Guidance Needed – Renewal or Replacement for MR42 APs (27 units)

[Shubh3738]

Hello Community, In our organization, we currently have around 27 MR42 Access Points. The licenses for these devices are going to expire in the next 2–3 months.

While we are planning for renewal, we noticed that: End-of-Sale Date: July 14, 2022 End-of-Support Date: July 21, 2026

We are a bit confused about the best practice here: Should we proceed with license renewal for the MR42 units since support is still available until 2026?

Or would it be better to plan a gradual hardware replacement? If replacement is recommended, what is the correct process to follow for multiple units?

Should we raise a support case with Meraki to get migration/replacement guidance?

Would appreciate advice from the community and best practices followed by others in similar situations.

Thanks in advance!

[RWelch]

> Should we proceed with license renewal for the MR42 units since support is still available until 2026?

I would suggest the hardware replacement option since the MR42s are already limited (restricted) to any future firmware updates.

Product Firmware Version Restrictions 

Additionally, due to the MR42 EoS/EoL date, you might find yourself rolling the dice on RMA situations should that become a factor in the equation.  

The newer hardware approach would cover both (a possible) RMA situation and the opportunity to receive future firmware updates/upgrades.

[Shubh3738]

Thank you for the reply. Instead of renewing licenses, we would prefer to move ahead with bulk replacement of the MR42 units. Could you please share the process for device replacement in bulk?

[RWelch]

Not sure if this is going to suffice your question but you can check out:

Using the Bulk Network Creation Tool 

Your best approach might be to discuss in depth the bulk replacement process with your Meraki partner or Meraki Solutions Engineers. 

Wishing you the best in your project ahead.