their unique characteristics.

Mount the MR20

Attach the MR20 to the Mount Cradle

(This section applies to wall and/or solid ceiling, drop ceiling or electrical junction box mount
where you have already installed the mount cradle.)

The MR20 attaches to the mount cradle with two tabs on the cradle that insert into the MR20, and is secured to the cradle using one screw.

To attach the MR20 to the mount cradle properly, line up the top edge of the AP with the top tab of the mount cradle. Since the cradle is already mounted to the wall, guide the MR20 towards the top tab and insert the top tab into the MR20’s slot.

Then adjust the MR20 to guide the MR20’s bottom slot intothe cradle’s bottom tabuntil it clicks into place. Once in place, the MR20 should be secured to the cradle by using one of the included screws in the cradle’s bottom tab.


MR20 Installation Guide (9)

MR20 Installation Guide (10)

MR20 Installation Guide (11)

To release the MR20 from the mount cradle, first remove the security screw that secures the MR20 to the cradle’s bottom tab. While holding the MR20 with one hand, press the cradle’s bottom tab upwards, releasing the MR20 from the bottom of the cradle. Then remove the MR20 from the cradle’s top tab.

Desk or Shelf Mount

The MR20 can be placed on a desk or shelf resting on the non-scratch rubber feet. The mount cradle is not necessary for a desk or shelf installation.

Secure the MR20

Depending on your mounting environment, you may want to secure the MR20 to its mount location.If the MR20 has been installed using the mount cradle, it should be secured via security screw (Torx security screws are included).

Power the MR20

If mounting to an electrical junction box, feed the Ethernet cable through the cable access hole in the mount cradle.If mounting to a wall or ceiling, the Ethernet cable will feed from behind the MR20. The "Power Source Options" section of this document lists the different powering options and their unique characteristics.

Verify Device Functionality and Test Network Coverage

  1. Check LEDs
    1. The Power LED should be solid green (or blue, if clients are connected). If it is flashing blue, the firmware is automatically upgrading and the LED should turn green when the upgrade is completed (normally within a few minutes). See the "LED Indicators" section for more details. .
    2. Note: Your MR20 must have an active route to the Internet to check and upgrade its firmware.
  2. Verify access point connectivity
    1. Use any 802.11 client device to connect to the MR20 and verify proper connectivity using the client’s web browser.
  3. Check network coverage
  4. Confirm that you have good signal strength throughout your coverage area. You can use the signal strength meter on a laptop, smart phone, or other wireless device.

Warranty

Additional warranty information can be found on the MR20 Datasheet or on the Warranty Returns (RMA) page of the Cisco Meraki website.

Troubleshooting

Reference the MR Product Pagefor additional information and troubleshooting tips.

MR20 Installation Guide (2024)

FAQs

What is the default password for Cisco MR20? ›

The default login is the serial number (e.g. Qxxx-xxxx-xxxx), with no password (e.g., Q2DD-551C-ZYW3). Configure the static IP address, net mask, gateway IP address and DNS servers that this AP will use on its wired connection. If necessary, reconnect the AP to the LAN.

How do I connect my Meraki to my router? ›

Cable from Modem/Router to Meraki

Connect the network cable to one of the open jacks on the back of your cable modem or router depending on your home network configuration. This cable will be directly connected to your Meraki.

What is a Meraki MR20? ›

The Cisco Meraki MR20 is a dual-radio, cloud-managed 2x2:2 802.11ac wave 2 access point with MU-MIMO support. Designed for basic, medium-density deployments, the MR20 provides enterprise-grade security and simple management.

How to change password meraki mr20? ›

Resetting a network user password as an end user:
  1. Choose 'I forgot my password'
  2. Enter your email address and click 'Reset password'
  3. You will receive an email with a link to reset your password if the end user account exists.
  4. Follow instructions from the email to reset your password.
Feb 10, 2023

What is the default admin and password for cisco? ›

When you unbox your Cisco switch or router and turn it on, the first setup of the device requires login through the console. The default username and password are both “cisco” or “admin” with default IP addresses of 192.168. 1.1 or 192.168. 1.254.

What is the default username and password for Meraki router? ›

The default user name is “admin”. The default password is the AP's serial number, with hyphens included (e.g. Q2BD-551C-ZYW3).

What is the default SSID for Meraki? ›

If a Meraki Access Point does not have a configuration from the Meraki Cloud Controller it will instead broadcast a default SSID of "Meraki-Scanning." The AP takes an address of 10.128. 128.128, the SSID runs DHCP, and it will try to assign any clients that associate with it an address.

Is Meraki a router or firewall? ›

Meraki firewalls are 100% cloud managed and equipped with comprehensive security features. They help reduce the complexity and save you money on multiple appliances because they are like an all-in-one appliance – routers, firewalls, internet gateway, and traffic shaper.

What is a MR20? ›

The Cisco Meraki MR20 is a dual-radio, 100% cloud-managed 2x2:2 802.11ac Wave 2 access point with MU-MIMO support. Designed for basic, very low-density deployments, the MR20 provides enterprise grade security and simple management.

What is the difference between Cisco and Meraki? ›

N.B - Meraki are actually now owned by Cisco. Meraki devices are aimed at more 'cloud/web management', whilst Cisco is still their more enterprise offering, although I'm sure they will merge this more in the future. Also you mentioned Meraki so Wireless comes to mind.

Is Meraki owned by Cisco? ›

Meraki was acquired by Cisco Systems in December 2012.

How do I connect my Meraki to the Internet? ›

Using the provided Ethernet cable, connect one end into an open port on your cable modem (the box provided by your internet service provider) and the other end into the Internet port of the Meraki router. Plug in the Cisco Meraki router's power adapter, included in the box, then plug in the adapter into an outlet.

How do I configure Meraki? ›

Procedure
  1. Log in to Cisco Meraki using the credentials for your Meraki account.
  2. Click the organization in which you want to enable SSIDs, and choose the required network.
  3. Choose Network-wide > Configure > General.
  4. In the CMX area, do the following: ...
  5. Click Save Changes.

How do I assign an RF profile to Meraki? ›

The RF profile can be assigned to a specific AP or multiple APs in bulk on the Wireless > Configure > Radio Settings page in the dashboard. On the list of APs, select the checkbox next to each AP that you would like to apply the profile to, then use the Edit Settings drop-down and select Assign Profile.

What is the default password for a cisco controller? ›

The default username is admin. Enter the wireless device password in the Password text box and press Enter. The default password is admin.

What is the default password for a cisco sensor? ›

Follow the prompts based on your setup until the recovery is successful. Login using the default username/password which is 'cisco/cisco'. Run setup in order to reconfigure the appliance.

What is the default password for a cisco phone adapter? ›

The default password for the administrator is admin and for the user it is cisco. Note: If you forget the password, you can reset the phone adapter to factory defaults which in turn returns the device to the default login.

What is the default password for cisco Web security Appliance? ›

STEP 1: LAUNCHING THE SYSTEM SETUP WIZARD

The default username is admin and the default password is ironport.

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