MG21/21E Technical Specifications
Connectivity is critical for any organization that depends on reliable internet access in order to function. Wireless WAN connectivity options, such as cellular networks, serve as a reliable backup internet uplink in the event of a primary uplink failure.
The MG21 cellular gateway simplifies the path to wireless WAN connectivity and makes cellular a viable uplink option for many networks. The MG21 acts as a gateway to cellular networks by converting LTE signal from a cellular provider to an Ethernet handoff, which can be used as an internet uplink for a variety of use-cases.
Features
| Highlights |
|
| Management |
|
| Remote Diagnostics |
|
The MG21 celluar gateway uses 6 to 8 megabytes a day of data for telemetry on dashboard and connection monitoring when the unit is idle. Any additional Cisco Meraki devices that are added to the MG21 may increase data usage further. Cisco Meraki products are cloud connected devices that report telemetry into Dashboard for network monitoring purposes.
Use Cases
Note that the following use-cases refer to using a Meraki MX appliance with the MG21 as a WAN uplink. However, the use-cases can also apply to non-Meraki devices.
- Antenna placement where cellular coverage is best
- Signal strength is key for cellular performance. The MG21 makes cellular a viable option in situations where the best location for the MX is not necessarily the best location for a strong cellular signal. The separation of cellular antenna and MX expands cellular options for all networks, particularly for mid-range MXs mounted in a data center.
- Primary WAN
- In areas where wired internet services are not available, the MG21 provides a simple, viable option for wireless WAN connectivity.
- Secondary WAN for Failover
- An MX's secondary WAN interface connected to an MG21 may use the cellular network in the event of a primary uplink failure.
- Secondary WAN for SD-WAN
- An MX with an MG21 as a secondary WAN uplink may use the cellular network to establish VPNs for SD-WAN.
- High Availability Uplink
- The MG21 can be used as either a primary or secondary internet uplink for MX HA topologies. Its two LAN ports allow the MXs to share access to the same cellular network.
Technical Breakdown
Physical Specifications
|
Models |
MG21 |
MG21E |
|
Dimensions (w x d x h) |
160.45 x 160.45 x 34.45mm |
165.7 x 160.45 x 34.45mm |
|
Weight (without accessories) |
497g |
489g |
|
Power Supply |
12V/1A, 48-57V DC/0.35A |
12V/1A, 48-57V DC/0.35A |
| Power Load | 10 Watt Maximum (PoE 802.3AF) | 10 Watt Maximum (PoE 802.3AF) |
|
Operating Temperature |
-22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C) |
-22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C) |
|
Humidity |
5% to 95% non-condensing |
5% to 95% non-condensing |
Interfaces
| LAN Interfaces | 2x GbE |
| WAN Interfaces | 1x CAT 6 LTE cellular modem |
| SIM Card Slot | Nano (4FF) |
Cellular
| North America | Worldwide | |
| FDD-LTE | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 29 |
1, 3, 5, 7, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28 |
| TDD-LTE | 38, 39, 40, 41 | |
| TD-SCDMA Bands | 34 (Band A), 39 (Band F) | |
| HSPA+ | BC2(1900), BC4(1700), BC5(850) | BC1(2100), BC3(1800), BC5(850), BC6(800), BC8(900) |
| GSM Bands | 850, 900, 1800, 1900 | 900, 1800 |
| Standard | 300 Mbps CAT 6 LTE | 300 Mbps CAT 6 LTE |
| CA | 2xDL-CA up to 40Mhz: 2+17, 4+17, 2+29, 4+29, 4+5, 2+5 | 2xDL-CA up to 40Mhz: 3+20, 3+8, 7+20, 1+8, 1+5, 3+5 |
| Certifications | PTCRB (US) | RCM (ANZ, APAC), GCF (EU) |
| Tested Carriers | AT&T (United States), Verizon (United States), T-Mobile (United States) Rogers (Canada), Telus (Canada) | Deutsche Telekom (Germany), Sunrise (Switzerland), Vodafone (NZ, UK, Germany, Ireland), Telstra (Australia), Optus (Australia), NTT docomo (Japan), KDDI (Japan) |
Carrier compatibility is generally based on having compatible bands on the modem. In the open market, carriers may only require regulatory domain certifications and open market certifications, like the PTCRB and GCF, to be compatible for their network. Sometimes carriers will require additional testing before a device can be used on their network. The section Tested Carriers is based on Meraki device certifications being approved by those specific carriers. A carrier being listed above means that they have officially certified the Meraki product for their cellular network. There maybe many unlisted carriers could be functionally compatible with Meraki devices. The list of tested certified carriers is based on the carrier validating Meraki per their network parameter requirements. If a carrier you are looking to use is not listed above, it could be that they do not require additional compliance testing for their network.
MTBF Rating
|
Model |
MTBF at 25°C |
| MG21 |
2,689,019 |
| MG21E | 2,689,019 |
Ordering Guide
To place an order for an MG cellular gateway, pair a specific hardware model with a single license (which includes cloud services, software upgrades and support). For example, to order an an MG21E with 3 years of enterprise licensing for use in North America, order an MG21E-HW-NA with LIC-MG21-ENT-3Y. A lifetime warranty with advanced replacement is included on all MG hardware (excluding accessories) at no additional cost.
Models
| Model SKU | Description |
|---|---|
| MG21-HW-NA | Meraki MG21 Cellular Gateway – North America |
| MG21-HW-WW | Meraki MG21 Cellular Gateway – Worldwide |
| MG21E-HW-NA | Meraki MG21E Cellular Gateway External Antennas – North America |
| MG21E-HW-WW | Meraki MG21E Cellular Gateway External Antennas – Worldwide |
Licensing
| License SKU | Description |
| LIC-MG21-ENT-1Y | Meraki MG21 Enterprise License and Support, 1YR |
| LIC-MG21-ENT-3Y | Meraki MG21 Enterprise License and Support, 3YR |
| LIC-MG21-ENT-5Y | Meraki MG21 Enterprise License and Support, 5YR |
| LIC-MG21-ENT-7Y | Meraki MG21 Enterprise License and Support, 7YR |
| LIC-MG21-ENT-10Y | Meraki MG21 Enterprise License and Support, 10YR |
Accessories
| Accessory SKU | Description |
|---|---|
| MA-PWR-30W-XX | Standard power adapter. Regional plugs per SKU. |
| MA-INJ-4 | Gigabit 802.3at PoE injector |
| MA-PWR-MV-LV | Low Voltage Power Converter |
| MA-ANT-C1-A | Dipole Antenna pair included with MG21E |
| MA-ANT-C1-B | Patch Antenna for the MG21E |
Note: Non-Meraki antennas are not supported. The socket is a reversed RP-SMA that is designed to detect the official MG smart dipole antennas and smart patch antenna. The usae of non-Meraki accessories may damage the MG and degrade performance. The Cisco Meraki antennas are designed for the maximum allowable gain without exceeding the EIRP for local regulatory domains on their supported bands.
Warranty