Cisco Meraki MS210

Basic Information

• Model: Cisco Meraki MS210 Series (includes MS210-24, MS210-24P, MS210-48, MS210-48LP, MS210-48FP)
• Version: Cloud-managed stackable access switches providing Layer 2 and basic Layer 3 connectivity.
• Release Date: Specific release date not readily available, but the series has been a part of Meraki's offerings for some time.
• Minimum Requirements: Requires an active Cisco Meraki cloud license and internet connectivity for management.
• Supported Operating Systems: Not applicable for a network switch; managed via the cloud-based Meraki Dashboard, accessible via web browser.
• Latest Stable Version: Firmware updates are automatic and managed through the Meraki cloud dashboard.
• End of Sales Announcement: October 30, 2025
• End of Sales Date: April 30, 2026
• End of Support Date: April 30, 2031
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Firmware updates are provided automatically as long as the device has an active Meraki license and is supported.
• License Type: Enterprise license, per device, per year. Required for operation, cloud management, support, and firmware updates.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-managed, requiring connectivity to the Meraki Dashboard for configuration, monitoring, and management.

The Cisco Meraki MS210 series comprises cloud-managed stackable access switches designed for branch and small campus environments. The series offers various models with different port densities and Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. Management is exclusively through the intuitive Meraki cloud dashboard, eliminating the need for command-line interfaces. The product line is nearing its end-of-sale and end-of-support dates, with the End of Sales Announcement on October 30, 2025, and the End of Support Date on April 30, 2031. Operation requires an annual enterprise license, which includes access to the cloud platform, automatic firmware updates, and support.

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Not specified, as is typical for network switches, performance is driven by ASICs and internal architecture.
• RAM: Not specified.
• Storage: Not specified.
• Display: Status LEDs for device status and port activity.
• Ports:
  • 24 or 48 x 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet RJ45 ports (with auto negotiation and auto-MDIX crossover).
  • 4 x 1GbE SFP uplink interfaces on all models.
  • 2 x Dedicated Stack Ports providing 80 Gbps of stacking bandwidth.
  • RJ45 Management port (on some models).
• Operating System: Meraki OS (proprietary, cloud-managed).
• Dimensions (H x W x D):
  • 24-port models (MS210-24, MS210-24P): 1.72 x 19.08 x 9.84 inches (4.38 x 48.46 x 25 cm).
  • 48-port models (MS210-48, MS210-48LP, MS210-48FP): 1.72 x 19.08 x 13.38 inches (4.38 x 48.46 x 34 cm).
• Weight:
  • MS210-24: 6.03 lb (2.73 kg).
  • MS210-24P: 8.18 lb (3.71 kg).
  • MS210-48: 8.78 lb (3.98 kg).
  • MS210-48LP/FP: 9.63 lb (4.37 kg).
• Power over Ethernet (PoE):
  • MS210-24P/48LP: Up to 370W PoE+ budget.
  • MS210-48FP: Up to 740W PoE+ budget.
• Switching Capacity:
  • 24-port models: 128 Gbps.
  • 48-port models: 176 Gbps.
• Mounting: 1U Rack-mountable (hardware included).

The MS210 series offers robust Layer 2 access switching with basic Layer 3 capabilities, suitable for branch and small campus deployments. The switches feature Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1GbE SFP uplinks, and dedicated stacking ports for high-bandwidth physical stacking. PoE+ models provide significant power budgets for connected devices. The hardware is designed for reliability and ease of deployment, with standard rack-mountable form factors. The non-blocking switch backplane ensures high performance.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Firmware updates are automatic and delivered via the Meraki cloud dashboard.
• OS Support: Managed via web browser through the Meraki Dashboard; no specific client OS required.
• End of Support Date: April 30, 2031
• Localization: Meraki Dashboard is available in multiple languages. Support services are global, with technical assistance centers in San Francisco, London, and Sydney.
• Available Drivers: Not applicable for a network switch.
• Cartridge and Ink Codes: Not applicable (not a printer).

The Cisco Meraki MS210 series benefits from Meraki's cloud-managed architecture, which simplifies support and compatibility. Firmware updates are automatic, ensuring devices run the latest stable software without manual intervention. The cloud dashboard provides a centralized management interface accessible from any web browser, making OS compatibility a non-issue. The End of Support Date is set for April 30, 2031, after which affirmative support from Cisco Meraki will cease. Meraki licenses include 24/7/365 support and hardware replacement under warranty.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Managed via Meraki Dashboard with integrated two-factor authentication.
  • 802.1X, MAB, and Hybrid authentication support for wired devices.
  • Access Control Lists (ACLs) for IPv4/IPv6.
  • Port security: Sticky MAC, MAC whitelisting.
  • DHCP snooping, detection, and blocking.
  • Dynamic ARP Inspection.
  • STP Enhancements: BPDU guard, Root guard, Loop guard.
  • Integrated Layer 7 application and client fingerprinting for visibility and policy enforcement.
  • VLAN segmentation.
  • Automatic firmware updates and security patches from the Meraki cloud.
• Known Vulnerabilities: General Meraki security advisories would apply, but no specific widespread vulnerabilities unique to the MS210 series are highlighted in the provided information.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable.
• Certifications: CSA-US (US, Canada), FCC (USA).
• Encryption Support: SSL for cloud communication.
• Authentication Methods: 802.1X, MAB, Hybrid authentication, integrated two-factor authentication for Dashboard access.
• General Recommendations: Utilize Meraki's integrated security features, regularly review dashboard alerts, and maintain active licensing for continuous security updates.

The Cisco Meraki MS210 series offers a strong security posture through its cloud-managed architecture. Key features include robust authentication mechanisms (802.1X, MAB, Hybrid), comprehensive access control with IPv4/IPv6 ACLs, and port-level security features like DHCP snooping and Dynamic ARP Inspection. The integrated Layer 7 visibility allows for granular control over applications and clients, enhancing network security. Automatic firmware updates delivered via the cloud ensure that the switches are always running with the latest security patches. The reliance on the Meraki Dashboard with two-factor authentication centralizes and secures management access.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Switching Capacity: 128 Gbps (24-port models), 176 Gbps (48-port models).
  • Forwarding Rate: 41.67 Mpps (24-port models), 77.38 Mpps (48-port models).
  • Stacking Bandwidth: 80 Gbps (dual interface).
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Non-blocking switch backplane ensures wire-speed performance.
  • Quality of Service (QoS): 802.1p, 8 queues (6 configurable for DSCP-to-CoS mapping) for prioritizing voice, video, and data traffic.
  • Supports converged voice, video, and data environments.
• Power Consumption:
  • Idle/Full Load (example for MS210-24P): 21W / 448W.
  • Idle/Full Load (example for MS210-48): 25W / 42W.
  • Overall range: 15 - 882W depending on model and PoE load.
• Carbon Footprint: Low power consumption options and shallow rack depth contribute to energy efficiency.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Positioned as stackable access switches for branch and small campus deployments, offering cloud management simplicity and integration with the Meraki ecosystem. Physically stacks with MS225 for 10G uplink access.

The Cisco Meraki MS210 series delivers robust performance for its intended use case, characterized by high switching capacities and forwarding rates that ensure non-blocking, wire-speed operation. The 80 Gbps stacking bandwidth allows for scalable and resilient network designs. Advanced QoS features enable effective prioritization of latency-sensitive applications like voice and video. Power consumption varies significantly based on the model and PoE utilization, with options designed for energy efficiency. The series stands out for its cloud-managed simplicity and seamless integration within the broader Meraki ecosystem.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback generally highlight the ease of deployment and management as primary strengths of the Cisco Meraki MS210 series. The cloud-based Meraki Dashboard receives consistent praise for its intuitive interface, zero-touch provisioning, and centralized control, which significantly reduces administrative overhead and allows for remote management. Users appreciate features like automatic firmware upgrades, detailed network visibility (including Layer 7 application and client fingerprinting), and powerful remote diagnostic tools such as packet capture. The physical stacking capabilities and PoE+ options are also frequently cited as beneficial for scalability and supporting various network devices.

Potential weaknesses or considerations often revolve around the licensing model, which is required for the device to function and access cloud features. While the all-inclusive license simplifies budgeting for support and updates, it represents an ongoing operational cost. Some users may also find the lack of a traditional command-line interface (CLI) to be a departure from conventional switch management, though this is a core tenet of Meraki's design philosophy. The upcoming end-of-sale and end-of-support dates for the series are also a factor for long-term planning.

Recommended use cases for the MS210 series include small to medium-sized businesses, branch offices, and campus deployments that prioritize simplified network management, rapid deployment, and a unified cloud-managed infrastructure. They are well-suited for environments requiring reliable Layer 2 access switching with basic Layer 3 routing, and where PoE/PoE+ is needed for IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras.

Vulnerabilities

• CVE-2021-27853
  Published: 2022-09-27 - Updated: 2025-11-04 - CVSS: 4.7 - EPSS: 0.15%
  Layer 2 network filtering capabilities such as IPv6 RA guard or ARP inspection can be bypassed using combinations of VLAN 0 headers and LLC/SNAP headers.

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Summary

The Cisco Meraki MS210 series is a line of cloud-managed stackable access switches designed for streamlined network deployment and management in branch and small campus environments. Its primary strength lies in the intuitive Meraki Dashboard, which provides zero-touch provisioning, automatic firmware updates, and comprehensive network visibility and control from a single pane of glass. This simplifies operations, reduces the need for on-site IT staff, and enables rapid scaling of network infrastructure. The switches offer robust Layer 2 capabilities with basic Layer 3 routing, Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1GbE SFP uplinks, and high-bandwidth physical stacking (80 Gbps). PoE+ models provide flexible power options for various network devices.

From a technical perspective, the MS210 series delivers solid performance with switching capacities up to 176 Gbps and advanced Quality of Service features for converged networks. Security is a key focus, with integrated features like 802.1X authentication, ACLs, port security, and Layer 7 application visibility, all managed securely through the cloud. The series is certified with standards like CSA-US and FCC.

The main consideration for potential users is the required annual enterprise license, which is integral to the Meraki ecosystem, covering cloud management, support, and updates. While this model ensures continuous feature enhancements and support, it represents an ongoing operational expense. Furthermore, the MS210 series is approaching its end-of-sale (April 30, 2026) and end-of-support (April 30, 2031) dates, which necessitates careful planning for long-term deployments and future upgrades.

Overall, the Cisco Meraki MS210 is an excellent choice for organizations prioritizing ease of management, centralized control, and rapid deployment within a cloud-centric network strategy, particularly for access layer switching. Its integrated security and performance features make it a reliable component for modern network infrastructures, provided the lifecycle dates and licensing model align with organizational strategy.

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.