Cisco MR56 data sheet
MR56 Datasheet
High Performance 802.11ax Wireless
The Cisco Meraki MR56 is a cloud-managed 8x8:8 802.11ax access point that raises the bar for wireless performance and efficiency. Designed for next-
generation deployments in offices, schools, hospitals, shops, and hotels, the MR56 offers high throughput, enterprise-grade security, and simple management.
The MR56 provides a maximum of 5.9 Gbps* aggregate frame rate with concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios. A dedicated third radio provides real-time WIDS/
WIPS with automated RF optimization, and a fourth integrated radio delivers Bluetooth scanning and beaconing.
With the combination of cloud management, high performance hardware, multiple radios, and advanced software features, the MR56 makes an outstanding
platform for the most demanding of uses—including high-density deployments and bandwidth or performance-intensive applications like voice and high-definition
video.
MR56 and Meraki Cloud Management
Management of the MR56 is performed through the Meraki cloud, with an intuitive browser-based interface that enables rapid deployment without time-
1
consuming training or costly certifications. Because the MR56 is self-configuring and managed over the web, it can be deployed at a remote location in a matter
of minutes, even without on-site IT staff.
24x7 monitoring via the Meraki cloud delivers real-time alerts if a network encounters problems. Remote diagnostic tools enable immediate troubleshooting over
the web so that distributed networks can be managed with a minimum of hassle.
The MR56’s firmware is automatically kept up to date via the cloud. New features, bug fixes, and enhancements are delivered seamlessly over the web. This
means no manual software updates to download or missing security patches to worry about.
Product Highlights
• 8x8:8 MU-MIMO 802.11ax
• 5.9* Gbps dual-radio aggregate frame rate
• 24x7 real-time WIDS/WIPS and spectrum analytics via dedicated third
radio
• Integrated Bluetooth Low Energy Beacon
• Integrated scanning radio
• Enhanced transmit power and receive sensitivity
• Integrated enterprise security and guest access
• Application-aware traffic shaping
• Optimized for voice and video
• Self-configuring, plug-and-play deployment
• Sleek design blends into office environments
• Full-time Wi-Fi location tracking via dedicated 3rd radio
Features
Dual–radio aggregate frame rate of up to 5.9 Gbps*
5 GHz 8x8:8 radio and 2.4 GHz 4x4:4 radio offer a combined dual–radio aggregate frame rate of 5.9 Gbps*, with up to 4,804 Mbps in the 5 GHz band and
1,147 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band. Technologies like transmit beamforming and enhanced receive sensitivity allow the MR56 to support a higher client density
than typical enterprise-class access points, resulting in better performance for more clients, from each AP.
* Refers to maximum over-the-air data frame rate capability of the radio chipset, and may exceed data rates allowed by IEEE 802.11ax operation.
Multi User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO)
With support for features of 802.11ax, the MR56 offers MU-MIMO and OFDMA for more efficient transmission to multiple clients. Especially suited to
environments with numerous mobile devices, MU-MIMO enables multiple clients to receive data simultaneously. This increases the total network performance
and improves the end user experience.
Dedicated third radio delivers 24x7 wireless security and RF analytics
The MR56’s dedicated dual-band scanning and security radio continually assesses the environment, characterizing RF interference and containing wireless
threats like rogue access points. There’s no need to choose between wireless security, advanced RF analysis, and serving client data - a dedicated third radio
means that all functions occur in real-time, without any impact to client traffic or AP throughput.
Bluetooth Low Energy Beacon and scanning radio
An integrated fourth Bluetooth radio provides seamless deployment of BLE Beacon functionality and effortless visibility of Bluetooth devices. The MR56 enables
the next generation of location-aware applications while future proofing deployments, ensuring it’s ready for any new customer engagement strategies.
Automatic cloud-based RF optimization
2
The MR56’s sophisticated and automated RF optimization means that there is no need for the dedicated hardware and RF expertise typically required to tune a
wireless network. The RF data collected by the dedicated third radio is continuously fed back to the Meraki cloud. This data is then used to automatically tune
the channel selection, transmit power, and client connection settings for optimal performance under even the most challenging RF conditions.
Integrated enterprise security and guest access
The MR56 features integrated, easy-to-use security technologies to provide secure connectivity for employees and guests alike. Advanced security features
such as AES hardware-based encryption and Enterprise authentication with 802.1X and Active Directory integration provide wired-like security while still being
easy to configure. One-click guest isolation provides secure, Internet-only access for visitors. PCI compliance reports check network settings against PCI
requirements to simplify secure retail deployments.
Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) & Mobile Device Management (MDM) integration
Meraki Systems Manager natively integrates with the MR56 to offer automatic, context-aware security. Systems Manager’s self-service enrollment helps to
rapidly deploy MDM without installing additional equipment, and then dynamically tie firewall and traffic shaping policies to client posture.
Application-aware traffic shaping
The MR56 includes an integrated layer 7 packet inspection, classification, and control engine, enabling the configuration of QoS policies based on traffic type,
helping to prioritize mission-critical applications while setting limits on recreational traffic like peer-to-peer and video streaming. Policies can be implemented per
network, per SSID, per user group, or per individual user for maximum flexibility and control.
Voice and video optimizations
Industry standard QoS features are built-in and easy to configure. Wireless MultiMedia (WMM) access categories, 802.1p, and DSCP standards support all
ensure important applications get prioritized correctly, not only on the MR56, but on other devices in the network. Unscheduled Automatic Power Save Delivery
(U-APSD) and new Target Wait Time features in 802.11ax clients ensure minimal battery drain on wireless VoIP phones.
Self-configuring, self-maintaining, always up-to-date
When plugged in, the MR56 automatically connects to the Meraki cloud, downloads its configuration, and joins the appropriate network. If new firmware is
required, this is retrieved by the AP and updated automatically. This ensures the network is kept up-to-date with bug fixes, security updates, and new features.
Advanced analytics
Drilling down into the details of network usage provides highly granular traffic analytics. Visibility into the physical world can be enhanced with journey tracking
through location analytics. Visitor numbers, dwell time, repeat visit rates, and track trends can all be easily monitored in the dashboard and deeper analysis is
enabled with raw data available via simple APIs.
Specifications
Category Specifications
• 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n/ax client access radio
• 5 GHz 802.11a/n/ac/ax client access radio
• 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz dual-band WIDS/WIPS, spectrum analysis, & location analytics radio
• 2.4 GHz Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio with Beacon and BLE scanning support
• Concurrent operation of all four radios
Radios
• Supported frequency bands (country-specific restrictions apply)
• Supported frequency bands (country-specific restrictions apply):
◦ 2.412-2.484 GHz
◦ 5.150-5.250 GHz (UNII-1)
◦ 5.250-5.350 GHZ (UNII-2)
◦ 5.470-5.600, 5.660-5.725 GHz (UNII-2e)
◦ 5.725 -5.825 GHz (UNII-3)
3
Antenna • Internal Antenna (5.4 dBi gain at 2.4 GHz, 6 dBi gain at 5 GHz)
• DL-OFDMA**, UL-OFDMA**, TWT support**, BSS Coloring**
• 8 x 8 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) with eight spatial streams on 5GHz
• 4 x 4 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) with four spatial streams on 2.4GHz
802.11ax, 802.11ac Wave 2 and 802.11n
Capabilities
Power
• SU-MIMO, UL MU-MIMO** and DL MU-MIMO support
• Maximal ratio combining (MRC) & beamforming
• 20 and 40 MHz channels (802.11n); 20, 40, and 80 MHz channels (802.11ac Wave 2); 20, 40 and 80
MHz channels (802.11ax)
• Up to 1024-QAM on both 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz bands
• Packet aggregation
• Power over Ethernet: 42.5 - 57 V (802.at compliant)
• Alternative: 12 V DC input
• Power consumption: 22W max (802.3at)
• Power over Ethernet injector and DC adapter sold separately
Interfaces
Mounting
Physical Security
Environment
Physical Dimensions
• 1x 10/100/1000/2.5G/5G BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45)
• 1x DC power connector (5.5 mm x 2.5 mm, center positive)
• All standard mounting hardware included
• Desktop, ceiling, and wall mount capable
• Ceiling tile rail (9/16, 15/16 or 1 1⁄2” flush or recessed rails), assorted cable junction boxes
• Bubble level on mounting cradle for accurate horizontal wall mounting
• Two security screw options (included) (3.5 mm long and 2.5 mm diameter and 5 mm head)
• Kensington lock hard point
• Concealed mount plate with anti-tamper cable bay
• Operating temperature: 32 °F to 104 °F (0 °C to 40 °C)
• Humidity: 5 to 95% non-condensing
• 12.83” x 5.54” x 1.76” (32.6 cm x 14.079 cm x 4.47 cm), not including deskmount feet or mount plate
• Weight: 1 kg
Security
• Integrated Layer 7 firewall with mobile device policy management
• Real-time WIDS/WIPS with alerting and automatic rogue AP containment with Air Marshal
• Flexible guest access with device isolation
• VLAN tagging (802.1q) and tunneling with IPsec VPN
• PCI compliance reporting
4
Quality of Service
• WEP***, WPA, WPA2-PSK, WPA2-Enterprise with 802.1X, WPA3 - Personal**, WPA3 - Enterprise**,
WPA3 - Enhanced Open (OWE)**
• EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, EAP-MSCHAPv2, EAP-SIM
• TKIP and AES encryption
• Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) & Mobile Device Management (MDM) integration
• Cisco ISE integration for Guest access and BYOD Posturing
• Advanced Power Save (U-APSD)
• WMM Access Categories with DSCP and 802.1p support
• Layer 7 application traffic identification and shaping
Mobility
Analytics
LED Indicators • 1 power/booting/firmware upgrade status
Regulatory
Warranty • Lifetime hardware warranty with advanced replacement included
Ordering Information
• PMK, OKC, & 802.11r for fast Layer 2 roaming
• Distributed or centralized layer 3 roaming
• Embedded location analytics reporting and device tracking
• Global L7 traffic analytics reporting per network, per device, & per application
• RoHS
• For additional country-specific regulatory information, please contact Meraki sales
• MR56-HW: Meraki MR56 Cloud Managed 802.11ax AP
• MA-PWR-30W-XX: Meraki AC Adapter for MR Series (XX = US/EU/UK/AU)
• MA-INJ-4-XX: Meraki Gigabit 802.3at Power over Ethernet Injector (XX = US/EU/UK/AU)
• MA-INJ-5-XX: Meraki Multigigabit 802.3at Power over Ethernet Injector (XX = US/EU/UK/AU)
• Note: Meraki access point license required.
** software features can be enabled via firmware updates
Compliance and Standards
Category Standards
IEEE Standards • 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11e, 802.11g, 802.11h, 802.11i, 802.11k, 802.11n, 802.11r, and 802.11u***
5
Safety Approvals
Radio Approvals
EMI Approvals (Class B)
Exposure Approvals
• CSA and CB 60950 & 62368
• Conforms to UL 2043 (Plenum Rating)
• Canada: FCC Part 15C, 15E, RSS-247
• Europe: EN 300 328, EN 301 893
• Australia/NZ: AS/NZS 4268
• Mexico: IFT, NOM-208
• Taiwan: NCC LP0002
• For additional country-specific regulatory information, please contact Meraki Sales
• Canada: FCC Part 15B, ICES-003
• Europe: EN 301 489-1-17, EN 55032, EN 55024
• Australia/NZ: CISPR 22
• Japan: VCCI
• Canada: FCC Part 2, RSS-102
• Europe: EN 50385, EN 62311, EN 62479
• Australia/NZ: AS/NZS 2772
*** feature can be enabled for required networks
Context and Comparisons
802.11ax, 802.11ac Wave 2 and 802.11n Capabilities
MR36 MR46 MR56
DL-OFDMA**, UL-OFDMA**, TWT support**,
BSS coloring**
2 x 2 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) with
two spatial streams
Maximal ratio combining (MRC) & beamforming Maximal ratio combining (MRC) & beamforming Maximal ratio combining (MRC) & beamforming
SU-MIMO, UL MU-MIMO** and DL MU-MIMO
support
DL-OFDMA**, UL-OFDMA**, TWT support**,
BSS coloring**
4 x 4 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) with
four spatial streams
SU-MIMO, UL MU-MIMO** and DL MU-MIMO
support
DL-OFDMA**, UL-OFDMA**, TWT support**,
BSS coloring**
8 x 8 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) with
eight spatial streams on 5 GHz
4 x 4 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) with
eight spatial streams on 2.4 GHz
SU-MIMO, UL MU-MIMO** and DL MU-MIMO
support
6
20 and 40 MHz channels (802.11n); 20, 40, and
80 MHz channels (802.11ac Wave 2); 20, 40 and
80 MHz channels (802.11ax)
20 and 40 MHz channels (802.11n); 20, 40, and
80 MHz channels (802.11ac Wave 2); 20, 40 and
80 MHz channels (802.11ax)
20 and 40 MHz channels (802.11n); 20, 40, and
80 MHz channels (802.11ac Wave 2); 20, 40 and
80MHz channels (802.11ax)
Up to 1024-QAM on both 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
bands
Packet aggregation Packet aggregation Packet aggregation
Up to 1024-QAM on both 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
bands
Up to 1024-QAM on both 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
bands
Power
MR36 MR46 MR56
Power over Ethernet: 37 - 57 V (802.af
compliant)
Alternative: 12 V DC input Alternative: 12 V DC input Alternative: 12 V DC input
Power consumption: 15W max (802.3af) Power consumption: 18W max Power consumption: 18W max
Power over Ethernet injector and DC adapter
sold separately
Power over Ethernet: 42.5 - 57 V (802.3at
compliant)
Power over Ethernet injector and DC adapter
sold separately
Power over Ethernet: 42.5 - 57 V (802.3at
compliant)
Power over Ethernet injector and DC adapter
sold separately
Interfaces
MR36 MR46 MR56
1x 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45) 1x 10/100/1000/2.5G BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45)
1x DC power connector (5.5 mm x 2.5 mm,
center positive)
1x DC power connector (5.5 mm x 2.5 mm,
center positive)
Physical Dimensions
MR36 MR46 MR56
9.84” x 4.72” x 1.42” (25 cm x 12 cm x 3.6
cm), not including desk mount feet or mount
plate
Weight: 492 g Weight: 800 g Weight: 1 kg
12.05” x 5.06” x 1.74” (30.6 cm x 12.84 cm x 4.426
cm), not including desk mount feet or mount plate
1x 10/100/1000/2.5G/5G BASE-T Ethernet
(RJ45)
1x DC power connector (5.5 mm x 2.5 mm,
center positive)
12.83” x 5.54” x 1.76” (32.6 cm x 14.079 cm x
4.47 cm), not including deskmount feet or mount
plate
7
RF Performance Table
2.4 GHz
Operating Band Operating Mode Data Rate TX Power (conducted)
2.4 GHz 802.11b 1 Mb/s 26
2 Mb/s 26
5.5 Mb/s 26
11 Mb/s 26
2.4 GHz 802.11g 6 Mb/s 26
9 Mb/s 26
12 Mb/s 26
18 Mb/s 26
24 Mb/s 24
36 Mb/s 24
48 Mb/s 24
54 Mb/s 24
2.4 GHz 802.11n (HT20) MCS0 26
MCS1 26
MCS2 26
MCS3 26
8
MCS4 26
MCS5 24
MCS6 24
MCS7 23.5
2.4 GHz 802.11ax (HE20) MCS0 26
MCS1 26
MCS2 26
MCS3 26
MCS4 26
5 GHz
MCS5 25
MCS6 25
MCS7 23.5
MCS8 22.5
MCS9 22.5
MCS10 20.5
MCS11 20.5
Operating Band Operating Mode Data Rate TX Power
9
Loading...