Increase the range of Meraki MR86

Lankem
Conversationalist

Increase the range of Meraki MR86

I have a Meraki MR86 with two MA-ANT-27 antennas. The range is poor, i have the power via a POE from a meraki MX68W, will a power injector increase the range.

11 Replies 11
ww
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Kind of a big deal

No,

Range depends on country regulations, dbm you set(can be different on different channels), what band you used, obsticals, antenna placement

cmr
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As @ww said, check which channels you are using and what power ranges are allowed in the profile.  Some channels can broadcast a lot more powerfully than others.

Lankem
Conversationalist

Thanks .. Do you have any examples of a channel that gives the optimum range 

cmr
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Which country are you in and what band are you wanting to go further?

Lankem
Conversationalist

I’m in the UK - the 5GHz would be better for the new android barcode readers 

cmr
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UNII-1 Lower and UNII-2 Middle (5150 – 5350 MHz) - 23dBm.

 

UNII-2 Extended (5470 – 5725 MHz) - 30dBm.

cmr
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Kind of a big deal

So the UNII-2 extended band higher frequencies can go further.

Lankem
Conversationalist

thanks I'll give it a go

PhilipDAth
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The best way to increase the range is ... buying an additional AP.

Lankem
Conversationalist

Thanks .. I get that. But having spent nearly £2k on the system the range is less than a £200 dlink.

cmr
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Kind of a big deal

@Lankem as you have found out, professional APs don't necessarily go further than consumer ones, however there are a lot of antenna options to shape the signal if you need specific coverage.  They also have a lot more authentication options, monitoring and often handled higher client densities much better.  Unfortunately they don't just turn it up to 11.

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