Cisco Meraki MX400 vs MX250
The MX400 is an end-of-life modular security appliance for large campus and data center; its modern replacement is the MX250, which delivers 4 Gbps stateful firewall throughput (4x the MX400) with built-in 10G SFP+ interfaces in a fixed 1RU design. For large-site refreshes, migrate to the MX250 for higher performance and a supported platform.
Cisco Meraki MX400
End-of-life modular cloud-managed security appliance for large campus and data center, with swappable interface modules.
- 1 Gbps stateful firewall throughput
- 1 Gbps site-to-site VPN throughput
- Recommended for up to 2,000 users
- Modular interface slots (1G copper/SFP, 10G SFP+); end of life
Cisco Meraki MX250
Current cloud-managed SD-WAN security appliance for large branch, campus, and VPN concentration with integrated 10G interfaces.
- 4 Gbps stateful firewall throughput
- 1 Gbps site-to-site VPN throughput
- Recommended for up to 2,000 users
- 2x 10G SFP+ WAN plus 8x 10G SFP+, 8x 1G SFP, 8x 1G RJ45
Cisco Meraki MX400 vs Cisco Meraki MX250: spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco Meraki MX400 | Cisco Meraki MX250 |
|---|---|---|
| Stateful firewall throughput | 1 Gbps | 4 Gbps |
| Site-to-site VPN throughput | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Recommended max users | Up to 2,000 | Up to 2,000 |
| Interface design | Modular (swappable modules) | Fixed, integrated ports |
| Dedicated WAN ports | Via module config | 2x 10G SFP+ |
| 10G LAN ports | 2x 10G SFP+ module | 8x 10G SFP+ |
| 1G ports | 8x 1G copper / 8x 1G SFP modules | 8x 1G SFP + 8x 1G RJ45 |
| SD-WAN | Yes (Meraki dashboard) | Yes (Meraki dashboard) |
| Form factor | Rackmount, modular | 1RU fixed |
| Lifecycle status | End of life | Current, actively sold |
Choose Cisco Meraki MX400 if
Keep the MX400 only where it is already installed, the 1 Gbps firewall ceiling is not yet a constraint, and the refresh budget is not yet allocated; do not buy MX400 new given its EOL status.
Choose Cisco Meraki MX250 if
Choose the MX250 for any large-site refresh or new deployment: it quadruples firewall throughput to 4 Gbps, integrates dense 10G connectivity, and is a current, supported SD-WAN security appliance.
Verdict
Migrate from the MX400 to the MX250. The MX250 delivers 4x the stateful firewall throughput, integrated 10G SFP+ WAN and LAN ports, and full SD-WAN on a supported platform, all while serving the same large-site, ~2,000-user tier. Keep the MX400 only as a short-term measure where its 1 Gbps ceiling still suffices.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cisco Meraki MX400 end of life?
Yes, the MX400 is end of life. For large campus and data-center deployments the current replacement in that tier is the MX250, which is still sold and supported.
How much faster is the MX250 than the MX400?
The MX250 provides 4 Gbps of stateful firewall throughput versus 1 Gbps on the MX400, roughly a 4x increase, while both top out around 1 Gbps of site-to-site VPN throughput.
Does the MX250 still support the same user count as the MX400?
Yes. Both are positioned for large sites of up to about 2,000 users, but the MX250 handles that load with far more firewall headroom and integrated 10G ports.
Is the MX250 modular like the MX400?
No. The MX400 used swappable interface modules; the MX250 is a fixed 1RU appliance with integrated ports, including 2x 10G SFP+ WAN, 8x 10G SFP+, 8x 1G SFP, and 8x 1G RJ45.
More Meraki MX comparisons
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