MS130-12X-HW | Meraki MS130-12X Port Cloud-Managed PoE Switch

Product Overview

The MS130-12X-HW is a cloud-managed Layer 2 switch from Cisco Meraki, designed to bring secure, scalable, and efficient network performance to branch offices and small enterprise environments. With a sleek design and full integration into the Meraki Dashboard, the MS130-12X offers enterprise-grade performance paired with intuitive cloud management.

This switch includes 12 ports in total: 8 standard Gigabit Ethernet ports and 4 multi-gigabit 2.5G ports, providing flexibility for high-bandwidth devices like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E access points. It also delivers a robust 240W PoE/PoE+ budget to power access points, IP phones, cameras, and other devices directly through the network cable.

The MS130-12X-HW benefits from Meraki’s centralized management platform, giving IT teams complete visibility and control from any location. Administrators can monitor port status, set policies, run diagnostics, and view real-time performance metrics without being on-site.

As part of the Meraki ecosystem, the MS130-12X is backed by seamless firmware updates, automatic alerts, and proactive troubleshooting tools. It is ideal for organizations seeking a cost-effective yet powerful switching solution with minimal maintenance overhead.

Benefits of the Meraki MS130-12X

Deploying the MS130-12X-HW brings operational advantages that go beyond port count or bandwidth. Its cloud-managed nature reduces the need for local configuration and dramatically cuts down the time required to deploy or troubleshoot network issues. IT teams gain instant insight into device behavior and can apply configurations across multiple locations simultaneously.

From a cost-efficiency standpoint, the MS130-12X helps businesses save on both equipment and labor. With PoE and PoE+ capabilities built-in, there is no need for separate power solutions for connected devices. The switch’s compact form factor also supports wall and rack mounting, fitting into varied deployment scenarios without extra hardware.

Security is a top priority. The MS130-12X supports features such as port isolation, MAC whitelisting, and rogue DHCP server detection. Combined with secure management via the Meraki Dashboard, this model helps protect critical infrastructure from internal and external threats.

Key Features and Specifications of MS130-12X-HW

Port Configuration and PoE

• 8 × 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 Ethernet ports

• 4 × 100M/1G/2.5GBASE-T RJ45 Ethernet ports (multi-gigabit)

• 240W PoE/PoE+ budget across all ports

• Supports IEEE 802.3af/at standards
  

Performance and Management

• Layer 2 switching with MAC forwarding table size of 16K entries

• Non-blocking switching fabric with 56 Gbps switching capacity

• 2 MB packet buffer

• Cloud-managed with centralized visibility via Meraki Dashboard

• Remote packet capture, cable testing, and diagnostic tools
  

Power and Physical Dimensions

• Available with or without a power cord

• Power consumption up to 270W (with PoE at full load)

• Dimensions: 1.72″ × 13.6″ × 10.6″

• Weight: 7.94 lbs (3.6 kg)
  

Additional Capabilities

• Zero-touch provisioning for fast deployment

• Enterprise support for multicast, IGMP snooping, and broadcast storm control

• Configurable alerts and firmware updates managed through the cloud
  

How MS130-12X Integrates with Other Meraki Products

The MS130-12X-HW fits naturally into a Cisco Meraki ecosystem. When deployed with Meraki access points such as the MR36, MR46E, or MR78, the switch automatically detects and powers them via PoE or PoE+. Integration through the Dashboard allows IT teams to view topology maps, monitor uplink status, and correlate traffic behavior across wired and wireless segments.

For environments with Meraki security appliances such as the MX68 or MX105, the MS130-12X seamlessly integrates into the site-to-site Auto VPN or SD-WAN setup. Administrators can apply unified policies across switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure, ensuring consistent network behavior across every layer.

Smart cameras (MV series) and IoT sensors (MT series) also connect directly to the MS130-12X, simplifying cabling and allowing centralized monitoring and alerting from one pane of glass. This full-stack integration reduces complexity and improves troubleshooting efficiency.

Licensing Information for MS130-12X

Like all Meraki products, the MS130-12X-HW requires an active license to function. Licensing includes access to the Meraki Dashboard, ongoing firmware updates, 24/7 enterprise support, and cloud-hosted management services.

Licenses can be purchased on a 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10-year basis, depending on the organization’s needs. Stratus Information Systems can assist in determining the most cost-effective licensing model based on your environment and deployment strategy.