Promising enterprise-grade performance, Meraki MS Switches 120 vs 130 are known for their enterprise-grade performance and cloud-based management. From small to large network environments, these switches offer a relatively compact solution and easy setup.
While they share a few similarities, it’s helpful to understand the differences to better align your business objectives with the right hardware. It’s also important to note that although both models come with a few variations, I’ll be focusing on what the base models have to offer.
The 130 expands on the Meraki MS 120 in a few ways, but that doesn’t automatically make it the better option. In this article, you’ll learn about Meraki MS Switches 120 vs 130, the key differences in specifications, and which is best for your needs.
An Overview of the Meraki Switch
With many Meraki switch models to choose from, it can be a bit challenging to hone in on what works best. In the same vein, regardless of the model, there are several notable features that you can pretty much find across the board.
A few examples include their plug-and-play setup, centralized dashboard for real-time visibility and configuration control, and scalable design. On top of that, the cloud-based management makes for easy deployment and monitoring.
One could say that any of these switches would be a great choice, but it’s still crucial to align the right model with your current network architecture. More specifically, focusing on what makes the MS120 Meraki and MS130 unique from one another.
What is the Meraki MS 120?
Focusing on the MS120 compact switch model, you’re getting cloud-managed Layer 2 access with a space-saving design. Perfect for branch offices and retail locations, it also promises high performance, regardless of its size.
Here are a few important highlights to look into:
- Switching Capacity: Up to 104 Gbps
- PoE Capabilities: Up to 124W
- Uplink Capability: Up to 4 x 1G SFP ports
- Layer & Feature Set: Layer 2 access switching with essential enterprise features
Between the two Cisco Meraki models, the MS120 is more than enough for a lot of smaller operations. However, for those who have a bit more space to worry about, the 130 might be the better option.
What is the Meraki MS 130?
The 130 is also a Layer 2 access switch; the MS130 is designed for branch and campus-level deployments. Supporting modern network demands, this model promises zero-touch provisioning and the Meraki dashboard management you can rely on.
Here’s how it compares to the specs mentioned above:
- Switching Capacity: Up to 200 Gbps
- PoE Capabilities: Up to 740W
- Uplink Capability: 1G and 10G SFP+ uplinks available
- Layer & Feature Set: Enhanced Layer 2 features with more robust QoS options and better scalability for large networks
Differences aside, the Meraki MS130 is more than viable as a future-ready deployment option. Between the thorough security, network visibility, and scalability, it’s a great option for many larger organizations.
Sizing up Meraki MS Switches 120 vs 130
Sure, there is a long list of Meraki switch models you could sort through, but there’s no reason to overlook what these base models can offer. Even then, you have several variations you can choose from to really fine-tune your options. When it comes to the 120 and 130, the table below offers a clear-cut look into the differences.
| Specification | Meraki MS120 | Meraki MS130 |
|---|---|---|
| Switching Capacity | Up to 104 Gbps | Up to 200 Gbps |
| PoE Capabilities | Up to 124W | Up to 740W |
| Uplink Capability | 4 x 1G SFP ports | 1G SFP and 10G SFP+ available |
| Layer & Feature Set | Layer 2 access switching with essential enterprise features | Enhanced Layer 2 features with more robust QoS and better scalability |
| Deployment Target | Branch offices and retail locations | Branch and campus-level deployments, large network environments |
| Port Densities | 8, 24, and 48 ports | 8, 12, 24, and 48 ports |
| Design Highlights | Space-saving, fanless options on select models | Higher capacity, enhanced QoS, supports future wireless deployments |
This can all get pretty technical, but it’s important to remember that specs can change between model variations. Many of the specs mentioned focus on the full capacity of what either model is capable of, but that doesn’t mean the specs are universal. Whether you’re working with eight ports or 48 ports, you can expect the numbers to differ here and there.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of the model variations, the Meraki MS 120 is best for smaller networks, while the MS 130 is geared for larger deployments. Switching capacity and PoE capability are much higher with the 130, as well as many other specifications.
However, that doesn’t mean smaller operations should overlook what the 120 has to offer. If you could use a little more guidance on the topic, get in touch with our team members at Firewalls to find the exact model that’s best for your network.
