Selecting the right access point is essential for optimal network performance and efficiency. Cisco Meraki MR28 and MR36 access points are both excellent options, tailored to meet distinct business requirements. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the MR28 and MR36, covering their performance, features, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.
Choosing the right access point impacts not just connectivity, but also productivity and business operations. The demands of different environments require solutions that can meet specific needs, from small office spaces to larger, high-density settings. This article will detail the key aspects of the MR28 and MR36, ensuring you understand which model fits your business requirements best.
Overview of Meraki MR28 vs. MR36 Access Points
Meraki MR28
The MR28 is an entry-level Wi-Fi 6 access point designed with small to mid-sized businesses in mind. It offers affordability and effective wireless access for basic to medium-density deployments. This model is ideal for environments that don’t require intensive data handling or advanced capabilities.
With its practical design, the MR28 ensures that businesses with smaller-scale operations receive dependable indoor Wi-Fi. The device supports essential features to keep the network running smoothly, providing consistent service for teams that rely on stable connections for daily tasks. The MR28’s simplicity makes it a go-to choice for companies prioritizing budget without sacrificing quality.
Meraki MR36
The MR36, on the other hand, is a higher-end Wi-Fi 6 access point built for more demanding network needs. It supports high-density environments, providing robust security features and seamless connectivity for larger businesses or high-traffic areas. The MR36’s advanced capabilities make it a suitable choice for next-generation deployments.
The MR36 caters to businesses looking for high-performance wireless solutions that can support numerous devices simultaneously. With its advanced capabilities, the MR36 is ideal for high-density offices and open spaces, ensuring that users experience uninterrupted connectivity. This model brings the future of network technology to the present, making it a strong investment for companies anticipating growth.
Technical Specifications Comparison
Wi-Fi Standards and Technology
The Meraki MR28 and MR36 are equipped with Wi-Fi 6 technology, which ensures higher efficiency and improved performance. However, the MR36 stands out with enhanced support for dense environments, employing features such as OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) to efficiently handle multiple device connections.
Wi-Fi 6 technology on both access points brings significant improvements over previous generations, such as increased data throughput and reduced latency. The MR28 is suited for environments where moderate traffic suffices, while the MR36 is built to maximize performance in high-demand areas. These features make a significant difference when considering environments with variable user loads.
Frequency Bands
Both models operate on dual bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). The MR28’s configuration is optimized for smaller spaces, making it reliable for environments with fewer devices. The MR36, however, provides superior performance across both bands, supporting larger user volumes and delivering high-performance wireless connections.
The MR36’s dual-band technology ensures seamless user experiences even during peak times, maintaining high data transfer rates without drops. The MR28, while capable, focuses on more straightforward deployments where fewer connected devices mean less stress on bandwidth. The difference in handling device load is a primary factor that businesses should consider when evaluating these models.
Data Rates
The MR28 offers data rates sufficient for moderate traffic and basic applications, while the MR36 delivers higher data rates suitable for real-time data applications, streaming, and environments with substantial user activity.
Higher data rates on the MR36 translate to quicker response times and improved streaming capabilities, making it the go-to for operations involving video conferencing, data-heavy applications, or continuous data transfers. In comparison, the MR28 meets the basic needs of smaller environments, ensuring good performance without the advanced features that drive up costs.
Performance in Different Environments
Meraki MR28 for Smaller, Low-Density Environments
The MR28 excels in smaller offices or low-density spaces where fewer users require reliable connectivity. It provides stable, energy-efficient indoor Wi-Fi for small business setups or areas with lower data demands.
For businesses that do not need complex networking capabilities, the MR28 delivers just the right balance of efficiency and reliability. It handles day-to-day tasks such as email, basic web browsing, and simple file sharing without issue. This makes the MR28 an ideal choice for startups or smaller firms that want dependable performance on a budget.
Meraki MR36 for Medium to High-Density Environments
Designed for larger offices and open spaces, the MR36 can handle high user density and intensive data usage. This model ensures reliable Wi-Fi access, making it perfect for businesses that need uninterrupted, high-performance wireless connections for numerous devices.
In environments where many employees or guests are connected simultaneously, the MR36’s advanced hardware ensures minimal latency and consistent speeds. Whether it’s supporting meetings, collaborative projects, or streaming media, the MR36 excels in maintaining a smooth, responsive network experience, crucial for productivity in high-density areas.
Security and Management Features
Security Capabilities
Both the MR28 and MR36 come equipped with enterprise-grade security features, including WPA3 encryption for safer data transmission. The MR36, however, offers additional advanced security options such as intrusion prevention and more comprehensive network access controls, providing a higher level of protection for critical environments.
These robust security features make the MR36 a preferred option for organizations where data security is a top priority. Businesses handling sensitive client information, financial data, or internal communications will benefit from the added layers of protection that the MR36 provides. The MR28 still maintains a strong baseline of security for less demanding setups.
Management and Control
Both access points integrate with the Meraki Dashboard for centralized, cloud-based management. The MR36 includes more granular control options, beneficial for complex network environments that require detailed management and configuration.
The Meraki Dashboard enables real-time monitoring, simplified troubleshooting, and seamless updates, making network management more efficient. While both models leverage this powerful tool, the MR36’s advanced features offer better control over configurations, which can be particularly beneficial for IT teams managing large-scale deployments.
Ease of Deployment and Maintenance
Zero-Touch Provisioning
The MR28 and MR36 feature zero-touch provisioning, allowing for seamless, quick deployment with minimal manual setup. This feature ensures a flawless network deployment, enabling IT teams to focus on other tasks.
For businesses seeking to simplify their network rollouts, zero-touch provisioning means quicker set-up times and reduced IT workload. Both the MR28 and MR36 deliver on this front, but the MR36 adds an edge with its enhanced capabilities to scale efficiently for larger, more demanding environments.
Maintenance and Scalability
The MR28 is suitable for smaller-scale deployments where future expansion is limited. In contrast, the MR36’s scalability makes it an excellent option for businesses anticipating growth, as it can handle more devices and increased traffic without compromising performance.
Scalability is key for organizations that expect to expand their operations. The MR36’s ability to maintain robust performance even as user demand grows ensures that companies do not need to upgrade frequently, saving costs in the long term. The MR28, while efficient, is better suited for fixed, smaller-scale use.
Cost Considerations and ROI
Meraki MR28 Cost Efficiency
The MR28’s affordable price point makes it a practical choice for small businesses seeking reliable network solutions without high costs. It offers solid performance for businesses that don’t need high-end capabilities, ensuring a reasonable return on investment (ROI).
Budget-conscious businesses can leverage the MR28 for consistent service without over-investing in unnecessary features. Its affordability, combined with the essential functionalities, provides a balanced solution for maintaining reliable connectivity. This helps smaller enterprises allocate resources effectively without sacrificing operational efficiency.
Meraki MR36 Long-Term Investment+
While the MR36 comes with a higher initial cost, its superior performance and scalability offer a greater ROI for growing businesses. Companies investing in the MR36 will benefit from robust performance and advanced features that support long-term network demands.
The MR36’s upfront investment is justified by its ability to handle more complex and demanding network needs over time. Its advanced specifications and seamless integration into scalable network strategies make it ideal for businesses with forward-looking plans. The investment pays off as companies experience fewer disruptions and greater employee productivity.
Summary
The Meraki MR28 and MR36 each have their strengths. The MR28 is perfect for budget-conscious, small to mid-sized setups, while the MR36 is better suited for high-performance, scalable networks. For businesses seeking guidance on choosing the right Cisco Meraki access point, reach out to Stratus Informational Systems to find the best solution tailored to your needs.
Ultimately, the decision between the MR28 and MR36 depends on the unique demands of your business. Smaller setups may find the MR28 sufficient for maintaining productivity, while larger and more complex operations will benefit from the Meraki MR36’s advanced features and greater scalability. Both models uphold Cisco Meraki’s reputation for reliable, enterprise-grade solutions.
Contact Stratus Informational Systems today to discuss your specific network needs, and we will find you a Cisco Meraki access point that best suits your business.
