Cisco Meraki MR Review

These access points are used for connecting small offices and, typically, we were looking for some sorUse Cases and ScopeEnterprise Wireless LAN: These access points are deployed to create robust wireless networks in offices, campuses, and other enterprise environments. They support high-density deployments, ensuring seamless connectivity for a large number of devices.Hybrid Workplaces: With features like Teleworker VPN mode, they enable secure access for remote employees, ensuring consistent user experiences regardless of location.IoT Integration: They support IoT devices, enabling smart office solutions like real-time location tracking, asset management, and environmental monitoring.Cloud Management: The Meraki dashboard simplifies network management, offering centralized control and real-time analytics.t of access points, so these came in handy.

Cisco Meraki MR is really quick to set up. It gives layer 7 visibility and we can check application usage. Since the configuration is in the cloud, we don't need to ask users to connect to the "console" during troubleshooting.

Technology Integration
Current Progress: Organizations often focus on deploying secure, scalable solutions like VPNs, cloud-based collaboration tools, and wireless networks (like Cisco Meraki APs) for seamless remote access.
Insights: Balancing security and ease of use can be challenging, but investing in user-friendly tools significantly enhances adoption.

Workspace Redesign
Current Progress: Office spaces are frequently reconfigured to support flexible hot-desking or activity-based working while retaining areas for collaboration.
Insights: Gathering data on space utilization and employee preferences helps optimize layouts and reduce wasted resources.

Ensuring Security:

Hybrid work introduces vulnerabilities, especially with employees accessing company resources from various locations. Implementing secure connections (e.g., VPNs) and endpoint protections while maintaining ease of use can be difficult.

Scalability of Network Infrastructure:Expanding the network to support a dispersed workforce requires additional hardware and bandwidth. Organizations often need to scale their wireless solutions to accommodate both in-office and remote employees without sacrificing performance.

Employee Training:Introducing new tools, such as Cisco’s Meraki cloud dashboard or collaboration software, requires training. Ensuring employees adopt and utilize these tools effectively is critical.

Maintaining Productivity and Collaboration:Hybrid models can create divides between on-site and remote employees. Organizations often face challenges in fostering inclusivity and maintaining seamless collaboration.

Cost Management:Budgeting for hybrid work solutions, including upgrading wireless networks, purchasing new hardware, and ongoing software subscriptions, can be a financial balancing act.

Adapting Policies and Procedures:Adjusting to hybrid work requires rethinking policies, such as those around data privacy, equipment usage, and remote work allowances.

1. Improved Connectivity and CollaborationBy ensuring seamless and secure remote access to networks, Cisco solutions help bridge the gap between on-site and remote employees. This improves overall collaboration and helps maintain productivity.
2. Enhanced SecurityFeatures like encrypted VPNs and advanced threat detection help mitigate the risks associated with remote work, addressing security challenges that many organizations face.
3. Simplified ManagementThe centralized management tools, like the Meraki dashboard, streamline network administration. This has a direct impact on IT teams, saving them time and reducing operational complexities.
4. Flexibility for ScalingCisco solutions often support scalability, which is invaluable for organizations as they adjust to fluctuating demands of hybrid work.

Our users dont have any issues and provided positive feedback using Meraki as Hybrid solution

Meraki MX
Meraki MR
Meraki MS

Comprehensive Needs Assessment:Map out current and future network demands, including scalability, security, and user capacity.Include input from all stakeholders, such as IT, security teams, and end users.

Broader Vendor Comparison:Assess multiple vendors and weigh features, pricing, and customer support.Perform side-by-side comparisons of the usability of management tools like dashboards.

Rigorous Testing:Conduct pilot deployments in high-traffic or critical areas to observe real-world performance.Stress-test the system under extreme conditions to identify potential limitations.

The online materials were good and this is very intutive so was easy to follow

1. Network Design and PlacementConduct a Site Survey: Identify the best locations for AP placement to minimize interference and ensure consistent coverage.Avoid Overlap: Position access points to reduce overlapping channels and interference, particularly in high-density areas.Plan for Density: In environments like offices or schools, consider high-density AP models to handle many simultaneous connections.
2. Optimize Wireless SettingsEnable Auto RF Features: Allow Meraki's auto-tuning to optimize channel selection and power levels for dynamic environments.Use 5 GHz Band: Encourage clients to connect to the 5 GHz band for better performance and less interference compared to 2.4 GHz.Set SSIDs Strategically: Use multiple SSIDs sparingly to minimize broadcast overhead, and assign VLANs for traffic segmentation.
3. Secure the NetworkEnable WPA3: Use the latest Wi-Fi encryption standard for maximum security.Use Identity-Based Access: Implement systems like RADIUS authentication or integrate with Active Directory for robust user management.Apply Firewall Rules: Use Meraki's Layer 7 firewall rules to block unwanted traffic or risky applications.

No

No We did not

When we had a bug on IOS and that caused authentications to fail on site to site vpn. It was quite difficult to diagonize and Cisco helped with this and suggested an upgrade which resolved the issue

Review the official Cisco Meraki documentation to understand the APIs, protocols, and features available for integration.
Identify compatible systems (e.g., IAM solutions, security platforms, collaboration tools) that can extend your network's capabilities.

n/a

I dont have much to say other than to use the vendor that knows about Meraki!