The Cisco Meraki MR28 is a cloud-managed Wi-Fi 6 access point built for smaller deployments and basic medium-density networks. It combines dual-band wireless connectivity with simple cloud management and enterprise security features.
The MR28-HW model supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi with a combined aggregate frame rate of up to 1.5 Gbps. It also includes Bluetooth Low Energy and a Gigabit Ethernet port. The access point offers a practical way to build managed wireless coverage for businesses looking at Meraki MR28 solutions.
They can do so without adding complex hardware. Its compact design also suits offices with limited installation space.
What is the Cisco Meraki MR28 Access Point?
The Cisco Meraki MR28 is an indoor and cloud-managed Wi-Fi 6 access point for smaller deployments. Cisco describes it as an entry-level Wi-Fi 6 model designed for smaller environments. It uses 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios with 2x2:2 MU-MIMO and supports a combined aggregate frame rate of up to 1.5 Gbps. The Cisco Meraki MR28 also includes:
- Bluetooth Low Energy
- Gigabit Ethernet interface
- Cloud-based management
Its software provides security controls and traffic shaping. You can also get analytics and automatic firmware updates. The device listed as MR28-HW is the hardware model for the Meraki MR28 Cloud Managed 802.11ax access point. A Meraki access point license is required for operation.
Key Specifications & Features of Cisco Meraki MR28 Access Point
The MR28 brings several important features into a small indoor access point. Its wireless standard affects client performance. Speed shows its aggregate radio capability. Connectivity determines how it reaches the wired network. Bluetooth adds another wireless function, while cloud management gives administrators centralized control over the access point.
Wi-Fi Standard
The Cisco MR28 supports Wi-Fi 6, also known as IEEE 802.11ax. Its 2.4 GHz radio supports 802.11b/g/n/ax, while the 5 GHz radio supports 802.11a/n/ac/ax.
Wi-Fi 6 brings several features that improve wireless communication with multiple client devices. The MR28 supports:
- OFDMA
- MU-MIMO
- Beamforming
- BSS coloring
- Target Wake Time features
OFDMA allows a wireless channel to serve multiple clients more efficiently. MU-MIMO also supports communication with several compatible devices. These features matter in offices where phones and other devices share the same wireless network.
The MR28 uses two spatial streams on each client access radio. Cisco lists 2x2:2 MU-MIMO for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios.
Speed
Cisco lists a maximum dual-radio aggregate frame rate of 1.5 Gbps for the MR28. The 5 GHz radio supports up to 1,201 Mbps. The 2.4 GHz radio supports up to 287 Mbps under the stated operating conditions.
These figures describe aggregate radio capability rather than the speed every connected device will receive. Real-world performance depends on:
- Client hardware
- Distance
- Interference
- Channel use
- Network traffic
- Other conditions
The radio chipset supports a higher aggregate PHY data rate of 1.7 Gbps. Cisco notes that its 2.4 GHz configuration does not enable the 40 MHz channel combination required to reach the full 574 Mbps PHY rate on that band.
For everyday office traffic, the MR28 provides a useful Wi-Fi 6 platform with support for multiple connected devices.
Connectivity
The MR28 includes one 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet port. This Gigabit Ethernet connection provides the wired link between the access point and the network.
The Ethernet connection also supports Power over Ethernet. Cisco specifies 802.3af-compatible PoE for the MR28. This can simplify installation because one Ethernet cable can carry both network data and electrical power.
A Gigabit Ethernet uplink also gives the access point a clear wired connection to switches and network infrastructure. The cable path should be planned carefully so the AP receives a stable network connection.
Businesses installing several units should also check switch capacity, PoE availability, cable quality, and the planned network design before deployment.
Bluetooth
The MR28 includes an integrated Bluetooth Low Energy radio. Cisco lists BLE 5 support with beacon and scanning capabilities. This feature gives the access point another way to interact with compatible Bluetooth devices. BLE can support location-related functions, device visibility, and beacon applications.
Cisco also lists embedded location analytics and device tracking capabilities within the MR28 feature set. These tools can provide additional information about wireless activity in supported environments.
The Bluetooth radio does not replace Wi-Fi. Instead, it adds another wireless capability to the same compact access point.
Management
Cloud management is one of the main parts of the MR28 experience. Administrators manage the device through the Meraki cloud rather than relying on a traditional local management approach.
Cisco says the MR28 can self-configure when connected to the Meraki cloud. It can download its configuration and retrieve firmware updates through the cloud service.
The cloud dashboard also provides network visibility, alerts, analytics, and remote diagnostic tools. This can be useful for businesses with several locations because administrators can manage supported deployments from a central interface.
Automatic firmware updates also reduce the need for manual update work. Cisco states that security fixes, new features, and other updates are delivered through the cloud.
Security & Management
Wireless access points sit at the edge of a network, so security needs to be built into the deployment plan. The MR28 includes several security and management functions that work through the Meraki platform. Traffic controls and power choices also affect how the device fits into a complete network installation.
Enterprise Security
The MR28 includes several security features for business networks. Cisco lists WPA2-Enterprise with 802.1X, WPA3-Personal, WPA3-Enterprise, WPA3-Enhanced Open, AES encryption, VLAN tagging, and IPsec VPN tunneling among its supported features.
The access point also includes a Layer 7 firewall and guest access controls. Guest isolation can provide visitors with Internet access while separating them from internal network resources.
Cisco lists WIDS/WIPS capabilities with alerting and rogue access point detection through Air Marshal. The MR28 also supports PCI compliance reporting for environments where those reporting functions are relevant.
These features give administrators several tools for managing wireless access without treating security as a separate add-on.
Traffic Shaping
Network traffic can vary throughout the day. Video calls, cloud applications, file transfers, web browsing, and other services may compete for available bandwidth.
The MR28 supports Layer 7 application identification and traffic shaping. Cisco says administrators can classify applications, create per-application bandwidth limits, prioritize productivity applications, and restrict or block selected traffic.
This gives network teams more control over how available wireless bandwidth is used. Quality of service features also include WMM access categories with DSCP and 802.1p support. These tools can help administrators organize traffic according to network policies and application requirements.
Power Options
The MR28 supports 802.3af Power over Ethernet and can also use an AC power adapter. Cisco lists maximum power consumption of 15W when using 802.3af, although actual consumption can vary based on use.
Cisco specifically states that the MA-PWR-30W-XX AC adapter is compatible with the MR28. The company also lists PoE injectors as separate accessories. PoE can make ceiling or wall installations cleaner because the access point can receive power through its Ethernet connection.
Before deployment, confirm that the network switch or injector supplies compatible PoE. Power planning should also account for the number of access points being installed and the total PoE budget available from the network switch.
Benefits of Cisco Meraki MR28 Access Point
The MR28 brings several useful features into one indoor access point. Its Wi-Fi 6 radios support current wireless clients. Cloud management simplifies administration. Built-in security supports business networks. Bluetooth adds another wireless function, while the compact design fits smaller deployments.
Simple Cloud Administration
The Meraki cloud gives administrators a central place to manage supported network devices. The MR28 can self-configure after connecting to the cloud and can receive firmware updates automatically.
This approach can reduce repetitive work for IT teams. It also gives administrators remote visibility into network activity and device status.
For organizations with several offices, centralized management can make routine administration easier. Staff can review supported networks without traveling to every physical location.
Wi-Fi 6 for Smaller Deployments
The MR28 provides Wi-Fi 6 features in a smaller access point format. Cisco positions it for smaller deployments and basic medium-density environments.
Its 2x2:2 MU-MIMO radios support multiple clients, while OFDMA improves the way compatible devices share wireless resources.
That makes the MR28 suitable for places where users rely on Wi-Fi for everyday work, communication, cloud applications, and Internet access.
The right number of access points still depends on the building layout and wireless survey results. One access point should not be expected to cover every environment by default.
Built-In Security Controls
Security features are included within the Meraki platform rather than requiring a separate wireless security product for every basic function.
Administrators can use authentication options, guest controls, firewall rules, encryption, VLAN tagging, and other supported features according to the network design.
This creates a more organized approach to wireless access. Employees and guests can also be handled through different policies where the network requires that separation.
Security settings should still be reviewed before deployment. Default configurations should not replace a documented security policy.
Flexible Wireless Visibility
The MR28 provides more than basic wireless access. Its cloud dashboard includes network and application analytics, while its BLE radio supports beacon and scanning functions. Administrators can use these capabilities to gain more visibility into supported devices and wireless activity.
Location analytics can also provide information such as visitor trends and dwell time in supported deployments. Cisco lists these functions as part of the MR28 feature set. The value of these tools depends on how the business plans to use the available data.
Compact Indoor Design
The MR28 measures 7.95 inches by 4.88 inches by 1.02 inches and weighs 9.6 ounces, excluding the desk-mount feet or mounting plate. Its small size can make physical installation easier in offices and other indoor spaces.
The unit is rated for an operating temperature of 0°C to 40°C with 5% to 95% non-condensing humidity. It is therefore intended for suitable indoor environments rather than exposed outdoor installations.
Placement still matters. Access points should be installed according to the building layout and the wireless coverage plan.
Who Should Use Cisco Meraki MR28 Access Point?
The MR28 is positioned for smaller deployments, so its fit depends on the network size, client count, coverage needs, and management model. These points can help identify the types of organizations and spaces where the access point may fit the intended use case.
- Small businesses: The MR28 suits organizations that require managed Wi-Fi without deploying a larger enterprise access point platform.
- Small offices: Its compact indoor design and Gigabit Ethernet connection can fit offices that rely on wireless access for daily work.
- Branch locations: Cloud management can be useful for businesses that manage wireless networks across several smaller sites.
- Home offices and small professional spaces: Cisco positions the MR28 for small business and SOHO deployments that require managed Wi-Fi and security features.
- Basic medium-density environments: The access point supports Wi-Fi 6, MU-MIMO, and OFDMA for environments with multiple compatible client devices.
Build a Smarter Wireless Network With TS Cables
The Cisco Meraki MR28 combines Wi-Fi 6, cloud management, enterprise security, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Gigabit Ethernet in a compact indoor access point. The MR 28 is suited to smaller deployments that value centralized control.
TS Cables can support your network infrastructure with reliable connectivity products and practical guidance for wireless installations.
FAQs
Is the Cisco Meraki MR28 a Wi-Fi 6 access point?
Yes, the MR28 supports IEEE 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 across its 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz client access radios with 2x2:2 MU-MIMO.
What is the maximum speed of the MR28?
Cisco lists a maximum dual-radio aggregate frame rate of 1.5 Gbps, with up to 1,201 Mbps on 5 GHz under specified conditions.
Does the MR28 support Power over Ethernet?
Yes, the MR28 supports 802.3af Power over Ethernet and has a maximum listed power consumption of 15W under 802.3af.
Does the MR28 have Bluetooth?
Yes, the MR28 includes a Bluetooth Low Energy radio with BLE 5 beacon and scanning support for compatible applications.
How is the MR28 managed?
The MR28 is managed through the Meraki cloud, which provides configuration, monitoring, analytics, remote diagnostics, and automatic firmware updates.
Further Reading
Take a look through our other TS Cables blogs for fresh networking insights, equipment details, installation guidance, and practical tips for building dependable wireless infrastructure.
