It makes sense why you might think the 250 and 450 in the Cisco Meraki MX series would be quite a bit different in their specs. The reality is they share many similarities, so what is it that really sets them apart if they’re so alike?
Both Cisco Meraki firewalls come with a range of unique specifications, but they act as more of a transitionary team if anything else. For example, while the MX250 is rated for up to 1,000 users, the MX450 goes up to 2,500 users.
This isn’t the only key difference between the two, but the 450 definitely acts as the perfect upgrade from the 250. Nevertheless, this article focuses on a Cisco Meraki MX series 250 vs 450 comparison to help you avoid any confusion in your decision-making.
Separating the 250 vs 450 in the Cisco Meraki MX Series
Before you get too deep into the technical details, it should be noted that both of these Cisco Meraki firewall models are built as an enterprise-level solution. That means they’re more than suitable for larger organizations looking to expand or simply make an upgrade.
You’ll also want to take into account that various licenses are available for both, making them quite versatile for different stages in business growth. Even though their target market is bigger companies, that doesn’t mean they can’t be used in smaller environments.
They’re a highly scalable solution regardless of the size of your operation. However, that doesn’t mean their differences should be highlighted so you know which lane you ought to pick for your current needs in network security.
What is the Cisco Meraki MX250?
Choose between advanced or enterprise security licenses for this particular firewall. Both will offer more than comprehensive security solutions while being able to handle anywhere from 750 to 1,000 users at a time. Take a look at the top-level specs below to get an idea of what kind of workhorse this firewall can be.
- Firewall Throughput: 4,000 Mbps
- Advanced Security Throughput: 2,000 Mbps
- Max VPN Throughput: 1,000 Mbps
- Max Concurrent VPN Tunnels: 3,000
The tech is definitely much more than these points alone, but if you know anything about network security, these numbers should make sense. For those who don’t, it’s enough capability to support a larger business that plans to get bigger.
What is the Cisco Meraki MX450?
This would be the upgrade your business could very well need someday if the MX250 doesn’t cut it anymore. Cisco Meraki device management is known to be a pretty universal experience, so these firewalls can look similar in several ways. Once you get down to the specs, you’ll start to find the differences in their capabilities.
- Firewall Throughput: 6,000 Mbps
- Advanced Security Throughput: 4,000 Mbps
- Max VPN Throughput: 2,000 Mbps
- Max Concurrent VPN Tunnels: 5,000
The short version of this comparison is that the MX450 comes out to be a bit stronger from multiple angles.
Comparing the Cisco Meraki MX Series 250 vs 450
There’s nothing wrong with starting out on the 450, but it might be overkill, depending on the actual current and future needs of your network. Even if the variations in their specs seem small, they can make a big difference in performance at the end of the day. In the table below, you can get a more direct look at how these Meraki firewalls compare.
| Specification | Cisco Meraki MX250 | Cisco Meraki MX450 |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput (Mbps) | 4,000 | 6,000 |
| Advanced Security Throughput (Mbps) | 2,000 | 4,000 |
| Max VPN Throughput | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| Max Concurrent VPN Tunnels | 3,000 | 5,000 |
| Number of Users | 750 - 1,000 | 1,000 - 2,500 |
| Wan Interfaces Dedicated | 2 x 10GbE SFP+ 1 x USB (cellular failover) | 2 x 10GbE SFP+ 1 x USB (cellular failover) |
| LAN Interfaces Fixed | 8 x GbE (RJ45) 8 x GbE (SFP) 8 x 10GbE (SFP+) | 8 x GbE (RJ45) 8 x GbE (SFP) 8 x 10GbE (SFP+) |
| Power Supply | Modular 100-220V 50/60Hz AC 2 x 250WAC PSU | Modular 100-220V 50/60Hz AC 2 x 250WAC PSU |
While their similarities can’t be argued with, their differences should be underestimated. You should always choose the option that effectively supports network safety and operability above all else.
Let's Wrap Up
Not to be confused with the likes of Cisco Meraki access points, their firewall solutions are robust and effective for the long term. They’re a manufacturer with a stellar reputation, tech support system, with hardware and software solutions that stay one step ahead of modern demands in network security.
Regardless of their similarities, it can’t be argued that the MX450 is purely the stronger choice. Don’t take a second thought to reach out if you have any specific questions about firewall tech or what Cisco Meraki has to offer.
