Installing a gateway access point

A Meraki gateway is an AP in the Meraki mesh that has direct route to Internet connection over a wired connection. Repeater APs route client and management traffic through the Meraki gateway. A Meraki mesh network requires at least 1 working gateway AP to be operational. The gateway AP should be the first AP you install in your network. Any model of Meraki AP can function as a gateway.

Prerequisites: Before you begin a Meraki network deployment, please take time to review the Product Setup Guide for your AP and create your account in Dashboard. Once you have reviewed the documentation and added the AP to your network in Dashboard, follow the steps in this KB to guide you through setting up a gateway AP.

Requirements: Meraki AP's are set to obtain their IP address settings automatically via DHCP over a standard Ethernet connection. If you are using a content filter or web proxy, the Meraki gateway AP must be allowed to bypass these systems to reach the Internet. Meraki AP's cannot operate in network requiring layer 2 authentication to gain network access. This type of connection is common when using PPPoE connection in DSL (In these types of cases a router that supports this type of connection must be installed between the DSL modem and the Meraki AP) or when 802.1x port based authentication is required on your switched network.

Part I. Setup a wired network that support the Meraki AP

1. Following the instructions provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or router manufacturer, setup a wired network with DHCP and a route to the Internet.
2. Verify the neccessary outbound ports on your firewall have been opened to allow the Meraki AP to contact the Meraki Cloud Controller. 
3. Connect you computer to the network and verify that you receive an IP address via DHCP and that you are able to connect to the Internet.

Part II. Powering you gateway AP

1. Connect your AP to the wired network using an Ethernet cable.
2. Connect the power supply.
3. If you are using Meraki PoE adapters follow the instructions in the Product Setup Guide for your AP. If the power LED does not light up when the power supply is connected try making sure your wall socket or 802.3af/at PoE switch is working correctly. Once you have confirmed the power source is working correctly try swapping power supplies, PoE adapter, and Ethernet cables.

Part III. The Gateway boot process

Once your AP is powered on the LED's will go through a series of sequences. Please refer to the Product Setup Guide for your AP to determine the exact LED locations and codes. 

1. Radio light will turn solid green or solid orange (MR Units). If the radio light is off make sure power supply/PoE is connected correctly. If this does not work try swapping power supplies/PoE or trying a different PoE port on the switch. If this does not work verify the power source wall outlet or PoE switch is working.
2. Ethernet light will turn green. If the Ethernet light is flashing green or off completely, there is a problem with the wired Ethernet connection. Please go back to PART I of this KB to make sure you have a supported network connection and good Ethernet cable.
3. Signal lights will move back and forth as the AP searches for neighbors. If your wired network is setup and functioning correctly, the Signal lights will turn solid green after 5 minutes of scanning. You will then see your configured wireless networks in your wireless clients network browser. If the lights begin Flashing on and off and you see wireless networks in your wireless client appened with "bad-gateway" you have a problem with your wired network. Please go back to PART I of this KB to make sure you have working network connection.
4. After a network connection is established successfully, the Meraki AP will begin downloading its firmware. This Radio light will begin flashing green or flashing orange. Once the firmware is upgrade is complete the AP will reboot and go through the same LED sequences.
5. Once the AP has booted up and confirmed that it has the latest firmware all lights will turn solid green. At this point you should be able to see your wireless networks and connect.