MG51/51E Technical Specifications

Overview

Connectivity is critical for any organization that depends on reliable internet access in order to function. Wireless WAN connectivity options, such as cellular networks used to serve as a reliable backup internet uplink in the event of a primary uplink failure. However, with 5G providing wired like speeds, MG51 provides an alternative to wired connection, providing same day connectivity and simpler management via the Meraki dashboard.

The MG51 cellular gateway simplifies the path to wireless WAN connectivity over 5G and makes cellular a viable primary uplink option for many networks bypassing the necessity for wired circuits. The MG51 acts as a gateway to the internet cellular networks by converting 5G and LTE signal from a cellular provider to an Ethernet handoff, which can be used as an internet uplink for a variety of use-cases.

MG51 can work with any routing or switching device, Meraki or non-Meraki. With additional 802.3at compatibility, the MG can be placed anywhere and powered via power over ethernet (PoE) like any access point. This gives users the option for optimal physical placement for signal quality - a cornerstone for wireless WAN communications.

MG series and Meraki Cloud Management: A Powerful Combo

All Meraki devices are managed via the Meraki cloud, with an intuitive browser-based interface. The MG series are self-configuring and managed over the web, and can be rapidly deployed at remote locations without any assistance from end-users.

Meraki Cloud services monitor all devices 24x7 and deliver real-time alerts if any devices encounter a problem. Remote diagnostics tools enable real-time troubleshooting through any web browser. New features and enhancements are delivered seamlessly over the web, so you never have to manually download software updates or worry about missing critical security vulnerability patches.

Features

Highlights	Built in 5G Sub 6GHz with CAT20 LTE failover connectivity Dual SIM support Supports 2 separate downstream router connections Small form factor PoE+ or DC powered IP67 rating Optional Patch antenna
Management	Manageability from the Cisco Meraki dashboard Self-configuring Cellular Gateway Automatic firmware upgrades with scheduling control Extensive API support
Remote Diagnostics	Email, SMS and Mobile push notification alerts Ping, traceroute, cable testing, and link failure detection with alerting Remote packet capture Combined event and configuration change logs with instant search DM logging via local status page

The MG51 cellular 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 MG51 may increase data usage further. Cisco Meraki products are cloud connected devices that report telemetry into Dashboard for network monitoring purposes. The usage will be reduced in future firmware updates.

Use Cases

Note that the following use-cases refer to using a Meraki MX appliance with the MG51 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 MG51 makes cellular a viable option in situations where high bandwidth or throughput is needed or locations where 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. The 4 x 4 DL MIMO is capable of supporting deployments that demands higher throughput capacity.
Primary WAN
- In areas where wired internet services are not available or wired connectivity takes too long or expensive, the MG51 provides a simple, viable option for wireless WAN connectivity.
Secondary WAN for Failover
- An MX's primary or secondary WAN interface connected to an MG51 may use the cellular network for both primary and secondary uplinks
Primary/Secondary WAN for SD-WAN
- An MX with an MG51 as a primary and/or secondary WAN uplink may use the cellular network to establish VPNs for SD-WAN.
High Availability Uplink
- The MG51 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	MG51	MG51E
Dimensions (w x d x h)	173 x 173 x 36.5mm	173 x 173 x 36.5mm
Weight (without accessories)	560g	717g
Power Supply	12V/1A, 48-57V DC/0.35A	12V/1A, 48-57V DC/0.35A
Power Load	16 Watt Maximum (PoE 802.3at)	16 Watt Maximum (PoE 802.3at)
Operating Temperature	-40°F to 122°F (-40°C to 50°C)	-40°F to 122°F (-40°C to 50°C)
Humidity	5% to 95% non-condensing	5% to 95% non-condensing
Storage and Transportation Temperature	-22°F - 158°F -30°C - 70°C	-22°F - 158°F -30°C - 70°C
Product Category	5G 6 Sub 6GHz NSA + LTE CAT20	5G 6 Sub 6GHz NSA + LTE CAT20
Maximum Wireless Data Rate (Down/Up) Passthrough	2 Gbps / 300 Mbps	2 Gbps / 300 Mbps
Maximum Wireless Data Rate (Down/Up) NAT	1.5 Gbps/ 300 Mbps	1.5 Gbps/ 300 Mbps
Antennas	Internal	Dipole, optional patch antenna
LAN Interfaces - Dedicated	1x Dedicated 2.5 GbE RJ45	1x Dedicated 2.5 GbE RJ45
LAN Interfaces - Convertible	1x Convertible LAN/WAN 2.5 GbE RJ45	1x Convertible LAN/WAN 2.5 GbE RJ45
SIM Slots	2	2

Physical Specifications (MG51 vs MG41)

Models	MG51/E	MG41/E
Dimensions (w x d x h)	173 x 173 x 36.5mm	168 x 168 x 35mm
Weight (without accessories)	717/560	670g
PoE Ports	PoE+ (2)	PoE (2)
External Antennas	4	4
Patch Antennas	2	2
Product Category	5G Sub 6Ghz with CAT20 LTE failover	CAT18 LTE Advanced Pro
Maximum Wireless Data Rate (Down/Up)	2 Gbps / 300 Mbps	1.2 Gbps / 150 Mbps
LAN Interfaces - Dedicated	1x Dedicated GbE RJ45	1x Dedicated GbE RJ45
LAN Interfaces - Convertible	1x Convertible LAN/WAN GbE RJ45	1x Convertible LAN/WAN GbE RJ45
SIM Slots	2	2
Carrier Aggregation	DL - 7CA, UL - 2CA	DL - 5CA, UL - 2CA

Note: Both MG51 and MG41 can be powered by PoE, but they cannot supply PoE power to other devices.

Feature Specifications (MG51 vs MG41)

Models	MG51/E	MG41/E
Auto SIM failover	Yes	Yes
Dual SIM Info	Yes	Yes
Custom APN configuration via dashboard	Yes	Yes
Carrier Aggregation info on dashboard (5G and LTE)	Yes	No (LTE only)
Troubleshooting tools (DM logging) on local status page	Yes	Yes
SIM switch via Dashboard/local status page	Yes	Yes
5G	Yes	No
Private 5G/LTE (CBRS)	Yes	Yes

Interfaces

LAN Interfaces	2x 2.5 GbE
WAN Interfaces	1 * 5G NSA Sub6 CAT20 LTE Cellular modem
SIM Card Slot	Nano (4FF)

Product Category and Certifications

5G Category	5G NSA Sub 6GHz
LTE Category	CAT20
Certifications	PTCRB (US), RCM (ANZ, APAC), GCF (EU), IC (CA), FCC (US)
Certified Carriers	AT&T (US), T-Mobile (US), Optus (AU), Verizon Wireless (US), Telstra (AU), One NZ (NZ) , Spark (NZ)
AT&T FirstNet	Capable (Certified)
Carriers leveraging GCF	https://www.globalcertificationforum...f-members.html
Carrier Certification in Progress	DoCoMo (Japan)
Beta Tested Carriers	AT&T (United States), Verizon (United States), Rogers (Canada), Telus (Canada), Bell (Canada), Deutsche Telekom (Germany), Sunrise (Switzerland), 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
MG51	1,663,492
MG51E	1,663,492

Licensing

License SKU	Description
LIC-MG51-ENT-1Y	Meraki MG51 Enterprise License and Support, 1YR
LIC-MG51-ENT-3Y	Meraki MG51 Enterprise License and Support, 3YR
LIC-MG51-ENT-5Y	Meraki MG51 Enterprise License and Support, 5YR
LIC-MG51-ENT-7Y	Meraki MG51 Enterprise License and Support, 7YR
LIC-MG51-ENT-10Y	Meraki MG51 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-ANT-C2-A	Dipole Antenna pair included with MG51E
MA-ANT-DUAL-C1	Patch Antenna pair for MG51E

Included In The Box

Model	Contents
MG51	1 x MG51-HW 1 x Mounting plate
MG51E	1 x MG51E-HW 1 x Mounting plate 4 x dipole antennas

We only support and recommend having all 4 antenna's connected on the MG51E.

Non-Meraki Antenna not supported

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. Usage 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.

Power Adapter vs PoE : The MG can be powered using a PoE or via a power adapter. The power adapter always takes the first preference i.e if the MG is already powered via the PoE and then the power adapter is connected, then the MG will power off and power on using the adapter as the power source. The same scenario applies when the PoE and power adapter are connected simultaneously and the power source from the adapter goes down, the MG will power off and then power on. Plugging/unplugging PoE when power adapter is connected to the MG does not have any bearing on the operation of the MG as the device will always draw power from the adapter whenever it is connected.

Warranty

MG Warranty coverage periods are as follows:

Product	Warranty Period	Warranty Information
MG51/MG51E	Lifetime	Full lifetime hardware warranty with next-day advanced replacement included. Applies to MG51 and MG51E hardware
MG Accessories	1 Year	The following are considered accessories: Includes mounting kits, antenna, and additional power cords

Product

Warranty Period

Warranty Information

MG51/MG51E

Lifetime

Full lifetime hardware warranty with next-day advanced replacement included.

Applies to MG51 and MG51E hardware

MG Accessories

1 Year

The following are considered accessories:

Includes mounting kits, antenna, and additional power cords

Additional warranty information can be found on the Return Policy and Requesting a RMA page of the Cisco Meraki website.

If your Cisco Meraki device fails and the problem cannot be resolved by troubleshooting, contact support to address the issue. Once support determines that the device is in a failed state, they can process an RMA and send out a replacement device free of charge. In most circumstances, the RMA will include a pre-paid shipping label so the faulty equipment can be returned.

In order to initiate a hardware replacement for non-functioning hardware that is under warranty, you must have access to the original packaging the hardware was shipped in. The original hardware packaging includes device serial number and order information, and may be required for return shipping.

Meraki MG51 and MG51E devices have been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.