Cisco Meraki in E-Rate
Cisco Meraki shows up in E-Rate filings as cloud-managed MS switches, MR wireless access points, and MX security appliances. All three are eligible Internal Connections under Category 2, treated the same as on-prem-managed equivalents — what matters is the underlying function, not the cloud-management model.
Product categories Cisco Meraki commonly supplies in E-Rate
- Wireless Access Points →
Meraki MR access points and the Meraki dashboard licensing required to operate them are funded under Category 2.
- Network Switches →
Meraki MS switching is eligible under Category 2 as Internal Connections.
- Firewalls →
Meraki MX security appliances are eligible Internal Connections under Category 2, with cost allocation for advanced security licensing.
- Structured Cabling →
Cabling and termination hardware that supports Meraki MS switches and MR APs is eligible alongside the equipment.
E-Rate-specific notes
- Meraki licensing is mandatory to operate the hardware, so the dashboard license tied to eligible MS / MR / MX devices is funded as part of the system rather than treated as separate non-eligible software.
- MX advanced security features (e.g., advanced threat protection, content filtering layers beyond basic firewall function) typically require cost allocation on E-Rate quotes.
- Meraki Systems Manager (MDM) is generally not eligible — it sits outside the Internal Connections definition.
Common questions
- Is Meraki dashboard licensing eligible under E-Rate?
- Yes. Because Meraki devices cannot operate without their dashboard license, the license tied to operating eligible MS / MR / MX hardware is funded as part of the system. Term length should match the standard licensing period for the device.
- Are Meraki MX appliances eligible?
- Yes. Meraki MX security appliances are eligible Internal Connections under Category 2. Basic firewall function is fully funded; advanced security subscription layers generally require cost allocation.
- Is Meraki Systems Manager (MDM) E-Rate eligible?
- Mobile device management products like Meraki Systems Manager generally fall outside the Internal Connections definition and are not E-Rate eligible. Verify against the current Eligible Services List.
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 Meraki or any other line you sell into.
Form 470 alerts →This page describes how Cisco Meraki products commonly fit into the E-Rate Eligible Services List. It does not represent any commercial relationship with Cisco Meraki, 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 Meraki.