Choosing the right access switch is no longer just about port counts and speeds. It’s about aligning performance, power, and cloud manageability with real-world deployment needs. Cisco Meraki’s MS120 series brings together enterprise-grade reliability and effortless cloud management, making it a top choice for IT leaders in distributed environments.
But with multiple models like the MS120-8, MS120-24P, and MS120-48FP, how do you pick the one that fits your environment and budget without over-engineering the solution?
In this guide we break it all down from comparing power budgets, licensing, form factors, and use cases. So you can make the most informed and cost-effective decision.
Why the Meraki MS120?
Cisco Meraki’s MS120 series delivers cloud-first, Layer 2 access switching, perfect for branch offices, retail outlets, or campus deployments. Known for:
- Zero-touch provisioning via Meraki Dashboard
- Granular visibility (app, client, OS, hostname)
- Robust security: 802.1x, ACLs, DHCP snooping, etc.
Product Lineup: At a Glance
Model | Ports & Uplinks | PoE Budget | Switching Cap. | Form Factor |
MS120-8 | 8×1 GbE + 2×1 GbE SFP | LP: 67 W / FP: 124 W | 20 Gbps | Compact, fan-less |
MS120-24 | 24×1 GbE + 4×1 GbE SFP | — | 56 Gbps | 1U rack |
MS120-24P | 24×1 GbE + 4×1 GbE SFP | 370 W | 56 Gbps | |
MS120-48FP | 48×1 GbE + 4×1 GbE SFP | 740 W | 104 Gbps |
Deep Dive: MS120-8 vs MS120-24P vs MS120-48FP
MS120-8 (ms120 8)
Ideal for small branches or wall/desk-mounted setups:
- Models: Base, LP (low-power), FP (full-power)
- LP vs FP: 67 W vs 124 W PoE+ (FP doubles power budget)
- Use Cases: Secure small groups, CCTV, PoE cameras in clinics or kiosks
MS120-24P (ms120 24p)
Mid-range workhorse:
- PoE budget: 370 W (≈15 W/port), handling APs, VoIP phones, cameras
- Uplinks: 4×1 GbE SFP
- Ports: 24×1 GbE RJ45
- Switching capacity: 56 Gbps
MS120-48FP (ms120 24p hw / meraki ms120)
Enterprise-scale:
- Ports: 48×1 GbE + 4×SFP
- Total PoE: 740 W (up to 30 W/port)
- Capacity: 104 Gbps
- Best For: Campus, large offices, heavy PoE node density
Technical Highlights You Should Know
- Virtual Stacking: Centralized configuration across thousands of ports
- Diagnostics: Packet capture, cable test
- Security: 802.1X, DHCP snooping, IPv6 ACLs
- Warranty: Lifetime hardware replacement, advanced next-day shipping
Best Practices & Deployment Tips
- Always allow ~20% headroom in PoE budget for expansion.
- Use MS120-24P for medium PoE needs and smaller footprints.
- For silent operation (CRX rooms, libraries), pick fan-less LP/FP models.
- Plan uplink capacity – heavy traffic may saturate 1 GbE links.
Performance & PoE Budget: Side-by-Side
MS120-8LP vs MS120-8FP
- LP (fan-less): 67 W, compact footprint
- FP (with fan): 124 W, supports mid-sized PoE needs
Meraki MS120 24P vs 48FP
- LP (fan-less): 67 W, compact footprint
- FP (with fan): 124 W, supports mid-sized PoE needs
Final Recommendation Table
Scenario | Recommended Model | Why |
Small office, few PoE devices | MS120-8LP | Compact, fanless, cost-efficient |
Branch with APs and phones | MS120-24P (ms120 24p) | Balanced PoE and port count |
Enterprise branch / campus core | MS120-48FP (ms120 24p hw) | High density and PoE power |
Decision Flow: Which MS120 suits you?
1. Port density needed?
- < 10 → MS120-8
- 20–30 → MS120-24P
- 40 → MS120-48FP
2. PoE demand?
- Light (Wi-Fi APs, Phones): LP/24P
- Heavy (Cameras, IoT): FP or 48FP
3. Form factor?
- Wall/desk → MS120-8
- 1U rack → 24P/48FP
4. Uplinks sufficient?
- 4 SFP uplinks across models allow aggregation—no 10 GbE support.
Real-world Scenario
At Alfuzail, a client’s regional branch needed:
- 20 VoIP phones (≈7 W each)
- 5 Wi-Fi 6 APs (≈10 W each)
- 8 PoE cameras (≈15 W each)
Total PoE demand ≈ 500 W → MS120-48FP chosen for 740 W budget, rack-mount simplicity, and future scalability.
Cloud Management & Licensing: What You Must Know
What truly sets the Meraki MS120 series apart is not just hardware specs, but its cloud-first management and licensing model, which directly affects your ROI and operational agility.
The Meraki Dashboard Advantage
- Centralized Cloud Control: Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot all MS120 models remotely—no need for on premise controller.
- Network-wide Visibility: Monitor traffic by client, app, or protocol in real-time.
Automation: Auto VPN, firmware updates, and network alerts via the Dashboard.
Meraki Licensing (Required!)
Each MS120 unit needs a valid Enterprise License, available in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10-year terms.
License Type | Features Included |
Enterprise | Full dashboard access, firmware, email support |
Co-Term Licensing | Unified expiry date across all devices |
Per-Device Licensing | Flexibility for mixed lifespan deployments |
Pro Tip from Alfuzail: We recommend 5-year licensing for MS120 deployments—it balances cost-efficiency with lifecycle predictability.
Security Updates & End-of-Life (EOL)
Meraki regularly pushes firmware updates that include:
- Bug fixes
- Security patches
- Feature enhancements
Stay on top of EOL notices (usually 5–7 years post-launch). The MS120 series is currently actively supported.
There’s no difference in specs—“MS120-24P HW” just refers to the hardware part number used in inventory or SKUs. It still provides 370W PoE and 24 ports.
No, MS120 models do not support physical stacking. However, you can use virtual stacking via the Meraki Dashboard to manage multiple switches as one.
No. The MS120 series is Layer 2 only. For Layer 3 static routing, VLAN interfaces, or inter-VLAN routing, consider the MS210 or MS225 series.
Technically yes—but it's not designed for high-performance, top-of-rack workloads. It’s best for access-layer deployment in offices, schools, and retail.
You will lose Dashboard access, configuration control, and firmware updates. Devices continue to forward traffic - but you won’t be able to manage them until the license is renewed.
Each port can deliver up to 30W (802.3at), depending on your total power draw and PoE budgeting.
Yes—with zero-touch provisioning. Just connect it to the internet, claim the device on your Dashboard, and your configuration is pushed automatically.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between MS120-8, MS120-24P, and MS120-48FP isn’t just about port counts. It’s about understanding your power demands, management model, growth forecast, and physical constraints.
At Alfuzail, with deep expertise in Cisco Meraki deployments we don’t just deliver hardware, we help you design a resilient, efficient, and scalable network architecture that’s tailored to your workload.
Let’s Talk: Our Free Consultation is Your Asset
Ready to upgrade your switching infrastructure with Meraki MS120? For network readiness audit, model selection guidance, and deployment roadmap we are your trusted ally.
Contact Alfuzail today for a free technical consultation or a custom Meraki deployment plan.
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