Cisco Meraki MR Firmware Restrictions Overview and FAQ

Why are certain MR devices no longer eligible for firmware upgrades? 

Meraki regularly evaluates our product offerings to ensure we provide the best possible support and value to our customers. In some cases, End-of-Sale devices, such as the MR devices affected by this change, may not be eligible for future firmware upgrades due to hardware limitations and the capacity requirement from new features. 

When is MR31.1.x planned for shipment? 

The beta release of MR31.1.x is planned for May 21, 2024, and the stable release of this firmware version will be planned for ~6 months later (tentatively November/December 2024).  

What will happen if I attempt to upgrade my firmware after the beta release of MR31.1.x, or if I have a scheduled upgrade?

After the beta release on May 21, 2024, the Firmware Upgrades page will let you set your network to MR31.1.x or newer. Affected devices will only upgrade to their latest supported version of MR30.x. The AP status page will correctly display the running MR30.x build. Documentation for the max-supported firmware will be updated to reflect the same. 

What does this mean for my MR performance and security?

While new features associated with MR31.1.x or higher will not be applicable to previous-generation devices (all Wi-Fi 5 Wave 2 APs and older SKUs), your current MR30.x firmware will continue to operate with existing functionality and features.  

What about newer features that are added in MR31.1.x firmware version? 

The newer features will be applicable for APs that support this firmware version—in this case, Wi-Fi 6 and newer APs. Wi-Fi 5 Wave 2 and older APs will not be able to use the newer features. Please check individual feature documentation if you have a network with mixed generation of APs. 

What are my options if I want to upgrade devices?

Cisco Meraki has an expansive wireless portfolio consisting of several current-generation models that help address varied use cases and scenarios. You will have several options to choose from, depending on your specific needs and priorities. Please contact your Cisco Meraki sales representative for more information. You can view all current-generation appliances here. 

After the beta release date, why does the dashboard show “MR31.x.x” in the version limits table? 

Going forward, Meraki is moving to a different firmware version process and will be supporting two different firmware releases for MR APs (e.g., for MR31, the two below firmware releases will be introduced): 

1. MR31.1.x  

2. MR31.2.x  

This format will continue in the future for MR32.1.x, MR32.2.x and onwards. The firmware releases will be following a different release cadence that will be reflected in the ‘Firmware Upgrades’ section in dashboard. 

What will happen to devices attached to a template updated to R31.1.x or later?

Devices will only run their latest supported version of MR30.x. If a template is updated to MR31.1.x or newer, these legacy devices will not update, and the AP details page will correctly display the running MR30.x build. This will be similar to Wi-Fi 5 Wave 1 APs today, which are restricted to the MR26.x firmware version as documented here. 

Who can I reach out to if I have more questions about this change? 

Please contact Meraki Technical Support with any questions, or you may reach out to your Cisco Meraki sales representative if you are interested in upgrading any of your MR devices.