Cisco 8000 Series Secure Routers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Summary

The high-performance Cisco® Secure 8455 Router (SKU: C8455-G2-MX) delivers a unified platform integrating advanced security, routing, assurance, and SD-WAN features. Designed for diverse environments—including high performance branch offices, campuses, and data centers—the C8455-MX router allows enterprises to adapt easily to evolving needs. Equipped with an innovative secure networking processor, its custom silicon efficiently handles high-bandwidth AI/ML workloads while reducing power consumption and operational costs. Cisco Secure 8455-G2-MX router shares the same capabilities as the current MX series, making them ideal for campus aggregation or high-performance SASE deployments at the access edge. Overall, Cisco 8000 Series provides a strong foundation for scalable, reliable networks that can grow with your business. This cloud-ready solution leverages a flexible software stack, delivers high performance, and offers advanced analytics with Deep Packet Inspection (DPI).

 

Q. What is Cisco adding to its portfolio of MX platforms?

A. Cisco is expanding its MX portfolio with a new high-performance, AI/ML and PQC ready secure WAN Appliance that is purpose-built for the network edge of campuses, large enterprises or service providers. They are specifically designed to meet the emerging needs of high-speed Ethernet WAN deployments driven by increasing adoption of distributed AI and cloud connectivity. Featuring dual 25Gbps WAN interfaces, this router boosts integrated security performance to beyond 10Gbps and efficiently aggregates multiple traffic streams. In addition, it delivers a robust suite of capabilities—including advanced routing, enhanced application experience, assurance, deep network insights, and comprehensive security—making it an ideal solution for demanding edge environments.

Q. What are the key differences between the current MX portfolio and the Cisco Secure C8400 MX series router

A. The Cisco Secure 8455-G2-MX platforms adapts the equivalent IOS-XE model to run Meraki OS, thus providing the following key benefits

• High Speed (25Gbps) SFP28 WAN ports. 10Gbps SFP+ and 8 x 1Gbps SFP ports
• Upto 8Gbps of Threat performance and 20Gbps of Firewall performance. Refer to the MX Sizing Guide & Principles for more information
• Powered by an all-new secure networking processor
• Future support for Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
• Future support for in-hardware AI modules
• Attractive and versatile form factor with only 12-inch depth
• Field replaceable dual 250W AC redundant power supplies and fans
• Conformant with Cisco circular design principles for sustainability 

Q. Can you list the benefits of Meraki Operating System on the Cisco Secure 8000 Series MX platform ?

A.  The Cisco 8000 series leads the industry delivering advanced security, AI-powered automation, performance enabled by post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and seamless cloud management to future-proof your WAN. The Meraki Operating System can therefore use the following capabilities

• Post Quantum (PQC)
  • Secure boot that verifies software and hardware authenticity, and can detect and react to tampering attempts 
  • Future proofed to support Commercial National Security Algorithm (CNSA 2.0) mandates
• AI /ML Engine built into the Secure Networking Processor for
  • Performance acceleration
  • Enhanced Security (eg: Exploit Detection)
• Inline crypto engine to speed up encryption/decryption of data-in-flight
• Integrated HW accelerators to improve forwarding performance using the for entire data-path

And finally, the Cisco 8000 Series Secure Routers are built with sustainable packaging in mind

Q. What is the naming convention for the Cisco Secure 8000 Series MX platform?

A.  The product is named as C8455-G2-MX. Each part of the product ID is outlined as follows:

• C = Standard Product ID (PID) prefix. In this case, “C” for Cisco.
• 8400 = Platform series.
• G2= Second Generation of the Cisco 8000 Series.
• MX = A reference to the product using Meraki OS (vs IOS-XE)

Q. How many WAN ports does the C8455-G2-MX have

A. At launch the C8455-G2-MX will have 2 x WAN ports. The ports are marked as WAN 1 and WAN 2 wherein WAN 1 will be the primary WAN connection. Additional WAN ports maybe available through future software upgrades

Q. Can we switch the operating system on the C8455-G2-MX to IOS-XE ?

A. All C8455-G2-MX or C8455-G2 models continue throughout their life with the same OS personality that they were ordered with. It is NOT possible to convert the Operating System (OS) on the C8455-G2-MX to IOS-XE.

Q. Will the C8455-G2-MX ship with optics in-built when ordered ? 

A. The C8455-G2-MX does not ship with optics (SFP28/ SFP+/ SFP) built in by default. You may order these optics when ordering the Hardware or as a spare at a later time as needed. You will need to manually install the optics. All supported optics are listed in the MX family datasheet and available on the ordering tool (CCW). 

Q. Are all optics supported on the IOS-XE based C8455-G2 supported on the C8455-G2-MX. Are the supported optics hot-swappable

A. Not all optics supported on the C8455-G2 (Secure router that runs IOS-XE) are supported on the C8455-G2-MX (Secure router that runs Meraki OS). The Cisco ordering tool (CCW) and the datasheet will reflect additional optics as they are supported at launch or in future releases.  

Yes, the optics on the C8455-G2-MX are hot-swappable and maybe swapped when the appliance is powered on.

Q.  Are there plans to discontinue the currently available MX security platforms or the Meraki Operating System?

A. The introduction of the C8455-G2-MX reinforces Cisco’s continued investment into and expanding the existing MX security platforms as also into feature development on the Meraki Operating System (Meraki OS). As such, Cisco currently has no plans to end-of-sale or end-of-life the current generation of MX platforms. The current generation of MX platforms, with many millions in use worldwide, is proof of the popularity of these platforms and will continue to fill their role as part of the larger family. 

Q. Which firmware and feature set will the Cisco Secure C8455-G2-MX be capable of running ?

A. The Cisco Secure C8455-G2-MX run Cisco Meraki OS. The product will launch with software version MX19.2. All features supported on the existing MX security platforms will be supported on the new C8455-G2-MX platform and will be able to operate on the same Organization as the existing MX platform

Q. Where do I position the C8455-G2-MX in comparison to the current MX platforms?

A.  The Cisco Secure 8455-G2-MX platforms provides Threat Management performance upto 8Gbps and Layer 3/ 7 Firewall performance upto 20Gbps. It provides upto 1.5-Million flows at launch with the capacity to scale further in upcoming software releases. The C8455-G2-MX is positioned for large enterprises and campuses that are required to aggregate multiple WAN connections as a headend with with high security performance and scale. Refer to the MX Sizing Guide and Principles. 

Q. What licenses are needed to operate the Cisco Secure C8455-G2-MX routers?

A. The Cisco Secure C8455-G2-MX will offer support for both Co-term and Subscription licenses.

Please refer here for the different licensing options available on C8455-G2-MX. Supporting documents listed will lead you to license guidelines and compliance needs. Please refer to the MX family datasheet for additional information on the licensing SKU’s. In general, License SKU’s will follow the terminology indicated below for each of subscription and co-term.

Subscription Licensing SKU’s will follow the format LIC-CSR-XL-E

• LIC = Standard Licensing ID prefix. In this case, “LIC” for License.
• CSR = Cisco Secure Routers.
• XL= Extra Large is the product class where the specific hardware falls
• E or A = A reference to the license supporting Essentials or Advantage feature set

Refer to the link here for the latest feature set in each of Essentials and Advantage

Co-term Licensing SKU’s will follow the format LIC-C8455-ENT-5Y

• LIC = Standard Licensing ID prefix. In this case, “LIC” for License.
• C8455 = Specific product that the license is applicable to
• Feature Set
  • ENT= Enterprise (ENT) Feature set.
  • Advanced Security (SEC) and
  • SD-WAN (SDW)
• XY = Where XY is the term that may vary from 1year to 7Years

 Refer to the link here for the latest feature set in each of Enterprise, Advanced Security and SD-WAN

Q. My C8455-G2-MX shows serial number as LLLYYWWXXXX and a Cloud ID as WWW-WWW-WWW. How should I claim a device into Dashboard

A. With the launch of the Cisco Secure 8000 series routers, the “Meraki Serial Number” has been renamed to “Cloud ID”. This change will reflect on the Cisco Secure router label, packaging, QR Code etc. The “Cloud ID” is used in the Meraki device claim workflow. In short, there is no functional change to how this is used and or claimed in Meraki Dashboard. The Serial number will be of the format LLLYYWWXXXX. You will use the Cloud ID to claim the device into or perform all functions on the Dashboard

The existing MX devices will continue to use the WWW-WWW-WWW format for Meraki Serial Number. Customers who have an Organization that is a combination of current generation MX and Cisco Secure 8000 Series routers must be aware of this distinction.

Q.I have existing co-term or subscription licenses. Can I transition these licenses to the new C8455-G2-MX routers

A. Any existing licenses are not transferable to the new Cisco Secure 8000 series routers. New licenses listed above will need to be procured

Q.I want to buy the C8455-G2-MX but use it at a later point in time. Can I procure a license only when I begin using it

A. Yes, you may opt out of procuring a license at this time and procure the license when you are ready to use the device. Note however that the device will not work without a license in the dashboard

Q. Default WAN ports are labeled "Internet" on current MX products. Will the same labeling continue on the Cisco Secure 8400 series platform

A. The default WAN ports on the Cisco Secure 8400 series are labeled as WAN 1 and WAN 2. These maybe used as Primary (WAN 1) and Secondary (WAN 2) WAN ports on the platform

Q. Where can I get additional details on the C8455-G2-MX and how it compares with current generation of MX platforms

A. The MX family datasheet details the specifications of the current generation and the new C8455-G2-MX. The MX Sizing Guide and Principles compares the measured values in performance and scale allowing you to position the new platform in relation to current generation of MX

Q. What accessories are available with the C8455-G2-MX?

A. The 19-inch rack-mount kit is part of the default accessory kit and is shipped with the platforms. In addition, the package will contain a mechanical ground lug, shipping labels and any applicable regulatory and compliance document. The platform contains two field replaceable fans on the rear. Similarly the 2 x 250W AC power supplies are field replaceable and hot swappable.

Q. With redundant power supplies, can we switch the power to primary when it fails and the router is running on the secondary power supply?

A. There is no concept of primary or secondary power supply for the Cisco Secure 8400 series. The power supplies are simply redundant, so that when one fails the other Power-Supply Unit (PSU) takes over by transparently providing power to the entire system. No switching or intervention is required. Both share the load when running in the system; however, when one fails the other provides power to the complete unit. When the failed PSU is replaced with a new PSU in the system, the two power supplies are redundant.

Q. Does the C8455-G2-MX have support for Federal Licenses and Enterprise Agreements ?

A. Yes, Federal Licensing and Enterprise Agreement licenses are available for the C8455-G2-MX hardware. Refer to the MX family datasheet and ordering guide for additional details.

Q. The C8455-G2-MX provides for a console and a management port and front panel LED's for Alarms and Alerts. What purpose do these ports and LED's serve when operating with Meraki OS

A.  The C8455-G2-MX (as it shares a common hardware with the C8455-G2) has a console port and a management port. Users can access the local status page using the management port to make local configuration changes, monitor device status and channel utilization, and perform local troubleshooting.

The console port and the Type C USB 3.0 ports are not usable. Similarly, any M.2 ports cards plugged into the expansion slot will not be recognized. As with the current generation of MX platAll products with Meraki OS will continue to use the Dashboard for Alarms and Alerts.  

Q. What power cables work with the C8455-G2-MX platform?

A. Cisco Secure 8400 series Routers support high-efficiency power supply units. The product supports 80 PLUS Platinum Certified PSUs offering up to 94% efficiency at 50% load and titanium PSUs reaching up to 96% efficiency at 50% load at 230V input. Both power-supplies on the C8455-G2-MX use a standard IEC C13 connector.

Q. What chassis ventilation considerations should I keep in mind when installing it in the network rack of a Data Center or campus

A. The chassis temperature is regulated with internal fans. An onboard temperature sensor and pressure sensor controls the fan speed. The fans are always on when the device is powered on. The air intake is on the interface side. 

Q. Briefly describe the sustainability features on the C8455-G2-MX. Where can I get more information on these initiatives ?

A. Cisco is embedding sustainability into the product lifecycle—from manufacturing to end of use. A non-exhaustive list of features includes

• Powder-coating finish reducing the amount of harmful solvents used and volatile organic compounds.
• Bezel-free design reduces plastic usage.
• Packaged with corrugated and fiber flute materials, containing minimum 25% post-consumer recycled content.
• The Cisco Takeback and Reuse program allows customers to return used equipment for responsible recycling and reuse.

Refer to Circular Design Principles and Cisco's Purpose Reporting Hub for more information on Cisco's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives and performance

Q. Where can I get the latest details of the Product approvals and compliance for different geographies and (or) standards

A. The Product Approvals Database is a repository of information regarding the homologation status for given Cisco products in certain countries. Before placing any purchase order(s) for Cisco Product(s), every Customer check the homologation status of the product(s)

Q. Will the Cisco Secure 8455-G2-MX be supported on the AI Assistant for Networking

A. Yes, the AI Assistant for Networking will support the new Cisco Secure C8455-G2-MX router. Refer to the AI Assistant for Networking page for details

Q. Will the Cisco Secure C8455-G2-MX support Thousand Eyes to help monitor applications and network paths

A. Yes, ThousandEyes integration is available for Meraki Operating system with either a Secure SD-WAN Plus or Advanced Security license. Secure SD-WAN Plus customers receive entitlements for ThousandEyes test units to run tests as part of the subscription, while Advanced Security customers can purchase ThousandEyes units separately.

Q. Where can I get the latest performance and scale numbers for the C8455-G2-MX

A. The MX Sizing Guide and Principles document maybe used to compare the different models and select or design your network architecture. Performance and scale metrics are based on the most current firmware version defined in the guide.

Q. What is the default warranty that I get on the C8455-G2-MX. Is it the same as my current Meraki MX

A. Cisco 8400 Series Secure Routers come standard with a Cisco Limited 2-Year Return To Factory Hardware Warranty. For more information, refer here

Q. Do I follow the current Meraki support procedure if there is a fault on the C8455-G2-MX? 

A. Yes, there is no change to the current support procedure for the new C8455-G2-MX. Please follow the current support and escalation path(s).