Are Cisco Meraki products eligible under E-Rate?

Yes — Meraki cloud-managed switches, wireless APs, and security appliances are eligible the same way as on-prem-managed Cisco equivalents, subject to the same Category 2 budget and cost-allocation rules.

Are Cisco DNA / advanced licenses funded?

Basic networking function is funded. Advanced licensing layers that include features beyond core switching, routing, or wireless service typically require cost allocation. Vendors split eligible and non-eligible licensing on E-Rate quotes.

Are Cisco firewalls eligible?

Yes. Cisco Firepower and Meraki MX appliances are eligible Internal Connections under Category 2. Basic firewall function is fully funded; advanced security modules generally require cost allocation.

Manufacturer

Cisco in E-Rate

Quick answer

Cisco supplies a broad range of products that show up in E-Rate filings — Catalyst and Meraki switches, wireless access points and controllers, Firepower / Meraki MX firewalls, and routers. Most Cisco hardware is funded under Category 2 as Internal Connections; routers used as customer-premises equipment for connectivity may fall under Category 1.

Product categories Cisco commonly supplies in E-Rate

Network Switches →
Catalyst and Meraki switching is one of the most common E-Rate Category 2 lines.
Wireless Access Points →
Catalyst and Meraki wireless access points and the controllers that manage them are funded under Category 2.
Firewalls →
Firepower and Meraki MX appliances are eligible under Category 2 with cost allocation for advanced security licensing layers.
Structured Cabling →
Cisco does not manufacture cabling, but cabling and termination hardware that supports Cisco switches and APs is eligible alongside the equipment.

E-Rate-specific notes

Meraki cloud-managed devices are treated the same as on-prem-managed equivalents for E-Rate eligibility — what matters is the underlying function, not the management model.
Cost allocation is the most common Cisco-specific consideration: advanced licensing tiers (e.g., DNA Advantage, advanced security subscriptions) often include features that go beyond basic eligible function and are typically separated on E-Rate quotes.
Service-provider responses to Form 470s often bundle Cisco hardware with installation, structured cabling, and support — all of which can be eligible if scoped correctly.

FAQ

Common questions

Are Cisco Meraki products eligible under E-Rate?: Yes — Meraki cloud-managed switches, wireless APs, and security appliances are eligible the same way as on-prem-managed Cisco equivalents, subject to the same Category 2 budget and cost-allocation rules.
Are Cisco DNA / advanced licenses funded?: Basic networking function is funded. Advanced licensing layers that include features beyond core switching, routing, or wireless service typically require cost allocation. Vendors split eligible and non-eligible licensing on E-Rate quotes.
Are Cisco firewalls eligible?: Yes. Cisco Firepower and Meraki MX appliances are eligible Internal Connections under Category 2. Basic firewall function is fully funded; advanced security modules generally require cost allocation.

Other manufacturers

Filter Form 470s by manufacturer.

ERateSignal classifies E-Rate filings down to product line and detected manufacturer where USAC's public service-request data permits, so you can scope alerts to Cisco or any other line you sell into.

Form 470 alerts →

This page describes how Cisco products commonly fit into the E-Rate Eligible Services List. It does not represent any commercial relationship with Cisco, nor any endorsement, ranking, or comparative claim. Eligibility rules and cost-allocation requirements change by funding year; verify the current Eligible Services List with USAC before relying on this for a specific filing. ERateSignal is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by USAC, the FCC, or the U.S. Government, or with Cisco.