A reliable part of the Cisco network hardware lineup, the MX64 is a cloud-managed firewall that has been supporting small business networks for years. Moreover, it has always been seen as a great option for companies needing simple, centralized network security.
It’s important to note that the Meraki MX firewall met its end of sale in 2022, and its end-of-life (EOL) date is coming in July 2027. This article highlights some of its best features, how to take full advantage of what it’s capable of, and how to prepare for a transition down the road.
Key Takeaways:
- The Cisco MX64 is a cloud-managed firewall designed for small businesses and branch office deployments
- It delivers core security features like VPN, SD-WAN, traffic shaping, and basic UTM capabilities
- The MX64 reached end-of-sale in 2022 and will reach end-of-life in July 2027
- It uses a tiered licensing model to scale security features
- Businesses should plan upgrades within the Cisco Meraki ecosystem for performance continuity and an easy transition
Why the Meraki MX64 Still Matters
The scope of Meraki firewall models are widely used in small businesses and distributed enterprise environments. This is heavily due to its overall reliability, scalability, and security capabilities.
Here’s why the MX64 still matters for existing users:
- Cisco’s ecosystem supports routing, switching, and security for small offices to large global networks
- Even as a part of older Meraki firewalls, the MX64 continues to demonstrate the value of cloud-managed simplicity
- It remains relevant as a unified security appliance, combining VPN, traffic control, and basic UTM features
- The firewall device still serves as a functional baseline for understanding MX capabilities before it’s time to upgrade
Whether you’re an existing user or just discovering the MX64 for the first time, it’s one of the best starting points for small to growing networks. While its EOL is on the way in 2027, you can still make the most of it until it’s time to climb the ranks in Meraki firewalls.
Cisco Meraki MX64 Firewall Overview
The Cisco Meraki MX64 may be one of many entry-level firewalls, but it provides an impressive security performance in its own right. From small offices to branch deployments, it’s able to support 26 to 35 users.
Moreover, the firewall hardware is lightweight and prioritizes simplicity and cloud manageability over high-performance processing. Part of what makes it so easy to adapt to is that it enables centralized cloud-based security control.
This supports network control between multiple small locations from a single dashboard, a breeze. For a little more context, the table below offers some insight into what you can get out of the specifications.
| Specifications | Cisco Meraki MX64 |
|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput | 250 Mbps |
| Advanced Security Throughput | 200 Mbps |
| Max VPN Throughput | 100 Mbps |
| Max Concurrent VPN tunnels | 50 |
| WAN Interfaces | 1 x GbE RJ45 1 x USB 1 x GbE RJ45 (Dual-purpose) |
| LAN Interfaces | 4 x GbE RJ45 |
Cisco network firewalls are surprisingly easy to understand if you’ve never looked into them. Outside of the cloud-focused nature of this firewall, the fine print is easy to digest for new and growing companies. Nevertheless, another focal point on making the most out of this firewall is understanding the capabilities of its security licenses.
Security Licensing Options for Cisco Network Hardware
For those who aren’t already aware, the MX64 utilizes a tiered licensing model. This gives you the ability to scale security features based on business needs as they change over time. Overall, you have three main options to choose from here.
Enterprise License
With this particular license, site-to-site VPN is enabled, and it includes SD-WAN capabilities for optimized and flexible traffic routing. Moreover, it also offers traffic shaping and prioritization to manage bandwidth for critical apps.
It works as a foundational layer for managing small business network firewalls and focuses on essential connectivity and performance. Keep in mind, this license skips out on the advanced security add-ons.
Advanced Security License
If you go this route, you’ll get content and web search filtering to easily control user internet access. The security license also includes an intrusion prevention system, which is powered by Cisco SNORT tech.
In addition to this, your network benefits from Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) and enhanced visibility into threats and network activity. All in all, the Advanced Security License converts the MX64 into a full UTM security appliance.
Secure SD-WAN Plus Security License
For those hoping for something more feature-rich, the Secure SD-WAN Plus License isn’t a bad way to go. It enables cloud-based centralized management and even supports Auto VPN for automatic, secure site-to-site connectivity.
You can’t forget the upside of zero-touch provisioning, and the 24/7 enterprise-level support doesn’t hurt either. In short, this license is best suited for distributed Meraki firewall environments needing scalable control and simplicity.
Scaling Beyond the Cisco Network Hardware MX64
Regardless of how viable the MX64 may still be for small businesses, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for an upgrade. Considering the EOL date is coming mid-2027, it’s best to keep your options open ahead of time.
Thankfully, Cisco Meraki hardware offers a clear upgrade path, with numerous options to choose from. Organizations can easily transition from one model to the next. In addition to that, the cloud-based policy migration helps preserve existing configuration and security rules during upgrades.
Staying within the Meraki lineup guarantees a consistent dashboard and unified firewall management setup. With this ecosystem-focused approach, you can minimize network strain and potentially disrupting your daily operations.
As always, managed services are also an option if you want to take this task entirely off your plate. Not only does this help with firewall transitions, but it also offers the support you need for setup, 24/7 monitoring, and expert guidance with every necessary step.
The Final Word
When it comes to Cisco network hardware, the MX64 is undoubtedly a reliable entry-level cloud-managed solution. From essential security features like SD-WAN, VPN, and basic UTM, it was a great starter option for younger companies.
Nevertheless, the MX64’s EOL shows up in 2027, and companies should start planning upgrades early to avoid any security limitations. Of course, we’re here when you’re ready to make a transition, so don’t hesitate to contact our team at Firewalls.com for the long-term support your business network needs.
FAQ
Is the Cisco Meraki MX64 Still Supported?
Yes, the MX64 is still supported, but it reached end-of-sale in 2022 and will reach end-of-life in July 2027.
How Many Users Can the MX64 Support?
The MX64 is designed for small offices and typically supports around 26 to 35 users.
What Security Features Does the MX64 Include?
It supports SD-WAN, VPN, traffic shaping, and, depending on licensing, advanced features like IPS, content filtering, and malware protection.
What are the Main MX64 Licensing Options?
The main licenses are Enterprise, Advanced, and Secure SD-WAN Plus, each adding progressively more security and management features.
Should Businesses Upgrade From the MX64?
Yes, companies should plan upgrades ahead of the 2027 EOL. This ensures continued security, performance, and access to updated firewall features.
