Cisco Meraki Enterprise Vs. Advanced Security Licenses

When investing in Cisco Meraki products, understanding the right licensing options can be critical for optimizing both security and functionality. One of the most common questions we receive about Meraki licensing is, "If I'm purchasing Cisco Meraki hardware and security appliances, do I need the Advanced Security License?"

Meraki stands out for its ease of use compared to other Cisco products, making it a favorite among networking novices and seasoned professionals alike. Most of the hardware operates right out of the box, with minimal decision-making required regarding feature unlocks or additional licenses.

However, the main exception to Meraki's straightforward approach lies with the MX series security appliances. Here, users face two key licensing options beyond just the length of service: the standard Meraki Enterprise License and the Advanced Security License (ASL).

Let's break down the differences between the two.

Defining The Cisco Meraki Enterprise License And Advanced Security License

The standard Enterprise License offers the core features necessary for basic network security: a stateful inspection firewall and VPN capabilities. In addition, it provides a few supplementary functions like custom splash pages, which can enhance guest network management, and HTML caching for improved browsing speed. However, its overall functionality remains relatively basic. While Meraki's stateful firewall is reliable and effective at defending against direct threats, such as unauthorized access, this only addresses a portion of the broader security challenges businesses face today.

Let's be clear: although the Meraki Advanced Security License typically costs about twice as much as the standard Enterprise License, it's a worthwhile investment for most organizations. It delivers a far more robust set of protections, ensuring your network is shielded from a wider range of threats. For businesses both large and small, this enhanced level of security can make all the difference in preventing costly data breaches and maintaining compliance with industry regulations.

Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on your business needs and budget, but in most cases, the Advanced Security License provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing your network is fully protected against modern cyber threats.

Key Differences Between Cisco Meraki Enterprise and Advanced Security Licenses

To better understand which Meraki license is right for your business, comparing the Enterprise License and the Advanced Security License side by side is helpful. The following comparison will outline the key similarities and differences, helping you make an informed decision based on your network's security needs.

Features And Security

The Meraki Enterprise License provides essential security features like a stateful firewall and VPN capabilities. It offers basic protection against direct intrusions and facilitates secure remote connections for your network. This option is ideal for businesses needing standard functionality and straightforward security management. On the other hand, the Advanced Security License significantly enhances network protection by adding advanced features such as:

• Intrusion detection/prevention system (IDS/IPS): This is a critical feature of the ASL. It continuously monitors the network for unauthorized access attempts, blocking any detected intrusions in real time. Alerts are automatically generated to notify administrators of any suspicious activity. This proactive security measure ensures that your network is constantly protected from potential breaches, enhancing overall network security and reducing the risk of data loss or compromise.
• Anti-virus and anti-phishing: Cisco's global threat intelligence team continuously monitors millions of devices, compiling real-time data on new malware and phishing methods. This data is integrated into Meraki's MX-series firewalls, ensuring comprehensive, up-to-date protection against the latest threats.
• Content and web-search filtering: The ASL provides the ability to create custom blacklists and whitelists, ensuring that questionable or harmful websites are blocked from being accessed within your network, whether on-site or through a VPN. This proactive approach helps prevent users from visiting dangerous or inappropriate sites, reducing the risk of malware, phishing, or other web-based threats.
• Geography-based firewall rules: This feature is only useful for larger organizations with multiple global offices. It allows customized firewall rules based on geographical location, providing tailored security settings for different regions. For example, an office in a high-risk region can implement stricter security protocols than one in a lower-risk area. This flexibility enhances overall network protection by addressing location-specific threats.
• YouTube for schools: This feature makes Meraki an excellent choice for educational institutions like schools, libraries, and universities. It allows automatic filtering of inappropriate content based on customizable preferences, ensuring that students and users only have access to safe and suitable materials. This goes beyond standard web filtering, offering a tailored solution that aligns with the institution's educational goals while enhancing online safety.
• Advanced malware protection (AMP): AMP is Cisco's powerful anti-malware technology, designed to provide comprehensive protection throughout the entire attack lifecycle—before, during, and after an attack. It detects and blocks malware in real time, continuously analyzes for threats, and provides retrospective alerts to uncover the full scope of infection. Leveraging cloud intelligence from Cisco and Sourcefire, AMP significantly reduces response times, allowing organizations to quickly address and remediate threats, preventing damaging breaches from advanced malware. 

Pricing

As mentioned before, the ASL typically costs about twice as much, due to the additional features it provides. However, costs for both licenses vary depending on factors such as network size, number of devices, and license duration. The cost also depends on the specific hardware, with higher-end devices like the MX75 costing more than the MX64. It’s worth noting that license periods, such as three or five years, offer better long-term value compared to one-year options. 

Additionally, the cost of both the Enterprise License and Advanced Security License can vary depending on the provider. Some providers may offer discounts, bundle deals, or flexible pricing options based on your business’s specific needs. 

Scalability And Network Performance

The Enterprise License is best suited for smaller networks or organizations with relatively simple security needs. It provides basic firewall and VPN functionality, which supports stable network performance but may not be equipped to handle the demands of a rapidly expanding or high-traffic network. As the network grows, scalability could become limited by the need for more advanced features.

The ASL, however, is designed with scalability in mind. As your network expands or traffic increases, features like IDS/IPS, content filtering, and anti-malware ensure that performance remains strong while maintaining top-tier security. These advanced tools allow businesses to scale without sacrificing security or efficiency, as they can handle more sophisticated network demands, such as managing multiple devices, complex data flows, and high traffic volumes.

ASL's features are also optimized for larger, more complex infrastructures, making it ideal for growing businesses that require advanced threat detection and real-time protection without compromising speed or performance. This ensures that network operations remain seamless even as the network scales, providing a reliable solution for long-term growth.

Usability And Configuration

The Enterprise License is optimized for simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible to those with basic networking knowledge. Its straightforward configuration allows businesses to quickly set up essential features such as firewalls and VPNs, making it ideal for small to medium-sized companies with limited IT resources or complex requirements.

The ASL, while offering advanced features like intrusion IDS/IPS and content filtering, remains highly user-friendly. Meraki’s centralized cloud management system provides an intuitive dashboard that simplifies both the initial configuration and ongoing management of advanced security features. IT teams can easily customize detailed settings, manage multiple devices, and automatically receive security updates and policy adjustments.

With the ASL, even large-scale or complex network environments can be easily managed. Features such as automatic updates and centralized monitoring reduce the burden on IT staff, making the Advanced Security License a clear improvement over the Enterprise License for businesses that require more comprehensive security and scalability without sacrificing ease of management.

Support And Maintenance

Both the Enterprise License and ASL benefit from Meraki’s comprehensive support system, leveraging cloud-based management tools for easy access to assistance and updates. Users of both licenses enjoy automatic firmware and security patches, reducing the workload on IT teams.

For support, Meraki provides 24/7 assistance via phone, email, and its cloud-based dashboard. Users can create cases directly within the dashboard, access real-time help, and utilize the vast knowledge base, including documentation, manuals, and community forums. ASL users benefit from added support for configuring and maintaining advanced features like IDS/IPS and anti-malware systems.

Meraki's global technical support centers ensure that help is always available, with experts ready to assist during high-impact issues. Additionally, their online resources and dedicated phone support ensure smooth initial deployment and ongoing network growth, making it easy for businesses to scale.

Compliance And Regulatory Standards

Both the Enterprise License and ASL help businesses meet various compliance and regulatory standards, but the Advanced Security License offers more comprehensive support for industries with strict security requirements.

The Enterprise License provides basic protection, including a stateful firewall and VPN, which can help meet foundational compliance needs, such as HIPAA for healthcare or PCI DSS for payment processing.

The advanced features included in ASL are crucial for industries requiring rigorous data security, such as finance, healthcare, and government. These additional security measures make it easier for organizations to comply with stricter regulatory standards, such as GDPR, SOC 2, or CCPA, by providing continuous monitoring, advanced threat protection, and audit-ready reports.

Integration And Network Management

The Enterprise License offers basic network management tools like centralized cloud control, simple firewall configurations, and VPN setup. These features allow for easy integration with existing network infrastructures and provide essential management capabilities for small to medium-sized businesses.

In addition to basic features, the ASL integrates advanced security tools seamlessly into Meraki's centralized dashboard. This allows for more granular control and monitoring, which is essential for larger, more complex networks. This ensures enhanced management and security across the entire network.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Security Solution For Your Business

When choosing a security solution for your business, several critical factors must be considered to ensure the system aligns with your organization's unique needs and long-term goals. The following points outline the key considerations that will help you make an informed decision, balancing cost, functionality, and the ability to adapt as your business evolves.

• Budget: Evaluate your business's financial capacity and balance it against the security features you need. A low-budget option may lack crucial protections, while a higher-end solution might offer unnecessary features for your business size.
• Ease of use: A user-friendly system reduces the time spent on training and ongoing management. Solutions with intuitive dashboards and automation features can help your team focus on core tasks without being bogged down by complicated setups.
• Scalability: Ensure the solution can scale with your business as it grows. A scalable security platform allows you to add devices, users, and advanced features as needed without overhauling the system.
• Reputation of the provider: Research the provider's reputation for delivering reliable security solutions. Look for customer reviews, case studies, and independent evaluations that speak to their reliability, security effectiveness, and long-term support.
• Customer support: Strong customer support is crucial for timely issue resolution. Choose a provider that offers 24/7 support, comprehensive documentation, and access to experienced professionals who can assist with configuration and troubleshooting.
• Compliance requirements: Check that the solution complies with industry-specific regulations like HIPAA, PCI DSS, or GDPR. Regulatory compliance is essential for avoiding fines and ensuring your data protection standards are legally sound.
• Integration with other systems: Opt for a solution that easily integrates with your existing tools, such as cloud services, enterprise software, and other network management systems. Seamless integration minimizes disruptions and maximizes efficiency.
• Future proof: Select a security solution designed to adapt to future needs and evolving threats. Regular updates, advanced threat detection, and support for emerging technologies ensure the system remains relevant as your business and the threat landscape evolve.

Which Cisco Meraki License Should You Choose For Your Business?

While the Enterprise License is a viable option for smaller businesses with a limited budget, investing in the ASL proves more cost-effective in the long run despite its higher upfront cost. Beyond advanced security features like intrusion detection/prevention, anti-malware, and content filtering, the ASL makes it easier to scale as your business grows. As you add more users, devices, or locations, the ASL provides the necessary tools to manage increased traffic and evolving cybersecurity threats seamlessly, avoiding future upgrades or costly security gaps.

Additionally, by investing in the ASL early, you future-proof your network, ensuring it can handle more complex configurations and larger infrastructures without compromising performance. The advanced protections reduce the risk of security incidents, which could result in costly downtime, compliance issues, and data recovery. Over time, this proactive investment in the ASL saves more than it costs, making it a smart, long-term choice for businesses of all sizes.

Purchase The Best Cisco Meraki License For Your Network

Choosing the right license for your network comes down to your business's unique needs. While the Enterprise License offers essential security at a lower cost, the Advanced Security license is a more comprehensive solution. Though the ASL is more expensive, its advanced security features, ease of scalability, and long-term cost savings make it a smart investment, no matter how big your organization is. To ensure your network stays secure and adaptable as your business grows, the Advanced Security License provides unparalleled value.

Don't compromise the security of your network. Shop for Meraki licenses today!