Optimize Your Network Setup With The Best Meraki Switches

John Ciarlone John Ciarlone
15 minute read

Choosing the right network switch is crucial. A reliable and efficient switch supports uninterrupted connectivity, enhances productivity, and ensures your network can handle the demands of modern applications. Cisco Meraki switches are known for their cloud-managed solutions, providing a perfect balance of simplicity, scalability, and robust security.

For business owners, the right switches go beyond being mere tools—they form the backbone of a network designed to support growth, minimize downtime, and offer full control and visibility. Cisco Meraki switches meet these needs, delivering high performance while simplifying network management with an intuitive cloud dashboard.

Introducing Meraki Switches

Cisco Meraki switches provide dependable, scalable, and user-friendly networking solutions. Built for enterprise-grade performance, they support critical operations with reliable connectivity. With seamless scalability and energy-efficient designs, Meraki switches simplify network management while addressing the unique challenges of modern business environments.

Key Features

The following are some of the key features and specifications that make Cisco Meraki switches an excellent choice for work networks, ensuring secure, efficient, and scalable connectivity:

  • Reliable, enterprise-grade hardware: Meraki switches are built with enterprise-grade components, ensuring consistent performance, minimal downtime, and durability in demanding environments to support high-volume data transfers.

  • Effortless scaling with zero-touch and cloud management: Zero-touch provisioning and intuitive cloud-based management allow remote deployment and configuration through the Meraki Dashboard, making network expansion simple and scalable without on-site expertise.

  • Integrated tools for network reliability: Meraki switches include Layer 7 application visibility, real-time analytics, and automated alerts, enabling quick performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and stable network operation.

  • Energy-efficient, quiet design: Meraki switches operate efficiently, consuming low power to reduce energy costs. Their quiet operation minimizes noise distractions in office environments while maintaining high performance.

  • Flexible stacking and advanced ethernet capabilities: Meraki switches support flexible stacking, creating a unified system for greater bandwidth. Advanced Ethernet capabilities like Power over Ethernet (PoE) ensure seamless device connectivity.

  • Seamless compatibility and secure access: Meraki switches integrate easily with existing components and support secure operations through network segmentation and role-based access controls to protect sensitive data.

Why Meraki Switches Are Great For Network Setups

Cisco Meraki switches are perfect for building and maintaining a reliable, scalable network. Their features streamline network management, supporting business growth with ease. Meraki's "Full Stack" solutions integrate switches, wireless access points, security appliances, and more into one cloud-managed platform. 

This unified approach simplifies network management, allowing businesses to oversee their entire infrastructure from a single, intuitive dashboard.

Cisco Meraki Full Stack: Redefine Network Management

The Full Stack ensures seamless compatibility between devices, reducing complexities typically found in multi-vendor environments. With features like automated updates, centralized management, and advanced analytics, businesses can optimize network performance while minimizing maintenance and troubleshooting time.

The Meraki Full Stack is a game-changer for business owners and IT pros, offering a unified system that boosts operational efficiency and scalability. Whether managing a growing hybrid workforce, securing sensitive data, or overseeing a multi-location network, Cisco Meraki's Full Stack simplifies and redefines network management.

Key Considerations When Choosing The Best Switch

Every business has unique networking requirements, and selecting the right Cisco Meraki switches begins with understanding your specific requirements. With a variety of options available, Meraki switches can be customized to fit organizations of all sizes and industries. To find the ideal fit, it's essential to align the features and capabilities of the switches with your business goals. 

Here are the key factors to consider when selecting Cisco Meraki switches for your network:

  • Determining your network's size and requirements: Smaller businesses need fewer ports, while larger networks require switches with higher port density (2.5,5,10G ports), advanced features, and stacking options to support heavy traffic.

  • Understanding the different Meraki models: From entry-level to enterprise-grade, Meraki switches cater to different network needs, offering basic features for small businesses and advanced capabilities for larger setups.

  • Security features: Meraki switches offer role-based access control, network segmentation, and cloud-managed security tools to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry standards.

  • Desired level of control: Meraki switches provide cloud-based management for easy monitoring. For more control, advanced settings and detailed analytics are available for optimization.

  • Scalability options: Meraki switches offer flexible stacking and easy integration of additional devices, allowing your network to grow without a major infrastructure overhaul.

  • Budgeting and cost considerations: Meraki switches fit various budgets, with the cloud-managed platform reducing operational costs and simplifying network management without the need for on-site IT resources.

Most Recommended Cisco Meraki Switches For Your Network

Cisco Meraki offers switches tailored to businesses of all sizes. From compact solutions for small offices to high-capacity models for large networks, Meraki has you covered. With features like cloud management, advanced security, and scalability, these switches simplify network management while supporting long-term growth and flexibility.

Meraki MS120 Series

The Cisco Meraki MS120 Series is a family of cloud-managed Layer 2 access switches that provide reliable and straightforward network connectivity for small to medium-sized businesses and branch offices. These switches combine essential networking features with Meraki's user-friendly cloud management platform, enabling effortless configuration and monitoring.

Key Features:

  • Cloud management: Centralized, remote management through the Meraki Dashboard for quick configuration, real-time monitoring, and seamless troubleshooting.

  • PoE options: PoE and PoE+ models provide power to connected devices like IP phones, cameras, and access points, eliminating the need for separate power sources.

  • Scalability: Virtual stacking allows management of thousands of ports across multiple locations through a single interface, simplifying network expansion.

  • Energy-efficient design: Fanless models offer silent operation, ideal for noise-sensitive environments like offices.

Meraki MS125 Series

The Cisco Meraki MS125 Series is ideal for advanced Layer 3 routing needs, offering cloud-managed Layer 2 access switches with enhanced scalability and connectivity, making it perfect for branch offices, campus environments, or organizations that require high-performance networking and seamless expansion.

Key Features:

  • Cloud management: Manage your network through the Meraki Dashboard for seamless configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting from anywhere.

  • 10G SFP+ uplinks: High-speed uplinks support smooth data transmission, making them ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications.

  • PoE and PoE+ support: Models deliver power to connected devices like access points, cameras, and IP phones, reducing the need for extra power sources.

  • Virtual stacking: Manage thousands of ports from a single interface, simplifying operations across multiple locations.

  • Energy-efficient design: Fanless models ensure quiet operation, making them perfect for office environments.

Meraki MS130 Series

The Cisco Meraki MS130 Series offers cloud-managed Layer 2 access switches, ideal for branch offices, small campuses, or organizations with growing network demands. With ten different models, the MS130 Series caters to diverse networking needs, providing flexibility and scalability for businesses of all sizes.

Key Features:

  • Cloud management: Manage your network remotely through the intuitive Meraki Dashboard, simplifying configuration and monitoring.

  • High-speed connectivity: Supports 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 and 2.5GbE RJ45 interfaces, ensuring reliable, high-speed connectivity for various bandwidth requirements.

  • Robust security: IPv4/6 ACL support and 802.1X authentication enforce strict access control policies to protect network integrity.

  • Granular control: 802.1Q VLAN tagging and DHCP snooping enable precise network segmentation and policy enforcement, optimizing performance and security.

  • PoE capabilities: Supports 802.3bt PoE, delivering up to 30W per port, enabling the deployment of PoE-enabled devices without extra power sources.

Meraki MS150 Series

Future-proof your network with stackable access switches designed for Wi-Fi 7 and IoT deployments. The Cisco Meraki MS150 Series enhances scalability, security, and resilience, making it ideal for large campuses, enterprise branch offices, or organizations anticipating high device density and bandwidth needs.

Key Features:

  • Power for Wi-Fi 7 and IoT: Supports up to 740W power budget, ideal for powering Wi-Fi 7 and IoT devices across your network.

  • Diverse PoE options: Includes 30W PoE+ and 60W PoE++ models to power high-demand devices like access points and cameras.

  • Stackable design: Stack up to eight MS150 switches with two dedicated stacking ports, simplifying network expansion.

  • High-speed connectivity: Offers 5GbE mGig and 10GbE SFP+ uplinks for high-speed, future-proofed network performance.

  • Zero-touch provisioning: Simplifies deployment and reduces on-site configuration efforts with automatic, cloud-based setup.

Meraki MS210 Series

The Cisco Meraki MS210 Series offers cloud-managed Layer 2 stackable switches with basic Layer 3 routing capabilities, making them ideal for branch offices, small campuses, or medium-sized organizations that require reliable performance and scalability.

Key Features:

  • Cloud management: Manage your network remotely through the intuitive Meraki dashboard, simplifying configuration and monitoring.

  • Stacking capabilities: Two dedicated stacking ports provide 80Gbps of stacking bandwidth, enabling seamless scalability and simplified management of multiple switches.

  • PoE options: Select models offer PoE/PoE+ support, delivering power to various connected devices like IP phones and cameras.

  • Layer 3 routing: Basic static routing enhances network performance and flexibility, ideal for small to medium-sized deployments.

  • Energy-efficient design: Fanless operation in certain models ensures silent performance, perfect for office environments.

Meraki MS225 Series

The Cisco Meraki MS225 Series offers cloud-managed Layer 2 access switches with advanced Layer 3 routing features, making it ideal for branch locations or medium-sized organizations, such as retail chains, educational campuses, or branch offices that require high performance and scalability.

Key Features:

  • Cloud management: Manage your network remotely through the intuitive Meraki Dashboard, simplifying configuration and monitoring.

  • Stacking capabilities: Two dedicated stacking ports provide 80Gbps of stacking bandwidth, enabling seamless scalability and simplified management of multiple switches.

  • 10G SFP+ uplinks: High-speed uplinks ensure future-proofing for demanding branch and office environments.

  • PoE options: Select models offer PoE/PoE+ support, delivering power to devices like IP phones and cameras.

  • Energy-efficient design: Fanless operation in certain models ensures silent performance, making them ideal for office environments.

Meraki MS250 Series

The Cisco Meraki MS250 Series offers reliable access switching, ideal for branch and small campus deployments. With stacking capabilities and 10G SFP+ uplinks, it ensures redundancy and performance, making it perfect for growing businesses or organizations with moderate traffic demands.

Key Features:

  • Cloud management: Manage your network remotely through the intuitive Meraki dashboard, simplifying configuration and monitoring.

  • Stacking capabilities: Two dedicated stacking ports provide 80Gbps of stacking bandwidth, enabling seamless scalability and simplified management of multiple switches.

  • 10G SFP+ uplinks: High-speed uplinks ensure future-proofing for demanding branch and office environments.

  • PoE options: Select models offer PoE/PoE+ support, delivering power to connected devices like IP phones and cameras.

  • Redundant power supplies: Supports redundant, field-replaceable power supplies, ensuring reliability for mission-critical networks.

Meraki MS390 Series

The Cisco Meraki MS390 Series delivers next-level performance and versatility, making it ideal for large enterprises and demanding environments. Best for organizations with high-bandwidth needs, it combines cloud management simplicity with advanced hardware capabilities to support high-speed Wi-Fi 6 deployments and high-bandwidth applications.

Key Features:

  • Adaptive policy: Uses over-the-wire tagging to segment traffic into security groups, simplifying policy management and providing scalable security.

  • StackPower technology: Allows power pooling and distribution across up to four MS390 switches, ensuring resilient power in a ring topology.

  • High-performance stacking: Supports physical stacking of up to eight switches with 480Gbps of stacking bandwidth, enabling faster convergence and simplified management.

  • Modular uplinks: Offers flexibility with modular 10G and 40G uplink options, supporting diverse network architectures and future growth.

  • Advanced security features: Includes NetFlow version 10 (IPFIX) and Encrypted Traffic Analytics, enhancing network visibility and security.

Meraki MS355 Series

The Cisco Meraki MS355 Series is a line of multi-gigabit switches designed to meet the increasing bandwidth demands of modern networks, particularly with the 802.11ax wireless standard. Best for environments with substantial wireless deployments, such as universities, hospitals, and large public complexes, these switches ensure high performance and scalability.

Key Features:

  • Multi-gigabit ports: Each model includes multiple mGig RJ45 ports capable of negotiating speeds up to 10Gbps, ensuring high-speed connectivity for next-gen access points and devices.

  • High bandwidth stacking: Equipped with 100G hardware stacking ports, the MS355 Series supports up to 400Gbps stacking bandwidth, simplifying switch management and scalability.

  • Layer 3 switching: Includes OSPF routing, DHCP server capabilities, and multicast routing (PIM-SM), enhancing network performance and flexibility.

  • Power over Ethernet (PoE): Supports UPoE with a power budget of up to 740W, delivering power to devices like IP phones, cameras, and access points.

  • Redundant power supplies and fans: Features hot-swappable power supplies and fans, ensuring continuous operation and minimizing downtime in mission-critical environments.

Meraki MS410 Series

The Cisco Meraki MS410 Series extends cloud management to the aggregation layer, offering 1/10G fiber aggregation switches tailored for medium-sized networks. It seamlessly integrates with access layer switches, delivering enterprise-class performance with ease of management.

Key Features:

  • Cloud management: Managed via the Cisco Meraki Dashboard, providing centralized control and visibility over the network.

  • High-performance stacking: Dual 40G hardware stacking ports deliver up to 160Gbps stacking bandwidth, supporting small and medium-sized enterprise environments.

  • Layer 3 switching: Supports Layer 3 routing, including OSPF, for enhanced network performance and flexibility.

  • Hot-swappable components: Features hot-swappable power supplies and fans, ensuring continuous operation and minimizing downtime.

  • Scalability: Available in 16 or 32 x 1G SFP port densities, with 10Gb SFP+ ports, accommodating various network sizes and requirements.

Meraki MS425 Series

The Cisco Meraki MS425 Series extends cloud management across the aggregation layer with 10/40G fiber aggregation switches. Best suited for use as an aggregation switch in medium to large enterprise networks, particularly for campus environments, it combines easy management with power and flexibility.

Key Features:

  • Cloud management: Managed via the Cisco Meraki Dashboard, providing centralized control and visibility over the network.

  • High-performance stacking: Equipped with two 40G QSFP+ uplink/stacking ports, delivering up to 160Gbps stacking bandwidth to support campus environments.

  • Layer 3 switching: Supports Layer 3 routing, including OSPF, enhancing network performance and flexibility.

  • Hot-swappable components: Features hot-swappable power supplies and fans, ensuring continuous operation and minimizing downtime.

  • Scalability: Available in 16 or 32 x 10G SFP+ port densities, both with 2 x 40G QSFP+ uplink/stacking ports, accommodating various network sizes and requirements.

Meraki MS450 Series

The Cisco Meraki MS450 Series is best suited for high-bandwidth network aggregation, particularly in scenarios requiring large data transfers between multiple access layer devices. With its high-speed 40G fiber ports and 100G uplinks, the MS450 is ideal for data centers or large enterprise networks with heavy traffic demands. 

Key Features:

  • Cloud management: Managed via the Cisco Meraki Dashboard, offering centralized control and visibility over the network.

  • High-performance stacking: Equipped with two dedicated stack ports, providing up to 400Gbps stacking bandwidth, enabling seamless scalability and simplified management.

  • Layer 3 switching: Supports comprehensive Layer 3 features, including OSPF routing, enhancing network performance and flexibility.

  • Hot-swappable components: Features hot-swappable power supplies and fans, ensuring continuous operation and minimizing downtime in mission-critical environments.

  • Advanced security: Includes 802.1X authentication, Dynamic ARP Inspection, and DHCP snooping, providing robust security to protect the network.

How Meraki Switch Improves Network Efficiency At Work

Meraki switches help businesses improve overall network performance and streamline network management with key features that make them a smart investment. Here are some of the practical benefits that can transform your business's network efficiency:

  • Simplified setup and maintenance: Meraki switches offer easy setup with cloud management, reducing time spent on installation and ongoing maintenance. The intuitive Dashboard allows remote configuration and faster troubleshooting.

  • Enhanced network security: Built-in security features like encrypted traffic, access control, and network segmentation protect sensitive data by preventing unauthorized access and ensuring secure communication.

  • Improved network performance: Meraki switches optimize performance with traffic prioritization and QoS, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring reliable, efficient connectivity for critical business applications.

Why Choose Hummingbird Networks?

When choosing the right Meraki switches for your business, Hummingbird Networks stands out as a trusted provider committed to delivering reliable, high-performance networking solutions. We understand that every business has unique needs, and we take pride in offering expert guidance to help you make informed decisions. 

Here are some of the reasons why Hummingbird Networks should be your go-to partner for all your Meraki switch needs:

20+ Years Of Expertise

With 20+ years of experience as a certified Cisco Meraki partner, Hummingbird Networks has built a reputation for delivering exceptional networking solutions. Our knowledgeable team is well-versed in handling large deployments, multi-site projects, and complex IT initiatives. 

We leverage our extensive expertise to guide businesses through every stage of their network journey, from planning and installation to ongoing support. Whether you're scaling up for growth or optimizing your existing infrastructure, Hummingbird Networks has the skills and experience to ensure your success.

Complimentary White Glove Solutions Engineers

At Hummingbird Networks, we offer complimentary Cisco/Meraki white glove solutions engineers to ensure your business achieves the best possible networking outcomes. Our experts work closely with you to understand your unique requirements, providing personalized recommendations and solutions tailored to your needs. 

Our process includes assessing your current infrastructure, envisioning successful outcomes, and selecting the best Meraki products and services to meet your goals. This hands-on approach ensures you receive the most effective, scalable, and cost-efficient networking solutions, setting your business up for long-term success.

Full Cisco And Meraki Catalog With Online Tools

At Hummingbird Networks, we offer access to a full Cisco and Meraki catalog featuring tens of thousands of products, giving you a wide range of networking solutions. By creating a business account and profile, you can enjoy quick checkouts, easily manage and track your website purchases, and receive exclusive offers and discounts. 

Our online quote creation tool streamlines the process, saving you time and improving accuracy. It also allows you to customize requests on the fly, ensuring you get the right solutions for your business needs.

Choose The Right Meraki Switch For Your Needs

Choosing the right Cisco Meraki switch is crucial for building a reliable, scalable, and easy-to-manage network that aligns with your business's needs. Consider factors like network size, required features, and scalability. Meraki switches offer the flexibility to support your goals, whether it's simplifying management, enhancing security, or preparing for future growth.

At Hummingbird Networks, we're here to help you find the perfect switch for your network. With expert guidance, competitive pricing, and ongoing support, we make it easy to simplify or scale your network infrastructure. Contact us today to explore the best Meraki options for your business and see how we can help you unlock their full potential.

Discover the perfect Cisco Meraki switch for your network. Visit Hummingbird Networks today to upgrade your connectivity!










« Back to Articles