Meraki MX85 Router/Security Appliance

The Cisco Meraki MX85 is a next-generation cloud-managed security appliance designed for mid-sized businesses and distributed branch environments. It delivers a complete networking and security solution, including robust SD-WAN capabilities and a stateful Layer 7 firewall with 1 Gbps throughput, providing seamless security and network performance. The MX85 is designed to handle up to 250 users, making it ideal for businesses with growing network demands.

With 8 LAN ports, 2 SFP ports, and multiple WAN uplinks (including a PoE+ RJ45 port), the MX85 offers versatile connectivity for a wide range of deployment scenarios. Additionally, it supports advanced security features like content filtering, Advanced Malware Protection (AMP), and Intrusion Detection & Prevention (IDS/IPS), ensuring that your network is safeguarded from modern threats. The appliance is managed entirely through the Meraki Dashboard, enabling centralized control and real-time monitoring from any location.

The MX85 is optimized for secure SD-WAN, allowing businesses to replace costly MPLS with a cost-efficient, reliable WAN solution. It dynamically monitors application performance and intelligently routes traffic based on real-time analytics, ensuring optimal performance for critical applications across the network. The appliance’s zero-touch provisioning enables rapid deployment, reducing the need for on-site configuration, while its cloud-based management simplifies ongoing operations.

Benefits to Your Business

The Cisco Meraki MX85 offers numerous benefits to businesses, starting with its cost savings through SD-WAN functionality, which reduces reliance on expensive MPLS circuits. By utilizing public internet connections, businesses can maintain high-quality application performance without incurring the high costs associated with traditional WAN setups. This is especially beneficial for distributed businesses with multiple branch locations that need secure and reliable connections.

The appliance’s security features ensure that businesses in industries such as retail, healthcare, and education can protect sensitive data and meet compliance requirements. With features like content filtering, advanced malware protection, and intrusion prevention, the MX85 defends against a wide array of threats, reducing the risk of data breaches and network downtime. The centralized management offered by the Meraki Dashboard allows IT administrators to quickly troubleshoot issues, deploy configurations, and maintain a secure network without needing to be physically on-site.

Additionally, the MX85’s scalability makes it a future-proof solution for growing businesses. As the number of users and devices in your network grows, the MX85 can handle increased traffic without sacrificing performance. Its PoE+ port supports devices like wireless access points and IP cameras, simplifying deployments and reducing the need for additional power sources.

Key Features and Specifications

• Firewall Throughput: Delivers 1 Gbps of stateful firewall throughput, providing high-performance network security.
• VPN Support: Supports up to 200 concurrent VPN tunnels with 1 Gbps VPN throughput, enabling secure site-to-site communication.
• SD-WAN: Optimizes traffic across multiple WAN links, with automatic failover and policy-based routing to ensure application performance.
• Security Features: Includes Layer 7 firewall, content filtering, AMP, IDS/IPS, and granular control over applications and users.
• Advanced QoE Analytics: Monitors application health and performance across the LAN, WAN, and cloud to identify and resolve issues quickly.
• WAN Uplinks: Supports 2x 1GbE SFP ports and 2x 1GbE RJ45 WAN ports, including 1 PoE+ port for added versatility in deployment.
• Cloud-Based Management: Managed via the Meraki Dashboard, allowing for real-time monitoring, remote troubleshooting, and configuration changes.
• USB Failover: A USB 2.0 port provides 3G/4G connectivity for failover scenarios.

Integration with Other Meraki Products

The Cisco Meraki MX85 integrates seamlessly with other Meraki products, including MR access points, MS switches, and MV security cameras, providing a unified networking and security solution. All Meraki devices can be managed through the Meraki Dashboard, allowing for streamlined configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting across your entire network infrastructure.

This integration ensures that security policies are consistently enforced across all network layers, from endpoint devices to the cloud. The Auto VPN feature allows for simple, secure site-to-site VPN connections between branch locations, ensuring that remote offices remain connected to headquarters without the need for complex setups. The MX85’s compatibility with Meraki’s security and networking products helps businesses deploy a scalable, cohesive network solution with centralized control.

Licensing

The Cisco Meraki MX85 requires a cloud management license to access the full suite of features, including security updates, advanced analytics, and technical support. Licensing is available in flexible terms, ranging from 1 to 10 years, allowing businesses to select the option that best suits their needs. The licenses ensure continuous access to Meraki’s cloud management platform, enabling businesses to keep their network infrastructure secure and up-to-date.