Cisco Meraki MX64 - User Manual

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Summary

MX64 Front Panel Status

Status Indicator

Describes LED patterns and their meanings for indicating the appliance's status, such as power, connectivity, and firmware upgrades.

MX64 Back Panel Functions

Back Panel Ports and Controls

Details the USB port, LAN ports, WAN/Internet port, Reset button, and Power input on the back of the MX64 appliance.

Mounting and WAN Connection

Mounting Hardware

Instructions for using wall screws and anchors for mounting the appliance on drywall, wood, or similar surfaces.

Connecting to WAN

Describes the requirement for an IP address and accessing the appliance's web service for basic ISP/WAN connectivity.

Setting Up a Static IP Address

Guide to configuring a static IP address by disabling other network services on the client PC.

Network Configuration

Setting Up a DHCP IP Address

Details the default configuration for negotiating a DHCP address from upstream WAN/ISP servers.

Setting VLANs

Instructions for configuring VLAN tagging if the WAN uplink is on a trunk port.

Setting Up Secondary WAN Interface (Dual WAN)

Explains how to toggle the LAN4 port between LAN and Internet functionality.

Setting PPPoE

Steps for PPPoE authentication required for DSL circuits, including connection type and credentials.

Web Proxy Settings

Configuration for enabling web proxy to contact the Cloud Controller if the device falls back to HTTP.

Physical Link Configuration

Configuring Physical Link Settings

Guide to configuring physical link settings on Ethernet ports, including duplex and data rates.

The Meraki MX64 is an enterprise security appliance designed for distributed deployments that require remote administration, offering a state-of-the-art feature set with ease of deployment. This device is ideal for network administrators managing various network environments.

Function Description

The MX64 serves as a central point for network security and connectivity. It provides robust protection for network traffic and facilitates secure communication across different locations. The appliance is designed to manage and secure network access for computers, printers, access points, and other Ethernet switches connected to its LAN ports. It also offers connectivity to the Wide Area Network (WAN) or the Internet, acting as a gateway for external communication. A key function of the MX64 is its ability to support failover to cellular networks through a USB port, ensuring continuous network operation even if the primary WAN connection fails. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining business continuity in environments where reliable internet access is critical. The device also supports various network configurations, including static IP addresses, DHCP, VLAN tagging, and PPPoE, making it adaptable to different network infrastructures and ISP requirements. Its built-in web service allows for local management and configuration of basic ISP/WAN connectivity, providing administrators with direct control over the device's settings.

Usage Features

The MX64 offers several features that enhance its usability and adaptability in various network scenarios:

Connectivity Options: The device includes a USB port for approved 3G/4G cards, enabling cellular failover. It also provides four LAN connections for connecting multiple local network devices. The LAN4 port is versatile, capable of functioning as either a standard LAN port or a second Internet port, offering flexibility for dual WAN configurations.
Status Indicators: An LED on the front panel provides clear visual feedback on the device's operational status. A solid orange light indicates that power is applied but the appliance is not connected to the Meraki Dashboard. Alternating colors signify that the appliance is attempting to connect to the Meraki Dashboard. A flashing white light indicates a firmware upgrade in progress, while a solid white light means the device is fully operational. For the LAN ports, a steady green LED indicates bidirectional connectivity, and a flashing green LED indicates traffic, allowing for quick visual assessment of network activity.
Reset Functionality: The MX64 includes a reset button on the back panel, accessible with a paper clip. A short press (1 second) deletes a downloaded configuration and reboots the device, which is useful for quickly reverting to a previous state or resolving minor issues. A long press (more than 10 seconds) initiates a full factory reset, restoring the device to its default settings, which is essential for troubleshooting or redeploying the appliance.
Flexible Mounting: The appliance can be mounted on a drywall surface either vertically or horizontally using the supplied wall screws and anchors. This flexibility allows for optimal placement in various environments, whether in a server rack, on a wall, or on a desk. The mounting holes are spaced 5-1/8 inches (13 cm) apart. For drywall, a 1¼-inch drill bit is recommended for inserting the plastic and screw assemblies. For wood or similar surfaces, only the screws are needed, ensuring the screw heads protrude enough to securely hold the appliance.
Local Management Interface: The MX64 features a built-in web service accessible via a browser (http://setup.meraki.com) from a client PC connected to one of its LAN ports. This interface allows for configuration of basic ISP/WAN connectivity, including setting static IP addresses, configuring DHCP, and managing VLANs. It also supports setting up secondary WAN interfaces and PPPoE authentication, providing comprehensive control over the device's network parameters.
Physical Link Settings: Administrators can configure physical link settings for the Ethernet ports through the local management interface. Options include enabling half duplex, full duplex, and autonegotiation, as well as setting data rates to 10- or 100-Mbps, allowing for fine-tuning of network performance and compatibility with connected devices.
Web Proxy Support: The device supports web proxy settings, which are utilized if the MX device needs to fall back to using HTTP to contact the Cloud Controller. This feature can be enabled and configured with hostname/IP, port, and authentication credentials, providing an additional layer of control over how the device communicates with the cloud.

Maintenance Features

The MX64 is designed with features that simplify maintenance and ensure reliable operation:

Firmware Upgrades: The device's LED status indicator provides clear feedback during firmware upgrades (flashing white), allowing administrators to monitor the process and understand when the device is undergoing critical updates.
Troubleshooting Tools: The reset button offers a quick way to revert configurations or perform a full factory reset, which are invaluable tools for troubleshooting network issues or preparing the device for redeployment.
Serial Number Access: The serial number is conveniently located on the bottom panel of the MX64, making it easy to identify the device for support, inventory management, or Meraki Dashboard registration.
Power Input: The power input is designed for use only with the unit's power supply, ensuring compatibility and preventing potential damage from incorrect power sources. This helps maintain the longevity and reliability of the appliance.
Remote Administration: While local management is available for initial setup and basic connectivity, the Meraki MX64 is primarily designed for remote administration through the Meraki Dashboard. This cloud-based platform allows network administrators to manage, monitor, and configure the device from anywhere, significantly reducing the need for on-site maintenance and simplifying large-scale deployments. The Dashboard provides a centralized interface for managing security policies, monitoring network performance, and applying updates, streamlining ongoing maintenance tasks.