Best Practices for Expanding Wireless Capacity with Meraki Expansion Modules?

[nepelem878]

Hello Meraki Community,

We’re planning to scale our wireless network to handle increased device density and higher bandwidth demands. I’m exploring expansion modules (like the MA-ANT-20 or MA-IN-6-20-XW) to enhance our MR access points but would appreciate insights on:

1. Real-World Performance: Has anyone deployed these modules with MR56/46/36 series APs? How do they impact coverage, throughput, or interference in high-density environments (e.g., campuses, event spaces)?

2. Compatibility & Limitations: Are there specific firmware requirements or AP models where expansion modules work best? Any gotchas (e.g., reduced PoE budget, thermal constraints)?

3. Use Cases: Are these modules ideal for:

   • Directional coverage (e.g., long hallways)?

   • Mitigating dead zones with external antennas?

   • Supporting specialized IoT/Wi-Fi 6E deployments?

4. Alternatives: For those who opted against expansion modules, did you achieve better results with additional APs or alternate antenna configurations?

[Mloraditch]

There are no such things as expansion modules for the MR APs listed. A few support different antennas, but none that you've listed. Some regular Cisco APs have supported some modules in the past but I'm not too knowledgeable on that currently.

I don't mean to offend, but this reads like AI may have helped you write your question. If so could you possibly rewrite it naturally so we can make sure we are addressing the right question.

Generally if you need to increase coverage you can either tune the radio settings, add/change APs, or with certain models change antennas.

[BaskaranGanesan]

Can you help me understand your environment? Is it high-density or low-density? Is it an office space with an open area, rigid walls, or blocks on the floor? How much interference do you have in 5 GHz, and what is the current channel utilization? What is the recommendation given from the site survey?

We must consider many options before purchasing a newer model. The latest APs have very strong signal probes.  

Recently, I gained substantial experience moving from MR 53 to CW916I AP. 

[PhilipDAth]

In 99% of cases, it is best to simply purchase more APs with standard antennas.

[GIdenJoe]

The MR36/46/56/76/86 are WiFi 6 models, not 6E which means no support for 6 GHz.

If you are considering warehouse coverage with directional antenna coverage then you have multiple options:
Oldest option: Use the MR46E for dry/normal temp warehousing where you can attach any 6 lead antenna that suits your needs (MA-ANT-3-X) or one from different known vendors like Acceltex.

Newer options: If 6 GHz is a requirement (haven't seen any warehouse devices supporting 6 GHz in the field yet) then you can choose between the WiFi6E or WiFi7 range devices (CW916x or CW917x) however the indoor models don't have any external antenna possibilities due to regulatory issues in the 6 GHz space.

The outdoor CW9163E does have external antennas.  The WiFi7 model is not here yet.