Upgrade Infrastructure with Meraki Cloud Enhance your systems and services through advanced cloud solutions.
Upgrade Infrastructure with Meraki Cloud Enhance your systems and services through advanced cloud solutions.
Hey there, I just completed an upgrade on my local network setup and wanted to talk about what changed. In short: everything has been updated. My new configuration includes: Router – Meraki MX64 Security Gateway Switch – MS220-8P PoE enabled Managed Switch AP – Access Point. What’s Meraki? It’s a Cisco brand focused on cloud solutions. All management happens through Meraki’s online dashboard, which offers several advantages:
1. A single point to oversee all networking gear.
2. Settings can be pre-set online in the dashboard and automatically applied when devices connect. This is super helpful during equipment changes or upgrades.
3. Minimal reliance on command-line interfaces – most adjustments are made via the graphical interface, eliminating the need to write complex commands for ACLs or routing tables.
While these tools aren’t as advanced as some enterprise-grade Cisco products, they’re powerful enough for a home setup and far more convenient than traditional methods.
I chose these devices mainly because they were very affordable – Meraki promotes them heavily. Their cloud dashboard lets you manage everything from one place. They also provide free webinars (about an hour each) on their products, which I took during my purchase. To qualify, you need a valid business email address; if you have one, you can check the current promo offer here: https://meraki.cisco.com/webinars?ref=2z...ApEALw_wcB.
It seems the promotion is still active: https://meraki.cisco.com/tc/freeap
The free router and switch might still be available, though I’m not sure. A downside is that Meraki uses a paid licensing model – each device comes with a three-year license for free, after which you can’t change settings without purchasing a new license. After three years, I plan to revert to my old TP-Link Archer C9 router.
Some folks might worry about cloud services, but Meraki claims they don’t monitor network traffic. Given their size and reputation, they’d risk losing trust if found doing so.
Anyone else have experience with Meraki? We use it at work for managing iPads (Meraki’s MDM) and are planning to buy more switches for a new building. We want all our networking gear covered by warranty or service, and we discovered that the Service Contract for pricier models is often comparable to or even cheaper than license renewals. So we decided to give them a try.
We are recognized as a certified internet provider for IHG, meeting their requirement for all Meraki equipment. Their case study page is available here: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/case...study.html. Some of our Canadian MDU locations already run Meraki setups. I haven’t handled a property’s configuration yet, but I’ve explored the dashboards of finished installations. In my view, it offers features comparable to Ruckus SmartZone, ZoneDirector, and Ubiquit Unifi. However, just like any controller interface, there’s always one aspect that frustrates users—the CLI is far simpler than the GUI. For example, bulk naming APs in Ruckus SZ/ZD, port forwarding in WatchGuard, or similar tasks in Aruba 7005 controllers. In Extreme controllers, it’s the same. I’m not sure what specific Meraki function is most valuable, but the absence of a CLI makes me cautious about diving deeper. I recall an iOS update a few years back that caused devices to behave unexpectedly when APs tried to direct traffic through a controller. On Ruckus systems, we discovered some CLI adjustments that weren’t obvious from the GUI. With Meraki, we filed a ticket and waited nearly three months before both Meraki and Apple released updates that improved performance.
Licensing presents the main challenge. If the gear comes with a subscription model, that’s ideal—I can shift everything to operating expenses. Still, I need to explain the capital expenditures. We opted for the standard Cisco 2900 series; it matches our needs, same price, required capabilities, no ongoing subscription costs, and works anywhere there’s a need for no network access outside. I’d like to evaluate the cost benefits of moving away from an MPLS network and adopting a multi-spoke VPN, as this seems essential.
Really? You didn't mention it before, but I also enjoy things for free.
Consider exploring the ISR4K platforms and 4G backup options. They also offer licensing for throughput, allowing you to specify only the amount you need—avoiding extra charges if it's not required. Edit: For those interested, I still have my Meraki equipment ready (I believe I have all three components). If anyone is keen, just reach out and we can discuss the details.
Licensing certainly poses a challenge—but the price of the hardware usually comes down compared to Cisco options. If you’re missing multi-year agreements for Cisco gear, it might be wiser to stick with them. However, if you’re receiving support regardless, Meraki units include built-in contracts in their subscriptions. It’s a tough choice. We operate with just three IT members, so when problems arise we often can’t handle everything ourselves. We need dependable expert help to restore critical systems quickly. Haha, I didn’t consider this until last night while installing the new equipment and finalizing the documentation. Check out my links—those free APs still look good, and the Switch/Gateway might still be available. Of course, my references are probably Canadian, but they’re likely running international promotions. We recently upgraded our Wi-Fi at two locations and chose Mikrotik instead of Cisco or Meraki. The APs are solid, a big improvement over the outdated 2.4G Cisco units—but the Wi-Fi Controller is really lacking. It’s a real letdown compared to the Mikrotik version.
The Mikrotik CAPsMan setup is quite unique—what I see is different from what others expect. It functions well with APs (hAP AC) integrated into the main network and a 5-port switch that supports managed switch features. I wouldn’t recommend it as a full solution for a standard AP system, especially if you’re planning to use it as a regular access point. Why Mikrotik instead of Ubiquiti? Also, are you employing CAPsMan forwarding or Local Forwarding?
Ubiquiti wasn't considered in previous records. Because of local regulations, we can't ask for particular equipment for a large-scale initiative (projects exceeding $5000). We need to draft an RFP – a request for proposals. We specify our needs (for example, a centralized controller, smooth handoff, wireless AC) and then invite vendors to submit their ideas. The responses came from Cisco or Mikrotik. The Mikrotik option was significantly more affordable while delivering comparable results, so we chose it. To obtain specific brands, we must include only what that brand provides in the RFP – which is generally discouraged unless the feature is essential. I would have favored Ubiquiti over Mikrotik, but that wasn't possible.
The Cisco controller referenced is likely a dedicated WLC such as the 3504, not the Meraki model.
We possess a dedicated Cisco controller; I won’t recall the exact model right now, but I’ll check it later. Right now, our production setup doesn’t include any Meraki devices—though we’re acquiring several Meraki switches for the upcoming branch (arrival mid-summer, installation imminent). The new location will remain equipped with a Catalyst switch as its primary core switch, complemented by an HPE switch serving as the fiber link between sites. We’re part of a consortium using a private fiber network. In the office, we have a Meraki Gateway, Switch, and AP for testing, matching the models I’m currently using. For testing purposes, we’re simply deploying them in the IT department, which is housed in a plain cinder block and concrete space—ironically, the other APs there suffer from blocked signals, making Wi-Fi unavailable even there.