Easy way to identify a Meraki AP post deployment?

[IDTsysadmin]

We have a warehouse that we recently deployed 5 MR44 AP's. Upon deployment, we forgot to identify the AP, and therefore the Dashboard is not accurate in reference to the name of the AP and the actual s/n or mac address.

The Meraki AP are very high so it would be hard to identify using the LED blinking light indicator. Besides paying a contractor and renting a manlift, is there another way to easily identify the access points?

[ww · Accepted solution]

I would try using led blinking + binoculars.  Or camera with good zoom

You could also use some signal analytics tool. Assuming your connected to the closest AP/ strongest signal you could see the mac of the AP in the tool. To make sure you could reboot the ap and see if you lose signal to the bssid mac

(Side note: Mr44 are not really ment to install very high, but maybe it works out fine in your case)

[IDTsysadmin]

That was my initial thought, but I wasn't sure if there was another way.

I did not know MR44 are not meant for high places. For future knowledge, which AP do you think we should have went with?

[JonathanHa]

During my search I ran over your question. Depending the height, I usually go with MR46E with Antenna type A, B or C,D. We see good results with MR46E+ANT-B6 at heights between 6-9m. Above that you will see blind spots right below the AP. We also created quite impressive results with 90° tilt on all B-Antennas, covering large areas.

[JonathanHa]

I recommend to use MAC-table via switch if you do have access to switch. Something like CDP neighbors can help to find MAC addresses. You can then match these with serials in dashboard. Disconnect from switch ony by one and YES, use binoculars or switch off lights in warehouse, do it once the sun is gone.
I did installations during the night, and it was easy to see if an AP is connected or not.

[Greenberet]

I would give the blinking indicators a try.

You could use the camera app and zoom from your phone, or some binoculars. Both options should be quicker and cheaper than renting a manlift.

If possible, then turn off the lights in the warehouse. The small LEDs are really bright in a dark environment.

[Ryan_Miles]

Do you perhaps know what switch they are wired back to and if yes look up the MAC table?

[IDTsysadmin]

They all connect to the same switch, and I can view the Mac address in the Meraki portal.