MR78 Installation Guide

Security Features

The MR78 allows for physically securing the access point after installation:

1. Security screw – The accessory kit includes screws that can be used to secure the access point to the mount cradle. Engaging the security screw prevents accidental dislodging and theft.

Ethernet Ports 

The MR78 features a Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port that accepts 802.3at and 802.3af power (labeled “Eth0, PoE”). This port should be used for uplink to your WAN connection.

Power Source Options

The MR78 access point can be powered using either the Meraki AC Adapter, PoE Injector (both sold separately), or a third-party PoE switch. The MR78 operates at full power with 802.3af PoE.

Factory Reset Button

If the button is pressed and held for at least five seconds and then released, the MR78 will reboot and be restored to its original factory settings by deleting all configuration information stored on the unit.

LED Indicators and Run Dark Mode

Your MR78 is equipped with a multi-color LED light on the front of the unit to convey information about system functionality and performance:

• Orange - AP is booting (permanent Orange suggests hardware issue)
• Rainbow - AP is initializing/scanning
• Blinking Blue - AP is upgrading
• Green - AP in Gateway mode with no clients
• Blue - AP in Gateway mode with clients 
• Blinking Orange - AP can't find uplink 

The MR78 may be operated in “Run Dark” mode for additional security and to reduce the visibility of the access point. In this mode, the LED will not be illuminated. This mode may be enabled through Meraki dashboard.

Configure Your Network in Dashboard

The following is a brief overview only of the steps required to add an MR78 to your network. For detailed instructions about creating, configuring and managing Meraki wireless networks, refer to the online documentation (documentation.meraki.com).

1. Login to http://dashboard.meraki.com. If this is your first time, create a new account.
2. Find the network to which you plan to add your APs or create a new network.
3. Add your APs to your network. You will need your Meraki order number (found on your invoice) or the serial number of each AP, which looks like Qxxx-xxxx-xxxx, and is found on the bottom of the unit. You will also need your Enterprise license key, which you should have received via email.
4. Go to the map / floor plan view and place each AP on the map by clicking and dragging it to the location where you plan to mount it.

Check and Upgrade Firmware

To ensure your MR78 performs optimally immediately following installation, it is recommended that you facilitate a firmware upgrade prior to mounting your MR78.

1. Attach your MR78 to power and a wired Internet connection. See the "Power the MR78" section for details.
2. The MR78 will turn on and the LED will glow solid orange. If the unit does not require a firmware upgrade, the LED will turn either green (no clients associated) or blue (clients associated) within thirty seconds.

* If the unit requires an upgrade, the LED will begin blinking orange until the upgrade is complete, at which point the LED will turn solid green or blue. You should allow at least a few minutes for the firmware upgrade to complete, depending on the speed of your internet connection.

Check and Configure Firewall Settings

If a firewall is in place, it must allow outgoing connections on particular ports to particular IP addresses. The most current list of outbound ports and IP addresses for your particular organization can be found here. 

Assigning IP Addresses to MR78s

All gateway MR78s (MR78s with Ethernet connections to the LAN) must be assigned routable IP addresses. These IP addresses can be dynamically assigned via DHCP or statically assigned.

Collect Tools

You will need the following tools to perform an installation:

Collect Additional Hardware for Installation

You will need the following hardware to perform an installation:

Choose Your Mounting Location

A good mounting location is important to getting the best performance out of your MR78 access point. Keep the following in mind:

1. The device should have unobstructed line of sight to most coverage areas. For example, if installing in an office filled with workspaces divided by mid-height cubicle walls, installing on the ceiling or high on a wall would be ideal.
2. Power over Ethernet supports a maximum cable length of 300 ft (100 m).
3. If being used in a mesh deployment, the MR78 should have line of sight to at least two other Meraki devices. A Cisco Partner can help ensure that your AP placement is ideal.

Install the MR78

For most mounting scenarios, the MR78 mount cradle provides a quick, simple, and flexible means of mounting your device. The installation should be done in two steps. First, install the mount cradle to your selected location. Then, attach the MR78 to the mount cradle.

Attach the Mount Cradle

The MR78 mount cradle can be used to install your access point on a wall, solid ceiling, or pole.

Connect Access Point to Ethernet and/or AC Adapter

Using a phillips head screwdriver, remove the screws that secure the Ethernet cover. Ensure that the Ethernet cable (and power cable, if applicable) is properly secured in the black cable gland. Secuire the Ethernet cover with the phillips head screwdriver. 

Attach the MR78 to the Mount Cradle

(This section applies to wall and/or solid ceiling where you have already installed the mount cradle.)

The MR78 attaches to the mount cradle with two tabs on the cradle that insert into the MR78, and is secured to the cradle using one screw.

To attach the MR78 to the mount cradle properly, line up the top edge of the AP with the top tab of the mount cradle. Since the cradle is already mounted to the wall, guide the MR78 towards the top tab and insert the top tab into the MR78’s slot.

Then, adjust the MR78 to guide the MR78’s bottom slot into the cradle’s bottom tab until it clicks into place. Once in place, the MR78 should be secured to the cradle by using one of the included screws in the cradle’s bottom tab.

To release the MR78 from the mount cradle, first remove the security screw that secures the MR78 to the cradle’s bottom tab. While holding the MR78 with one hand, press the cradle’s bottom tab upwards, releasing the MR78 from the bottom of the cradle. Then remove the MR78 from the cradle’s top tab.

Security Screw

Install the security screw in the lower mount cradle tab.