In short
A Meraki MG cellular gateway is a cloud-managed device that converts a 4G LTE or 5G mobile signal into an Ethernet handoff, used as a primary or backup internet uplink for an MX or another router. The dashboard shows SIM settings, signal strength and uplink history, and supports failover between SIMs on dual-SIM models.
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What an MG cellular gateway does
The MG line is Cisco Meraki's family of cloud-managed cellular gateways, which Meraki's documentation describes as a wireless WAN option for primary or backup connectivity. The idea is simple: rather than putting a mobile modem inside the firewall, put a dedicated cellular gateway where the signal is best and run an Ethernet cable back to the firewall.
The MG converts the 4G or 5G signal from a mobile network into an Ethernet handoff. Your MX (or any other router or firewall) treats that port as just another internet uplink. That makes the MG useful in three ways:
- Backup WAN. If the leased line or broadband fails, the MX fails over to the cellular uplink and sites stay connected. Auto VPN and SD-WAN policies carry on over the mobile link.
- Primary WAN. For new sites, temporary sites, kiosks, pop-up shops or locations waiting for a fixed line, 5G can be the main connection.
- Out-of-band reach. An independent cellular path keeps the dashboard able to see a site even when its main circuit is down.
Because the gateway is separate from the firewall, it can be mounted high on a wall, at a window or outside, wherever signal is strongest, and powered over Ethernet from a PoE switch or injector.
The MG family today
Cisco's MG line covers both 4G LTE and 5G, described by connectivity and role rather than as one box:
- 5G standalone gateways for primary connectivity: sub-6 GHz 5G with 5G standalone (SA) support where the mobile network offers it, multigigabit Ethernet, IP67-rated housings with a universal mount for walls, ceilings or poles, omnidirectional antennas and dual-carrier support. An enhanced version also supports an optional patch antenna for locations where signal is harder to reach.
- 4G LTE gateways for primary or backup connectivity at mid-size branches, using LTE Advanced Pro.
Some earlier units have reached end of sale, including the first-generation 5G models and the smaller 4G backup models for small branches, so check before reordering an existing design; our Meraki end of life guide explains the lifecycle. Meraki's lifecycle list also shows the MX models with built-in cellular modems reaching end of sale on 27 November 2026, which makes a separate MG a common choice for cellular in new MX designs.
Each MG needs a Meraki licence to operate, on co-term or subscription licensing like other Meraki devices. See Meraki licensing models for how that works.
What you see in the dashboard
The MG's uplink page in the dashboard is where cellular WAN is managed and monitored:
- SIM details for each slot: ICCID, IMSI, phone number, status (active, standby or not inserted) and which SIM is set as primary. SIM 1 is primary by default and can be changed.
- APN settings: enter or edit the APN, IP type and authentication your mobile provider requires, without visiting the site.
- Radio status: the radio technology in use, bands, carrier aggregation and signal strength, with RSRP and RSRQ for a more detailed view.
- History: Cisco says signal strength and quality can be viewed live or for up to 30 days back, which helps separate a coverage problem from an outage.
- SIM failover: on dual-SIM models, Cisco describes one-click automatic failover between SIMs, so a second network can take over if the first one fails.
For troubleshooting, Meraki documents a wired WAN mode on supported models that lets the gateway come online over Ethernet to check its configuration.
Is Meraki MG cellular connectivity the right fit for you?
We will check it against your systems and requirements and recommend the right option.
SIMs, networks and eSIM
An MG needs an active data SIM and plan. Forever Group supplies EE Business and Three Business, and can also supply O2 Business and Vodafone Business, so the network for each site can be chosen by coverage at that site. A dual-SIM gateway can carry SIMs from two different networks, so the backup link does not depend on one network's coverage.
Things worth knowing before you order:
- Check coverage at the mounting point, not just the postcode. Signal inside a building can differ a lot from the street; the dashboard's signal stats make a short trial worthwhile.
- 5G standalone depends on the mobile network offering it at the site. Gateways fall back to 4G where 5G is not available.
- Physical SIMs in the current 5G gateways are nano SIMs.
- eSIM: Cisco advertises cloud-managed eSIM on its newest 5G gateways. Meraki's activation documentation currently describes this with a US carrier, so for UK sites we plan on physical SIMs unless Cisco confirms otherwise.
- APN details: some business data plans need a specific APN, username or password; get these from the provider before installation.
We can help you check coverage and choose a network and data plan for each site, so SIMs and gateways are planned together.
MG gateway or another cellular option?
Cisco and Meraki offer several ways to add cellular to a site, and the MG is one of several answers:
| Option | How it works | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|
| MG cellular gateway | Dedicated 4G or 5G gateway handing off Ethernet to the MX or router | Most new designs; best signal placement; 5G primary or backup |
| MX with built-in cellular | Modem inside the security appliance | Existing small-branch designs; Meraki lists these MX models reaching end of sale on 27 November 2026 |
| USB modem on the MX | A supported USB cellular modem plugged into the MX for failover | Meraki documents it for 3G/4G failover; signal depends on where the MX sits |
| Teleworker gateway with LTE | Z-series gateway with built-in LTE for a home or very small site | Home offices; see our Meraki teleworker gateway page |
The MG's advantages are placement and visibility: it can be mounted where the signal is strongest, away from the comms cabinet, and the dashboard shows SIM and signal data that a USB modem cannot. Cisco positions its 5G standalone gateways for primary connectivity, so they suit sites where cellular is the main connection.
Not sure which option fits? Ask us
Tell us what you need and we will recommend the right option for your organisation, with a quote.
How the MG fits into a resilient site
- Primary circuit: a leased line or business broadband into the MX's first WAN port.
- Cellular gateway: an MG mounted where the signal is best, powered over Ethernet and cabled to the MX's second WAN port.
- Failover policy: the MX's uplink settings decide when traffic moves to cellular and back, and SD-WAN policies can keep only critical traffic on cellular if data use matters.
- Alerts: dashboard alerts tell the IT team when a site fails over, so the primary circuit can be chased.
- Second SIM: on dual-SIM models, a SIM from a second network adds resilience if the first network has an outage.
Our guide to multi-site networks shows how cellular backup fits with SD-WAN across many branches, and retail Wi-Fi covers why tills and card payments make backup links valuable in shops. For the fixed primary circuit, see our leased lines service.
How Forever Systems helps
Forever Systems is a Cisco Partner. For cellular WAN we can review coverage at your sites, recommend the right MG model family and mounting, plan SIMs across networks and configure the MX failover and SD-WAN policies.
For SD-WAN design across sites see our Meraki SD-WAN service, and for the appliance itself our Meraki MX page. Ask us for a quote for hardware, licences and data plans. Contact us to talk about cellular backup or 5G for your sites.
Working with us on Cisco Meraki
Forever Systems helps organisations plan, buy and run cloud-managed networks built on Cisco Meraki wireless, switching, security and SD-WAN.
- Plan the network: we look at your sites, users and existing kit, and can arrange a wireless site survey before anything is ordered
- Choose the right products: access points, switches, security appliances, cellular gateways, sensors and cameras sized to what each site needs, rather than a one-size bundle
- Licensing made clear: we explain co-termination, per-device and subscription licensing, check renewal dates and quote the licences you need
- Deployment help: we can set up the Meraki dashboard, organisations, networks, templates and policies, and help move you from older or on-premise kit
- Ongoing help: changes, licence renewals and reviews as your sites grow, with the scope agreed at quote
Ask us for a quote and we will confirm what is included for your organisation.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Meraki MG cellular gateway?
A Meraki MG is a cloud-managed cellular gateway that converts a 4G LTE or 5G mobile signal into an Ethernet uplink. It connects to an MX or another router as a primary or backup internet connection and is managed in the Meraki dashboard.
Does the Meraki MG support 5G?
Yes. Cisco's current MG range includes 5G gateways with 5G standalone support on sub-6 GHz bands, alongside 4G LTE models. 5G standalone needs the mobile network to offer it at your site; otherwise the gateway uses 4G.
Can a Meraki MG use two SIMs?
Dual-SIM models hold two SIMs and Cisco describes automatic failover between them. The dashboard shows each SIM's status and which one is primary, and the primary slot can be changed remotely.
Do I need an MX to use an MG?
No. The MG provides an Ethernet handoff that any router or firewall can use as an uplink. Using it with an MX keeps failover, SD-WAN policy and monitoring in the same dashboard.
Which mobile networks work with a Meraki MG?
A business data SIM from a UK mobile network. Forever Group supplies EE Business and Three Business, and can also supply O2 Business and Vodafone Business. The right choice depends on coverage at the mounting point, and a dual-SIM model can use two networks.
Does the MG need a licence?
Yes. Like all current Meraki devices, each MG needs a valid Meraki licence on co-term or subscription licensing. Ask us for a quote.
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