As the name indicates, the Meraki GO GX20 router-firewall is, well a combination router firewall device. It is extremely affordable, as all the Meraki GO devices are. It’s job is to block websites, prioritize bandwidth, & set usage limits across an entire network. Like all things Meraki, it is cloud managed. But not in the usual Meraki cloud. Rather, they are managed through the Meraki GO app, from your phone.
The Meraki GO GX20 router-firewall has a Power over Ethernet (PoE) port and 3 additional LAN ports for flexibility, and it comes with all updates and tech support included in the price.
What is Meraki GO?
The Meraki Go line are a family of access points, firewalls, routers and a switches. It is an “entry level” line perfect for startups, home offices, and other small businesses with little or no IT expertise. It is not really a part of the main line of Meraki products, but rather is a completely separately entity. And, it is truly a consumer-class solution.
In short, Meraki Go is a “plug and play” solution allowing small businesses to deploy very workable, basic networking on a budget. Everything from setting it up, to managing it, to sticking it on a wall are a breeze.
As a comparison, the Meraki MR33, which is the entry-level access point in the regular line, offers more features. For example, it carries more radios, Bluetooth support, and more robust setup options. Then again, it costs significantly more, and these are features many people just won’t need.
The Meraki GO GX20 is ideal for small cafes, bookstores, boutique shops and such. Even homes would be ideal. If you have under 50 employees/people with just one or a few independent sites, Meraki Go might well be a great fit.
Did you say “Easy to use?”
Yes. Absolutely everything necessary to set the Meraki GO GX20 up is included in the box, including the power cable, networking cable, mounting hardware and even screws to attach it somewhere. A very simple instruction booklet that includes both text descriptions and easy-to-understand pictures covers everything.
Setup involves just downloading the Go app onto your phone, from where you control everything. The app itself is highly intuitive and graphical. And, of course, it’s easy to use.
It simplifies control of your network with slide buttons choices that make sense to non-IT types. Knowing a little about how wireless technology works is always helpful, but not necessary. And, if you do get stuck there’s technical support personnel available through the monthly subscription.
Performance and specs of the Meraki GO GX20
The Meraki GO GX20 delivers up to 250 Mbps of stateful firewall throughput and supports up to 50 devices. It has 1 USB port and 1x 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45) WAN port, as well as 4x 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet (RJ45) LAN port.
Router Firewall Plus
Now available is the Meraki GO GX20 Router Firewall Plus. The differences here are that the Plus reaches up to 500 Mbps of Stateful Firewall Throughput, and supports Client VPN. It is not PoE enabled.
The Meraki GO GX20 does a great job of filling the niche of users who need a reliable, inexpensive network that just sits in the corner and faithfully does it’s thing. You might not need or want super-granular configuration options. Features like segregated guest networks and lots of scanning, monitoring, and reporting options might be unnecessary in your use case.
So, if you’re someone who isn’t very “techie” and doesn’t want to have to be in order to provide secure wireless to a small number of people, then Meraki GO might just be for you!
Lastly, if you would like to know more about the Meraki Go family of switches, access points, and security gateways, just call Corporate Armor at 877-449-0458. You can also email us at [email protected]. Thanks for reading!
Meraki GO GX20 highlights
| SUPER affordable |
| Incredibly easy to set up and manage |
| Up to 250 MBPS stateful firewall throughput 500 Mbps for the Plus) |
| Cloud managed from your phone app |