Cisco Meraki MS225

Basic Information

The Cisco Meraki MS225 series comprises cloud-managed, stackable Layer 2 access switches designed for branch and campus deployments. This series replaced the MS220 series, offering enhanced features like 10G SFP+ uplinks and stacking capabilities.

• Models: MS225-24-HW, MS225-24P-HW, MS225-48-HW, MS225-48LP-HW, MS225-48FP-HW.
• Release Date: The MS225 series was introduced around March 2017 as a replacement for the MS220 series.
• Minimum Requirements: Requires a valid Cisco Meraki license for operation and management via the Meraki dashboard. Internet connectivity is essential for cloud management.
• Supported Operating Systems: The switches themselves run a proprietary Meraki operating system. Management occurs via the cloud-based Meraki dashboard, accessible through a web browser.
• Latest Stable Version: Firmware updates are automatic and scheduled via the Meraki cloud.
• End of Sales Announcement: October 30, 2025.
• End of Sales Date (EOS): April 30, 2026.
• End of Support Date (EOST): April 30, 2031.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Firmware updates are provided automatically as long as the device is under a valid Meraki license and within its support lifecycle.
• License Type: Subscription License, "per device, per year" basis. Licenses are sold separately from hardware.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-managed, requiring connection to the Meraki dashboard for configuration, monitoring, and management.

Analysis: The MS225 series offers a modern, cloud-managed approach to network switching, simplifying deployment and ongoing management. The defined end-of-sale and end-of-support dates provide a clear lifecycle for enterprise planning. The subscription-based licensing is central to the Meraki ecosystem, bundling support, updates, and cloud management.

Technical Specifications

The Cisco Meraki MS225 series switches are Layer 2 access switches with Layer 3 static routing capabilities.

• Processor: Information not publicly specified, typical for network switches where performance is defined by switching fabric.
• RAM: Information not publicly specified.
• Storage: Information not publicly specified.
• Ports:
  • 24 or 48 x 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45) with auto-MDIX crossover.
  • PoE/PoE+ support on 'P', 'LP', and 'FP' models (e.g., MS225-24P, MS225-48LP, MS225-48FP).
  • 4 x SFP+ 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces for uplink.
  • 2 x Stacking interfaces (80 Gbps bandwidth).
  • 1 x RJ45 Management port (on some models).
• Operating System: Meraki OS (proprietary, cloud-managed).
• Dimensions (H×W×D):
  • MS225-24 models: 1.72 x 19.08 x 9.84 inches (4.38 x 48.46 x 25 cm).
  • MS225-48 models: 1.72 x 19.08 x 13.38 inches (4.38 x 48.46 x 34 cm).
• Weight:
  • MS225-24: 6.03 lb (2.73 kg).
  • MS225-24P: 8.18 lb (3.71 kg).
  • MS225-48: 8.78 lb (3.98 kg).
  • MS225-48LP/FP: 9.63 lb (4.37 kg).

Analysis: The MS225 series provides robust connectivity options suitable for modern enterprise access layers. The inclusion of 10G SFP+ uplinks and 80 Gbps physical stacking ensures high-bandwidth connectivity and scalability. PoE/PoE+ models offer flexible power delivery for connected devices like IP phones and wireless access points. The compact 1U rack-mountable form factor allows for efficient deployment.

Support & Compatibility

The Cisco Meraki MS225 series is designed for seamless integration within the Meraki cloud ecosystem.

• Latest Version: Firmware updates are automatically delivered via the Meraki cloud dashboard.
• OS Support: Managed via the cloud-based Meraki dashboard, accessible from any modern web browser.
• End of Support Date: April 30, 2031.
• Localization: Meraki dashboard supports various languages. Specific hardware localization details are not widely published but Meraki operates globally.
• Available Drivers: Not applicable, as management is cloud-based and does not require local drivers.
• Cartridge and Ink Codes: Not applicable, as this is a network switch.

Analysis: Support and compatibility are tightly integrated with the Meraki cloud platform. Automatic firmware updates and 24/7 enterprise support (included with the license) simplify maintenance and ensure the switches remain current and secure. The cloud-managed approach eliminates the need for traditional CLI configurations and local driver installations, streamlining operations. The long end-of-support date provides extended operational longevity for deployments.

Security Status

The Cisco Meraki MS225 series incorporates several security features inherent to the Meraki platform.

• Security Features:
  • Integrated two-factor authentication for Dashboard management.
  • Role-based access control (RBAC) with granular device and configuration control.
  • Corporate-wide password policy enforcement.
  • IEEE 802.1X RADIUS, hybrid authentication, and RADIUS server testing.
  • MAC-based RADIUS authentication (MAB).
  • Port security: Sticky MAC, MAC whitelisting.
  • DHCP snooping, detection, and blocking.
  • STP Enhancements: BPDU guard, Root guard.
  • IPv4 ACLs (Access Control Lists).
  • Broadcast storm control.
  • Dynamic ARP Inspection.
• Known Vulnerabilities: No specific widespread, unpatched vulnerabilities are publicly highlighted for the MS225 series; Meraki provides seamless security updates.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable; these are enterprise network switches.
• Certifications: CSA-US (US, Canada), FCC (USA), IC (Canada), CE (Europe), RCM (Australia/New Zealand), RoHS.
• Encryption Support: Meraki cloud communication is secured, and the switches support secure authentication methods.
• Authentication Methods: IEEE 802.1X, MAC-based RADIUS (MAB), two-factor authentication for dashboard access.
• General Recommendations: Utilize all available security features, enforce strong password policies, and leverage role-based access control.

Analysis: The MS225 series offers a comprehensive suite of security features typical for enterprise-grade access switches. Cloud management facilitates consistent security policy enforcement and automatic updates, reducing the attack surface. The integrated authentication and port-level security mechanisms help protect against unauthorized access and common network threats.

Performance & Benchmarks

The Cisco Meraki MS225 series provides reliable performance for branch and campus access layers.

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Switching capacity: 128 Gbps (24-port models), 176 Gbps (48-port models).
  • Forwarding rate: 95.24 mpps (24-port models), 127.98 mpps (48-port models).
  • Stacking bandwidth: 80 Gbps (physical stacking of up to 8 switches).
  • Jumbo frame support (9600 byte Ethernet frame).
  • MAC forwarding entries: 16K (24-port models), 32K (48-port models).
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Designed for non-blocking switching fabric, ensuring wire-speed performance. Supports Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing voice and video traffic.
• Power Consumption:
  • MS225-24P: Idle 21 W / Full Load 448 W.
  • MS225-48LP: Idle 53 W / Full Load 490 W.
  • MS225-48FP: Power consumption can range from 25 W to 882 W depending on PoE load.
  • PoE output: Up to 370 W (LP models) or 740 W (FP models).
• Carbon Footprint: Low power consumption and quiet acoustic design contribute to energy efficiency. RoHS compliant.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Positioned as an entry-level high-end access switch in the Meraki lineup, offering 10G SFP+ uplinks and stacking, which were improvements over its predecessor, the MS220. It provides solid performance for mid-sized businesses but does not reach data center levels.

Analysis: The MS225 series delivers strong performance for its intended role as a Layer 2 access switch. High switching capacities and forwarding rates, combined with 10G uplinks and significant stacking bandwidth, ensure efficient data handling and network scalability. The intelligent PoE power allocation optimizes energy use, and the overall design emphasizes reliability with a non-blocking fabric.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback generally highlight the ease of management and robust feature set of the Cisco Meraki MS225 series.

• Strengths:
  • Ease of Management: The cloud-based Meraki dashboard is consistently praised for its intuitive interface, zero-touch provisioning, and simplified configuration.
  • Visibility and Control: Administrators appreciate the deep network visibility, real-time troubleshooting tools (like packet capture and cable testing), and client fingerprinting.
  • Scalability: Physical stacking up to 8 switches with 80 Gbps bandwidth and virtual stacking capabilities are highly valued for expanding networks.
  • Reliability: Non-blocking switching fabric and lifetime hardware warranty with next-day replacement contribute to perceived reliability.
  • PoE Capabilities: Flexible PoE/PoE+ options are beneficial for powering various network devices.
  • Automatic Updates: Seamless firmware and security updates are a significant advantage.
• Weaknesses:
  • Licensing Cost: The mandatory subscription license, renewed annually, can be a significant ongoing expense.
  • Cloud Dependency: While a strength for management, reliance on the Meraki cloud for full functionality can be a concern for some, though the control plane is out-of-band.
  • Limited Layer 3 Features: Only supports static routing (maximum 16 routes), which might be a limitation for more complex network designs requiring dynamic routing protocols.
  • Not for Data Centers: While powerful, the MS225 series is not designed for high-end data center aggregation.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Branch offices and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) requiring reliable, easy-to-manage access switching.
  • Environments needing to power numerous PoE/PoE+ devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points.
  • Networks benefiting from simplified deployment and remote management across multiple sites.
  • Organizations seeking a unified data, voice, and video network with QoS prioritization.

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 MS225 series represents a robust and user-friendly line of cloud-managed, stackable Layer 2 access switches, well-suited for modern branch and campus network environments. Its primary strength lies in the intuitive Meraki dashboard, which provides unparalleled ease of deployment, configuration, and ongoing management through a single pane of glass. This cloud-centric approach simplifies network operations, offering zero-touch provisioning, automatic firmware updates, and comprehensive network visibility with powerful diagnostic tools.

Technically, the MS225 series delivers solid performance with high switching capacities (up to 176 Gbps for 48-port models) and 10 Gigabit SFP+ uplinks, ensuring sufficient bandwidth for demanding applications. The 80 Gbps physical stacking capability allows for scalable and resilient network designs. PoE/PoE+ models provide flexible power delivery, making them ideal for converged networks supporting IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance systems. Security features are comprehensive, including 802.1X authentication, port security, and role-based access control, all managed and updated seamlessly via the cloud.

However, the mandatory subscription licensing model, while bundling support and updates, represents a recurring cost that organizations must factor into their budget. While the cloud dependency offers significant advantages, it also means continuous internet connectivity is essential for management, though network traffic continues to flow even if the cloud connection is temporarily lost. The Layer 3 capabilities are limited to static routing, which may not suffice for highly complex routing requirements.

Overall, the Cisco Meraki MS225 series is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses and distributed enterprises prioritizing simplified management, robust security, and scalable performance at the access layer. Its strengths in ease of use, integrated security, and cloud-driven automation often outweigh the considerations of licensing costs and limited advanced Layer 3 features for its target market.

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.