Cisco Meraki hardware is managed from the cloud, so one dashboard can run Wi-Fi, security and SD-WAN across many sites. That makes it popular with lean IT teams.
This guide compares the MR44 and MR46 access points, the MX85 security appliance and the Catalyst 9120 Wi-Fi 6 AP. It also covers the IP Phone 7821, since phones often share the same PoE switches.
How Cisco Meraki management works
Meraki devices check in to the Meraki cloud dashboard. Each device needs an active Meraki license, and you claim it in your dashboard organization. So when you buy used Meraki gear, make sure the previous owner has released it.
In contrast, Catalyst access points such as the C9120AXI-E can run under a Cisco wireless controller. Therefore, decide on cloud or controller management before you choose hardware.
Cisco Meraki MR44 vs MR46
Both are indoor Wi-Fi 6 access points with a scanning radio and BLE. Still, they differ in radios and power needs.
MR44
The MR44-HW uses 2x2:2 on 2.4 GHz and 4x4:4 on 5 GHz. It has one 2.5G port and runs on 802.3at PoE+. In addition, it offers a low power mode on 802.3af, which helps on older switches.
MR46
The MR46-HW steps up to a 4x4:4 design with one 2.5G mGig port. However, it requires 802.3at PoE+, so check your switch budget first.
Which one to pick
Choose the MR46 for busy spaces with many clients. Meanwhile, the MR44 makes sense when some switch ports only offer 802.3af. Either way, the 2.5G port pairs well with Multigigabit switch ports.
Catalyst 9120AX access points
The C9120AXI-E is an indoor Wi-Fi 6 AP with internal antennas. It offers 4x4 MU-MIMO on 2.4 and 5 GHz and one mGig port up to 2.5G. For full function, it needs PoE+. Also, the last letter in the part number marks the regulatory domain, so order the right one for your country.
Cisco Meraki MX85 security appliance
The MX85-HW is a cloud managed SD-WAN and security appliance for branches with up to 250 devices. It gives 1 Gbps of stateful firewall and VPN throughput. In addition, it has four WAN uplinks, two SFP and two RJ-45, plus eight RJ-45 and two SFP LAN ports.
If you need a traditional branch router instead, see our router buying guide. It compares the Catalyst 8200, 8300 and ISR 1000.
Cisco IP Phone 7821
The CP-7821-K9 is a two line SIP desk phone with a 3.5 inch backlit monochrome display. It has two 10/100 Ethernet ports, so a PC can plug in through the phone. It also draws PoE Class 1, so it uses very little of your switch PoE budget.
PoE planning for Cisco Meraki and wireless gear
Wi-Fi 6 access points need more power than older models. For example, the MR46 and the Catalyst 9120 need PoE+ for full function. Meanwhile, the MR44 can run in low power mode on 802.3af, although PoE+ is the better choice.
So check the PoE budget of each switch before rollout. For instance, a 48-port Catalyst 9200L PoE+ switch gives 740W with one supply. See our Catalyst 9200 guide for budgets by model.
Planning a Cisco Meraki rollout
A smooth rollout starts with a short plan. First of all, count the clients in each area, because dense rooms need more capable access points. Then map each access point to a switch port and check the PoE class it needs.
Also plan the uplinks. The MR44, MR46 and Catalyst 9120 all have 2.5G ports. So Multigigabit switches such as the C9300-48UXM-A let them run above 1G. Finally, line up the Meraki licenses before the hardware arrives, so every device comes online on day one.
New vs used Cisco Meraki hardware
Used Meraki gear can save money, but the license and claim status matter. Silverback tests used hardware before it ships. Still, you need your own Meraki license to run it, and the device must be free to claim.
Used Catalyst access points and IP phones skip the Meraki claim step. Still, check what licensing your controller or call platform needs. For switches and routers, see our Cisco buyer's guide.
Cisco Meraki, wireless and phone part numbers we supply
Silverback supplies every part below, new and used, tested before it ships.
| Part number | Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MR44-HW | Meraki MR44 Wi-Fi 6 access point | 2x2:2 on 2.4 GHz, 4x4:4 on 5 GHz, one 2.5G port |
| MR46-HW | Meraki MR46 Wi-Fi 6 access point | 4x4:4, one 2.5G mGig port, needs 802.3at PoE+ |
| C9120AXI-E | Catalyst 9120AX Wi-Fi 6 access point | Internal antennas, 4x4 MU-MIMO, 2.5G mGig port |
| MX85-HW | Meraki MX85 security appliance | Up to 250 devices, 1 Gbps firewall and VPN |
| CP-7821-K9 | Cisco IP Phone 7821 | Two line SIP phone, two 10/100 ports, PoE Class 1 |
Send us the part number and get pricing and lead time within one business day. You can also request a quote or browse our inventory. Full specs are on the official Meraki website.
Buyback for retired wireless gear
When you move to Wi-Fi 6, the old access points and phones still have value. Silverback buys them back, and our certified ITAD service covers data destruction. As a result, the refresh costs less overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Meraki devices need a license?
Yes. Each Meraki device needs an active Meraki license. For used gear, the previous owner must also release it from their dashboard organization.
Should I choose the MR44 or the MR46?
Choose the MR46 for busy spaces with many clients. The MR44 suits sites where some switch ports only offer 802.3af, since it has a low power mode.
How many devices does the MX85 support?
The MX85 is sized for branches with up to 250 devices, with 1 Gbps of stateful firewall and VPN throughput.
What does the E in C9120AXI-E mean?
The last letter marks the regulatory domain. So order the version that matches your country.
Do you supply used Meraki hardware?
Yes. Silverback supplies new and used Meraki gear, tested before it ships. Request pricing for any model.
Get a quote for Cisco Meraki and wireless gear
Send your list of access points, appliances and phones. We reply with pricing and lead time within one business day.
Call (888) 391-5211 or request a quote online. Also tell us whether you want new or used condition.
