Cisco Meraki Dashboard

What Cisco Meraki Dashboard is

Cisco Meraki Dashboard is a cloud-based platform for provisioning, configuring, and troubleshooting networking and IoT deployments. It brings wireless, switching, routing, cellular gateways, cameras, sensors, and industrial Ethernet switching into one management dashboard. Cisco describes it as suitable for networks from small sites to deployments spanning thousands of sites, and says zero-touch provisioning can bring new sites online in minutes.

For diagnostics, the dashboard includes ping, traceroute, throughput, and live packet capture. Cisco calls the platform API-first and lists a Networking App Marketplace with more than 350 applications, as well as apps, APIs, and built-in integrations through its partner ecosystem. It is available through web, API, Android, and iOS; the mobile app supports organization and network administrator management. Cisco says its out-of-band architecture keeps end-user traffic from passing through Meraki datacenters, while management data uses secure connections. The cloud-management datasheet describes a PCI- and HIPAA-compliant architecture, and Cisco states a 99.99% uptime SLA and advertises 24-hour support. Meraki products require valid licensing, with license keys covering device counts and terms. The service is paid and has a free trial, but no free plan. During a cloud interruption, local network functions and policies continue; dashboard configuration and diagnostic tools are unavailable.

Who it suits

Meraki Dashboard suits teams managing network and IoT equipment across one or many sites, including distributed deployments with thousands of locations. It may also suit organizations that need mobile administration, API access, and integrated network diagnostics.

Limits

There is no free plan, and valid licensing is required for Meraki products to operate. During a cloud connectivity interruption, local network functions and policies continue, but dashboard configuration and diagnostic tools are unavailable.

Getting started

1. Visit the Cisco Meraki management website.
2. Start with the available free trial.
3. Choose a Meraki product and obtain valid licensing for the device count and term.
4. Use the web dashboard, API, or Android and iOS mobile app to manage the deployment.

Verdict

Choose Cisco Meraki Dashboard if you need cloud management for networking and IoT equipment across sites, with integrated diagnostics and API access. Consider the cloud interruption limitation and required licensing when deciding whether it fits your operations.