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Cisco Meraki Documentation

MV21 Installation Guide

MV21 Overview

The Cisco Meraki MV21 is a networked camera that is easy to deploy and configure. It integrates with the Meraki dashboard and uses cloud-enhanced edge storage. The MV series removes the need for expensive servers and video recorders used in traditional systems, eliminating common restrictions in video surveillance deployments.

Package Contents

In addition to the MV camera, the following are provided: 
  

Image showing the package contents included with the MV camera for reference.

 

Image showing the package contents included with the MV camera for reference.

Ethernet Port

The MV21 features a 100BASE-TX Ethernet port that supports 802.3af PoE.

Pre-Install Preparation

You should complete the following steps before going on-site to perform an installation.

Configure Your Network in Dashboard

The following is a brief overview of the steps to add an MV21 camera to your network. For detailed instructions on creating, configuring, and managing Meraki camera networks, refer to the online documentation (https://documentation.meraki.com/MV).

  1. Log in to [http://dashboard.meraki.com] If this is your first time accessing the dashboard, create a new account.

  2. Locate the network to which you plan to add your cameras, or create a new network if needed.

  3. Add your cameras to the selected network. To do this, you will need either your Meraki order number (found on your invoice) or the serial number of each camera. The serial number, which looks like Qxxx-xxxx-xxxx, can be found on the bottom of the camera unit.

  4. Verify that the camera has been successfully added by checking under Cameras > Monitor > Cameras.

Check and Configure Firewall Settings

If a firewall is in use, it must allow outgoing connections on specific ports to designated IP addresses. Refer to the latest list of outbound ports and IP addresses for your organization here

DNS Configuration

Each MV21 generates a unique domain name for secure direct streaming. These domain names resolve to an A record linked to the camera's private IP address and can be resolved by any public recursive DNS server.

If utilizing an on-site DNS server, allow *.devices.meraki.direct or configure a conditional forwarder. This ensures local domains are not appended to *.devices.meraki.direct and that these requests are forwarded to Google Public DNS.

Assigning IP Addresses 

The MV21 does not support static IP assignment. MV21 units must be added to a subnet with DHCP enabled and available DHCP addresses for proper operation.

Installation Instructions

Each MV21 includes an instruction pamphlet in the box. The pamphlet provides step-by-step guides and images to assist with the camera's physical installation. A PDF version of the pamphlet is available here.

During the initial setup, the MV21 automatically updates to the latest stable firmware. Some features will be unavailable until the update is complete. This process can take up to 10 minutes due to enabling whole disk encryption.

Wall Mounting Instructions

The MV21 wall mount offers a quick, simple, and flexible way to mount the device in most scenarios. Installation can be completed in a few simple steps:

1. Leave protective plastic sticker on camera bubble.

This image displays the protective plastic sticker on the camera bubble to prevent damage during installation.

2. Use template to determine mounting hole locations before screwing in the mount plate. Peel backing from mount template to stick on wall. Slide the MV21 onto the wall mount.

This image displays to use the mounting template to mark hole locations, attach the wall mount, and slide the MV21 into place.

3. Screw the mounting plate onto the wall in pre-determined locations. Use template holes marked with the letter “A” for standard wall mounting.

The image is displayed to demonstrate the process of mounting a base plate onto a wall using template holes marked with the letter 'A' for standard wall mounting

4. Connect PoE cable to camera. For cords that will exit the top of the camera, loop the cable inside the camera as shown.

The image Illustrates how to loop the PoE cable inside the camera for cords exiting from the top, ensuring proper installation.

5. Slide camera over top of mount plate and slide down into mount plate hooks. Secure with Phillips or Torx head safety screw.

This image Demonstrates how to slide the camera over the top of the mount plate and secure it with a Phillips or Torx head safety screw for proper installation.or This image Demonstrates how to slide the camera over the top of the mount plate and secure it with a Phillips or Torx head safety screw for proper installation.

6. Turn bubble counter clockwise to unlock. Hinge bubble off of body to remove.

The image is displayed to demonstrate the process of unlocking and removing the bubble from the camera body by turning it counterclockwise and hinging it off.

7. Pinch near thumb screws and pull straight away from the camera to remove lens guard.

This image shows the process to remove the lens guard from the camera by pinching near the thumb screws and pulling straight away.

8. Aim the lens.  Look through the camera on the Meraki Dashboard to fine tune the picture. The camera sensor and lens unit can be physically tilted through a range of 65 degrees, rotated through a range of 350 degrees, and panned through a range of 350 degrees. The image can only be rotated by 180 degrees in software and no other adjustments can be made. Zoom and focus can be adjusted remotely and can not be adjusted physically on the camera.

Do not adjust or remove the rubber lens gasket.

This image demonstrates the physical adjustments and remote capabilities of the Meraki camera lens, including tilt, pan, rotation, and zoom, as well as the importance of not removing the rubber lens gasket.

9. Replace lens guard and bubble. Turn bubble clockwise to lock.

This image illustrates the process of replacing the lens guard and securing the bubble by turning it clockwise to lock.

10. Remove protective plastic sticker. Check LED function. Use the Meraki Dashboard to adjust camera focus and configure other settings.

This image demonstrates the steps to remove the protective plastic sticker, verify the LED functionality, and use the Meraki Dashboard to adjust camera focus and configure settings for the Meraki MV21 camera.

T-rail Mounting Instructions

To mount your MV21 on a drop ceiling T-rail, use the included hardware. The hardware can be used to mount to most 9/16”, 15/16”, or 1 ½” T-rails.

1. Using the dashed lines on the mount plate template as a guide, set the proper spacing of the clips.

This image illustrates how to use the dashed lines on the mount plate template to correctly set the spacing of the clips during the installation process.

2. Tighten the set screws on the T-rail clips and secure them using a 5/64” (2 mm) hex key.

This image demonstrates the process of tightening the set screws on the T-rail clips and securing them using a 5/64” (2 mm) hex key during the installation of the Meraki MV21 camera.

 3. Attach the mount plate to the T-rail clips using the mount plate holes (marked with a “G”).

This image demonstrates attaching the mount plate to the T-rail clips using the mount plate holes marked with a “G” during the installation of the Meraki MV21 camera.

 4. Attach the T-rail clips to the T-rail by rotating them and snapping them into place as shown. The black foam pads should be compressed slightly after installation.

This image demonstrates attaching the T-rail clips to the T-rail by rotating them and snapping them into place, ensuring the black foam pads are slightly compressed for proper installation.This image demonstrates attaching the T-rail clips to the T-rail by rotating them and snapping them into place, ensuring the black foam pads are slightly compressed for proper installation.

Powering the MV21

Remove the cable guard and route the Ethernet cable from an active port on a 802.3af PoE switch or PoE injector. 

Power over Ethernet supports a maximum cable length of 300 ft (100 m).

LED Indicator

Your MV21 is equipped with a LED light on the front of the unit to convey information about system functionality and performance:

  • Flashing Green (1 second interval) - MV is upgrading or initializing for the first time.
  • Flashing Green (3 second interval) - Encrypting disk.
  • Solid Green - MV is operating nominally. 
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