Technology
Networking
Cisco Meraki
Cloud-managed networking backed by Cisco's formal support
What it is
Cisco Meraki is Cisco's cloud-managed networking line: switches, access points, security appliances, and SD-WAN administered from a centralized dashboard, with mandatory subscription licensing on every device. In exchange for that recurring cost, it offers formal factory support, automatic updates, and a brand backing that many enterprise procurement departments explicitly ask for.
We work with Meraki on projects where the client already has a Cisco procurement relationship, or where infrastructure needs to integrate with existing Cisco equipment.
When we recommend it
We recommend Cisco Meraki when:
- The client already runs Cisco infrastructure and needs ecosystem continuity, not a vendor switch.
- Compliance or audit requirements explicitly call for an enterprise-recognized network vendor with a formal support SLA.
- The project spans multiple sites that need centralized SD-WAN and security policies from a single dashboard.
- The budget factors recurring licensing in as part of operating cost, not as a one-off installation expense.
- The client's IT team is small and benefits from a single cloud dashboard instead of juggling several separate management tools.
How we implement it
Our work with Meraki covers the full cycle, not just the initial install:
- Architecture design: VLAN segmentation, firewall policies, and SD-WAN topology matched to the client's actual sites and traffic.
- Configuration and integration with the client's existing Cisco infrastructure, where present.
- Ongoing management of the Meraki dashboard: monitoring, alerting, updates, and policy tuning as the business grows.
- Advice on license renewal and sizing, to avoid overbuying licensing that goes unused.
- Documented handover of dashboard access and admin roles, so the client's own team retains visibility even under a managed contract.
Alternatives
Meraki competes with options we also implement, depending on budget and the level of control the client wants:
Ubiquiti UniFi
much lower total cost since it doesn't require recurring per-device licensing, with a slightly more hands-on management curve.
Fortinet
a better fit when the priority is perimeter security (NGFW firewall) rather than switching and WiFi management.
MikroTik
a low-cost alternative for advanced routing at secondary sites where Meraki's licensing isn't justified.
DITAP is not an official partner of this vendor and holds no certification or exclusive commercial agreement with it. This page describes our real implementation experience on client projects.
Need to implement or migrate this at your company?
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