Whether you’re new to firewall technology or even if this isn’t your first rodeo, it can be tough to know which Cisco Meraki firewall is best for your business. The same can be said about business owners or even leaders in the IT space. Any company would want to make the right choice when it comes to network security infrastructure, but that’s only possible with the right information.
Even then, the information can get pretty technical, which is where an expert’s explanation can be pretty useful. In this article, you’ll dive into Cisco Meraki firewall MX67 vs MX84 and which aligns most with what you’re looking for.
An Unbiased Approach to Cisco Meraki Firewalls
If you take a look at the manufacturer’s catalog, it’s pretty evident they have a lot to choose from. This manufacturer goes far beyond firewall hardware too, such as the popular Cisco Meraki access points. However, we’re here to focus on what makes the MX67 and MX84 different from each other.
For example, the Cisco Meraki MX67 is built with 36 to 50 users in mind. A quick look at the MX84 will show you that it can handle 50 to 100 users. It’s crucial to note that bigger isn’t always better in regard to network security solutions. Breaking down exactly what each secure firewall is capable of will tell you what its best use case and target market would be.
What is the Cisco Meraki Firewall MX67?
An easy choice for many small businesses, the MX67 can handle up to 50 clients and works with advanced and enterprise security licenses. This gives most businesses more than enough wiggle room to grow and scale their network security architecture.
Below, you’ll find a few other core details that are important to know about the MX67:
- Firewall Throughput: 450 Mbps
- Advanced Security Throughput: 300 Mbps
- Max VPN Throughput: 200 Mbps
- Recommended Clients: 36 to 50
- Recommended Use Case: Small companies and branch offices
If this sounds somewhat rudimentary compared to other firewalls, that would make some sense. Cisco Meraki does a great job of creating scalable, affordable, entry-level firewall solutions. Of course, that doesn’t mean they don’t have the hardware you need to effectively scale.
What is the Cisco Meraki MX84?
For those looking for something a little stronger, then the Cisco Meraki MX84 could be the way to go. Taking this route gives you support for 50 to 200 clients, on top of many other advancements you can compare.
Focusing on the same specs, here’s how the MX84 compares to the Cisco Merak MX67:
- Firewall Throughput: 500 Mbps
- Advanced Security Throughput: 320 Mbps
- Max VPN Throughput: 250 Mbps
- Recommended Clients: Up to 200
- Recommended Use Case: Medium-sized companies or branch offices
The MX84 is an excellent mid-range choice. Perfect for those who are already there or are currently scaling in that direction.
An Overview of Cisco Meraki Firewall MX67 vs MX84
Network security hardware is more than just firewall throughput and VPN connections. It’s crucial to consider all of the fine print, even down to the number of ports included with the interface. The table below offers a side-by-side look at some of the most important details regarding Cisco firewall security.
| Specification | Cisco Meraki MX67 | Cisco Meraki MX84 |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput (Mbps) | 450 | 500 |
| Advanced Security Throughput (Mbps) | 300 | 320 |
| Max VPN Throughput (Mbps) | 200 | 250 |
| Recommended Clients | 50-100 | 50-200 |
| Recommended Use Case | Small companies | Medium-sized companies |
| WAN Interfaces Dedicated | 1 x GbE RJ45 1 x USB (cellular failover) | 2 x GbE RJ45 1 x USB (cellular failover) |
| LAN Interfaces Fixed | 4 x GbE RJ45 | 8 x GbE2 x GbE (SFP) |
| Power Supply | 30W DC | Internal 100-220V 50/60Hz AC |
Once you’re able to compare the fine print like this, the comparisons become a lot easier to understand. At the end of the day, each Cisco Meraki firewall has a special place out there in the realm of business network security needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for the most optimal Cisco Meraki firewall, a lot of this considers what your business needs now and down the road. The scope of network security can change at a pretty quick pace, and having some hindsight on your infrastructure can be very helpful.
Take stock of what your current network security demands are, and make a choice based on the best scalable path. In this comparison, that’s where the Cisco Meraki MX84 takes the cake. As always, if you need a little help here, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Firewalls team for more information.
