Cisco Meraki MX Series

Basic Information

• Model: Cisco Meraki MX Series (includes models such as MX64, MX67, MX68, MX75, MX85, MX95, MX105, MX250, MX450, and virtual MX (vMX) appliances)
• Version: Varies by model and firmware updates. The MX series receives automatic firmware updates.
• Release Date: The MX series has been continuously updated with new models. Specific release dates vary per model.
• Minimum Requirements: Requires an active internet connection for cloud management and licensing.
• Supported Operating Systems: The appliances themselves run a proprietary Meraki OS. Management is cloud-based via the Meraki Dashboard, accessible from standard web browsers on various operating systems. Client VPN supports native Windows, Mac OS X, iPad, and Android clients.
• Latest Stable Version: Firmware updates are automatic and managed via the Meraki Dashboard. MX 19.2 is a stable release candidate, and MX 26.1 is a beta release.
• End of Support Date: Varies by specific model. For example, MX18.1 firmware is the maximum for MX64, MX64W, MX65, MX65W, MX84, MX100, and vMX100 platforms.
• End of Life Date: Varies by specific model.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not explicitly defined as a fixed date; automatic firmware updates are part of the cloud-managed service, contingent on an active license.
• License Type: Subscription-based licensing is mandatory for operation. Options include Enterprise, Advanced Security, and Secure SD-WAN Plus. Licenses are typically available in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10-year terms.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-managed, zero-touch provisioning. Can be deployed in Routed (NAT) mode or Passthrough (VPN Concentrator) mode. Virtual MX (vMX) supports deployment in public and private clouds (AWS, Azure, GCP, Alibaba Cloud, Cisco NFVIS).

Technical Specifications

The Cisco Meraki MX Series encompasses a range of security and SD-WAN appliances, with specifications varying significantly across models to cater to different organizational sizes and needs. Key components are designed for network security, routing, and WAN optimization.

• Processor: Enhanced CPUs across the series to handle Layer 3-7 firewall and traffic shaping.
• RAM: Additional memory for content filtering and advanced security services.
• Storage: Some models include SATA disk storage (e.g., 1TB for web caching on MX84 and up, 128GB SSD on others).
• Display: No integrated display; managed via the cloud-based Meraki Dashboard.
• Ports:
  • WAN: Dual WAN uplinks are common, with options for Gigabit Ethernet RJ45, 1 Gigabit Ethernet SFP, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet RJ45, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports. Some models offer PoE+ capabilities on WAN ports.
  • LAN: Varies from multiple Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports (including PoE+ on some models like MX65, MX68CW) to 1 Gigabit Ethernet SFP and 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports on higher-end models.
  • USB: USB 2.0 or 3.0 ports for 3G/4G cellular failover dongle support.
• Operating System: Proprietary Meraki OS.
• Dimensions:
  • Desktop models (e.g., MX64, MX67, MX68, MX75): Typically compact, ranging from approximately 9.5" x 5.2" x 1" (239mm x 132mm x 25mm) to 11.14" x 5.83" x 1.06" (283mm x 148mm x 27mm).
  • Rack-mount models (e.g., MX85, MX95, MX105, MX250, MX450): Standard rack units, such as 1U or 2U, with varying depths. For example, MX85 is 1.7" x 9.8" x 19" (43.8mm x 250mm x 484.6mm), and MX450 is 19” x 17.3” x 1.75” (483mm x 440mm x 44mm).
• Weight:
  • Desktop models: Typically light, ranging from 1.61 lb (0.7 kg) to 3.04 lb (1.4 kg).
  • Rack-mount models: Heavier, ranging from 8.2 lb (3.7 kg) to 33 lb (15.0 kg) or more for larger units.

Analysis of Technical Specifications: The MX Series offers a broad spectrum of hardware, from compact desktop units for small branches to high-performance rack-mount appliances for large campuses and data centers. The inclusion of multiple WAN and LAN port types, including SFP/SFP+, ensures flexibility for various network topologies and bandwidth requirements. PoE+ capabilities on some models simplify powering connected devices. The use of enhanced CPUs and additional memory underscores their capability to handle advanced security features and traffic processing. Web caching storage on higher-end models helps optimize bandwidth. The cloud-managed nature offloads significant processing and storage requirements from the local device for management and analytics.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Firmware updates are automatically pushed and managed via the Meraki Dashboard. MX 19.2 is a stable release candidate, and MX 26.1 is a beta release.
• OS Support: The Meraki Dashboard, used for management, is web-based and compatible with standard browsers across various operating systems. Client VPN functionality supports native Windows, Mac OS X, iPad, and Android clients.
• End of Support Date: Varies by specific model. Older models like MX64, MX64W, MX65, MX65W, MX84, MX100, and vMX100 will not run firmware versions beyond MX 18.1.
• Localization: The Meraki Dashboard and documentation are available in multiple languages.
• Available Drivers: Not applicable for the appliance itself, as it is a network device. Client VPN software is provided for supported operating systems.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: The Cisco Meraki MX Series boasts strong support and compatibility, primarily due to its cloud-managed architecture. Automatic firmware updates ensure devices run the latest software and security patches without manual intervention. The web-based Meraki Dashboard offers universal accessibility for management, and client VPN support covers major mobile and desktop platforms. However, the end-of-support dates for older models mean they will not receive future feature updates, though they continue to function on their last supported firmware. The mandatory licensing includes 24x7 enterprise support, software and feature updates, and cloud dashboard access, providing a comprehensive support ecosystem. The "zero-touch deployment" and remote management capabilities simplify setup and ongoing administration.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Next-gen Layer 7 firewall with identity-based security policies.
  • Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) with sandboxing and file reputation-based protection, and optional Threat Grid integration.
  • SNORT®-based Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDS/IPS) for PCI 3.0 compliance.
  • Granular content filtering, web search filtering (Google SafeSearch, YouTube for Schools), and SSL decryption/inspection.
  • Auto VPN for automatic site-to-site VPN route generation (IKE/IKEv2/IPsec) with 128-bit AES encryption.
  • Client VPN (L2TP/IPsec, Cisco AnyConnect) support.
  • Geo-IP based firewalling.
  • Anti-virus and anti-phishing protection (Kaspersky engine).
  • Application-based firewalling and traffic shaping.
  • Two-factor authentication for dashboard access.
  • Umbrella Integration for DNS-layer enforcement.
  • CASB & DLP for cloud application data protection.
• Known Vulnerabilities:
  • A vulnerability in the Cisco AnyConnect VPN server could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition (CVE-2025-20212). Cisco has released software updates to address this.
  • A vulnerability in the Cisco AnyConnect VPN server could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to hijack an AnyConnect VPN session or cause a denial of service (DoS) for individual users (CVE-2024-20500). Cisco has released software updates to address this.
  • A security vulnerability in the Local Status Page functionality of MX67 and MX68 models may allow unauthenticated individuals to access and download logs containing sensitive information, including wireless pre-shared keys and Site-to-Site VPN keys (CVE-2024-20439, CVE-2024-20440).
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable; refers to specific device vulnerabilities, not a general blacklist.
• Certifications: Cisco Meraki complies with leading security standards and regulations, including Data Center ISO 27001, Data Center SOC 2 Type 2, FIPS, and PCI DSS.
• Encryption Support: Supports 128-bit AES encryption for VPNs. Wireless encryption includes WEP (for legacy), WPA, WPA2 (PSK and Enterprise with AES/CCMP), and WPA3.
• Authentication Methods: Supports various authentication methods for wireless networks, including WPA2-Enterprise with 802.1X (RADIUS, PEAP/MSCHAPv2, Meraki Authentication), splash pages with authentication (RADIUS, LDAP, Meraki Authentication, SMS Authentication), and two-factor authentication for dashboard access.
• General Recommendations: Keep firmware updated to the latest stable versions to mitigate known vulnerabilities. Implement strong authentication practices, including two-factor authentication for management. Utilize advanced security licenses to enable full UTM capabilities.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: The Cisco Meraki MX Series offers a robust security posture, integrating a comprehensive suite of advanced threat protection features such as next-gen firewall, IDS/IPS, AMP, and content filtering. Its cloud-managed nature allows for automatic security signature and firmware updates, ensuring continuous protection against evolving threats. Compliance with industry standards like PCI DSS and ISO 27001 further solidifies its security credibility. While known vulnerabilities have been identified, Cisco Meraki promptly releases software updates, emphasizing the importance of staying current with firmware. The availability of different license tiers allows organizations to scale their security features based on their specific needs, with Advanced Security and Secure SD-WAN Plus licenses unlocking the full range of UTM capabilities. Overall, the MX Series provides enterprise-grade security, particularly when leveraging its advanced licensing options and maintaining up-to-date software.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • MX64: Stateful firewall throughput up to 250 Mbps, VPN throughput 70 Mbps.
  • MX68/MX68W: 700 Mbps firewall throughput.
  • MX75/MX85: 1 Gbps firewall throughput. MX85 offers 1 Gbps Stateful Firewall Throughput, 1 Gbps Next Generation Firewall (Detection) Throughput, and Max VPN Throughput of 1 Gbps.
  • MX95: 2 Gbps firewall throughput.
  • MX250: 4 Gbps firewall throughput.
  • MX450: Maximum NAT Firewall Throughput 10 Gbps, Maximum Next Generation Firewall Throughput 5 Gbps, Maximum Next Generation Firewall (Detection) Throughput 7 Gbps, Maximum Site-to-Site VPN Throughput 6.5 Gbps.
  • vMX: 200 Mbps - 1 Gbps throughput.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Designed for high performance and scalability, with varying levels of throughput and support for multiple WAN connections.
  • Offers intelligent WAN with active/active VPN, policy-based routing, and dynamic VPN path selection for optimized application performance.
  • SD-WAN capabilities allow for efficient traffic management and improved network performance, including ML-driven routing preferences based on application performance.
  • Web caching on some models accelerates content loading and lowers bandwidth usage.
  • QoE Analytics monitor resilience of VoIP and SaaS performance.
• Power Consumption: Varies significantly by model.
  • Desktop models (e.g., MX64, MX67): Idle power load typically 4W-6W, max load 10W-14W. MX65 max load 72W, MX68 max load 79W.
  • Rack-mount models (e.g., MX85, MX95, MX250, MX450): Idle power load 26W-105W, max load 32W-190W.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed, but power consumption figures can be converted to BTU/hr for energy efficiency assessment (e.g., MX64: 34.12 BTU/hr, MX450: 648.31 BTU/hr).
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • Often compared to Fortinet FortiGate, Sophos Firewall, and SonicWall TZ.
  • Meraki MX is noted for ease of deployment and cloud management, while alternatives like FortiGate may offer higher levels of customization.
  • Meraki MX is considered a top choice for enterprises and branch offices seeking unified security and SD-WAN in a simple, centralized dashboard.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: The Cisco Meraki MX Series delivers strong performance across its product line, with throughputs ranging from hundreds of Mbps for small offices to multiple Gbps for large enterprises and data centers. The integrated SD-WAN capabilities, including dynamic path selection and WAN load balancing, optimize application performance and ensure resilient connectivity. While specific benchmark scores vary by model, the series consistently provides the necessary horsepower for modern, bandwidth-intensive networks, supporting a wide range of users and devices. Power consumption is reasonable for the features offered, with figures available for BTU/hr conversion for environmental considerations. In comparison to competitors, the MX Series excels in ease of management and zero-touch deployment, making it a highly efficient solution for distributed networks, though some users note that other solutions might offer more granular control or customization.

User Reviews & Feedback

Users consistently praise the Cisco Meraki MX Series for its ease of deployment and management, particularly through the intuitive cloud-based Meraki Dashboard. The centralized management simplifies network administration across multiple sites, reducing the need for on-site IT expertise. Features like Auto VPN are highlighted for making site-to-site connectivity straightforward. The robust security features, including advanced firewall capabilities, IDS/IPS, and malware protection, are also frequently cited as strengths.

However, common weaknesses include the mandatory and often perceived as expensive licensing model, where devices cease to function if the license expires. Some users express a desire for more granular control and customization options, feeling that the cloud-managed approach can sometimes limit advanced configurations. Integration challenges with Active Directory and other third-party systems are occasionally reported. Scalability concerns for extremely large enterprise implementations are also mentioned, with some suggesting it's best suited for small to medium-sized environments. Limited VPN configuration details and weak client-side VPN functionality are also noted by some users.

Recommended use cases for the MX Series include securing small branch offices, retail locations, remote offices, and distributed networks where ease of management and unified threat management are priorities. It is also valued for its ability to provide secure connectivity to public and private cloud environments.

Summary

The Cisco Meraki MX Series is a comprehensive line of cloud-managed security and SD-WAN appliances designed for robust network protection and performance optimization across various organizational sizes and industries. Its primary strength lies in its 100% cloud-managed architecture, enabling zero-touch deployment, remote management, and automatic firmware updates, which significantly simplifies network administration and reduces operational overhead. The series integrates a powerful suite of security features, including a next-gen Layer 7 firewall, SNORT®-based IDS/IPS, Advanced Malware Protection (AMP), granular content filtering, and secure VPN capabilities (Auto VPN, Client VPN with AES encryption), ensuring a strong defense against cyber threats. Compliance with industry standards like PCI DSS and ISO 27001 further underscores its security posture.

Performance-wise, the MX Series offers a wide range of throughputs, from 250 Mbps for smaller models to 10 Gbps for high-end appliances, catering to diverse bandwidth demands. Its SD-WAN features, such as dynamic path selection and WAN load balancing, optimize application performance and ensure resilient connectivity. User feedback consistently highlights the ease of use and centralized management as major benefits, making it an ideal solution for distributed environments and organizations with limited IT staff.

However, the MX Series has some notable weaknesses. The mandatory subscription-based licensing model is a significant cost factor, and devices cease to function if the license expires, which can be a concern for budget-sensitive organizations. Some users desire more customization and granular control than the cloud-managed platform typically offers, and there are occasional reports of integration challenges with Active Directory and third-party systems. While Cisco promptly addresses known vulnerabilities with software updates, staying current with firmware is crucial.

In conclusion, the Cisco Meraki MX Series is an excellent choice for organizations prioritizing ease of deployment, centralized cloud management, and integrated security for their networks, especially in distributed or multi-site environments. Its strengths in unified threat management and SD-WAN capabilities make it a robust solution for securing and optimizing network connectivity. While the licensing costs and limited customization options are considerations, the overall value proposition for simplified, secure, and scalable network management remains strong. It is particularly recommended for small to medium-sized businesses and branch offices seeking an all-in-one, user-friendly network security appliance.

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.