Cloud-Managed Wi-Fi: MR86 vs MR46 vs MR36 – Which Meraki Access Point Is Right for You?

When it comes to selecting the right Wi-Fi access point for your business, Meraki’s cloud-managed solutions stand out as some of the best in the industry. Among their popular models are the Meraki MR86, MR46, and MR36—each catering to different needs based on location, performance requirements, and cost considerations. In this article, we’ll compare these three Meraki access points across several dimensions: outdoor vs indoor use, performance vs cost, and provide real-world deployment examples to help you decide which one is right for you.

Outdoor vs Indoor Use: Understanding the Environment

One of the key factors when choosing between the Meraki MR86, MR46, and MR36 is whether you need an access point designed for indoor or outdoor deployment. Each model is built with specific features that make it more suited for one type of environment over the other.

Meraki MR86 – The Ultimate Outdoor Access Point

The Meraki MR86 is engineered specifically for outdoor environments. It offers robust weather-resistant housing, making it ideal for open-air deployments in environments such as stadiums, parks, and outdoor campuses. With an IP67 rating, the MR86 can withstand harsh conditions, including rain, snow, and dust. This makes it an excellent choice for providing reliable Wi-Fi coverage in expansive outdoor areas, even in extreme weather conditions.

Meraki MR46 – Versatile for Both Indoor and Outdoor Use

The Meraki MR46 is more versatile compared to the MR86, as it can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings. Though not as rugged as the MR86, the MR46 is still built to withstand moderate outdoor conditions with an IP55 rating. This makes it ideal for businesses that require flexibility and need to deploy Wi-Fi in semi-exposed areas like outdoor patios, cafes, or retail stores with an open layout.

Meraki MR36 – Best Suited for Indoor Use

On the other hand, the Meraki MR36 is designed for indoor use and offers excellent performance in environments like offices, schools, and retail locations. With its compact design and sleek aesthetics, it fits seamlessly into indoor spaces while providing top-notch Wi-Fi coverage. Its indoor focus means it’s not rated for outdoor exposure, but it excels at providing fast, reliable wireless connectivity in closed environments.

Performance vs Cost: Which Model Fits Your Budget?

While performance is always a priority when choosing a network device, cost is another crucial factor to consider. Let’s break down the performance of these models in relation to their costs.

Meraki MR86 – High Performance, Higher Price

As Meraki’s flagship outdoor access point, the MR86 delivers exceptional performance with Wi-Fi 6 support, providing faster speeds and greater capacity for high-density environments. With enhanced range, it can cover a large outdoor area, ensuring that devices stay connected even in crowded spaces. However, this performance comes at a premium, making the MR86 the most expensive of the three options. It's worth the investment if you're looking to cover large outdoor areas or need advanced features like Wi-Fi 6 and better security.

Meraki MR46 – Balanced Performance and Cost

The MR46 offers excellent performance and is more cost-effective than the MR86. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and is well-suited for medium-sized businesses or areas where Wi-Fi needs to extend beyond the building but not cover massive outdoor spaces. The MR46 provides a good balance between performance and price, making it a popular choice for businesses looking for solid Wi-Fi performance without the higher cost of the MR86.

Meraki MR36 – Affordable Indoor Performance

The MR36 is the most budget-friendly option of the three, offering solid Wi-Fi performance at a lower price point. While it lacks the Wi-Fi 6 capabilities of the MR86 and MR46, it still supports Wi-Fi 5, making it a great option for small businesses or environments that don’t require the latest features. The MR36 is perfect for indoor environments where cost savings are a priority, but you still need reliable Wi-Fi coverage.

Real-World Deployment Examples: Choosing the Right Access Point for Your Needs

Let’s take a look at some real-world scenarios to help you understand how these access points might perform in different deployments.

Scenario 1: Large Outdoor Venue

Imagine you need to provide Wi-Fi coverage for an outdoor music festival. The area is vast, with thousands of attendees and heavy usage. In this case, the Meraki MR86 is the ideal choice. Its weatherproof design, powerful Wi-Fi 6 support, and long-range capabilities make it perfect for outdoor, high-density deployments.

Scenario 2: Campus with Outdoor and Indoor Spaces

A university campus requires seamless Wi-Fi coverage both indoors and in certain outdoor areas, such as courtyards and outdoor lecture halls. The Meraki MR46 offers flexibility here, providing robust indoor Wi-Fi with the ability to withstand moderate outdoor conditions. It's a cost-effective solution that balances performance and coverage.

Scenario 3: Small Office or Retail Store

For a small office or retail store, where the Wi-Fi coverage needs are confined to an indoor space, the Meraki MR36 is a fantastic option. It's affordable and provides excellent coverage for a smaller footprint, making it the perfect choice for businesses that don’t need outdoor coverage or advanced Wi-Fi 6 capabilities.

Conclusion: Which Meraki Access Point Is Right for You?

The Meraki MR86, MR46, and MR36 each offer unique features designed for different types of deployments. Here’s a quick recap to help guide your decision:

• Meraki MR86: Best for large outdoor spaces or high-density environments, providing top-tier performance and weatherproof durability.

• Meraki MR46: A versatile option for both indoor and semi-outdoor settings, offering a great balance between performance and cost.

• Meraki MR36: Ideal for indoor use with a focus on cost savings while still providing excellent coverage and performance for smaller areas.

When you choose a Meraki access point, you’re investing in a future-proof, cloud-managed solution that will provide reliable Wi-Fi connectivity wherever you need it. Explore more options and find the perfect fit for your business needs at iTech Hardware.