Meraki Enters Network-As-A-Service MarketMeraki Enters Network-As-A-Service Market

Meraki has carved out a viable business by delivering cloud based wireless network products, so the vendor is now extending its reach into the wired network equipment marketplace.Meraki announced the Meraki MX cloud-managed routers, which feature web-based centralized management, integrated firewall, Internet gateway service, and application traffic shaping functions. The routers, whose pricing starts at $35 per month, automatic detect and monitor switches and printers.

The MX series has two models. The MX50 supports 100M bps of stateful firewall throughput, 20M bps for application firewall throughput, 20 Virtual Private Network sessions, and 4 Virtual LANs. The MX70 features 400M bps of stateful firewall throughput, 125M bps for application firewall throughput, 100 VPN sessions, and 32 VLANs. Each device can be configured in one of two ways: the Enterprise Edition operates behind an existing firewall and the Advanced Security Edition functions without one.

The company started off delivering cloud based wireless network service but is evolving into a Networking as a Service (NaaS) supplier. Services for its wireless products at $25 per access point per month and other cloud based networks options are expected to be unveiled in the coming months.

Competition in the network equipment market has been fierce. Cisco holds a dominant position in many market segments, so it has been difficult for other suppliers to gain viable footholds. Its focus on cloud computing has served Meraki well to date, and the company hopes that will continue as it expands its service offerings.