has unveiled a family of wireline network routers. Like Meraki's Wi-Fi access points, the routers will be managed and secured by a cloud-based set of services accessed via a Web interface. Enterprise customers will be able buy and adjust a network infrastructure on a pay-as-you-go basis for an annual fee.

The Meraki routers combine four distinct functions traditionally handled by separate appliances: routing, application firewall, site-to-site VPN, and network monitoring. In addition, customers that have been relying on leased lines or similar WAN arrangements will be able to substitute for redundant cable modem or DSL connections for still more operational savings, according to Meraki executives.

The Meraki MX50 is for small branch offices, retail stores, and the like; it's priced at $400 per year, including maintenance. The Meraki MX70 is aimed at medium to large branch deployments, priced at $800 per year. Each will have a choice of two software "editions": the complete package includes all the advanced features, including a full firewall; a second edition, lacking these features, is intended for use behind an existing enterprise firewall, and will cost less.

Both will be available starting Feb. 13.

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