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What is Cisco Meraki?

Industry Specialties: Cloud Services, Managed Services, Accessories, Retail, Hospitality, Education, Government, Service Provider, Manufacturing.

Cisco Meraki offers a comprehensive cloud-based platform for managing network security, wireless, switching, and mobile device management. It is particularly well-suited for businesses and organizations in industries such as education, retail, healthcare, and hospitality, where robust and scalable network solutions are essential. The platform's unique benefits include centralized management, real-time visibility, and simplified deployment, which streamline IT operations and enhance security.

Popular features of Cisco Meraki include advanced security analytics, automated network provisioning, and seamless integration with other IT systems. Users appreciate the intuitive dashboard, which provides a holistic view of network performance and security status. Compared to similar products, Cisco Meraki is often praised for its ease of use and reliability, making it a preferred choice for IT administrators seeking efficient network management solutions.

Pricing for Cisco Meraki varies based on the specific products and services required, typically involving a combination of hardware costs and subscription fees. For precise pricing tailored to individual needs, it is recommended to contact SelectHub for a detailed quote.

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#8

Cisco Meraki is ranked #8 on the top 10 Network Security Software leaderboard based on a comprehensive analysis performed by SelectHub research analysts. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

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Cisco Meraki Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, Cisco Meraki pricing starts at $370 (One-TIme).

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Training Resources

Cisco Meraki is supported with the following types of training:

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In Person
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Support

The following support services are available for Cisco Meraki:

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Cisco Meraki Benefits and Insights

Why use Cisco Meraki?

Key differentiators & advantages of Cisco Meraki

  • Centralized Management: Manage all network devices from a single, intuitive dashboard, reducing the need for multiple management tools.
  • Scalability: Easily scale your network infrastructure as your organization grows without significant additional investments in hardware or software.
  • Enhanced Security: Benefit from built-in security features like intrusion detection, malware protection, and automatic firmware updates to keep your network secure.
  • Reduced Downtime: Proactive monitoring and automated alerts help identify and resolve issues before they impact network performance.
  • Cost Efficiency: Lower operational costs through simplified management and reduced need for on-site IT staff.
  • Remote Troubleshooting: Diagnose and fix network issues remotely, minimizing the need for physical presence and speeding up resolution times.
  • Real-Time Analytics: Access detailed analytics and reporting to make informed decisions about network performance and capacity planning.
  • Seamless Integration: Integrate easily with existing IT infrastructure and third-party applications, enhancing overall system functionality.
  • Automated Updates: Ensure your network devices are always up-to-date with the latest security patches and features through automatic firmware updates.
  • Improved User Experience: Provide a better user experience with optimized network performance and reliable connectivity.
  • Compliance Support: Simplify compliance with industry standards and regulations through built-in security and reporting features.
  • Energy Efficiency: Reduce energy consumption with power-efficient devices and intelligent power management features.
  • Customizable Policies: Implement and enforce custom network policies to meet specific organizational needs and security requirements.
  • Guest Access Management: Easily manage guest access to your network with customizable splash pages and access controls.
  • Mobile Device Management: Secure and manage mobile devices accessing your network, ensuring data protection and compliance.

Industry Expertise

Cisco Meraki is best suited for medium to large businesses and educational institutions that have limited IT staff to manage their on-premises infrastructure. It is also a good option for organizations with many network devices to control and manage at one network location or across multiple locations.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of Cisco Meraki reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

  • Streamlined Security Management: The intuitive, cloud-based interface simplifies network security tasks, making it easy for administrators to manage security policies and respond to threats efficiently.
  • Comprehensive Threat Protection: Features like IDS/IPS, antivirus, anti-phishing, and geo-based firewalls provide robust protection against a wide range of cyberthreats.
  • Simplified Network Visibility: The centralized dashboard offers a clear view of network activity, allowing administrators to quickly identify and address potential security issues.

Cons

  • Cost: Licensing fees can be a significant financial hurdle, especially for smaller businesses or those with limited budgets.
  • Internet Dependency: Management functions rely entirely on internet connectivity. An outage can disrupt access to the management interface, potentially impacting network security operations.

Researcher's Summary:

Is Cisco Meraki the network security key to unlocking peak IT performance? Users praise Cisco Meraki for its intuitive design and ease of use, particularly highlighting its cloud-based management and user-friendly graphical interface. These features simplify network administration, making it a breeze to manage WiFi, switches, and firewalls from any location. The platform's intuitive troubleshooting tools and support for multiple connection types further enhance its appeal. Users also appreciate the adaptive traffic management, which optimizes network performance by dynamically adjusting to changing conditions.

However, the biggest drawback consistently reported by users is the high cost of licensing, which can be prohibitive, especially for smaller organizations. Another concern is its reliance on a stable internet connection, as losing internet access disrupts management capabilities. Some users also point out that the platform's simplicity comes at the expense of advanced features, leaving them wanting more customization and control.

Overall, Cisco Meraki emerges as a robust and user-friendly network security solution best suited for organizations that prioritize simplicity and efficiency over granular control. Its intuitive interface and cloud-based management make it particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses with limited IT resources, provided they can accommodate the higher licensing costs.

Key Features

Notable Cisco Meraki features include:

  • Cloud-Based Management: Centralized control and visibility of the entire network through a web-based dashboard.
  • Layer 7 Application Visibility: Detailed insights into application usage, allowing for more granular traffic management and policy enforcement.
  • Auto VPN: Simplified VPN setup that automates site-to-site VPN configuration, reducing the complexity of secure connectivity.
  • Zero-Touch Provisioning: Devices can be pre-configured before they are shipped, enabling quick and easy deployment without on-site IT intervention.
  • Integrated Security Features: Built-in firewall, intrusion detection and prevention, and advanced malware protection to safeguard the network.
  • High Availability: Redundant hardware and seamless failover capabilities ensure continuous network uptime.
  • Scalable Architecture: Easily expand the network by adding new devices without significant reconfiguration or downtime.
  • Traffic Shaping: Prioritize critical applications and manage bandwidth usage to optimize network performance.
  • Location Analytics: Utilize Wi-Fi and Bluetooth data to gain insights into user behavior and foot traffic patterns.
  • Automatic Firmware Updates: Regular updates are pushed automatically to ensure devices are always running the latest security patches and features.
  • Role-Based Administration: Granular access controls allow different levels of administrative privileges, enhancing security and management efficiency.
  • API Integration: Extensive APIs enable integration with third-party applications and custom solutions for enhanced functionality.
  • Client VPN: Secure remote access for users, allowing them to connect to the network from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Network Topology: Visual representation of the network layout, making it easier to identify and troubleshoot issues.
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM): Manage and secure mobile devices, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
  • Content Filtering: Block inappropriate or harmful content based on customizable policies, enhancing network security and productivity.
  • SSID Tagging: Create multiple SSIDs with different policies and settings to segment and manage network access effectively.
  • Real-Time Diagnostics: Tools for live troubleshooting and performance monitoring, helping to quickly resolve network issues.
  • Customizable Alerts: Set up notifications for various network events, ensuring prompt response to potential issues.
  • Guest Access: Secure and easy-to-manage guest Wi-Fi with customizable splash pages and access controls.
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