Cisco Meraki MS350

Basic information

The Cisco Meraki MS350 series comprises high-performance stackable access switches designed for large enterprise and campus networks. The series includes models such as MS350-24, MS350-24P, MS350-24X, MS350-48, MS350-48LP, and MS350-48FP. These switches are managed through the intuitive Cisco Meraki cloud management platform, which facilitates automatic firmware upgrades and zero-touch provisioning.

• Model: MS350 series (MS350-24, MS350-24P, MS350-24X, MS350-48, MS350-48LP, MS350-48FP)
• Version: Cloud-managed with automatic firmware upgrades via Meraki Dashboard.
• Release Date: Circa late 2015 / early 2016.
• Minimum Requirements: Active Meraki cloud license and internet connectivity for cloud management.
• Supported Operating Systems: Not applicable (network switch); managed via web-based Meraki Dashboard.
• Latest Stable Version: Firmware updates are automatically scheduled and delivered via the Meraki cloud.
• End of Support Date: August 8, 2030, for most models.
• End of Life Date: End-of-Sale dates range from July 11, 2025, to August 8, 2025, with the series reaching End-of-Life status between February and August 2025.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Tied to the license expiration; firmware and security updates cease when the license expires.
• License Type: Subscription license, per device, per year, sold separately from hardware.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-managed, zero-touch provisioning.

Technical Specifications

The MS350 series features robust hardware designed for reliable, high-bandwidth access switching. It includes an upgraded CPU for enhanced packet handling. While specific RAM and storage details are not typically disclosed, the switches offer comprehensive port configurations and modular components.

• Processor: Upgraded CPU for improved packet handling.
• RAM: Not specified in public datasheets.
• Storage: Not specified in public datasheets.
• Display: Status LEDs.
• Ports:
  • 24 or 48 x 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet RJ45 ports, with optional PoE/PoE+ support.
  • MS350-24X models include 8 x 100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10G mGbE RJ45 ports with UPoE support.
  • 4 x 1000/10000 Mbps SFP+ uplink interfaces on all models.
  • 2 x Dedicated Stack Ports providing 160 Gbps stacking bandwidth.
  • Management Interface (physical port).
• Operating System: Meraki operating system, unified across Meraki product lines.
• Dimensions: Approximately 1.74” x 19.08” x 23.4” (4.44cm x 48.46cm x 59.47cm) for models like the MS350-24X-HW (dimensions vary slightly by model).
• Weight: Approximately 14.48 lb (6.6 kg) for models like the MS350-24X-HW (weight varies by model).

Analysis of Technical Specifications: The MS350 series is engineered for high-density network environments, offering flexible port options including multigigabit and UPoE for next-generation access points and devices. The inclusion of 10G SFP+ uplinks and high-speed physical stacking capabilities ensures ample bandwidth and scalability for demanding applications. The design supports modular, field-replaceable power supplies and fans, enhancing reliability and ease of maintenance.

Support & Compatibility

The Cisco Meraki MS350 series integrates seamlessly into the Meraki cloud ecosystem, simplifying management and ensuring consistent updates.

• Latest Version: Firmware updates are automatically delivered and user-scheduled via the Meraki Dashboard.
• OS Support: Managed through the web-based Meraki Dashboard, accessible from standard web browsers, making it OS-agnostic for management.
• End of Support Date: August 8, 2030, for most models.
• Localization: The Meraki Dashboard supports multiple languages.
• Available Drivers: Not applicable; the switch is managed via a cloud platform, not local drivers.
• Cartridge and Ink Codes: Not applicable (not a printer).

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: The MS350 series benefits from Cisco Meraki's centralized cloud management, providing continuous firmware and security updates as long as the license is active. This simplifies network administration and ensures compatibility within the Meraki ecosystem. However, the approaching end-of-support date necessitates a strategic plan for hardware replacement to maintain full support and access to critical updates.

Security Status

The Cisco Meraki MS350 series incorporates a suite of security features designed for enterprise network protection, managed and updated through the Meraki cloud.

• Security Features:
  • IPv4/6 ACL support.
  • 802.1X Authentication, MAB, and Hybrid authentication with RADIUS server monitoring.
  • Dynamic ARP Inspection / DHCP Snooping.
  • Integrated Layer 7 fingerprinting for application visibility and control.
  • Integrated multi-factor authentication for Dashboard management.
  • Role-based administration.
  • Seamless firmware and security updates.
  • General firewall features and intruder detection capabilities.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Specific vulnerabilities are addressed through regular, automatic security updates delivered via the Meraki cloud.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable.
• Certifications: Meraki's cloud infrastructure is noted as PCI and HIPAA-compliant.
• Encryption Support: Cloud management communications are secured.
• Authentication Methods: 802.1X, MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB), Hybrid authentication, RADIUS server integration, and integrated multi-factor authentication for Dashboard access.
• General Recommendations: Maintaining an active Meraki license is crucial for receiving ongoing security updates and patches. Organizations should plan for migration to newer hardware before the end-of-support date to ensure continued security posture.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: The MS350 series offers robust, enterprise-grade security features, including comprehensive access control, threat mitigation, and application-level visibility. The cloud-managed architecture ensures that security updates are delivered seamlessly, helping to protect against emerging threats. However, the impending end-of-support date means that the long-term security of these devices is contingent upon timely replacement.

Performance & Benchmarks

The Cisco Meraki MS350 series switches are designed for high performance in demanding network environments, offering significant switching capacity and efficient power usage.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores are not typically published for network switches in general product literature.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Switching Capacity: Up to 272 Gbps (e.g., MS350-24X-HW), 176 Gbps (e.g., MS350-48FP).
  • Stacking Bandwidth: 160 Gbps for physical stacking of up to 8 units.
  • Wire-speed, non-blocking switch fabric ensures high throughput.
  • Optimized for converged voice, video, and data traffic with QoS functionality.
• Power Consumption: Varies by model and load. For example, MS350-24-HW: 56W (idle) / 66W (full); MS350-24X-HW: 215W (idle) / 867W (full).
• Carbon Footprint: Highly integrated designs lead to power and cooling savings of 30-60% compared to similar managed switches.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Positioned for high-performance access switching in large enterprise and campus networks. While the MS390 series offers newer features like Cisco Trustsec/Adaptive Policy, the MS350 is recognized as a mature and stable platform.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: The MS350 series delivers excellent performance with high switching capacities and robust stacking capabilities, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications and large-scale deployments. Its energy-efficient design contributes to reduced operational costs and a lower environmental impact. The ability to handle converged voice, video, and data traffic efficiently underscores its suitability for modern enterprise networks.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback on the Cisco Meraki MS350 series generally highlights its ease of use and powerful cloud management capabilities, alongside some considerations regarding its licensing model.

• Strengths:
  • Easy and intuitive cloud management via the Meraki Dashboard, simplifying deployment, configuration, and troubleshooting.
  • Zero-touch provisioning allows for rapid deployment without local configuration.
  • Robust security features, including ACLs and application-layer visibility.
  • Scalability through both physical and virtual stacking, supporting network growth.
  • Reliable performance and stable connectivity.
  • Unified management across the broader Meraki product portfolio.
  • Lifetime hardware warranty.
• Weaknesses:
  • Dependency on an active subscription license; the device becomes non-functional if the license expires.
  • Requires ongoing subscription costs.
  • Some users accustomed to CLI management may find the cloud-only interface limiting for certain advanced troubleshooting scenarios.
  • The approaching End-of-Life status requires organizations to plan for replacements.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Large enterprise and campus networks requiring high-performance access switching.
  • Environments with converged voice, video, and data traffic.
  • Growing small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) needing scalable and easily manageable network infrastructure.
  • Remote offices or retail sites where ease of deployment and centralized management are critical.

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.

View more

Summary

The Cisco Meraki MS350 series switches are a robust and highly capable solution for enterprise access layer networking, particularly valued for their cloud-managed simplicity and comprehensive feature set. Key strengths include effortless deployment through zero-touch provisioning, intuitive management via the Meraki Dashboard, and strong security features like Layer 7 application visibility and 802.1X authentication. The series offers high switching capacities and 10G SFP+ uplinks, along with 160 Gbps physical stacking, ensuring excellent performance and scalability for demanding environments with converged data, voice, and video traffic. The energy-efficient design also contributes to lower operational costs.

However, the primary weakness lies in the subscription-based licensing model, which renders the hardware inoperable if the license expires, a significant concern for some users. Furthermore, the series is approaching its End-of-Life, with End-of-Sale dates in mid-2025 and End-of-Support extending to August 2030. This necessitates proactive planning for migration to newer hardware to maintain security updates and manufacturer support.

Overall, the MS350 series is an excellent choice for organizations prioritizing ease of management, rapid deployment, and integrated network visibility, especially within a broader Meraki ecosystem. Its robust performance and security features make it well-suited for campus and large enterprise networks. However, potential adopters and current users must be mindful of the subscription licensing and the impending End-of-Life dates to ensure a smooth transition and continuous network operation. Planning for replacement well before the End-of-Support date is highly recommended.

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.