Z3 and Z3C Overview and Specifications

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Image of a Z3 unit with the LED lights to the left-hand side corner, and the Cisco label on the top of the device.

Features

Managed via Cisco Meraki Dashboard
Automatic Firmware upgrades
Automatic WAN Failover to Cellular Uplink
L3/L7 Stateful Firewall
1:1 and 1:Many NAT
Configurable VLANs / DHCP support
Static Routing
Client VPN endpoint
Meraki AutoVPN and L2TP/IPSec VPN endpoint
Custom Traffic Shaping
Historical Client Usage statistics
Netflow support
Syslog integration
Remote Packet Capture tools

Hardware Features

Built-in Cellular 100 Mbps CAT 3 LTE Uplink (Z3C only, requires SIM card)
Built-in 802.11ac Wireless Wave 2 capability

Configuration

The basic initial configuration of the Z3 and Z3C is just as simple as with other MX/Z devices. The links below provide additional information and instructions relating to each step in getting the device setup and configured for the first time.

Claim the device to an Organization on the Meraki Dashboard
1. If a Dashboard Organization does not yet exist, Create one
Add the device to a Dashboard Network
1. If a Network does not yet exist, Create one first
Physically connect the device to the local network
1. Insert an activated SIM card to allow the cellular uplink to function (Cellular model only)
2. Power on the device and let it check in to the Dashboard
3. If necessary, configure a Static IP on the WAN interface through the Local Status Page to allow it to check in.
Finish configuring the device from the Meraki Dashboard
1. Manage local VLANs
2. Modify Firewall rules
3. Configure VPN connectivity
4. Configure custom APNs for cellular modems

Technical Breakdown

WAN Interface

Z3	Z3C
1x GbE RJ45	1x GbE RJ45
Cellular Uplink via 3rd Party USB Modem	Built-in Cellular Uplink (Nano SIM Card [4FF]) or 3rd Party USB Modem

LAN Interface

Z3	Z3C
3x Dedicated GbE RJ45	3x Dedicated GbE RJ45
1x Dedicated GbE RJ45 PoE	1x Dedicated GbE RJ45 PoE

802.11 Wireless Interface

	Z3/C
Radio Information	802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wave 2 (2.4 or 5Ghz), 2x2 MU-MIMO
Antennas	4x Internal dipole antennas (Gain: 3dBi @ 2.4Ghz, 4 dBi @ 5Ghz)
Maximum Data Rate	1.3 Gbps
Regulatory Domains	FCC, IC, C-Tick, RoHS

Cellular Interface

When bringing the units online for the very first time, Z3C units should be connected via a wired WAN interface to the Meraki Dashboard to retrieve an update to allow for proper use of the integrated cellular connectivity.

	US / North America Bands	Worldwide Bands
HSPA+	2, 4, 5	1, 3, 8
FDD-LTE	2, 4, 5, 13, 17	1, 3, 7, 8, 20
TD-LTE	-	-
GSM Bands	850, 900, 1800, 1900	900, 1800
CA	N/A	N/A
Certifications	PTCRB (US)	RCM (ANZ, APAC), GCF (EU)
Tested Carriers	AT&T, Bell Canada	Orange, Telia, Telecom Italia, Telefonica, Post, BT, STC, Telenor, SingTel

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 maybe many unlisted carriers 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.

Please note that until certification has been obtained, the Z3C will not work on Verizon's network.

Throughput and Capabilities

	Z3/C
Recommended Maximum LAN Clients	Up to 5
Max Stateful Firewall Throughput in NAT mode	200 Mbps
Max Stateful Firewall Throughput in Passthrough mode	100 Mbps
Max VPN Throughput	75 Mbps

Physical

	Z3	Z3C
Mount Type	Desktop	Desktop
Dimensions (h x d x w)	6.83 x 4.41 x 1.04 in / 173.4 x 112 x 26.3 mm	7.9 x 4.41 x 1.04 in / 200 x 112 x 26 mm
Weight	0.85 lbs / 0.386 kg	1.1 lbs / 0.487 kg
Power Supply	50W (54 V / 0.92 A)	50W (54 V / 0.92 A)
Operating Temperature	32°F - 104 °F 0°C - 40°C	32°F - 104 °F 0°C - 40°C
Humidity	5% to 95%	5% to 95%

Accessories

Accessory	Description
MA-STND-1	1x Desk Stand (Z3/C)
MA-PWR-50WAC	1x 50W Power Adapter (Z3)
MA-PWR-30W-US	1x 30W Power Adapter, US (Z1)
MA-PWR-CORD-US	1x AC Power Cable, US plug
MA-PWR-CORD-EU	1x AC Power Cable, EU plug
MA-PWR-CORD-UK	1x AC Power Cable, UK plug
MA-PWR-CORD-AU	1x AC Power Cable, AU plug

Warranty

Z-series Warranty coverage periods are as follows:

Product	Warranty Period	Warranty Information
Z-series (e.g. Z3, Z3C)	Lifetime
Z-series Accessories	1 Year	The following are considered accessories: SFP Modules, all mounting kits and stands, interface modules, additional power cords

Product

Warranty Period

Warranty Information

Z-series (e.g. Z3, Z3C)

Lifetime

Z-series Accessories

1 Year

The following are considered accessories:

SFP Modules, all mounting kits and stands, interface modules, additional power cords

Additional warranty information can be found on the Return Policy and Requesting a RMA page of the Cisco Meraki website.

If your Cisco Meraki device fails and the problem cannot be resolved by troubleshooting, contact support to address the issue. Once support determines that the device is in a failed state, they can process an RMA and send out a replacement device free of charge. In most circumstances, the RMA will include a pre-paid shipping label so the faulty equipment can be returned.

In order to initiate a hardware replacement for non-functioning hardware that is under warranty, you must have access to the original packaging the hardware was shipped in. The original hardware packaging includes device serial number and order information, and may be required for return shipping.

Meraki Z3/Z3C devices have been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

Troubleshooting

Common Troubleshooting Steps

My cellular uplink is stuck at 'Connecting'

Built-in Cellular - Ensure that the SIM card is inserted correctly and is activated with the correct PIN entered, if necessary. Ensure there is no USB modem connected as the MX will prefer a USB cellular modem to the internal modem, if available.

USB Cellular - Ensure that the USB Modem is activated and able to pass traffic when connected to a PC. Ensure it is fully connected and powered on when connected to the MX. If a custom APN is needed contact Meraki Support to get it applied.

My modem is connected but is getting very poor throughput

Meraki strongly recommends that the cellular uplink be used on a 4G connection with good signal strength to provide adequate bandwidth to support using the cellular connection as a backup uplink. If no 4G signal is available or the available signal is low strength the achievable throughput may not be adequate to fully support a remote site and more restrictive traffic shaping rules should be used to ensure traffic is prioritized appropriately.

Common Event Log Messages

There are currently no Z3/C specific Event Log entries, for more general information about navigating the Event Log and the types of Events that could be expected please check out our Event Log documentation.

FAQ

Is the Z3C using the Cellular Uplink?

When the Z3C is using the Cellular Uplink it will display a Pink Status LED instead of the usual White LED.

Is this SD-WAN over LTE?

No.

Can LTE be used as the primary uplink?

No, LTE is currently only supported as a fail-over link and should only be primary during a temporary WAN failure event.

How does LTE work for free trials?

Meraki does not supply SIM cards so while the unit can be trialed, it is up to the end user to procure a working SIM card on a compatible carrier.

Do these models support eSIM capability?

No. Currently, Meraki customers will need to acquire a SIM card from their carrier and install.

Will the LTE devices be available in the USA and Worldwide?

Yes. There will be two models: the North American model and the worldwide model

Should I contact Meraki support for carrier issues?

No, you will need to bring support issues to the carrier for carrier issues.

How do I troubleshoot carrier issues?

The Meraki Dashboard provides the ability to monitor signal strength, performance, and historical traffic for troubleshooting purposes. For additional troubleshooting related to the carrier, the carrier will need to be contacted.

If an external USB cellular modem and the internal LTE SIM card are both connected, which one takes precedence?

The external USB cellular modem will take priority over the internal LTE SIM.

Can I change the APN?

Yes. Custom APNs can be configured from Cellular section of the Uplink tab on the Security Appliance > Appliance Settings page.