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Cisco Meraki Documentation

MG52/52E Technical Specifications

Overview  

Reliable internet access is vital for the smooth operation of any organization. In cases of primary uplink failure, wireless WAN connectivity options, like cellular networks, have traditionally served as a dependable backup for ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.

MG52 cellular gateway is a 5G StandAlone (SA)/ Non-StandAlone (NSA) device which enables the delivery of high-speed internet access with low latency and increased capacity.  The use of standalone 5G allows for the full realization of 5G's potential, including advanced features like network slicing, which allows the creation of virtualized, dedicated slices of the network tailored for specific applications or services.

MG52/E is compatible with both Meraki and non-Meraki security appliances, routing, or switching devices by leveraging Ethernet and IP-based protocols. Its additional 802.3AT compatibility allows it to be positioned anywhere by using power over Ethernet (PoE), similar to any access point. This flexibility gives users the choice of an ideal physical placement to optimize signal quality, a crucial factor in wireless WAN communications.

 

MR52 and MR52E devices in a front view.

 

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 SA/NSA Sub6 LTE CAT20
  • Cloud managed eSIM
  • Dual SIM support 
  • Supports 2 separate downstream Ethernet connections
  • Small form factor
  • PoE+ or DC powered
  • IP67 rating
  • Optional Patch antenna (MG52E)

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 MG52/E 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 devices that are downstream of the MG52/E may increase data usage. 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.

Note: MG52/52E now features cloud managed eSIM*.  This allows you to connect your device directly to a cellular network without needing to install a physical sim.  

*Coming Soon: Service Provider integration in progress.

Use Cases  

Note that the following use cases refer to using a Meraki MX appliance with the MG52/E 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 MG52/E 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 deployed in a data center or medium/large branch location. The 4 x 4 DL MIMO is capable of supporting deployments that demand higher throughput capacity.

  • Primary WAN

    • In areas where wired internet services are not available or wired connectivity takes too long or is expensive, the MG52/E provides a simple, viable option for wireless WAN connectivity.

  • Secondary WAN for Failover

    • An MX's primary or secondary WAN interface connected to an MG52/E may use the cellular network for both primary and secondary uplinks

  • Primary/Secondary WAN for SD-WAN

    • An MX with an MG52/E as a primary and/or secondary WAN uplink may use the cellular network to establish VPNs for SD-WAN.

  • High Availability Uplink

    • The MG52/E 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 

MG52

MG52E

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 SA/ NSA Sub6 LTE CAT20

5G SA/NSA Sub6  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

eSIM 1 1

 

Interfaces 

LAN Interfaces

2x 2.5 GbE

WAN Interfaces

1 * 5G SA/NSA Sub6 LTE CAT20 Cellular modem

SIM Card Slot

Nano (4FF)

 

 

 

Product Category and Certifications

5G Category

5G SA/NSA Sub 6GHz

LTE Category

CAT20

Certifications

PTCRB (US), RCM (ANZ, APAC), GCF (EU), IC (CA), FCC (US)

Certified Carriers

AT&T, T-Mobile

Carriers leveraging GCF

https://www.globalcertificationforum...f-members.html

Carrier Certification in Progress

Verizon

Beta Tested Carriers

AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon

 

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 may be many unlisted carriers that 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

MG52

1,663,492

MG52E

1,663,492

 

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-B

Dipole Antenna pair included with MG52E

Patch Antenna Coming soon

Included In The Box 

Model

Contents

MG52

1 x MG52-HW

1 x Mounting plate 

MG52E

1 x MG52E-HW

1 x Mounting plate 

4 x dipole antennas

We only support and recommend having all 4 antennas connected on the MG52/E.

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.

 

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