With plenty of models to choose from, selecting the right Cisco Meraki MS switch comes down to the finer details in the specs. Offering enterprise-grade Layer 2 switching for businesses of all sizes, the MS lineup offers quite a bit of support.
For those looking for the right switch model, your decision is heavily swayed by factors like traffic volume, port density, and future expansion plans. In this article, you’ll get a look at key factors that will lead you to the right Meraki switch model for your business.
Cisco Meraki Switch Buyer’s Guide
Network switches have been a part of Meraki products for years, and they’ve gone through several changes. Overall, they’ve always acted as a central traffic hub for business networks. This also includes other layers like wireless access points (WAPs), firewalls, and more.
Here’s a quick buyer’s guide that highlights why Meraki switches are a great choice:
- Cloud-based management through a unified dashboard for role-based administration
- Enterprise-grade security features without the same complexity or cost of traditional options
- Multigigabit (mGig) access and high-speed uplinks with newer models
- Automatic firmware update, dynamic port profiles, and cloud-driven configuration management
- Zero-touch provisioning and auto-provisioning for fast, plug-and-play deployment
While these points do well to push a good narrative, it’s still important to know what the biggest decision-making factors are. There are several core pillars to this, each of which plays a strong role in your current and future network demands.
Choosing the Right Cisco Meraki MS Switch
Although every business will have a unique stance on what its network needs are, there are some universal points to consider here. Taking a look at today’s Meraki switch datasheet, you’ll find a heavy emphasis on several categories. Some of these pertain to traffic requirements, port density, interface types, mGig support, PoE options, and the list goes on.
Network Size and Traffic Requirements
It’s essential to assess switching capacity and throughput from the jump. This is how you gauge whether or not the switch can handle your peak traffic without congestion or packet loss.
At the same time, you should match MS models to your desired user count. This is a great example of why Meraki switch comparison can be so helpful. Outside of this, accounting for real-time apps that require low latency, support for Wi-Fi 6, mGig access, and high-speed uplinks are a part of this topic as well.
Port Density and Interface Types
Offering several options catered to various network sizes, Cisco Meraki switches come in 8, 16, 24, and 48-port options. For a bit more clarity, 8-16 port switches are best for branch offices or limited device environments. With 24-48 port models, these are aimed at larger network demands.
It’s also important to consider SFP and SFP+ ports, as these support fiber connections, high-speed uplinks, and inter-switch links. The main takeaway here is that higher port density supports network growth, reduces the need for additional switches, and simplifies management.
Multigigabit Support and Uplink Speeds
For those who don’t already know, mGig support prevents bottlenecks for high-performance Wi-Fi 6 and 6E access points. Aside from that, high-speed uplinks help to prevent congestion and maintain performance for cloud, video, and even VoIP applications.
Combining mGig ports with high-speed uplinks guarantees smoother traffic flow, specifically in high-density deployments. These features are a core part of future-proofing your network, while supporting the user counts, IoT devices, and bandwidth you need.
Power Over Ethernet Requirements
Power over Ethernet (PoE) focuses on delivering both data and power over a single Ethernet cable. This is for devices like access points, IoT endpoints, and VoIP phones. Across the Meraki MS lineup, you’ll find a variety of support with this, such as PoE (802.3af and PoE+ (802.3at). However, to get the most out of it, you need to understand device power requirements.
This is an important step to avoiding exceeding the switch’s PoE budget. More specifically, the PoE budget determines the total power available across every port. They also ensure high-power devices continue to operate reliably. For the short version, redundant PoE and power features support uptime-sensitive environments, such as campuses, data centers, and healthcare networks, for example.
Cloud Management and Automation Capabilities
Thanks to the Meraki Dashboard, you get the benefit of a unified, cloud-based interface. From managing multiple switches, devices, or sites, the centralized management simplifies many necessary tasks. This even includes configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting in real time.
Moreover, certain automation features help to streamline tasks like firmware updates, VLAN setups, and port policies across your network. Between the built-in alerts, real-time analytics, and policy control, IT teams can take a proactive stance on potential issues to maintain uptime.
Deployment Model and IT Resources
Whether you’re just getting started with your first network switch or need upgrades for a multi-site rollout, Cisco Meraki makes it all pretty simple. Considering everything can be managed centrally through the cloud dashboard, this reduces travel, deployment, and operational complexity.
In addition to that, the built-in VLANs and network segmentation support secure separation of all traffic. Don’t forget about the role-based access controls, as this is a must in today’s cybersecurity landscape. This is especially true when it comes to enforcing policies and maintaining compliance. Combining cloud management with security features promises a scalable, efficient, and secure network deployment.
The Final Word
Selecting the right Cisco Meraki MS switch means evaluating network size, traffic demands, and your future business growth. When it comes to the specifics, this also includes reviewing port density, interface types, and mGig support. Not only for the sake of reliable performance, but bandwidth-heavy apps as well.
Cisco Meraki has made deployment and overall management pretty easy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find support along the way. Consider having a chat with our team at Firewalls.com for an expert’s opinion on which Meraki products are best for your operation.
FAQ
Can Meraki MS Switches Handle High-Power Devices Like Wi-Fi 6 Access Points?
Yes, with support from the likes of PoE and PoE+, for example, Meraki switches can deliver sufficient power to high-demand devices. This is made possible while ensuring the switch’s total power budget isn’t exceeded.
How Do I Choose the Right Port Count for My Business?
Start by evaluating the number of users, devices, and expected network growth. Small offices may need only 8-16 ports, while enterprise networks may come with a minimum requirement of 24-48 port switches.
Why are Multigigabit Ports a Game-Changer for Modern Networks?
mGig ports allow speeds above 1 Gbps on existing copper cabling. This helps to prevent bottlenecks for Wi-Fi 6/6E access points and bandwidth-intensive apps.
What Makes Meraki’s Cloud Management Different From Traditional Switches?
The Meraki Dashboard offers zero-touch provisioning, centralized monitoring, and automated configuration updates. This makes network management simple for leaner IT teams and multi-site deployments.
How do Meraki Switches Improve Network Security?
Built-in VLANs, segmentation, and role-based access controls let you isolate sensitive traffic, enforce policies, and maintain compliance. This all comes with detailed traffic visibility for more proactive monitoring as well.
