Cisco Meraki MR46

Basic Information

• Model: MR46-HW
• Version: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
• Release Date: February 2020
• Minimum Requirements: Requires a Meraki Enterprise license for operation and management. Power via 802.3at PoE+ switch or 12V DC input; power adapter/injector sold separately.
• Supported Operating Systems: As a network access point, it supports client devices running any operating system compatible with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standards. Management is cloud-based via a web browser, making it OS-agnostic.
• Latest Stable Version: Firmware version MR 31.1.5.1 is noted as a recent stable version as of January 2025. Firmware updates are automatically managed and delivered via the Meraki cloud.
• End of Support Date: July 21st, 2026
• End of Life Date: The End-of-Life (EOL) date is concurrent with the End-of-Support (EOST) date.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Automatic firmware updates continue as long as the device is covered by an active Meraki license and is within its support lifecycle. Firmware versions have an End of Firmware Maintenance (EFM) date, after which they enter "Warning" or "Critical" status.
• License Type: Meraki Enterprise license is mandatory for device functionality and cloud management. Licensing options include co-termination and per-device models.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-managed. All configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting are performed through the intuitive Meraki cloud dashboard.

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Utilizes a Qualcomm chipset, designed for Wi-Fi 6 capabilities.
• RAM: Specific RAM details are not publicly detailed.
• Storage: Internal storage specifications are not publicly detailed.
• Display: No integrated display; features a multi-color LED indicator for system status.
• Ports: One 1/2.5GBase-T Ethernet port with Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) (RJ-45).
• Operating System: Runs proprietary Meraki firmware, managed entirely through the cloud.
• Wireless:
  • Standards: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
  • Radios: Four radios operating concurrently:
    • 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, and location analytics radio
    • 2.4 GHz Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio for beaconing and scanning
  • MIMO: 4x4:4 MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output)
  • Aggregate Frame Rate: Up to 3.5 Gbps (2,402 Mbps on 5 GHz, 1,147 Mbps on 2.4 GHz).
  • Antennas: Internal antennas with 5.4 dBi gain at 2.4 GHz and 6 dBi gain at 5 GHz.
• Power:
  • Input: 802.3at Power over Ethernet (42.5 - 57 V) or 12V DC input.
  • Consumption: 18W maximum (when powered via 802.3at).
• Dimensions: 1.7 inches (Height) x 12.1 inches (Width) x 5.1 inches (Depth).
• Weight: Approximately 1.76 lbs (0.8 kg).
• Environmental:
  • Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F).
  • Operating Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing.

Analysis of Technical Specifications: The Cisco Meraki MR46 is a robust Wi-Fi 6 access point designed for high-density enterprise environments. Its 4x4:4 MU-MIMO configuration and high aggregate frame rate position it for demanding applications. The inclusion of dedicated WIDS/WIPS and Bluetooth radios enhances both security and location-aware services. The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port ensures adequate wired backhaul for the high wireless throughput. While specific processor, RAM, and storage details are not disclosed, this is common for cloud-managed appliances where the underlying hardware is optimized for the Meraki OS and services.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: The latest stable firmware version is managed and delivered automatically via the Meraki cloud dashboard. As of January 2025, MR 31.1.5.1 is a noted stable release.
• OS Support: Supports all client devices compatible with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standards, including older Wi-Fi standards. The cloud management interface is browser-based, supporting various operating systems.
• End of Support Date: July 21st, 2026.
• Localization: Meraki documentation and support are typically available in multiple languages, but specific hardware localization details are not provided. The cloud dashboard offers a global management interface.
• Available Drivers: As a network access point, the MR46 does not require specific drivers to be installed on client devices. Its functionality is based on standard Wi-Fi protocols.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: The MR46 benefits from Cisco Meraki's cloud-managed ecosystem, providing seamless firmware updates and centralized support. The automatic updates ensure devices run the latest features and security patches without manual intervention. The upcoming End of Support date in July 2026 indicates a defined lifecycle, prompting organizations to plan for future upgrades or consider third-party maintenance options to extend hardware life. Compatibility is broad, supporting a wide range of Wi-Fi client devices and managed through an accessible web interface.

Security Status

• Security Features: Integrated enterprise security, real-time Wireless Intrusion Detection System/Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIDS/WIPS), rogue AP detection and automatic containment, identity-based access policies, application-aware traffic shaping, Layer 7 packet inspection, classification, and control engine, one-click guest isolation, and PCI compliance reports.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Firmware versions are listed in CVE databases, indicating that vulnerabilities are tracked and addressed through updates.
• Blacklist Status: No indication of the Cisco Meraki MR46 being on any general hardware blacklist.
• Certifications: Specific security certifications (e.g., FIPS, Common Criteria) are not explicitly detailed in publicly available information, but Meraki devices generally adhere to industry security standards.
• Encryption Support: Supports AES hardware-based encryption, WPA, WPA2-Enterprise, WPA2-PSK, WPA3-Enhanced Open, WPA3-Enterprise, and WPA3-Personal. Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) transition mode is also supported.
• Authentication Methods: Enterprise authentication with 802.1X and Active Directory integration, EAP-SIM, TLS, TTLS. RADIUS authentication is supported.
• General Recommendations: Meraki Systems Manager integrates for context-aware security, enabling dynamic firewall and traffic shaping policies based on client posture. Automatic firmware updates are crucial for maintaining security.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: The Cisco Meraki MR46 offers a strong suite of integrated security features, leveraging its cloud management for continuous updates and real-time threat detection. Hardware-based encryption, robust authentication protocols, and advanced WIDS/WIPS capabilities provide enterprise-grade protection. The cloud-managed nature ensures that security patches and enhancements are delivered seamlessly, reducing the risk of unpatched vulnerabilities. While specific certifications are not always highlighted, the comprehensive feature set and integration with Meraki's security ecosystem suggest a high overall security rating for typical enterprise deployments.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: The MR46 provides a maximum aggregate frame rate of 3.5 Gbps across its dual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios. This includes up to 2,402 Mbps in the 5 GHz band and 1,147 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Designed for high-density environments, the MR46 offers high throughput, enhanced efficiency with MU-MIMO and OFDMA, and improved client density support due to transmit beamforming and enhanced receive sensitivity. It is optimized for bandwidth-intensive applications like voice and high-definition video.
• Power Consumption: Maximum power consumption is 18W when powered via 802.3at PoE+. It supports advanced power-saving features like Unscheduled Automatic Power Save Delivery (U-APSD) and Target Wait Time (TWT) for 802.11ax clients.
• Carbon Footprint: Specific carbon footprint data is not publicly available for this individual asset.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: The MR46 balances performance and value, positioned between the entry-level MR36 and the higher-end MR56 in the Meraki Wi-Fi 6 lineup. It utilizes a newer Qualcomm chip compared to some previous generation models.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: The Cisco Meraki MR46 delivers excellent performance for its class, leveraging Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) to provide high aggregate throughput and efficiency. Its MU-MIMO and OFDMA capabilities significantly improve performance in high-density environments by enabling simultaneous data transmission to multiple clients. The dedicated radios for WIDS/WIPS and Bluetooth further enhance network intelligence without impacting client access performance. Power consumption is efficient, especially with 802.3at PoE+, making it suitable for scalable deployments. Its positioning within the Meraki portfolio makes it a strong contender for organizations seeking a balance of high performance and cost-effectiveness for demanding wireless applications.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback generally highlight the Cisco Meraki MR46's strengths in its cloud-managed simplicity, robust performance, and integrated security features.

• Strengths:
  • Ease of Management: The intuitive browser-based Meraki cloud dashboard allows for rapid deployment, self-configuration, and remote troubleshooting without extensive IT staff or certifications.
  • High Performance: Users appreciate the high throughput and efficiency provided by Wi-Fi 6, MU-MIMO, and OFDMA, especially in environments with many mobile devices and bandwidth-intensive applications like voice and video.
  • Integrated Security: Features like real-time WIDS/WIPS, identity-based access, and automatic firmware updates are highly valued for providing secure and continuously protected connectivity.
  • Reliability: The automatic firmware updates and 24/7 cloud monitoring contribute to high network stability and uptime.
  • IoT Readiness: The integrated Bluetooth Low Energy radio is seen as a valuable feature for future-proofing deployments and enabling location-aware applications.
• Weaknesses:
  • Licensing Model: The mandatory Meraki Enterprise license, and the co-termination licensing model, can be a point of concern for some users regarding ongoing costs and license management.
  • Dependency on Cloud: While a strength for management, complete reliance on the Meraki cloud for configuration and operation means that internet connectivity is essential for initial setup and ongoing management.
  • Cost: The initial investment and recurring licensing fees can be higher than some non-cloud-managed alternatives.
• Recommended Use Cases: The MR46 is highly recommended for high-density environments such as offices, schools, hospitals, retail stores, and hotels where robust Wi-Fi 6 performance, enterprise-grade security, and simplified cloud management are critical. It excels in scenarios requiring high client capacity and support for bandwidth-intensive applications.

Vulnerabilities

• CVE-2020-26141
  Published: 2021-05-11 - Updated: 2022-04-22 - CVSS: 6.5 - EPSS: 0.28%
  An issue was discovered in the ALFA Windows 10 driver 6.1316.1209 for AWUS036H. The Wi-Fi implementation does not verify the Message Integrity Check (authenticity) of fragmented TKIP frames. An adversary can abuse this to inject and possibly decrypt packets in WPA or WPA2 networks that support the TKIP data-confidentiality protocol.
• CVE-2020-26140
  Published: 2021-05-11 - Updated: 2022-09-03 - CVSS: 6.5 - EPSS: 0.34%
  An issue was discovered in the ALFA Windows 10 driver 6.1316.1209 for AWUS036H. The WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 implementations accept plaintext frames in a protected Wi-Fi network. An adversary can abuse this to inject arbitrary data frames independent of the network configuration.
• CVE-2020-26139
  Published: 2021-05-11 - Updated: 2022-09-30 - CVSS: 5.3 - EPSS: 0.41%
  An issue was discovered in the kernel in NetBSD 7.1. An Access Point (AP) forwards EAPOL frames to other clients even though the sender has not yet successfully authenticated to the AP. This might be abused in projected Wi-Fi networks to launch denial-of-service attacks against connected clients and makes it easier to exploit other vulnerabilities in connected clients.
• CVE-2020-24588
  Published: 2021-05-11 - Updated: 2023-04-01 - CVSS: 3.5 - EPSS: 0.51%
  The 802.11 standard that underpins Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA, WPA2, and WPA3) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) doesn't require that the A-MSDU flag in the plaintext QoS header field is authenticated. Against devices that support receiving non-SSP A-MSDU frames (which is mandatory as part of 802.11n), an adversary can abuse this to inject arbitrary network packets.
• CVE-2020-24587
  Published: 2021-05-11 - Updated: 2023-04-01 - CVSS: 2.6 - EPSS: 0.42%
  The 802.11 standard that underpins Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA, WPA2, and WPA3) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) doesn't require that all fragments of a frame are encrypted under the same key. An adversary can abuse this to decrypt selected fragments when another device sends fragmented frames and the WEP, CCMP, or GCMP encryption key is periodically renewed.

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Summary

The Cisco Meraki MR46 is a high-performance, cloud-managed Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) access point designed for demanding enterprise environments. Its core strength lies in its combination of advanced wireless technology, comprehensive integrated security, and unparalleled ease of management through the Meraki cloud dashboard. The 4x4:4 MU-MIMO configuration and high aggregate frame rate of up to 3.5 Gbps ensure excellent throughput and efficiency, particularly in high-density settings. Dedicated radios for WIDS/WIPS and Bluetooth Low Energy enhance network security and enable advanced location-based services and IoT integration. Automatic firmware updates and 24/7 cloud monitoring contribute to its reliability and ensure the latest features and security patches are always in place.

However, the mandatory Meraki Enterprise licensing model represents a recurring cost and a dependency on the cloud for full functionality, which can be a consideration for budget-conscious organizations or those preferring on-premises management. Despite this, user feedback consistently praises its simplified deployment, robust performance, and strong security posture, making it a highly recommended solution for organizations prioritizing seamless management and high-quality wireless connectivity in challenging environments.

Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.