Works with ThingSIM
Cisco Meraki Routers and Gateways: SIM Setup Guide
Meraki MG cellular gateways give an MX security appliance or any network a mobile uplink, managed from the Meraki Dashboard. A ThingSIM goes in the gateway, the APN is set in the Dashboard, and the gateway roams across the Irish networks to whichever is strongest on site.
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Setting up a ThingSIM in the Meraki Dashboard
The APN goes in Cellular Gateway → Cellular Gateways → the MG → Uplink → Configuration. Copy it from the SIM's page in the ThingSIM portal; there is no username or password.
- Activate the SIM in the ThingSIM portal, insert it in SIM1 and power the gateway.
- In the Meraki Dashboard go to Cellular Gateway → Cellular Gateways and select the MG.
- Open the Uplink tab, scroll to Configuration and click edit.
- Enter the APN from the portal with IP type IPv4 and Authentication None, leave the username and password blank, and save.
- If the gateway has never been online, set the same values on its local status page under Configure → Cellular Settings (override the SIM1 data session).
- The Uplink tab then shows the SIM connected, with carrier and signal.
Two SIMs for failover
MGs hold two SIMs, one active at a time. SIM1 is primary by default and SIM failover is switched on or off on the Uplink tab. On the MG52 each slot, including eSIM, is set as primary, secondary or not in use.
Checking it works
The Uplink tab in the Dashboard shows signal, carrier and usage over time; the local status page shows the same on site.
More help
APN settings, signal but no data and setting up a 4G router.
Cisco Meraki models that work with ThingSIM
Every model below takes a standard SIM or eSIM and works with ThingSIM. Older models no longer sold are marked; plenty are still in service and work the same way.
MG Cellular Gateway
Works with ThingSIM
Works with ThingSIM
MG21
4G LTE-A Cat 6 · 1 SIM slot Branch LTE failover for Meraki MX networks.
Works with ThingSIM
MG52E
5G SA · 2 SIM slots + eSIM MG52 with external antennas.
Works with ThingSIM
MG41
4G LTE-A Pro Cat 18 · 2 SIM slots Critical failover or primary LTE for branches, pop-ups, emergency services.
Works with ThingSIM
MG21E
4G LTE-A Cat 6 · 1 SIM slot MG21 with external antennas.
Works with ThingSIM
MG41E
4G LTE-A Pro Cat 18 · 2 SIM slots MG41 with external antennas.
Works with ThingSIM
No longer sold
MG51
5G NSA · 2 SIM slots Cloud-managed 5G gateway for branch primary WAN.
Works with ThingSIM
No longer sold
MG51E
5G NSA · 2 SIM slots MG51 with external antennas.Questions people ask
Does a ThingSIM work in a Meraki MG41?
Yes. Insert the SIM, set the APN from the portal for that SIM slot in the Meraki Dashboard, and the gateway connects as a cellular uplink on the strongest of Vodafone, Three and eir.
Which plan suits a Meraki backup uplink?
A gateway that only carries traffic during an outage usually fits in 1 GB or 5 GB a month. 5 GB on Ireland multi-network is €8.99 a month.
A good place to start
Ireland multi-network, 5 GB a month
Roams across Vodafone, Three and eir and uses whichever is strongest where the device is.
About this plan5 GB
Ireland multi-network
€8.99a month per active SIM, ex VAT
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All guides
Activating, pausing and moving SIMs
Use the ThingSIM portal to activate an IoT SIM at installation, pause or cease it, move a physical SIM to another device and change its plan.
APN settings: how to set up the APN on a device
Find the APN for your ThingSIM IoT SIM and enter it in a router, camera or tracker, then check that mobile data is working.
Improving 4G signal for a fixed device
Compare positions, check the enclosure and test antenna options before mounting a fixed 4G device, from rural sites in the West to the border counties.
Setting up a 4G router with a data SIM
Install a 4G router SIM in a compatible router, enter the APN, choose a data allowance and test the mobile broadband connection where it will run.