Cisco Meraki MV Series Comparison Guide

Intelligent Analytics

Meraki MV cameras feature advanced analytics, including precise motion search, attribute filters, and intelligent object detection. This allows for efficient monitoring and the ability to detect and classify objects such as people and vehicles, providing actionable insights for improving business operations.

Centralized Cloud Management

The Meraki cloud-managed architecture simplifies configuration and monitoring, eliminating the need for on-premises NVRs, video management systems, or servers. This centralized approach ensures that administrators can manage and monitor their camera deployments from anywhere, reducing operational complexity and costs.

Built-In Security

MV cameras come with robust security features, including automatic video encryption, granular access controls, and secure boot mechanisms. These measures safeguard camera data and protect against unauthorized access, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure.

Scalability

Meraki MV cameras are designed to scale effortlessly, from single-camera setups to deployments with thousands of cameras. The cloud-based management system allows for quick and easy expansion, making it suitable for organizations of any size.

Integration with Meraki Ecosystem

The MV series integrates seamlessly with other Meraki products, such as sensors, switches, and wireless access points. This integration provides a comprehensive security solution that can be managed through a single dashboard, enhancing operational efficiency.

Cutting-Edge Architecture

MV cameras use cloud-augmented edge storage, eliminating the need for a separate NVR. This architecture reduces equipment costs and simplifies installation and scaling. The on-camera storage ensures continuous recording even if the network connection is lost.

Flexible Deployment Options

With built-in wireless functionality, MV cameras can be deployed without the need for extensive cabling. This flexibility makes it easy to upgrade from analog systems and allows for deployment in remote or temporary locations with minimal impact on the network.

Simple Cloud Management

The Meraki dashboard offers zero-touch configuration, remote troubleshooting, and distributed site management. The Meraki Vision portal provides a dedicated interface for viewing and interacting with video, eliminating the need for traditional video management software.

Easy Access and Control

The Meraki dashboard allows for flexible video management and viewing on various devices without additional software. Granular access controls ensure that users only access videos relevant to their role, enhancing security and operational control.

Always Up-To-Date

Meraki MV cameras receive automatic software updates, ensuring that they remain secure and benefit from the latest features. This approach eliminates the need for manual updates and ensures that the system is always protected against the latest threats.

Optimized Video Retention

MV cameras offer flexible video quality and retention policies, including motion-based retention and scheduled recordings. Real-time retention estimates help administrators optimize storage and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Flexible Video Viewing

Video can be accessed from anywhere on virtually any device, with intelligent streaming to optimize bandwidth usage. Features like drag-and-drop video walls and motion alerts enhance monitoring capabilities and ensure that users remain informed.

Intelligent Event Isolation

Motion Search and Motion Recap features allow users to quickly find and understand relevant events, saving time and improving response times. Attribute filters and the find similar clips function further enhance the ability to isolate important footage.

Built-in Analytics

With powerful processors, MV cameras can perform advanced analytics directly on the device. This includes object detection, classification, and tracking, providing valuable insights into office foot traffic and customer behavior. MV Sense allows for custom computer vision models, expanding the potential for business intelligence.

New Capabilities & Innovations 

The latest generation of Meraki MV smart cameras introduces several advanced features that go beyond traditional video surveillance. These innovations transform MV into a powerful tool for real-time intelligence, operational awareness, and business analytics.

Smart Retention & Attribute Filtering

Certain MV models now support filter-based motion search, allowing users to isolate critical footage by:

• Clothing color (top/bottom)
  
• Vehicle type and color
  This significantly improves incident response and event review times.
  

Presence & People Counting Analytics

Newer models can track:

• People movement (entries/exits)
  
• Vehicle presence
  
• Dwell times and occupancy
  These analytics provide insights for space planning, customer behavior, and workplace safety.
  

Audio Analytics

Using built-in machine learning, select cameras detect:

• Alarms and sirens
  
• Decibel thresholds
  Ideal for noisy environments or alarm integration, helping correlate video with unusual acoustic events.
  

MV Sense + MQTT/REST API

Use MV Sense for custom computer vision applications. Via REST or MQTT, developers can:

• Retrieve people/vehicle counts
  
• Detect zone entry/exit
  
• Subscribe to real-time motion or analytics events
  This opens the door to retail intelligence, space utilization, and IoT integration—all from the camera itself.
  

Cloud-Native Video Walls (Apple TV + Vision Portal)

With Meraki Display on Apple TV, users can:

• Build drag-and-drop video walls
  
• Monitor up to 16 camera feeds per view
  
• Rotate between walls for 24/7 monitoring
  No NVRs, plugins, or thick clients required.
  

Progressive Web App (PWA) + Real-Time Cloud Proxy

Access MV video feeds securely from any browser or device:

• PWA interface offers a native-app feel with no installation
  
• Cloud proxy streaming ensures optimized bandwidth and latency
  This makes MV ideal for distributed teams, remote support, or mobile security operations.
  

New Models with High-Capacity Storage (1 TB Series)

Cisco Meraki now offers several camera models with 1 TB of onboard industrial-grade storage—ideal for organizations needing longer retention periods, higher quality recording, or regulatory compliance.

Why 1 TB Storage Matters

• Enables 24/7 continuous recording for extended periods
  
• Supports high-resolution (4K+) video without sacrificing retention
  
• Eliminates need for external NVR or costly archive solutions
  
• Meets compliance standards for security audits and incident evidence