How to mount/install Meraki cellular gateway

Modified on: Thu, Mar 13 2025 10:56 AM

PURPOSE

Instruction guide for mounting the Meraki Cellular Gateway at a store.


PROCESS

  1. What is the Meraki Cellular Gateway?
    • It is NOT a WAP (Wireless Access Point); it will not provide any Wi-Fi coverage for phones or tablets.
    • This is a cellular modem.
      • This provides a backup internet connection.
      • If primary internet isn’t installed, it is the lifeline for the store.
  2. Why does it need to be placed on the roof?
    • Mainly to provide the best signal strength and quality.
    • For best performance it needs a clear line of sight to the cell tower.
    • This means the roof is the best location.
    • Early attempts to place lower and less conspicuous placement locations have only resulted in internet speed issues.


Before IT ARRIVES

  1. What needs to be up on the roof?
    • 2 Network Cables
      • 1 White shielded cat5e
      • 1 Grey shielded cat5e
  2. How do we want it up there?
    1. Using the conduit in the tower, run it up through there and out the tower and to one of the 2 weatherheads.
    2. The other end will join all the other network cables in the IT closet.
  3. How much cable needs to be up on the roof?
    1. As much as needed to reach the optimal weatherhead locations.
  4. Which weatherhead does it need to run to?
    1. You can contact IT to help pre-determine which weatherhead has the best line of sight to the nearest cell tower.


Weatherhead locations

A yellow square with green arrows and a circleDescription automatically generated

Red Lines = Network Cables

After I.T. arrives

  • An IT Technician will set up and install the SIM card in the gateway.
  • After setup, the device will need to be mounted.
    1. Mounting Rules:
      • No closer than 3’ from a section of metal siding or roof.
      • The device will need to be above the side walls of the roof.



MOUNTED Example (to show how high up the gateway needs to be above the roofline.)


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