Designed for the likes of campus networks and large branch offices, the Meraki MX firewall 250 is enterprise-grade on many fronts. The firewall easily supports up to 2,000 users, and is hailed for its combination of SD-WAN, VPN connectivity, cloud-based admin, and overall firewall protection.
Regardless of how easy it is to see the benefits behind this firewall, that doesn’t make it a go-to for every business network. This article takes a thorough look at the Meraki firewall to give you a proper scope of what you can expect out of the hardware.
Key Takeaways:
- The MX250 is designed for the needs of large-scale enterprise networks
- It combines SD-WAN, VPN, and advanced security in a single cloud-managed platform
- Key performance specs include 4 Gbps firewall throughput and 3,000 VPN tunnels
- Security features include Layer 7 control, SNORT IPS, AMP, and content filtering
- Best suited for campus environments and large branches, not small, lightweight business operations
What is the Meraki MX Firewall 250?
If you’re looking for cloud-managed security, the MX250 isn’t a bad way to go. Moreover, this is just one of many Meraki firewalls that are built for organizations needing higher performance and scalability.
Here are a few other important details to keep in mind about this Meraki firewall:
- Centralized management through the Meraki dashboard
- Supports Meraki Auto VPN for streamlined site-to-site VPN deployment
- Great for secure connectivity across multiple users and locations
- Operates as a VPN concentrator for connecting branch offices, remote users, and business-critical data
While the firewall is commonly deployed across large branch networks, the application here goes far beyond just campuses, big offices, or healthcare organizations. It’s a firewall that can be a great choice for many growing companies. Then again, to determine how this applies to your business, I always make it a point to review the specifics.
Performance Specs for the Cisco Meraki Firewall MX250
Among other options on the market, the MX250 comes with a notable firewall throughput cap of 4 Gbps and support for 3,000 concurrent VPN tunnels. The MX250 is more diverse than it might seem on the surface.
Overall, I’d say this is more than suitable for those needing large-scale VPN concentration. Check out the table below for a little more insight into what you can expect from the MX250.
| Specifications | Meraki MX250 |
|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput | 4 Gbps |
| Advanced Security Throughput | 2 Gbps |
| VPN Throughput | 1 Gbps |
| Recommended Clients | 2,000 |
| Max Concurrent VPN Tunnels | 3,000 |
| WAN Interfaces | 2 x 10GbE SFP+ ports 1 x USB port for cellular failover |
| LAN Interfaces | 8 x GbE RJ45 ports 8 x GbE SFP ports 8 x 10GbE SFP+ ports |
Of course, this doesn’t even touch on the features and other capabilities involved with this firewall model. A few examples of this include things like intrusion prevention, malware defense, content filtering, and the list goes on.
MX250 Firewall Security Features
For those looking to buy Meraki, you have a lot of stellar security features to look forward to with the MX250. The short version is that, like other Meaki firewall models, the 250 is built to inspect and control network traffic in real time.
Within the full scope of the firewall’s security functions, you’re getting a unified system that eliminates the need for various disconnected tools. Aside from meeting enterprise network demands, the MX250 keeps a future-ready stance on protection.
Layer 7 Application-Aware Traffic Control
This inspects traffic at the app-level, instead of solely relying on ports and protocols. Moreover, it can identify specific apps, even when traffic is encrypted or sharing the same ports.
I like to note another benefit about this is the precise control over how different applications use resources across your network. Outside of improving general security, this assists with detecting and managing risky app behavior patterns.
Intrusion Prevention with Cisco SNORT
If you aren’t already familiar, the Cisco SNORT engine is there to help detect and prevent network intrusions. This feature works to analyze traffic in real time while looking for known attack signatures and suspicious behavior.
Better yet, it can automatically block, alert, or quarantine malicious traffic and protect against a variety of threats. Common threat types include things like port scans, exploits, or DoS attacks.
Advanced Malware Protection (AMP)
You want AMP in your corner as it focuses on continuously scanning files moving across the network. It compares files against Cisco’s global threat intelligence database, and quickly blocks malicious files before they can start doing any damage.
Another important note about AMP is that it comes with retrospective detection and reduces reliance on alternative tools for malware protection. All in all, your network benefits from deeper threat visibility.
Content Filtering and Geo-IP Security
By having content filtering and Geo-IP security policies in place, the MX250 restricts access to non-business-related online content. Not only does this help as a security measure, but it also helps to streamline workflow for employees as well.
Making use of Geo-IP controls filters traffic by geographic region, and is a big component in supporting compliance demands tied to your location. In addition to that, these security features give your admins the flexible control they need over network access policies.
Cloud Management and Monitoring
A much-needed support system for any modern business, cloud management is important for network security as well. The MX250 is managed through the cloud-based Cisco Meraki Dashboard.
Centralizing visibility is only one angle to this, as admins can configure policies, manage settings, and help ensure consistency with configuration. This is especially important if you’re dealing with multiple locations. Add on the support of automated firmware updates and security patches, and IT teams have one less thing to worry about.
Should You Buy Meraki MX Firewall 250?
When it comes to Meraki firewall models, the MX250 stands out as a solid option for many types of organizations. It does best within large-scale enterprise networks, but that isn’t the only factor you should consider.
Here are a few core notes to keep in mind when it comes to your decision-making:
- Best suited for businesses needing centralized control, visibility, and advanced security
- Not ideal for small or newer businesses, but high-capacity networks
- Enables consistent security policies and segmentation across multiple locations
- Promises strong VPN capabilities for secure site-to-site and remote connectivity
- Offers flexible interface options from Gigabit Ethernet to copper and fiber connectivity
Sure, it’s a lot to take in, but these are the details that you’ll want to match up against your real-world network demands. You can also work alongside the experts, whether it’s choosing the firewall or long-term upkeep; that’s where managed services can help a ton. Regardless of the size of your business, you don’t have to put the weight of every IT decision on your own team.
The Final Word
With the Meraki MX firewall 250, you’re looking at an enterprise-grade firewall that’s more than equipped for growing, large-scale networks. From an all-encompassing standpoint, the firewall combines multiple security functions with a focus on delivering a unified system.
For organizations dealing with heavy VPN usage or needing support for cloud-based management, the MX250 is a winning choice. Our team at Firewalls.com is here when you need us, from finding the right hardware to a team of experts you can lean on when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cisco Meraki MX250 Firewall Used For?
The MX250 is an enterprise firewall designed for large branch offices and campus networks that need high-performance security and centralized cloud management.
How Many Users Can the MX250 Support?
It can support up to around 2,000 users in high-traffic enterprise environments.
What are the Key Security Features of the MX250?
It includes Layer 7 app control, intrusion prevention with Cisco SNORT, AMP, and content filtering with Geo-IP policies, to name a few.
Does the MX250 Support VPN Connectivity?
Yes, it supports up to 1 Gbps VPN throughput and can handle up to 3,000 concurrent VPN tunnels.
Is the Meraki MX250 Suitable for Smaller Companies?
Unfortunately no, the firewall is mainly built for large-scale and growing enterprise networks.
