MS130R-8P-HW Cisco Meraki MS130R Ruggedized Access Switch, 8 Ports PoE

Industrial-Grade Cisco Meraki MS130R-8P-HW Switch Overview

• Ruggedized managed Ethernet switch designed for harsh and remote environments
• Optimized for industrial deployments requiring reliability and simplified cloud control
• Compact rack-mountable form factor suitable for constrained installations

Manufacturer and Identification Details

• Brand: Cisco Meraki
• Model Reference: MS130R-8P-HW
• Category: Managed Network Switch
• Port Configuration: 8-Port Access Switch

Network Interface and Port Configuration

High-Speed Ethernet Connectivity

• 8 x 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet ports for edge connectivity
• 2 x Gigabit SFP uplink interfaces for flexible fiber or copper expansion
• Non-blocking switching design ensures consistent throughput

Gigabit Ethernet Architecture

• Built on Gigabit Ethernet standards for low-latency data transfer
• Suitable for IP cameras, access points, and industrial IoT devices

Power over Ethernet Capabilities

Advanced PoE+ Support

• Integrated Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) functionality
• Total available PoE power budget of up to 240 watts
• Supports simultaneous power delivery to multiple connected devices

Efficient Power Input Design

• Operates on DC power ranging from 50V to 54V
• Current rating of 5.6A for stable performance

Performance and Switching Capacity

Enterprise-Level Throughput

• Switching capacity rated at 20 Gbps
• Designed to handle high-density traffic without congestion
• Fanless architecture for silent and maintenance-free operation

Management, Monitoring, and Control

Remote and Cloud-Managed Features

• Supports SNMP for network monitoring and diagnostics
• Remote management via DHCP, Syslog, IPv4, and IPv6
• Enables seamless remote firmware updates

Security and Traffic Optimization Tools

• Access Control List (ACL) support for granular traffic control
• Integrated DHCP snooping and DHCP relay
• 802.1X authentication for secure network access
• Advanced Quality of Service (QoS) for traffic prioritization
• VLAN tagging for efficient network segmentation

Compliance and Networking Standards

Supported IEEE Protocols

• IEEE 802.1Q for VLAN implementation
• IEEE 802.1X for port-based network access control
• IEEE 802.3bt for enhanced Power over Ethernet standards

Physical Design and Dimensions

Compact Rugged Enclosure

• Durable housing suitable for industrial and outdoor cabinets
• Rack-mountable enclosure type
• Space-efficient footprint for flexible mounting

Size Specifications

• Width: 6.2 inches
• Depth: 6.7 inches
• Height: 1.7 inches

Ruggedized Meraki Access Switching for Demanding Network Environments

The Cisco MS130R-8P-HW Meraki MS130R Ruggedized Access Switch category is designed to address the growing demand for reliable, cloud-managed Ethernet switching in environments where traditional office-grade networking equipment is insufficient. This category focuses on compact yet highly resilient access switches engineered to operate in harsh physical conditions such as industrial facilities, transportation hubs, outdoor enclosures, warehouses, manufacturing plants, utilities, oil and gas sites, mining operations, and remote infrastructure deployments. These environments require not only high-performance connectivity but also extended temperature tolerance, hardened components, vibration resistance, and simplified centralized management. The MS130R family reflects Cisco Meraki’s approach to combining enterprise-class networking capabilities with ruggedized hardware design, ensuring continuous uptime and predictable performance in challenging conditions.

Within this category, the Cisco MS130R-8P-HW model exemplifies a purpose-built rugged access switch that supports Power over Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, and cloud-based lifecycle management. The category emphasizes scalability, operational efficiency, and network visibility while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for constrained spaces such as roadside cabinets, control panels, and industrial racks. By focusing on ruggedized access switching, this category addresses the needs of organizations that require consistent, secure, and remotely manageable network infrastructure across distributed and environmentally demanding locations.

Cloud-Managed Architecture and Centralized Visibility

A defining characteristic of the Cisco Meraki MS130R Ruggedized Access Switch category is its integration with the Meraki cloud management platform. This cloud-native architecture eliminates the need for on-site controllers or complex local management software, enabling administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot switches from a centralized dashboard. The category is built around the concept of operational simplicity, allowing IT teams to deploy and manage rugged switches at scale without the overhead traditionally associated with industrial networking solutions.

Centralized visibility is a core benefit of this category, providing real-time insights into port status, PoE power consumption, connected devices, traffic patterns, and error conditions. This level of transparency is especially valuable in remote or hard-to-access environments where physical troubleshooting is costly and time-consuming. The cloud-managed design ensures that configuration changes, firmware updates, and policy enforcement can be applied consistently across all deployed switches, reducing operational risk and improving network reliability.

Zero-Touch Deployment and Remote Provisioning

The MS130R Ruggedized Access Switch category supports zero-touch deployment, allowing devices to be shipped directly to deployment sites and brought online with minimal local intervention. Once connected to the network, the switch automatically checks into the Meraki cloud, downloads its configuration, and becomes operational. This capability is critical for organizations managing geographically dispersed infrastructure such as transportation networks, smart city deployments, and industrial IoT installations.

Remote provisioning reduces deployment time and minimizes the need for skilled technicians on site. Administrators can predefine port configurations, VLAN assignments, PoE settings, and security policies in advance, ensuring consistent implementation across all locations. This approach aligns with modern network operations practices and supports rapid scalability without compromising control or security.

Lifecycle Management and Firmware Consistency

Another important aspect of this category is simplified lifecycle management. The Meraki cloud platform handles firmware updates, security patches, and feature enhancements in a controlled and predictable manner. Administrators can schedule updates during maintenance windows, ensuring minimal disruption to critical operations. This is particularly important in industrial and outdoor environments where downtime can have significant operational or safety implications.

By maintaining firmware consistency across all rugged access switches, the category helps organizations reduce configuration drift, improve security posture, and ensure long-term stability. Automated alerts and health monitoring further enhance proactive network management, allowing issues to be identified and addressed before they escalate into service outages.

Ruggedized Hardware Design for Harsh Conditions

The Cisco MS130R Ruggedized Access Switch category is distinguished by its hardened hardware design, which enables reliable operation in environments that exceed the tolerances of standard enterprise switches. These switches are built to withstand extended temperature ranges, exposure to dust and moisture, electrical noise, and mechanical vibration. The ruggedized design ensures consistent performance in outdoor cabinets, industrial enclosures, and transportation infrastructure where environmental control may be limited or nonexistent.

Durability and reliability are central to this category, reflecting Cisco’s commitment to delivering enterprise-grade networking solutions for non-traditional environments. By combining robust physical construction with advanced network features, the MS130R category bridges the gap between IT and operational technology networks.

Extended Temperature and Environmental Tolerance

Rugged access switches in this category are engineered to operate across wide temperature ranges, making them suitable for deployment in extreme climates. Whether installed in cold storage facilities, roadside enclosures exposed to heat and cold, or industrial plants with fluctuating ambient conditions, these switches maintain stable operation without the need for additional cooling or climate control.

This extended environmental tolerance reduces infrastructure costs and simplifies deployment planning. Organizations can confidently deploy network connectivity in locations previously considered unsuitable for traditional Ethernet switching equipment, expanding the reach of digital transformation initiatives.

Compact Form Factor and Flexible Mounting

The compact design of the Cisco MS130R-8P-HW model reflects the category’s focus on space efficiency and deployment flexibility. Many industrial and outdoor installations have limited space, requiring networking equipment that can fit into small cabinets or control panels. The MS130R form factor supports these constraints while delivering robust performance and PoE capabilities.

Flexible mounting options further enhance deployment versatility, allowing switches to be installed in a variety of orientations and enclosures. This adaptability is particularly valuable in retrofitting existing infrastructure or integrating networking capabilities into complex industrial systems.

Power over Ethernet Capabilities for Edge Devices

The Cisco MS130R Ruggedized Access Switch category places a strong emphasis on Power over Ethernet functionality, recognizing the growing number of edge devices that rely on centralized power delivery. With support for PoE and a substantial power budget, this category enables the deployment of IP cameras, wireless access points, sensors, controllers, and other network-connected devices without the need for separate power sources.

PoE simplifies installation, reduces cabling complexity, and enhances reliability by centralizing power management. In rugged and remote environments, these advantages are particularly significant, as they reduce maintenance requirements and improve overall system resilience.

High PoE Power Budget for Diverse Applications

The MS130R-8P-HW model exemplifies the category’s ability to deliver high PoE power across multiple ports, supporting power-hungry devices such as outdoor wireless access points and high-resolution surveillance cameras. This capability enables organizations to deploy advanced edge technologies without compromising performance or reliability.

Centralized PoE management through the Meraki dashboard provides visibility into power consumption and allows administrators to prioritize critical devices. This level of control is essential in environments where power availability may be constrained or where certain devices must remain operational at all times.

Support for Industrial and IoT Deployments

Power over Ethernet is a key enabler of industrial IoT deployments, and the MS130R category is well suited to these use cases. By providing both data connectivity and power over a single Ethernet cable, the switch simplifies the deployment of sensors, controllers, and monitoring devices across industrial sites.

This integration supports real-time data collection, process automation, and predictive maintenance initiatives, helping organizations improve operational efficiency and reduce downtime. The ruggedized design ensures that these capabilities remain available even in challenging conditions.

Gigabit Ethernet Performance and Network Efficiency

Performance is a critical consideration in the Cisco MS130R Ruggedized Access Switch category, as industrial and outdoor networks increasingly support bandwidth-intensive applications. Gigabit Ethernet connectivity ensures that data from edge devices can be transmitted efficiently to aggregation points, data centers, or cloud services.

Consistent throughput and low latency are essential for applications such as video surveillance, industrial automation, and real-time monitoring. The MS130R category is designed to deliver reliable performance while maintaining the simplicity and manageability of a cloud-based solution.

Optimized Switching for Edge Connectivity

The switching architecture within this category is optimized for access-layer deployments, providing sufficient capacity for connected devices while maintaining predictable performance. Features such as traffic prioritization and intelligent forwarding help ensure that critical applications receive the bandwidth they require.

This focus on efficiency supports the convergence of IT and OT networks, enabling organizations to leverage a single, unified infrastructure for a wide range of applications.

Integration with Broader Meraki Networks

The MS130R Ruggedized Access Switch category is designed to integrate seamlessly with other Meraki network components, including wireless access points, security appliances, and aggregation switches. This interoperability enables end-to-end visibility and policy enforcement across the entire network.

By maintaining a consistent management and configuration model, the category supports scalable network architectures that can grow and adapt as organizational needs evolve.

Security and Network Policy Enforcement

Security is an integral aspect of the Cisco MS130R Ruggedized Access Switch category, reflecting the increasing importance of protecting edge networks in industrial and outdoor environments. These environments often connect critical infrastructure and operational systems, making them attractive targets for cyber threats.

The category incorporates robust security features that enable organizations to enforce network policies, segment traffic, and monitor for anomalies, all through the centralized Meraki dashboard.

Port-Level Control and Device Visibility

Administrators can apply granular port-level configurations to control how devices connect to the network. This includes defining VLANs, setting access policies, and monitoring connected endpoints. Enhanced visibility into device behavior helps identify unauthorized or misconfigured equipment before it can impact operations.

This level of control is particularly valuable in environments where devices may be added or moved frequently, such as construction sites or temporary installations.

Segmentation for Industrial and Enterprise Traffic

Network segmentation is a key security strategy supported by the MS130R category. By isolating different types of traffic, organizations can reduce the attack surface and limit the impact of potential breaches. Industrial control systems, surveillance networks, and enterprise IT traffic can coexist on the same physical infrastructure while remaining logically separated.

This capability supports compliance requirements and best practices for securing critical infrastructure networks.

Use Cases Across Industries and Deployments

The Cisco MS130R Ruggedized Access Switch category is applicable across a wide range of industries and deployment scenarios. Its combination of rugged hardware, PoE support, Gigabit performance, and cloud management makes it suitable for environments where reliability, simplicity, and scalability are paramount.

From transportation and smart cities to manufacturing and utilities, this category enables organizations to extend secure, high-performance networking to the edge of their operations.

Transportation, Smart City, and Outdoor Infrastructure

In transportation networks and smart city deployments, rugged access switches play a critical role in connecting cameras, sensors, and wireless access points installed in outdoor or roadside locations. The MS130R category supports these use cases by providing reliable connectivity and centralized management across distributed assets.

Real-time visibility and remote troubleshooting capabilities help reduce maintenance costs and improve service availability in these mission-critical environments.

Industrial Automation and Remote Facilities

Manufacturing plants, energy facilities, and remote industrial sites benefit from the durability and performance of the MS130R Ruggedized Access Switch category. By supporting industrial IoT devices and automation systems, these switches enable data-driven decision-making and operational optimization.

The ability to manage networks remotely is especially valuable in locations that are difficult or expensive to access, ensuring consistent performance and rapid issue resolution.

Scalability and Future-Ready Network Design

The Cisco MS130R Ruggedized Access Switch category is designed with scalability in mind, allowing organizations to expand their networks as requirements grow. Cloud-based management simplifies the addition of new switches and devices, ensuring consistent configuration and policy enforcement across the entire deployment.

This future-ready approach supports evolving technologies and use cases, enabling organizations to adapt their network infrastructure without significant redesign or disruption.

Support for Evolving Edge Technologies

As edge computing, IoT, and advanced analytics become more prevalent, the need for reliable and manageable access-layer networking continues to grow. The MS130R category provides a solid foundation for these initiatives by delivering robust connectivity and centralized control in demanding environments.

This adaptability ensures long-term value and relevance, making the category a strategic investment for organizations pursuing digital transformation.

Operational Efficiency and Reduced Total Cost of Ownership

By combining rugged hardware with cloud-based management, the Cisco MS130R Ruggedized Access Switch category helps reduce operational complexity and total cost of ownership. Simplified deployment, reduced maintenance requirements, and proactive monitoring contribute to lower long-term costs and improved network reliability.

This efficiency is particularly important for large-scale deployments where incremental savings can have a significant impact on overall operational budgets.