Meru offers a multi-layer security model, strengthening the network through multiple lines of defense. Important differentiators include:


Continuous scanning. Unlike their two major competitors, dual-radio Meru APs can scan for security threats while serving voice or other real-time traffic. In addition, software-upgradeable APs can scan for 802.11n threats even before an upgrade is purchased.

Physical perimeter protection. Meru is the only wireless LAN vendor that can protect the physical perimeter. RFBarrier selectively disrupts packets from a particular network, using directional antennas to make the network undetectable outside a predetermined geographic area (usually a building). This is achieved without affecting other networks or hindering performance for internal users.

Over-the-air protection. Where other vendors’ IPS products wait until an intruder has connected to a network, Meru can prevent them from connecting at all. The AirFirewall module drops unwanted packets while still in-flight, preventing both intrusion and the threat of Evil Twins that lure users to reveal authentication credentials to a spoofed access point.

Per-User Firewall. Meru allows firewall rules to be configured based on a client device’s group membership or individual identity. Exposure to insider threats and device theft is minimized.

Flow Signature Firewall Rules. Most vendors’ firewalls rely on deep packet inspection. Meru offers this too, but also support firewall rules that recognize the signatures of individual application types. This means that it can recognize even encrypted traffic such as Skype packets and apply appropriate security of QoS rules.

Dedicated FIPS Appliance. Meru complies with the Federal Information Processing Standard 140-2 requirement by offloading encryption to a dedicated appliance, meaning that individual APs and controllers do not have to be certified for compliance. Major competitors try to make every AP FIPS compliant, requiring frequent visual inspections that drain staff time and lengthy recertification with every software release. In addition, Meru’s standalone appliance means it can reach a higher grade of security. The Meru appliance is designed to meet FIPS 140-2 Level 3 while competitors only reach Level 2.