The right choice for remote offices
Updated June 20, 2020
The right choice for remote offices
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Meraki MS Switches
I currently deploy the Meraki MS switches at sites where there are few or no IT staff.
The typical use case that I’ve deployed is for sites in the 10 - 300 user range. For sites bigger than 100 users I’ll typically install a Cisco Catalyst core and use the Meraki as access switches, especially in wiring closets. If the site is small I’ll typically deploy a couple of these devices to account for potential failure scenarios. Ensuring that the internet connectivity on remote sites is "robust" is extremely important as this connectivity is required to manage the devices.
The typical use case that I’ve deployed is for sites in the 10 - 300 user range. For sites bigger than 100 users I’ll typically install a Cisco Catalyst core and use the Meraki as access switches, especially in wiring closets. If the site is small I’ll typically deploy a couple of these devices to account for potential failure scenarios. Ensuring that the internet connectivity on remote sites is "robust" is extremely important as this connectivity is required to manage the devices.
- Visibility of sites through a single pane of glass.
- Excellent troubleshooting capability
- Automatic upgrades of the operating system
- No support for EIGRP
- Changes can sometimes be slow to apply
- No Netflow support, however application visibility can be gleaned from the portal
- Designed for centralized IT department.
- High visibility of what is happening in each network segment.
- Simplified licensing however licensing needs to be considered on the TCO of the solution
The products are now becoming very similar in their capabilities with both supporting a similar backplane, redundant PSUs in certain Meraki models and a variety of gigabit uplinks. The Meraki solution is turnkey in as much that you don’t need to bolt on additional products to gain visibility if you network. The Cisco 9300, for example, is designed for SDA and you need a DNAC to fully leverage your investment.
If you need all the enterprise features then I'd purchase Cisco enterprise products, however Meraki absolutely has a place in Enterprise and for many clients, the features are more than sufficient.
If you need all the enterprise features then I'd purchase Cisco enterprise products, however Meraki absolutely has a place in Enterprise and for many clients, the features are more than sufficient.
Do you think Cisco Meraki MS delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with Cisco Meraki MS's feature set?
Yes
Did Cisco Meraki MS live up to sales and marketing promises?
Yes
Did implementation of Cisco Meraki MS go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy Cisco Meraki MS again?
Yes