Cisco Meraki MR / CW Access Points
Cloud-managed Wi-Fi. Meraki access points (MR and the newer Cloud Wireless CW line) deliver enterprise Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and 7 with one interchangeable cloud license and built-in analytics, location, and security.
Meraki wireless brings cloud-managed Wi-Fi to campuses, branches, and outdoor venues, now spanning Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 across the MR and newer Cloud Wireless (CW) access points. The wireless license is interchangeable across AP models, which simplifies refreshes and spares. We size AP count and placement against coverage and density, and pair the APs with the right switching and PoE so the deployment performs on day one.
Why Cisco Meraki MR / CW Access Points
- Indoor and outdoor APs spanning Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and Wi-Fi 7.
- One interchangeable wireless cloud license across AP models.
- Built-in RF optimization, analytics, location, and IoT radios.
- Zero-touch deployment and centralized policy across all sites.
What the platform brings
Controller-free cloud management
Every MR access point is managed entirely through the browser-based Meraki dashboard, which eliminates on-site wireless LAN controllers. Devices self-provision over the cloud with zero-touch deployment, and the platform carries a 99.9 percent cloud SLA across more than 3.5 million active networks.
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) radios
Current Wireless 9176 and 9178 models run up to four client-serving radios across 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz. The CW9176 delivers an aggregate frame rate of up to 18 Gbps and the quad-radio CW9178 up to 24 Gbps, with 4096-QAM, Multi-Link Operation, and 320 MHz channels in the 6 GHz band.
Dedicated scanning and security radio
Indoor APs include a separate full-time radio for security and RF work. It runs Air Marshal WIDS/WIPS with automatic rogue AP containment, spectrum analysis, and cloud-based Auto RF tuning of channel and power, so these functions never compete with client traffic.
Integrated enterprise security
A built-in stateful layer 3 and layer 7 firewall, 802.1X/RADIUS, and native Active Directory integration deliver fine-grained access control. APs support WPA3 (including 192-bit), Cisco Umbrella DNS-layer protection, Cisco ISE with change of authorization, and network access control, and are FIPS-140-3 compliant with PCI and HIPAA reporting.
Integrated IoT and location radios
Each AP carries an integrated Bluetooth Low Energy radio for beaconing and scanning plus a USB host port for IoT applications. Wi-Fi 7 models add ultra-wideband for asset tracking and a built-in GPS/GNSS module on the CW9176 for location analytics.
Self-healing mesh and auto-VPN
Zero-configuration mesh is included in every AP and extends coverage to hard-to-wire areas while staying resilient to cable or switch failures. Single-click IPsec auto-VPN supports teleworker and site-to-site topologies, with layer 2 and layer 3 roaming for large campuses.
Cisco Meraki MR / CW Access Points by the numbers
- Wi-Fi generations
- Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) models
- Aggregate frame rate
- Up to 18 Gbps (CW9176), up to 24 Gbps (quad-radio CW9178)
- Client-serving radios
- Up to four radios across 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz
- Spatial streams
- Up to 16 (CW9178); 12 on CW9176 (three 4x4:4 radios)
- Per-band rate (CW9176)
- Up to 11,520 Mbps in 6 GHz, 5700 Mbps in 5 GHz, 688 Mbps in 2.4 GHz
- Modulation
- Up to 4096-QAM (4K-QAM) across 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz
- Channel widths
- Up to 320 MHz in 6 GHz (802.11be)
- Uplink interface
- Single 10 Gbps mGig (CW9176I); dual 10 Gbps (CW9178)
- Power
- 802.3af/at/bt PoE and UPoE; up to 39W at 802.3bt on CW9176
- Reliability
- MTBF 981,608 hours at 25C; lifetime hardware warranty with advance replacement
Figures are from the published family data sheet and vary by model and configuration. Confirm exact specs for your SKUs in a validated quote.
Find the Cisco Meraki MR / CW Access Points model that fits
Compare the models in this family. Open any datasheet to read the full specs right here.
Indoor
Meraki Wi-Fi 6 APs
Mainstream cloud Wi-Fi 6.
- 802.11ax
- PoE/PoE+
- Built-in analytics
Meraki Wi-Fi 6E APs
Adds the 6 GHz band.
- Tri-band 6 GHz
- UPOE for full capability
Indoor / outdoor
Cloud Wireless (CW) Wi-Fi 7
Newest Wi-Fi 7 generation.
- 802.11be
- MLO and 320 MHz
- Indoor and ruggedized outdoor
Datasheets & guides
Built for deployments like these
- Campus-wide and distributed multi-site enterprise Wi-Fi managed centrally without on-site controllers
- High-density venues such as auditoriums, schools, hospitals, and retail running voice, video, AR, and VR
- Branch and teleworker offices deployed plug-and-play with single-click IPsec VPN back to a Meraki MX
- Hospitality, dormitory, and multi-dwelling rooms using Wi-Fi Personal Network on a shared SSID
- Rugged outdoor and industrial coverage, point-to-point links, and outdoor location services with IP67-rated models
Cisco Meraki MR / CW Access Points questions, answered
Do Meraki MR access points need a separate wireless LAN controller?
No. The MR series is managed entirely through the cloud-based Meraki dashboard, which eliminates on-site controllers. Each AP processes packets at the edge with its own high-performance CPU enforcing layer 3-7 firewall, QoS, and NAC policies, so you scale capacity by adding APs without controller bottlenecks.
Can the same Wi-Fi 7 hardware run on premises and in the Meraki cloud?
Yes. The Wireless 9176 and 9178 Series use common access point hardware that operates in either mode. They can be cloud-managed through the Meraki dashboard or managed on premises with the Catalyst 9800 WLC and Cisco Catalyst Center, and you can migrate between modes later without buying new hardware.
How do the access points handle wireless security and rogue detection?
Indoor models include a dedicated fourth radio that runs full-time WIDS/WIPS, Air Marshal with automatic rogue AP containment, and spectrum analysis without affecting client throughput. The APs also provide WPA3 up to 192-bit, 802.1X/RADIUS with Active Directory integration, a stateful layer 3/7 firewall, Cisco Umbrella and ISE integration, and are FIPS-140-3 compliant.
What power does a Wi-Fi 7 access point such as the CW9176 require?
The CW9176 is 802.3af/at/bt and UPoE compliant. Full four-radio operation with the 10 Gbps link and 9W USB needs 802.3bt (Class 6, up to 39W). On 802.3at PoE+ it runs at 25.5W with reduced 2.4 GHz streams and a 2.5 Gbps link, and on 802.3af it operates in a low-power 1 Gbps mode.
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