Cisco Meraki MS Series

Basic Information

• Model: The Cisco Meraki MS Series encompasses a broad range of cloud-managed network switches, including Access Switching models (e.g., MS120, MS125, MS130, MS210, MS225, MS250, MS350, MS150 for Wi-Fi 7) and Aggregation Switching models (e.g., MS410, MS425, MS450). Specific models cater to various deployment scenarios, from compact fanless switches for small offices to high-capacity switches for large campus networks.
• Version: Firmware updates are automatically delivered and managed via the Meraki cloud dashboard. Each product has a minimum runnable firmware version, and some end-of-sale devices may have a maximum supported firmware version.
• Release Date: The MS Series is an evolving product line with continuous model releases and firmware updates. Specific release dates vary per model.
• Minimum Requirements: Requires an active internet connection for cloud management, a valid IP address, a default gateway, and the ability to contact Meraki cloud services.
• Supported Operating Systems: Management is performed through the web-based Meraki dashboard, which is OS-agnostic and accessible via standard web browsers.
• Latest Stable Version: The latest stable firmware version is automatically pushed and managed by the Meraki cloud.
• End of Support Date: End-of-Support (EOST) dates are specific to individual models and typically occur five years following the End-of-Sale (EOS) date. These dates vary significantly across the diverse MS Series portfolio.
• End of Life Date: End-of-Life (EOL) policies are in place, with dates varying per model. Customers should consult official Meraki documentation for specific model EOL dates.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Auto-updates are tied to the product's support lifecycle. Devices may have maximum supported firmware versions once they reach end-of-sale.
• License Type: Requires a subscription-based Cisco Meraki license, which combines software upgrades, centralized systems management, and phone support.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-managed with true zero-touch provisioning, allowing for rapid deployment and configuration from a centralized dashboard.

Technical Specifications

• Processor & RAM: Features robust hardware with enhanced CPU and memory to support high-performance networking tasks.
• Storage: Internal storage is for operating system and configuration, not user data.
• Ports:
  • Ethernet: Options include 8, 24, 48 RJ45 ports. Supports 1 GbE, 10 GbE, and 40 GbE uplinks. Select models offer Multigigabit (mGig) ports (2.5G, 5G, 10G) for enhanced Wi-Fi performance.
  • PoE: Supports 802.3af (PoE), 802.3at (PoE+), and 802.3bt (PoE++) standards, with varying power budgets across models.
  • Fiber: SFP/SFP+ and QSFP+ optic accessories for high-speed fiber connectivity.
  • Stacking: Dedicated hardware stacking ports are available on many models (e.g., MS210, MS225, MS250, MS350, MS410, MS425) for physical stacking, offering up to 160Gbps stacking bandwidth.
• Operating System: Runs on the Meraki operating system, managed entirely through the cloud dashboard.
• Dimensions & Weight: Varies significantly by model. Compact switches are small and fanless. Other models feature shallow rack depth options and energy-efficient designs.

Analysis of Technical Specifications: The Cisco Meraki MS Series provides a comprehensive range of switches designed for diverse enterprise needs. The hardware is robust, featuring wire-speed, non-blocking switch fabric (up to 800 Gbps on some aggregation models) and six dedicated QoS queues for high-performance voice, video, and data applications. The inclusion of multigigabit ports and advanced PoE standards (up to PoE++) ensures compatibility with modern, high-bandwidth devices like Wi-Fi 6/7 access points. Flexible stacking options enhance scalability and redundancy, making the series suitable for both access and aggregation layers in small to large networks.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Devices automatically receive and run the latest stable firmware version pushed by the Meraki cloud.
• OS Support: The cloud-based Meraki dashboard is accessible via any modern web browser, ensuring broad operating system compatibility for management.
• End of Support Date: End-of-Support dates are model-specific and are typically five years after the End-of-Sale date.
• Localization: The Meraki dashboard provides a unified, intuitive interface for global network management.
• Available Drivers: As network switches, dedicated drivers are not required. Functionality is embedded in the device firmware and managed via the cloud.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: The Cisco Meraki MS Series offers a streamlined support and compatibility experience primarily due to its cloud-managed architecture. Automatic firmware updates ensure devices are always running the latest software with new features and security patches. Cisco Meraki provides a limited lifetime hardware warranty with next-day advance replacement for all MS switches. The simplified licensing model bundles software upgrades, centralized management, and phone support, offering a single point of contact for support needs. This approach significantly reduces the operational burden on IT staff, making management efficient and scalable.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes IEEE 802.1x for port-based network access control, MAC-based RADIUS authentication, DHCP snooping, and comprehensive security reporting. Meraki switches allow for setting up multiple policies at the port level or across the entire network. They offer Layer 7 application visibility and controls, enabling administrators to identify and manage applications.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Cisco Meraki continuously monitors and addresses vulnerabilities through automatic, secure firmware updates delivered via the web.
• Blacklist Status: Not a standard metric for network switches.
• Certifications: While specific certifications are not detailed in general overviews, Cisco products typically adhere to relevant industry security standards.
• Encryption Support: Management traffic to the Meraki cloud is secured, implying encryption for sensitive communications.
• Authentication Methods: Supports 802.1X authentication, MAC-based authentication, and Web-based authentication to ensure only authorized devices and users access the network.
• General Recommendations: Enforce security policies at the port level, proactively discover rogue DHCP servers, and leverage comprehensive security reporting to identify malicious activity.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: The Cisco Meraki MS Series provides robust security features inherent to its cloud-managed design. Centralized management allows for consistent policy enforcement across the network, simplifying security administration. Features like 802.1X, DHCP snooping, and Layer 7 visibility offer granular control and protection against unauthorized access and network anomalies. Automatic firmware updates ensure that security patches are applied promptly, reducing exposure to known vulnerabilities. The integration with the broader Meraki ecosystem (e.g., MX security appliances) further enhances overall network security posture.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Features wire-speed, non-blocking switch fabric, with capacities up to 800 Gbps on aggregation switches.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Designed for high performance in voice, video, and data applications. Users report exceptional packet processing capabilities.
• Power Consumption: Energy-efficient design with low acoustics and fanless options for some models. Supports intelligent power budgeting for PoE devices, supplying only advertised power.
• Carbon Footprint: Energy-efficient designs contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. Port scheduling features allow for turning off PoE ports during off-hours, further saving energy.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Often compared to traditional Cisco Catalyst switches, with Meraki excelling in ease of deployment and cloud management. Performance is generally considered good, with no reported issues of slowness or loss in deployments.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: The Cisco Meraki MS Series delivers enterprise-class performance, characterized by high throughput and low latency due to its wire-speed, non-blocking architecture. The switches are optimized for converged networks, handling voice, video, and data traffic efficiently with advanced Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities. Energy efficiency is a key design consideration, with features like PoE power budgeting and fanless options contributing to lower operational costs and environmental impact. While offering robust performance, the primary differentiator remains the simplified cloud management, which streamlines deployment and ongoing operations compared to more complex, command-line interface (CLI)-driven alternatives.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews for the Cisco Meraki MS Series generally highlight its strengths in cloud-based management and ease of use.

• Strengths:
  • Ease of Use and Management: The cloud-based Meraki dashboard is frequently praised for simplifying configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting. It provides a "single pane of glass" for managing wireless, security, and switching functions.
  • Rapid Deployment: Zero-touch provisioning allows switches to be set up quickly, often pre-configured before arrival, making it ideal for distributed environments and remote offices.
  • Scalability: The series is noted for its scalability, allowing organizations to manage multiple sites and a growing number of devices efficiently.
  • Visibility and Troubleshooting: Users appreciate the deep visibility into network usage, integrated monitoring, logging, and troubleshooting tools like remote cable testing and packet captures.
  • Robust Features: Features such as Layer 3 routing capabilities, QoS controls, and extensive PoE support are well-received.
• Weaknesses:
  • Licensing Costs: The subscription-based licensing model and associated fees are often cited as a significant drawback and can be expensive.
  • Internet Dependency: A stable internet connection is crucial for management, which can be problematic in cases of unreliable network connectivity.
  • Configuration Simplicity: While a strength for many, some advanced users find the configuration options too simplistic or limited for highly complex network requirements, especially when compared to traditional CLI-driven switches.
  • Troubleshooting Data: Some users report that the level of diagnostic data available directly to administrators for deep L2 troubleshooting or SNMP data can be less comprehensive than traditional switches, often requiring Meraki support.
• Recommended Use Cases: The Meraki MS Series is well-suited for small to large enterprises, branch offices, campus networks, and organizations managing multiple locations or remote sites. It is particularly effective for supporting modern Wi-Fi deployments due to its PoE and multigigabit capabilities.

Summary

The Cisco Meraki MS Series represents a comprehensive portfolio of cloud-managed network switches designed for enterprise-class performance with an emphasis on simplicity and ease of management. Its core strength lies in its centralized cloud-based dashboard, which enables zero-touch provisioning, unified policy enforcement, and extensive visibility across an entire network infrastructure. The series offers a wide array of models, from compact access switches with fanless designs to high-density aggregation switches featuring multigigabit ports, high-speed uplinks (1GbE, 10GbE, 40GbE, 100GbE), and advanced Power over Ethernet (PoE/PoE+/PoE++) capabilities. This versatility allows the MS Series to cater to diverse deployment scenarios, from small branch offices to large campus environments.

Key strengths include its robust security features, such as 802.1X authentication, MAC-based RADIUS, DHCP snooping, and Layer 7 application visibility, all managed and updated automatically through the cloud. Performance is consistently high, with wire-speed, non-blocking fabric ensuring efficient handling of converged network traffic. The energy-efficient design and intelligent PoE budgeting also contribute to lower operational costs and a reduced carbon footprint. Support is streamlined through a simplified licensing model that bundles software updates and technical assistance, complemented by a limited lifetime hardware warranty.

However, potential drawbacks include the subscription-based licensing model, which can lead to higher overall costs, and a reliance on a stable internet connection for full management functionality. While the simplified configuration is a major advantage for many, some highly complex network environments may find the dashboard's options less granular than traditional CLI-driven switches.

Overall, the Cisco Meraki MS Series is an excellent choice for organizations prioritizing simplified network management, rapid deployment, and centralized control, particularly those with distributed sites or a need for seamless integration with other Meraki products. It excels in providing a highly scalable, secure, and performant wired network foundation with minimal administrative overhead.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.