MX65W-HW Cisco Meraki Dual-band PoE+ Security Appliance

Cisco MX65W-HW Meraki Dual-band Security Appliance Overview

The Cisco MX65W-HW is a versatile security appliance designed for modern enterprise networks, offering robust wireless and wired connectivity. Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, this device ensures high-speed data transfer, advanced security, and flexible network management.

Key Product Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number / SKU: MX65W-HW
• Product Type: Security Appliance
• Sub-Type: Wireless
• Form Factor: Desktop

Connectivity and Network Capabilities

• Data Transfer Rate: Up to 1.2 Gbps
• Connectivity Technology: Wired & Wireless
• Supported Data Link Protocols: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Remote Management: HTTP Protocol Support
• Compliance Standards: IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.3at, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac

Ports and Interface Details

• Total Ports: 10
• Power Over Ethernet: PoE+
• Wireless Bands: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz

Advanced Features & Security

• 2T2R MIMO Technology for enhanced wireless performance
• 3G/4G USB dongle support for backup connectivity
• 802.1x Authentication for network access control
• Integrated Firewall Protection & Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
• Content Filtering for safe browsing
• Firmware Upgradable to ensure latest security patches
• Layer 7 Switching and Traffic Shaping for optimized network performance
• Link Aggregation & Load Balancing for high availability
• MPLS VPN, NAT Support & VLAN Support
• Quality of Service (QoS) and Syslog Support
• Wall-mountable for flexible deployment

Routing and Network Protocols

• Routing Protocols: MPLS, Static IP Routing
• Network Transport Protocols: DHCP, IPsec, L2TP, PPPoE
• Wireless Protocols: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac

Performance & Throughput

• VPN Throughput: 100 Mbps

Power & Energy Specifications

• Power Provided: 90 Watt
• Installed Quantity: 1
• Maximum Supported Quantity: 1
• Power Adapter Type: External

Cisco MX65W-HW Meraki Dual-Band PoE+ Security Appliance

The Cisco MX65W-HW Meraki Dual-Band PoE+ Security Appliance represents a highly versatile, cloud-managed security solution designed for small to medium-sized enterprises, branch offices, and remote locations. This category of security appliances is engineered to provide a unified approach to networking, security, and wireless connectivity, combining robust firewall protection, advanced threat management, and integrated dual-band Wi-Fi with Power over Ethernet (PoE+) capabilities. The MX65W-HW exemplifies how Cisco Meraki devices merge ease of management with enterprise-grade security features, delivering reliable performance and simplified administration across geographically distributed sites.

Technical overview and hardware features

This category focuses on appliances featuring integrated dual-band Wi-Fi, supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands for high-performance wireless connectivity. The MX65W-HW includes multiple Ethernet ports with PoE+ support, enabling connected devices such as access points, IP phones, cameras, and other networked equipment to receive both power and data over a single cable. The appliance supports WAN failover, automatic VPN connectivity, and advanced routing features, making it suitable for hybrid network environments and providing seamless cloud-managed networking capabilities.

Integrated security features

Security is a core component of the MX65W-HW category. Devices in this class offer a comprehensive suite of threat protection features including Stateful Firewall, Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDS/IPS), content filtering, anti-malware protection, and web-based application control. Advanced security capabilities allow IT administrators to enforce granular policies across branch offices, remote sites, and end users, protecting critical assets from both internal and external threats. The inclusion of cloud-managed security services ensures that devices remain up-to-date with the latest threat intelligence without requiring manual intervention, reducing operational overhead and enhancing protection across the network.

Wireless connectivity and dual-band performance

The dual-band wireless functionality of MX65W-HW appliances provides high-speed connectivity and increased coverage for devices operating in demanding environments. By supporting both the 2.4 GHz band for broader coverage and the 5 GHz band for higher throughput, these appliances ensure optimal connectivity for multiple clients and applications simultaneously. Features such as band steering, automatic channel selection, and dynamic radio management help optimize wireless performance, reduce interference, and maintain low-latency communication for business-critical applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud-hosted services.

Power over Ethernet (PoE+) capabilities

PoE+ integration allows network administrators to power connected devices directly from the appliance, eliminating the need for separate power adapters and reducing cable clutter. This category emphasizes the convenience and flexibility PoE+ provides, particularly in deployments where remote or temporary devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, or additional access points need reliable power and connectivity without extensive cabling. The MX65W-HW supports intelligent PoE management, including power prioritization, scheduling, and monitoring, ensuring that critical devices remain operational even under constrained power budgets.

Cloud management and centralized administration

One of the defining characteristics of the Cisco Meraki MX category is its cloud-managed architecture. Administrators can monitor and manage appliances from a centralized web-based dashboard, enabling real-time visibility into network performance, client connectivity, and security events. Centralized management allows for seamless configuration, remote troubleshooting, and automated firmware updates across multiple sites, simplifying operations and ensuring consistent policy enforcement. Reporting tools provide granular analytics on traffic, application usage, and security threats, helping IT teams make data-driven decisions and optimize network performance.

High availability and WAN resilience

The MX65W-HW category supports advanced WAN failover and redundancy features, ensuring continuous connectivity for branch offices and remote locations. Dual-WAN ports allow for multiple internet connections, with automatic failover to secondary links in case of primary connection failure. This ensures minimal downtime, uninterrupted access to cloud services, and reliable VPN connectivity for remote users. Combined with site-to-site VPN capabilities, this category enables secure, scalable networking for enterprises with multiple locations or hybrid cloud environments, providing both operational resilience and enhanced security.

Advanced threat intelligence and content filtering

Devices in the MX65W-HW category leverage Cisco’s cloud-based threat intelligence to protect against malware, ransomware, phishing, and other evolving cyber threats. Intrusion detection and prevention systems analyze network traffic to detect suspicious behavior and automatically enforce policies to mitigate potential risks. Content filtering and URL blocking allow administrators to restrict access to unsafe or unproductive websites, enforcing corporate compliance policies. This integrated security approach ensures that both network infrastructure and end-user devices are protected, reducing the risk of security breaches and enhancing regulatory compliance.

Scalability and deployment flexibility

The MX65W-HW category is designed for flexible deployment across a variety of environments. Small branch offices, retail locations, and remote sites can benefit from its compact form factor, integrated wireless, and PoE+ capabilities. Multiple appliances can be deployed across an enterprise network with centralized management, enabling consistent policies, streamlined updates, and simplified troubleshooting. The cloud-based architecture supports easy expansion and scaling as business needs grow, allowing IT teams to deploy additional appliances quickly and maintain consistent security and connectivity standards across sites.

Performance metrics and application optimization

Performance in this category is measured by throughput, VPN performance, wireless capacity, and PoE power budget. The MX65W-HW provides sufficient throughput to handle typical small- to medium-sized branch workloads, including web applications, cloud services, VoIP, and video conferencing. Quality of Service (QoS) and traffic shaping features prioritize critical applications, ensuring consistent performance and low-latency communication. Application-layer visibility allows administrators to monitor traffic patterns and adjust policies to optimize the end-user experience, ensuring that both business-critical and recreational traffic are managed effectively.

Security appliance lifecycle and firmware management

Appliances in this category benefit from a cloud-managed lifecycle, ensuring that devices receive timely firmware updates, feature enhancements, and security patches without requiring manual intervention. Digitally signed firmware guarantees integrity and prevents tampering, maintaining the trustworthiness of the security appliance. Scheduled updates, remote monitoring, and automated alerts simplify the maintenance process, allowing IT teams to focus on strategic tasks rather than routine device upkeep. This approach ensures that the MX65W-HW remains secure, compliant, and fully functional over its operational lifetime.

Use cases and deployment scenarios

The MX65W-HW category is suitable for a range of use cases including branch office connectivity, retail network deployments, remote site security, and hybrid cloud access. Organizations can leverage integrated wireless to provide high-performance connectivity to employees, customers, and IoT devices. PoE+ functionality supports devices such as access points, IP phones, and security cameras, simplifying network design and deployment. Security features protect both network and application layers, while cloud management ensures centralized control and reporting. These appliances are ideal for enterprises seeking a compact, fully integrated solution that combines routing, security, wireless, and PoE capabilities in a single device.

Integration with Cisco Meraki ecosystem

MX65W-HW appliances are fully integrated into the broader Cisco Meraki ecosystem, which includes access points, switches, cameras, and management dashboards. This integration enables seamless policy enforcement across wired and wireless networks, centralized monitoring, and simplified troubleshooting. Cloud-based management provides end-to-end visibility, allowing administrators to track security events, manage firmware updates, and monitor network performance across multiple locations. Integration with other Meraki devices ensures that organizations can deploy cohesive, scalable, and secure networks that are easy to manage and maintain.