How to Add and Configure a Cisco Meraki Access Point

You already know what an access point is and why Cisco Meraki is the best brand in the biz, so we’ll skip a rehash of those topics to avoid wasting your time. What Stratus Information Systems will cover here are all the steps and details you need to know about how to add a Meraki access point and configure it to meet your network needs.

Cisco Meraki offers a range of access points, including the MR33—a quad-radio, cloud-managed 2×2:2 802.11ac Wave 2 access point with a maximum 1.3 Gbps aggregate frame rate and integrated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)—and the MR36, a Wi-Fi 6 cloud-managed wireless access point designed for high-density environments and improved performance. Both models are suitable for offices, schools, hospitals, and retail environments, supporting dual-band operation and next-generation deployments. Cisco Meraki access points are cloud-managed, allowing for simple management, scalability, and seamless integration across distributed networks. Their ability to provide AI-powered assurance, always-on threat protection, and full network visibility ensures optimized performance and security. Users consistently report great coverage, easy install, robust design, and high reliability, with the MR36 rated 4.7 out of 5 stars. While some users mention the price or cost is higher than some competitors, they agree the quality and features justify it. Many highlight the strong performance of Cisco Meraki access points in demanding business applications like voice and high-definition streaming video.

In total, this budget-friendly “plug-and-play” solution enables wireless network access via projected signal without compromising WiFi speed—and it only takes a minute or two of your time to do it.

5 Steps to Add a Meraki Wireless Access Point

There are multiple ways to add a Meraki wireless access point to a network, but this is one of the easiest:

1. Create a network if one doesn’t already exist.
2. Search for and select the network the access point will be added to.
3. Click Network-wide > Configure > Add devices.
   1. Or search for your access point by serial or model number.
4. Check the boxes next to the access point you are adding.
   1. If your access point isn’t listed, you’ll need to claim it before doing step #4. To do it, click Configure > Configure > Add Devices. Click Claim and enter the access point’s serial number. Click Claim. Click Close.
5. Click Add devices.

Meraki APs utilize a plug-and-play deployment model, automatically downloading configurations from the cloud as soon as they are connected to the internet. This makes the install process fast and user-friendly.

The access point is now added to your network and available for configuration.

All Meraki APs support automatic mesh networking, so if the wired connection is lost, the AP can automatically find and link to a nearby gateway AP to maintain connectivity.

Tip: The same steps to add a Meraki access point can be performed within the Meraki dashboard. Cisco Meraki access points are designed for easy installation in various environments such as offices, schools, and hospitals.

4 Steps to Configure a Meraki Access Point

Once an access point is added to your network, the network will automatically self-configure an SSID. It’s important to review this SSID to ensure the configuration is as you want it. The Wireless > Configure > Access Control page is used to configure per-SSID Access Control settings, and network access is defined on a per-SSID basis. If you want to make changes, they must be done before connecting the access point to the LAN.

To make any configuration changes to your access point, follow these four steps:

1. Go to Configure in the network settings.
2. Review the configuration pages and make changes as necessary:
   1. SSIDs – Each SSID can be configured with specific security requirements, such as WPA2-Enterprise (which utilizes either a RADIUS server or the Meraki Cloud to authenticate clients), MAC-based access control (which queries a configured RADIUS server during client association), or an open SSID (no encryption, allowing any wireless client to associate).
   2. Access Control – The default configuration may have certain features disabled or enabled, so administrators should review these settings. You can enable VLAN tagging for Meraki access points (APs) to direct traffic to specific VLANs, but this requires all APs to be connected to switches that support IEEE 802.1Q ethernet frames. Mandatory DHCP can also be enabled, requiring client devices to use DHCP for IP assignment. Captive portal and click-through splash page options can be enabled to control end user access, and endpoint management enrollment may be required for device access.
   3. Firewall & Traffic Shaping
3. Check the access point’s channel to be sure it doesn’t overlap with another access point’s channel, which can cause interference, packet loss, and a negative internet experience.
4. Connect and power on the access point.
   1. The access point will automatically download the latest software version, which may take up to an hour.
   2. The access point’s power LED will flash blue while upgrading, turn green once it’s finished and checked into the Meraki dashboard, and turn orange if the device isn’t checked in Meraki.
5. Ensure an IP address is correctly assigned to the access point.

Meraki access points (APs) support Layer 3 roaming, allowing clients to maintain the same IP address while moving between APs in wireless networks. APs can be managed through the Meraki cloud dashboard, which simplifies configuration and monitoring.

The access point is now configured.

Tip: The same steps to add a Meraki access point can be performed within the Meraki dashboard.

Wireless Access Point Placement

The placement of your wireless access points (WAPs) is one of the most critical factors in building a fast, reliable, and secure wireless network. Cisco Meraki access points are engineered to deliver seamless wireless coverage, but their true potential is unlocked when they’re strategically positioned throughout your site.

When planning your wireless network, consider the physical environment—walls, floors, and even furniture can impact signal strength and coverage. The number of devices connecting to each access point, the types of applications in use (like video streaming or IoT devices), and your organization’s security requirements all play a role in determining optimal placement.

A professional site survey is highly recommended to map out coverage areas, identify potential sources of interference (such as other 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz devices), and ensure your access points are positioned for maximum performance. The Meraki dashboard offers powerful planning tools, including heat maps and predictive analytics, to help visualize and optimize your wireless network before and after deployment.

Cloud management makes it easy to configure, monitor, and adjust your WAPs remotely, ensuring your network remains secure and high-performing. Features like AES encryption, automatic firmware updates, and advanced security settings protect your wireless access from unauthorized users and evolving threats. Approved vendors like Cisco Meraki provide robust, enterprise-grade access points that support the latest IEEE standards (such as 802.11ac and 802.11ax), ensuring compatibility and future-proofing your investment.

Modern Meraki MR series access points leverage MU-MIMO and 2×2:2 MU-MIMO technology, allowing multiple devices to connect simultaneously without sacrificing speed or reliability. This is especially important in high-density environments like retail stores, hotels, and large offices, where dozens or even hundreds of clients may be online at once. With support for high-bandwidth applications, AirPlay, and IoT devices, Meraki access points deliver the flexibility and performance today’s businesses demand.

Installation is straightforward, and the Meraki dashboard’s intuitive interface makes ongoing management a breeze. Regular firmware updates and bug fixes are delivered automatically via the cloud, keeping your network secure and up-to-date with minimal effort. If a device needs maintenance or an upgrade, easy physical access to WAPs is recommended.

Custom splash pages can be configured to provide a branded, secure onboarding experience for end users, while advanced features like beamforming and store-and-forward functionality further enhance network reliability. Should you ever need to recover a deleted or forgotten password, the Meraki dashboard provides simple recovery options, ensuring you always have control.

Whether you’re expanding coverage to a new floor, supporting video streaming in conference rooms, or enabling secure wireless access for IoT devices, the right combination of Cisco Meraki access points, switches, and security appliances will deliver a comprehensive, cloud-managed networking solution. Input from users and stakeholders, combined with the analytics and planning tools in the Meraki dashboard, ensures your wireless network is tailored to your organization’s unique needs.

Imagine a wireless network that’s fast, reliable, and secure—one that grows with your business and is easy to manage from anywhere. That’s the power of Cisco Meraki and Stratus Information Systems. To learn more about optimizing your wireless access point placement or to get a free quote for your next project, contact our team or explore our Cisco Meraki solutions.

4 Steps to Remove a Meraki Access Point

There are various reasons to remove an access point, such as being replaced by an upgraded Cisco Meraki wireless access point.

Here are the steps to remove a Meraki access point:

1. Search for and select the network the access point will be removed from.
2. Navigate to the access point list page by clicking Wireless > Monitor > Access points.
3. Click the checkboxes next to the access point you are removing.
4. Click Edit.
5. Click Remove from Network.
6. The access point will disappear from the list.

Your access point is now removed from your network.

Tip: The same steps to add a Meraki access point can be performed within the Meraki dashboard.

A Few FAQs about Adding a Meraki Access Point

We get asked some questions over and over again, so here we answer FAQs about adding a Meraki access point.

How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Cisco Meraki Access Point?

From start to finish, plan on it taking between 10 and 30 minutes to set up a Cisco Meraki Access Point. The task is so quick because Meraki makes it so easy and intuitive with their plug-and-play devices.

Does a Meraki Access Point Need DHCP?

Meraki access points have a built-in DHCP server. By default, Meraki access points may have DHCP enabled in NAT mode, assigning IP addresses to clients on a private 10.0.0.0/8 network. Administrators can also configure mandatory DHCP, which requires all client devices to use DHCP for IP assignment and blocks clients that do not request a DHCP address.

To configure your Meraki access point’s DHCP options:

1. Navigate to Security & SD-WAN > Configure > DHCP.
2. Click Add a DHCP option.
3. Select the Option you want or add a custom option.
4. Input the DHCP Code.
5. Select the Type as TextIP, or Hex.
6. Enter the desired value in the Value field.
7. Click Save Changes.

How Do I Assign a Static IP Address to a Meraki Access Point?

While a DHCP configuration is recommended, you can configure a static IP address from the Meraki Dashboard.

In the dashboard:

1. Navigate to Wireless > Monitor > Access Points. Click on the access point you’d like to configure.
2. On the device status page, click the Edit icon and input the appropriate connection information.
3. Click Save.

How Many Access Points Do I Need?

It’s crucial to correctly calculate the number of access points you need in your environment. Getting it wrong can slow down employee work and be a big waste of money.

Here are the most important factors when calculating the number of needed access points (APs):

• The estimated number of connected users (most important when dealing with large capacities, such as auditoriums, schools, hotels, etc.).
• The capacity or throughput per user and application (calculated as users per access point divided by active users).
• The environment floor plan, square footage, and obstacles that may inhibit WiFi reach or speed (material, thickness, and placement of walls, pillars, floors, and windows).

The installation of Meraki APs can be optimized by ensuring they are placed in locations that minimize interference and maximize coverage.

Note: Too many access points can cause radio frequency (RF) broadcasting and interference, leading to very poor WiFi performance. This is especially the case when access points aren’t placed properly.

Meraki MR Access Point Products

As a premier Cisco Meraki reseller, we have all the products you covet. With centralized network management, automatic RF optimization, and dedicated security radio, MR access points are the most intuitive to add, configure, and manage.

Contact Stratus Information Systems to get access to all Cisco Meraki solutions.