The Cisco Meraki MS150 series is the latest addition to Cisco’s robust lineup of cloud-managed switches, offering advanced features, scalability, and seamless management capabilities. Designed specifically for branch and campus deployments, the MS150 switches cater to organizations looking for a reliable and scalable network infrastructure solution. These switches combine the flexibility of modern hardware with the power of the Meraki Dashboard, enabling IT teams to manage networks with ease and efficiency.
With its range of models and configurations, the MS150 Meraki series supports growing network demands and simplifies the process of managing wired and wireless infrastructure. Understanding its features and configurations is key to maximizing your investment in this cutting-edge solution.
Meraki MS150 Hardware and Performance
Port Configurations for Diverse Network Needs
The Meraki MS150 series offers a variety of port configurations to suit different deployment scenarios. These include combinations of 1G Ethernet, mGig (100M/1G/2.5G/5G), and 10G SFP+ ports. This flexibility allows organizations to connect a wide range of devices, from standard workstations to high-bandwidth access points and servers. The availability of mGig ports ensures future-proofing as more devices adopt higher-speed capabilities.
Stacking for Scalability
Stacking is a standout feature of the MS150 series. Each switch has two dedicated stacking ports, providing 80 Gbps of stacking bandwidth. This capability allows up to eight switches to operate as a single unit, simplifying management and scaling network capacity. Stacking ensures high performance and seamless failover, making it easier to grow your network without disrupting operations.
Power Efficiency and PoE Support
The MS150 models come with Power over Ethernet (PoE) options, supporting both PoE+ and PoE++ standards. Select models can deliver up to 60W per port, accommodating power-hungry devices such as Wi-Fi 6 access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones. With total PoE budgets ranging from 370W to 740W, the MS150 series can handle dense deployments without additional power infrastructure. The switches are designed with energy efficiency in mind, minimizing power consumption while maximizing performance.
Meraki MS150 Cloud Management and Automation
Simplified Network Management
The Meraki Dashboard is at the core of the MS150 Meraki series’ management capabilities. This cloud-based platform provides administrators with a centralized interface to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot their networks. The intuitive design reduces the complexity of managing large-scale deployments, making it accessible even to smaller IT teams.
Automation for Efficiency
The MS150 series supports a range of automation features that streamline network operations. Automatic firmware updates ensure that all devices remain secure and up to date, while tools like remote packet capture and Syslog integration simplify troubleshooting. With these capabilities, IT administrators can proactively address issues and optimize network performance.
Advanced Features for Control
The MS150 switches include advanced control features such as VLAN management, port scheduling, and Quality of Service (QoS) settings. These features allow organizations to prioritize critical traffic and ensure optimal performance for applications like video conferencing and VoIP.
Security and Control
Layer 3 Routing Capabilities
Layer 3 routing is available across the MS150 series, enabling efficient traffic management and network segmentation. This functionality is crucial for larger deployments where dynamic routing between VLANs is necessary to optimize performance and reduce bottlenecks.
Enhanced Security Features
The MS150 series incorporates robust security measures to protect your network. Dynamic ARP Inspection and DHCP Snooping prevent spoofing attacks, while Adaptive Policies offer role-based access control to ensure only authorized users and devices can access specific resources. These features make the MS150 an excellent choice for organizations with stringent security requirements.
MS150 Model Variants
Choosing the Right Model
The MS150 series includes multiple models tailored to different use cases. Organizations can select the model that best matches their requirements in terms of port count, PoE budget, and performance capabilities.
Model Comparison
| Model | 1G RJ45 Ports | mGig Ports | 1G SFP Ports | 10G SFP+ Ports | PoE Type | PoE Port Budget | PoE Switch Budget | Switching Capacity | Stacking Bandwidth |
| MS150-24T-4G | 24 | – | 4 | – | None | – | – | 56 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
| MS150-24P-4G | 24 | – | 4 | – | 802.3bt | 30W | 370W | 56 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
| MS150-24T-4X | 24 | – | – | 4 | None | – | – | 128 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
| MS150-24P-4X | 24 | – | – | 4 | 802.3bt | 30W | 370W | 128 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
| MS150-48T-4X | 48 | – | – | 4 | None | – | – | 176 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
| MS150-48LP-4X | 48 | – | – | 4 | 802.3bt | 30W | 370W | 176 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
| MS150-48FP-4X | 48 | – | – | 4 | 802.3bt | 30W | 740W | 176 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
| MS150-48T-4G | 48 | – | 4 | – | None | – | – | 104 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
| MS150-48LP-4G | 48 | – | 4 | – | 802.3bt | 30W | 370W | 104 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
| MS150-48FP-4G | 48 | – | 4 | – | 802.3bt | 30W | 740W | 104 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
| MS150-24MP-4X | 16 | 8 | – | 4 | 802.3bt | 60W | 370W | 192 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
| MS150-48MP-4X | 32 | 16 | – | 4 | 802.3bt | 60W | 740W | 304 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
Key Notes:
- mGig Ports: Available only on the MS150-24MP-4X and MS150-48MP-4X models, supporting speeds up to 5 Gbps.
- PoE Support: PoE types and budgets vary by model, with PoE++ (802.3bt) available on select models for higher power delivery.
- Switching Capacity: Varies depending on the number of ports and supported features.
- Stacking: All models support 80 Gbps stacking bandwidth for scalability and redundancy.
Configuration and Setup
Setting Up the Meraki MS150
Getting started with the MS150 is straightforward. After unboxing, connect the switch to your network using an RJ45 or SFP/SFP+ port. Log in to the Meraki Dashboard to claim the device and assign it to a network. Once added, the switch will automatically download the latest firmware and begin communicating with the dashboard.
Advanced Configuration Options
For more complex setups, the MS150 supports advanced features such as creating VLANs, configuring QoS policies, and enabling Layer 3 routing. IT teams can also set up switch stacks to simplify management in multi-switch deployments.
Licensing Options
Enterprise and Advanced Licenses
The Meraki MS150 series is compatible with Cisco Meraki’s flexible licensing options:
- Enterprise License: Covers core features like Layer 2 switching, basic security, and cloud management.
- Advanced License: Adds capabilities such as Adaptive Policies and enhanced security controls, ideal for larger or more complex environments.
Licenses are available for 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 years, providing flexibility to match your organization’s needs.
Accessories and Compatibility
To maximize the potential of your MS150 switch, Cisco Meraki offers a range of compatible accessories. Stacking cables enable seamless integration of multiple switches, while SFP and SFP+ modules provide high-speed uplink options. Additionally, the MS150 works seamlessly with other Meraki products, creating a unified and efficient network infrastructure.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Proactive Monitoring
The Meraki Dashboard simplifies maintenance by providing real-time network insights and automated alerts. Status indicators on the switch itself also allow for quick diagnostics of connectivity and power issues.
Resolving Common Issues
For common issues like firmware update delays or connectivity problems, administrators can use tools like the local status page or contact Cisco Meraki support. The intuitive dashboard ensures that most problems can be resolved without extensive downtime.
Why Choose the Meraki MS150?
Scalability and Performance
The Cisco Meraki MS150 series is built to grow with your organization. Its stacking capabilities, wide range of models, and advanced features make it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes.
Simplified Management
With the Meraki Dashboard, managing even the most complex network becomes a breeze. Features like remote management and automatic updates reduce the burden on IT teams, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives.
Robust Security
Advanced security features ensure that your network remains protected against evolving threats, making the MS150 an excellent investment for organizations with stringent compliance requirements.
Let’s Conclude
The Cisco Meraki MS150 series offers the perfect blend of performance, scalability, and ease of management. Whether you’re upgrading an existing network or building a new one, the MS150 provides the tools and flexibility needed to support your organization’s goals.
If you’re ready to explore how the Meraki MS150 can transform your network, contact Stratus Informational Systems today for personalized guidance and solutions tailored to your business needs.
