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

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

The Cisco MX65W-HW is a high-performance security appliance designed for modern enterprises requiring robust network protection and seamless wireless connectivity. Combining advanced security features with dual-band wireless capabilities, this device ensures reliable network performance for small to medium-sized businesses.

Key Manufacturer Details

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

Technical Specifications

Connectivity & Form Factor

• Form Factor: Desktop
• Connectivity Technology: Wired & Wireless
• Data Transfer Rate: 1.2 Gbps
• Data Link Protocols: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Remote Management: HTTP protocol support

Standards & Compliance

• IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• IEEE 802.1x Authentication
• IEEE 802.3at Power over Ethernet

Ports & Features

• Number of Ports: 10
• Key Features:
  • 2T2R MIMO Technology for enhanced Wi-Fi coverage
  • 3G/4G USB Dongle Support
  • 802.1x Authentication
  • Content Filtering & Firewall Protection
  • Firmware Upgradeable
  • Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
  • Layer 7 Switching & Load Balancing
  • MPLS VPN and NAT Support
  • Quality of Service (QoS) & Traffic Shaping
  • Static Routing & VLAN Support
  • Wall Mountable design for flexible deployment

Networking & Protocols

• Network Transport Protocols: DHCP, IPsec, L2TP, PPPoE
• Routing Protocols: MPLS, Static IP Routing
• Wireless Protocols: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
• Power Over Ethernet: PoE+

Performance & Power

VPN Throughput

• Type: VPN Throughput
• Value: 100 Mbps

Power Specifications

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

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

The Cisco MX65W-HW Meraki Dual-Band PoE+ Security Appliance is a cornerstone in the category of cloud-managed security and networking appliances designed for small to medium branch offices, retail stores, and distributed enterprise environments. This category focuses on next-generation unified threat management (UTM) solutions that combine firewall, routing, wireless access, and security services in a single, compact device. By integrating dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities, PoE+ support, and seamless cloud management, the MX65W-HW delivers reliable connectivity, advanced security, and simplified deployment for organizations seeking scalable, resilient, and secure networking solutions.

Key technical specifications and connectivity features

The MX65W-HW is part of Cisco Meraki’s MX Series security appliances, offering robust network connectivity for small branch offices or remote sites. It supports dual-band 802.11ac Wave 2 Wi-Fi, ensuring high-speed wireless connectivity across multiple devices while minimizing interference through advanced radio management. With built-in PoE+ ports, the appliance can power compatible devices such as IP phones, security cameras, or access points directly through the Ethernet cabling, reducing deployment complexity and infrastructure costs.

WAN and LAN capabilities

This category of devices emphasizes versatile WAN and LAN connectivity. The MX65W-HW supports multiple WAN uplinks for redundancy and load balancing, ensuring uninterrupted internet connectivity for critical applications. Its LAN ports allow for easy integration with wired network devices, creating a unified network infrastructure that supports both wired and wireless endpoints. The device’s high-performance routing engine enables efficient traffic management, secure VPN tunnels, and robust QoS policies to prioritize latency-sensitive applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud-based services.

Cloud-managed networking and security

The defining feature of the Cisco Meraki MX category is its cloud-based management architecture. Administrators can configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the MX65W-HW remotely using the Meraki Dashboard, a centralized, intuitive platform that simplifies management across multiple sites. This cloud-managed approach allows organizations to deploy security policies, firmware updates, and network analytics without the need for on-site IT personnel. Features such as real-time monitoring, automatic alerts, and detailed reporting enhance visibility, operational efficiency, and proactive issue resolution.

Unified security features

Security is a core element in this category. The MX65W-HW provides integrated UTM features, including stateful firewall, intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS), content filtering, malware protection, and advanced threat protection. These features help prevent unauthorized access, detect malicious traffic, and enforce security policies across the network. Cisco’s regular cloud-based signature updates ensure that devices in this category remain protected against emerging threats, providing enterprises with consistent, enterprise-grade security regardless of location.

VPN and remote access capabilities

Branch office and remote site connectivity is enhanced through site-to-site VPN and client VPN support. This category supports Auto VPN, simplifying encrypted inter-office connectivity and enabling secure access to corporate resources. With MX65W-HW, organizations can ensure that remote employees, mobile users, and branch offices maintain secure, reliable connections without complex manual configuration, which is essential for distributed enterprises and modern hybrid work environments.

Performance and scalability

Performance optimization is critical in this category. The MX65W-HW is engineered to handle multiple simultaneous connections, high-throughput VPN traffic, and concurrent firewall processing without compromising security or network efficiency. Dual-band Wi-Fi ensures adequate capacity for high-density deployments, supporting multiple client devices per location. Organizations can scale their network by adding additional Meraki devices, with centralized management ensuring consistent configuration, policy enforcement, and monitoring across all sites.

PoE+ integration and device management

Power over Ethernet (PoE+) is a significant value proposition within this category. The MX65W-HW can supply power to compatible devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, or VoIP phones, simplifying cabling and reducing the need for separate power sources. Administrators can monitor PoE usage, manage connected devices, and troubleshoot remotely through the Meraki Dashboard, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring that network-powered devices receive sufficient power for optimal performance.

Wireless capabilities and client experience

The MX65W-HW category emphasizes dual-band Wi-Fi performance. With support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, devices can deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity to modern endpoints. Advanced wireless features such as beamforming, band steering, and adaptive RF management optimize client performance, minimize interference, and ensure consistent coverage. This is particularly important in high-density environments, retail locations, or office spaces where multiple devices compete for bandwidth.

Traffic prioritization and QoS

Quality of Service (QoS) is a critical component of this category, enabling network administrators to prioritize critical applications and maintain low-latency performance for sensitive services such as VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud applications. The MX65W-HW allows granular traffic shaping and application-based prioritization, ensuring that essential services remain responsive even during peak network usage. This functionality is essential for businesses that rely on cloud-based applications, unified communications, or real-time collaboration tools.

Monitoring, analytics, and reporting

Cloud-based monitoring and analytics set this category apart from traditional appliances. The Meraki Dashboard provides detailed insights into client connectivity, application usage, security events, and network health. Administrators can generate reports, receive proactive alerts, and visualize traffic patterns to make informed operational decisions. This centralized visibility across multiple sites reduces troubleshooting time, improves network performance, and enhances security posture by quickly identifying anomalies or potential threats.

Integration with cloud services and third-party applications

Devices in this category integrate seamlessly with cloud-based applications and services. MX65W-HW appliances support API access, enabling automation, orchestration, and integration with third-party monitoring or management tools. This flexibility allows organizations to extend the appliance’s capabilities beyond standard networking and security, supporting hybrid IT strategies, cloud adoption, and multi-site connectivity without adding complexity to the IT environment.

Reliability, redundancy, and high availability

Reliability is a defining feature of this category. The MX65W-HW supports dual WAN uplinks with automatic failover, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in the event of a primary link failure. High availability features, combined with cloud-based monitoring and alerting, allow administrators to proactively maintain network uptime. For critical business operations, these reliability features minimize downtime, ensure consistent access to applications, and maintain security enforcement across all connected devices.

Security compliance and regulatory support

This category also emphasizes adherence to security standards and regulatory requirements. MX65W-HW appliances support VPN encryption protocols, secure management interfaces, and compliance with industry best practices for data protection. Organizations can rely on these appliances to safeguard sensitive information, maintain compliance with data privacy regulations, and enforce consistent security policies across distributed networks, making them ideal for businesses with stringent compliance needs.

Deployment flexibility and management simplicity

The MX65W-HW category is designed for ease of deployment and management. Cloud-managed configuration allows administrators to pre-configure devices before shipping to branch locations, reducing deployment time and minimizing on-site IT requirements. Firmware updates, security patches, and policy changes can be applied centrally, ensuring consistency across multiple locations. This flexibility simplifies IT operations, reduces management overhead, and supports rapid scaling for growing businesses or expanding branch networks.

Use cases and application scenarios

Common use cases for the MX65W-HW category include branch office connectivity, retail location networking, remote site security, and distributed enterprise deployments. Organizations leverage these appliances to unify routing, firewall, VPN, and wireless access into a single, centrally managed solution. By supporting dual-band Wi-Fi, PoE+ devices, and cloud-based management, the MX65W-HW ensures reliable, secure, and high-performance connectivity for employees, customers, and IoT devices across multiple sites.