MR-84 antenna compatibility

[CML_Todd]

Does anyone know if the MR-84 is compatible with the Cisco AIR-ANT2588P3M-N antenna?  

[NolanHerring · Accepted solution]

They both use N-Style connectors, however the MR84 has 4 and the antenna your looking at only has 3, so that will be an issue. In addition they both seem to be female, meaning you'd have to find cables to connect.

The MR84 does show compatibility with the following:

https://meraki.cisco.com/products/wireless/antennas-power#stadium-antenna

In addition, you can use a 3rd party vendor, which is honestly your best bet and they have many more option and much more reasonable pricing

http://shop.acceltex.com/index.php?cPath=126_128_258

[CML_Todd]

As I look closer, I now see the antenna only has 3 connectors.  Oops!

I was wondering how restrictive Meraki is with 3rd party antennas.  Thanks for the 3rd party link!

I appreciate your quick response!

[NolanHerring]

I use the Aceeltex antenna for my MR74 with great success, and they even have the same antenna models but different connectors (RPTNC and N-Style as an example), so its great to keep using the same model antenna between different AP models.

There is an option on the webpage to 'find products for my AP' where you can select which make/model and it will filter automatically all the options they have for it. They have so many more options that what Meraki offers.

[jbright]

I have had great success with the Ventev antennas too:

http://www.ventevinfra.com/meraki-mr66/

[MerakiDave]

You may use 3rd party antennas on Meraki APs, but they are not officially supported.  I suppose you could say they are "partially" supported.  Meaning that if you open a ticket that has to do with RF coverage issues or a bridge link, and you're using 3rd party antennas, it's nothing Meraki Support can agree to formally help with.  They'll likely give you a best effort or make some suggestions, but it's unofficial because of course no vendor can test and certify every model of every other vendor's antennas. 

The 4x4 Cisco Aironet antenna that is fully tested and certified with the MR84 is the "Gillaroo" stadium antenna, AIR-ANT2513P4M.  

Also note that if you have a use case where Meraki antennas don't suffice, when you use 3rd party antennas, it is the customer's responsibility to know what they are doing, understand EIRP and dB math, and are not violating (exceeding) any Tx power limits in their regulatory domain.