Anticipating technology lifecycle changes is essential to protecting your business and maintaining operational continuity. Cisco recently announced support for the Meraki MR33 Access Points will officially end June 2026.
At that time, MR33 devices will no longer receive security patches or software updates, creating serious risks to network security, reliability, and operations.
The best approach is to plan ahead. By understanding what this means and how to respond, you can avoid last-minute disruption and turn this into an opportunity to strengthen your network.
What end of support life really means
When a product reaches the end of support life (EOSL), it doesn’t stop working immediately. The manufacturer support ends, which leads to several risks:
- Security patches will no longer be provided, leaving any newly discovered vulnerabilities unaddressed
- Bug fixes and updates will cease, so performance and reliability may degrade over time
- Compatibility with newer hardware or firmware may suffer, especially in mixed-device environments
- Devices no longer covered by manufacturer support will be serviced on a best-effort basis and will not be eligible for SLAs
The longer MR33 devices remain in place after EOSL, the greater the risk of downtime, compliance failures, and costly emergency upgrades.
MR36: The upgrade that keeps you supported
Cisco has identified the Meraki MR36 as the successor to the MR33. It’s more than a replacement; it’s an upgrade built for modern network demands:
- Wi-Fi 6 performance up to 1.7 Gbps supports the bandwidth needs of today’s connected environments
- WPA3 encryption offers stronger protection for sensitive data
- Improved reliability and longevity means fewer disruptions over time
- Future-ready foundation gives your network capacity to support new technologies
MR36 ensures your business remains supported while also benefiting from faster performance, stronger security, and a more resilient network for the future.
Why act now
The June 2026 deadline may feel distant, but proactive planning gives you control. Organizations that begin planning now are better positioned to:
- Stay aligned with compliance requirements
- Eliminate risks tied to outdated, unsupported equipment
- Pace their upgrade process rather than manage it under tight deadlines
- Unlock improved performance and security ahead of schedule
Taking action early helps you avoid reactive decisions and unexpected costs down the line.
Next steps
Technology lifecycles are inevitable, but they don’t need to be disruptive. Planning ahead protects your operations and positions your business for the future.
If your organization relies on the Cisco Meraki network ecosystem, now is the time to take inventory. Review your environment for MR33 access points and other EOSL models, including MR42, MR45, MR74, MV21, MX65W, and MX84, to avoid unexpected downtime or security vulnerabilities.
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