Access points are critical components in modern network infrastructure, providing the connectivity and performance necessary for both small- and large-scale deployments. With the growing demand for high-speed, reliable wireless networks, choosing the right access point is essential. This article aims to compare two advanced models from Cisco Meraki: the Meraki MR44 and Meraki MR46.
The Meraki MR46, also known as the mr46 hw, is a Wi-Fi 6 access point designed for enterprise environments, offering robust hardware and advanced management capabilities. The MR46 delivers total network performance with a maximum 3.5 Gbps aggregate frame rate using concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios. It features a dedicated third radio for real-time WIDS/WIPS with automated RF optimization, and a fourth integrated radio for Bluetooth scanning and beaconing, specifically supporting Bluetooth Low Energy beacon technology to enable location-aware applications and future-proof deployments. The MR46 supports multi-user multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO) and OFDMA, ensuring efficient transmission to multiple clients and maximizing overall network efficiency and user experience.
By examining their features, performance, security, and usability, we aim to help you determine which model best suits your network requirements.
The Cisco Meraki MR46 stands at the forefront of cloud-managed wireless networking, offering a powerful 4×4:4 802.11ax access point engineered for next-generation deployments. Designed to meet the demands of modern offices, schools, hospitals, retail shops, and hotels, the MR46 combines high performance hardware with advanced software features to deliver exceptional wireless performance. Its enterprise grade security and cloud management capabilities make it an outstanding platform for performance intensive applications, including wireless voice and high definition video. The MR46 features a dedicated third radio for real-time Wireless Intrusion Detection and Prevention (WIDS/WIPS) and automated RF optimization, ensuring your wireless network remains secure and efficient. Additionally, a fourth integrated radio supports Bluetooth scanning and beaconing, enabling new customer engagement strategies and seamless device connectivity. With its robust feature set, the Cisco Meraki MR46 is purpose-built for organizations seeking reliable, scalable, and secure wireless solutions.
The Cisco Meraki MR44 is a cloud-managed 2×2:2 + 4×4:4 802.11ax access point designed to offer high throughput and efficiency for next-generation deployments. Key features include a maximum aggregate frame rate of 2.7 Gbps, enterprise-grade security, and simplified management through the Meraki cloud platform. The MR44 is ideal for high-density environments such as offices, schools, hospitals, and retail spaces where performance and reliability are paramount.
The Meraki MR46, also a cloud-managed access point, features a 4×4:4 802.11ax configuration, delivering an impressive maximum aggregate frame rate of 2.98 Gbps. The MR46 features integrated enterprise security technologies such as AES hardware-based encryption and Enterprise authentication with 802.1X. Designed for demanding deployments, the MR46 offers enhanced performance and coverage, making it suitable for large enterprises, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. The MR46 is highly efficient in serving client data, utilizing advanced Wi-Fi features and RF optimization to maximize throughput and user experience, while also analyzing client data for network analytics and performance optimization. Key features include advanced security, and the MR46 includes application-aware traffic shaping with an integrated layer 7 packet inspection engine. Automated RF optimization and easy cloud management are also included, and the MR46 automatically connects to the Meraki cloud and downloads its configuration when plugged in.
The MR44 provides a dual-radio aggregate frame rate of 2.7 Gbps, with up to 2,402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 287 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. The MR46 surpasses this with a maximum aggregate frame rate of 3.5 Gbps with concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios, delivering up to 2,402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. Both models leverage MU-MIMO and OFDMA for efficient data transmission, but the MR46 offers a slight edge in maximum speed and client handling capabilities. The MR46 supports multi-user multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO) technology for efficient data transmission to multiple clients.
When comparing throughput, it’s important to consider tx power rx sensitivity, as higher TX Power and improved RX Sensitivity on the MR46 can enhance range and signal quality across different Wi-Fi standards. These features, combined with RF optimization and advanced security, contribute to total network performance by maximizing efficiency and user experience, especially in high-density environments. Additionally, the MR46 supports wireless multimedia by providing advanced QoS features that prioritize voice and video traffic, ensuring high-quality streaming and communication over the network.
Both the MR44 and MR46 are designed to provide extensive coverage in various environments. The MR46’s enhanced transmit power and receive sensitivity enable it to support a higher client density and broader coverage area compared to the MR44.
The MR46 uses advanced RF analysis, leveraging RF data and RF data collected by dedicated radios to automatically optimize coverage and performance. The MR46 continually characterizes RF interference, and its security radio continually assesses the wireless environment to maintain reliable coverage. This advanced RF analysis helps detect and mitigate RF interference in real time, ensuring optimal network performance and security even in challenging RF conditions.
In environments with obstacles and interference, the MR46’s superior hardware configuration ensures more reliable performance and connectivity.
The MR44 integrates robust security features, including AES hardware-based encryption and support for WPA3 and 802.1X authentication. It also includes a dedicated third radio for real-time WIDS/WIPS, providing continuous monitoring and protection against wireless threats.
The MR46 offers robust wireless security capabilities, including a dedicated security radio that provides real-time threat detection and RF analysis without impacting client performance. This security radio enables the MR46 to detect and contain rogue access points and other wireless threats, ensuring a secure Wi-Fi environment. The MR46 also supports PCI compliance reports, helping organizations meet regulatory requirements such as PCI DSS for secure payment processing and audit readiness. With integrated, easy-to-use security technologies, the MR46 is designed to provide secure connectivity for both employees and guests, including seamless guest access with internet-only options for visitors. Its advanced security features include AES hardware-based encryption and enterprise authentication, delivering enterprise-grade data protection. The MR46’s firmware is automatically kept up to date via the cloud, preventing missing security patches and ensuring the latest features and enhancements are always applied. Additionally, it features an integrated layer 7 firewall, ensuring comprehensive protection for all connected devices. The dedicated third radio for WIDS/WIPS further enhances its security posture, making it a reliable choice for environments requiring stringent security measures.
Both the MR44 and MR46 are designed for easy installation and configuration. Managed through the Meraki cloud, these access points offer simple management, making it easy to oversee even complex wireless deployments. Customers appreciate the easy installation of the Meraki MR46 access point. When plugged in, the MR46 automatically connects to the Meraki cloud and downloads its configuration, streamlining setup. Remote diagnostic tools are built into the cloud platform, and remote diagnostic tools enable immediate troubleshooting and problem detection over the web, allowing distributed networks to be managed with minimal hassle. Their plug-and-play deployment ensures minimal disruption and fast network rollout.
The Meraki dashboard provides an intuitive, browser-based interface for both the MR44 and MR46, offering comprehensive configuration options and accessibility. Administrators can monitor network performance, apply security policies, and troubleshoot issues seamlessly from any location.
Additionally, the Meraki dashboard supports advanced analytics drilling, enabling detailed traffic analysis and granular insights into network usage for improved decision-making and troubleshooting.
Both models are compatible with a wide range of devices and networks, ensuring smooth integration into existing infrastructures. Their support for various wireless standards and security protocols guarantees interoperability and future-proofing for evolving network demands.
The MR44 is typically more cost-effective than the MR46, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious deployments. However, the MR46’s advanced features and performance justify its higher price point for organizations requiring superior capabilities.
Both models benefit from Meraki’s cloud-managed platform, which reduces the need for costly on-site maintenance and updates. Automatic firmware updates and remote diagnostics help keep long-term costs low and predictable.
While the MR44 offers excellent value for money with its robust performance and security features, the MR46 provides additional benefits that may justify the extra investment for high-density and performance-critical environments.
Cisco Meraki offers comprehensive support for both the MR44 and MR46, including 24/7 technical assistance and access to a wealth of online resources. Their customer support is known for its responsiveness and expertise, ensuring that any issues are promptly resolved.
Both models come with a lifetime hardware warranty, including advanced replacement services. This ensures that any hardware failures are quickly addressed, minimizing downtime and maintaining network reliability.
The Cisco Meraki MR46 offers unparalleled flexibility in deployment, making it an ideal access point for organizations of all sizes. Thanks to its cloud management platform, the MR46 enables rapid deployment without the need for extensive training or specialized certifications. The device is self-configuring and can be set up remotely in just minutes, allowing IT teams to roll out secure wireless networks across multiple sites with minimal effort. With multiple radios supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, the MR46 is optimized for high density deployments, ensuring reliable connectivity even in environments with numerous mobile devices. Automated RF optimization means the access point continually adjusts its settings to deliver optimal wireless performance, reducing interference and maximizing throughput. Whether you’re expanding an existing network or launching a new site, the MR46’s advanced security features and multiple output options make it a versatile solution for rapid, secure, and scalable wireless deployments.
The Cisco Meraki MR46 is designed to support enterprise mobility management (EMM) and mobile device management (MDM) through seamless integration with Meraki Systems Manager. This integration enables context aware security, self-service device enrollment, and advanced analytics that provide deep insights into network usage and client behavior. The MR46’s integrated enterprise security features, including AES hardware based encryption, 802.1X Enterprise authentication, and Active Directory integration, ensure that your wireless network provides secure connectivity for numerous mobile devices. With advanced security features and cloud management, the MR46 simplifies secure retail deployments and helps organizations maintain compliance and protect sensitive data. Whether you’re managing a fleet of mobile devices or supporting a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environment, the MR46 delivers robust, scalable, and secure wireless connectivity tailored to the needs of modern enterprises.
Built to grow with your organization, the Cisco Meraki MR46 offers exceptional scalability and flexibility for evolving network environments. Its high performance hardware and advanced software features allow the access point to support a large number of clients and deliver reliable connectivity for performance intensive applications. The MR46 is equipped with multiple radios, including a dedicated third radio for continuous security monitoring and a fourth integrated radio for Bluetooth scanning, providing a robust and flexible platform for wireless connectivity. Cloud management and automated RF optimization ensure that the MR46 can adapt to changing network conditions, maintaining optimal wireless performance as your organization’s needs evolve. Whether you’re supporting a small office or a large enterprise campus, the MR46’s flexible deployment options and advanced features make it a future-proof choice for any wireless network.
The Cisco Meraki MR46 is engineered to excel in a wide range of use cases, making it a versatile access point for diverse environments. Its advanced security features and automated RF optimization make it ideal for high density deployments in offices, schools, hospitals, shops, and hotels, where reliable wireless connectivity is essential. The MR46 is particularly well-suited for performance intensive applications such as wireless voice and high definition video, ensuring seamless communication and media streaming. For secure retail deployments, the MR46’s integrated enterprise security and cloud management capabilities provide peace of mind and simplify network administration. With highly granular traffic analytics and advanced drilling capabilities, organizations gain valuable insights into network usage and client behavior, enabling them to optimize performance and enhance user experiences. Whether you’re supporting numerous mobile devices or prioritizing mission critical applications, the MR46 is an outstanding platform for next generation wireless networks, delivering secure connectivity and robust performance where it matters most.
In comparing the Meraki MR44 vs MR46, both models stand out for their performance, security, and ease of use. The Meraki MR44 offers a balance of cost and capabilities, making it suitable for a variety of environments. However, the Meraki MR46 provides enhanced performance and coverage, making it ideal for demanding and high-density deployments. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific network requirements and budget. Both access points deliver the reliability and advanced features synonymous with Cisco Meraki, ensuring robust and efficient wireless networking for any organization.
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