Its management is most valuable. It is the major feature of Meraki.
CEO at Meridian Infotech Ltd.
Good management, good support, and easy to install
Pros and Cons
- "Its management is most valuable. It is the major feature of Meraki."
- "Integration with the corporate LAN where Catalyst products are installed is a major challenge."
What is most valuable?
What needs improvement?
Integration with the corporate LAN where Catalyst products are installed is a major challenge.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for the last seven or eight years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We cater to medium and enterprise companies. We have good experience in managing large networks.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN
November 2024
Learn what your peers think about Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2024.
816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.
How are customer service and support?
Because it is a part of Cisco, we are getting good support.
How was the initial setup?
It is easy. Its ease is the main thing.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Its price is higher than other products. It is above the expectation of customers. So, every time we need to fight for a good price.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
Director at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Excellent graphical interface, good stability, and an easy initial setup
Pros and Cons
- "The interface is excellent. We've been really happy with it."
- "We haven't had any issues with the solution. We like the way it works. There isn't anything I can think of that makes me worry that it might be lacking in a certain area."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution to understand what is happening in terms of troubleshooting the performance on the network. We have pretty specific user issues. We use it to ensure both our users and devices are secure.
What is most valuable?
We like the analysis that allows us to see how our cloud applications are performing and we like the way that the solution shows where suites are coming from, including if they are coming from overseas.
We like the way that we can map the solution against the floor of our building. We are able to see a few things from a topography perspective and can show us if certain aspects are wrong.
The interface is excellent. We've been really happy with it.
What needs improvement?
We haven't had any issues with the solution. We like the way it works. There isn't anything I can think of that makes me worry that it might be lacking in a certain area.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for two years now.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is good. We haven't had any crashes. There haven't been bugs or glitches that have interrupted us or our work.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We currently have 60-75 users on the solution. They all use it daily.
For us, the solution seems to be pretty scalable. We haven't had any issues and haven't seen any shortcomings.
How are customer service and technical support?
I don't recall ever reaching out to technical support. That's not to say we haven't, but I can't remember any specific event or problem where I can discuss a real-life encounter with them. My understanding is that it's good as long as we log a case quickly.
If a case was logged and it's been registered with them, we find the effects in terms or response and resolution are good. We all have different customers with different firewalls and we find technical support in general pretty good. They've got a pretty good presence here in New Zealand, and the support from overseas is pretty good too.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used Ruckus. Meraki is far and away much better for our needs. It was the user interface and its superiority that sold us. It's just far superior and easy to use. The ability to troubleshoot on the graphical interface is just better because the graphical information is so clear.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is quite simple. I wouldn't describe it as complex at all.
When we moved to a new building, we were able to have everything up and running in a day or so. Maybe even less than that.
Maintenance is pretty straightforward as well. We just do the updates regularly in order to make sure the server is up to date, as well as any security features.
What about the implementation team?
We're the integrator. We use the solution and also have the capabilities and know-how to bring it all together. We don't need any outside help in order to implement the solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I don't have any information about the pricing of the solution. I'm not sure I could estimate the costs on a yearly or monthly basis as I don't deal with finances at our organization. I do believe our company offers very good value for money, although it's my understanding that it's not exactly on the cheapest end of the spectrum.
What other advice do I have?
We have a business relationship with Cisco. We're also a partner.
I'd advise other organizations to think about the solution right through to how they manage and troubleshoot end users. I would recommend that anyone looking at a solution such as this consider that. A lot of people just think about the LAN performance, but I think the ability to understand it and save time by troubleshooting the end-users would be a more important consideration.
I'd rate the solution nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Private Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN
November 2024
Learn what your peers think about Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2024.
816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Network Engineer at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Easy to deploy, good integration with other Meraki products, and very good technical support
Pros and Cons
- "The functionalities are quite professional and complete. It offers good integration with other Meraki products, like switches and the firewall. You can get an overview of all networks and the host. It's really great; nobody else can do that."
- "The commercial version of the solution could be cheaper."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for our customers.
What is most valuable?
The solution is easy for deployments. As we are an integrator, we sometimes have several levels separating the customer and our work. With this solution, the customer can look at his environment, and we also have the right to monitor it and to configure it if we need to from our end.
The functionalities are quite professional and complete. It offers good integration with other Meraki products, like switches and the firewall. You can get an overview of all networks and the host. It's really great; nobody else can do that.
What needs improvement?
Some operations can be quicker within the solution. When it is deployed and registered on Meraki cloud, when you move, for example, a device from one customer to another, you need to un-claim the device from Customer A, and then claim it to Customer B. This process can take one hour. If they could shorten this time to about 10 minutes or so, that would be ideal.
The commercial version of the solution could be cheaper.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability of the solution is good. It's stable almost all of the time. We haven't experienced any crashes or anything of that nature.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable. It's very easy. If a company grows, we just have to do a few clicks and it's ready.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support is good. We're satisfied with them so far. They're very interactive, knowledgable, and quick.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
We're an integrator. We handle the implementation ourselves. Sometimes we may need support from Meraki directly for very specific keys and some expertise, but it's very rare.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price is quite high, but it does have higher functionalities as well. You pay a lot, but you get a good product. Still, it could potentially be 10-15% cheaper than it is.
We pay a yearly subscription. It's my understanding that you can pay for one, two, three or five-year subscriptions. There aren't any fees above that.
What other advice do I have?
We use the public cloud deployment model.
I'd recommend the solution. It does depend on what the organization needs, however.
I'd rate it nine out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
CEO at AnyWi Technologies
A good quality product that is scalable and stable
Pros and Cons
- "Multiple access ID capabilities, meshing, and the quality of the product itself are all valuable features."
- "Unfortunately, we have to deal with European privacy laws and as far as we can see, the solution is not compliant with these. It's why we're not able to continue with Cisco Meraki. They need to become compliant with GDPR laws."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily create outdoor usage of city-wide networks. It's mostly for visitors to the city and students at the university.
What is most valuable?
Multiple access ID capabilities, meshing, and the quality of the product itself are all valuable features.
What needs improvement?
Unfortunately, we have to deal with European privacy laws and as far as we can see, the solution is not compliant with these. It's why we're not able to continue with Cisco Meraki. They need to become compliant with GDPR laws.
They should make the solution more transparent so we can better see what the system does.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable. We haven't had issues with the hardware.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable.
How are customer service and technical support?
Sometimes it takes a while for technical support to get back to you and their suggestions have been inaccurate occasionally. However, largely we're satisfied with technical support. The time they gave us inaccurate information, the situation was related to an HD problem of GDPR security. The answers provided were not accurate for countries in Europe.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward but we've had a lot of experience with the solution. An installation of an average of five to 10 units takes half a day to a full day.
What about the implementation team?
We handled the implementation ourselves.
What other advice do I have?
We work mainly with small and medium enterprises. We deploy the MR72 and 73 versions of the solution.
In general, the solution performs well in Europe, but it doesn't comply with the GDPR, so we're not allowed to use it.
I'd rate it eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller.
Head of Corporate Accounts at a comms service provider with 1,001-5,000 employees
Reliable solution used for 15 years, complemented by an effective support team
Pros and Cons
- "The fact that Cisco Meraki is cloud based and is reasonably priced has been most valuable."
- "It would be useful to have a service management platform integrated within this solution where we can measure the customer experience."
What is our primary use case?
We have previously used PBXs, wireless solutions and LAN solutions. Our strategy is now to move everything to the cloud which is why we moved to using this solution.
What is most valuable?
The fact that Cisco Meraki is cloud based and is reasonably priced has been most valuable.
What needs improvement?
It would be useful to have a service management platform integrated within this solution where we can measure the customer experience. It would also be useful to have assistance with the go-to-market strategy when using this solution.
For how long have I used the solution?
We are a partner of Cisco and we have been working with them since 2006.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
This is a scalable solution solution. We are based in Mauritius and since it is a small island, the scale we need fits into the range that Meraki can offer.
How are customer service and support?
This solution has a good support team and when we raise a support case, it is resolved quickly. We have a local representative for Cisco and they facilitate any support we need.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward and deployment was easy.
What about the implementation team?
We have our own team who are certified in using this solution and who implemented it.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
IT Project Manager at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Stable wireless LAN solution with a cloud-based management architecture that's easy to deploy, troubleshoot, and scale
Pros and Cons
- "Cloud managed wireless LAN product that's stable and scalable. It's an easy to deploy and easy to troubleshoot solution."
- "Some of their first level support staff does not seem to be well-versed in the solution, so support for Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN needs improvement."
What is our primary use case?
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is a wireless LAN solution providing wireless access points for the organization.
What is most valuable?
What I like most about Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is the cloud based management of the entire system. The product was also easy to deploy and easy to troubleshoot.
What needs improvement?
I haven't really come across anything that was a big issue with this product. I can't think of anything that would have raised a flag about something needing to be improved in Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN, but it could be their support. We had some issues, and we couldn't figure out why they happened, but some of their first level support staff does not seem to be well-versed with how to solve those issues.
Nothing really comes to mind about what I would like to see on the next release. I know they are using the six GHz band now for Wi-Fi 6, submitted out as an option, seeing use of the six GHz band down the road for Wi-Fi 6.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN for two years now.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
Support for Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN needs improvement, as it seems their first level support staff isn't that knowledgeable on the solution, however, their response time on the issues is okay.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used a different solution before switching to Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN. We decided to use Cisco products because the Meraki devices were much better than other platforms, particularly in cloud management, ease of deployment, and ease of troubleshooting.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup for this solution is a combination: it could be straightforward, or it could be complex, e.g. setting it up would've been complex in some situations.
What about the implementation team?
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is a cloud solution with on-premise deployment, and we did the deployment ourselves, without an integrator, reseller, or consultant. The deployment did not take long.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We tried Aruba, but we didn't get any feedback from the vendor.
What other advice do I have?
We try to have a relationship with the vendor, e.g. we have a Cisco rep for that, but they wouldn't really help us with the Meraki blocks. I'm a network engineer assigned to the company that uses Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN.
We cannot have more than 400 users of this product, and we currently have 200 to 300 people using it. For deployment and maintenance, we only have one staff who takes care of it, e.g. one engineer. We have no plans of increasing the number of users of Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN, unless we expand in size.
My advice to others looking into implementing this product is that it's definitely a good investment. They just have to be mindful and really understand the technology. They should be able to go through the documentation on the website, to really understand the product features and functionality, because sometimes they may need to exert effort in examining issues on their own, because sometimes support doesn't really provide a proper, tangible response.
I'll give Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN a rating of eight out of ten, because we're very satisfied that it meets all the technical attributes we were looking for, and it's a solid infrastructure. It works with our problems, e.g. any major problems.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Product Manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
A robust product
Pros and Cons
- "There are many valuable features of Cisco Meraki, including the switches, stacking, and layer 3 routing."
- "I would like to see Cisco Meraki improve the accessibility by region level here in Latin America."
What is our primary use case?
I am an electronic engineer and a specialist in Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN. I am a distributor of Cisco Meraki and have 100 customers using this solution.
What is most valuable?
There are many valuable features of Cisco Meraki, including the switches, stacking, and layer 3 routing.
What needs improvement?
The products are delayed when arriving in Argentina. These delays can be as long as 6 months, causing the customers to be unhappy. I would like to see Cisco Meraki improve the accessibility by region level here in Latin America.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Cisco Meraki for the past few years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability of Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is great.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
This solution is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is easy to contact and ready to help.
How was the initial setup?
When you are in the dashboard of Cicso Meraki, you configure the hardware and connect to the internet line and the script will download to the hardware. The deployment is very easy, it is plug and play and takes 50 minutes.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Cisco Meraki requires either a one year or three year license for a standard enterprise license.
What other advice do I have?
This is an excellent product. Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is robust and has a tough access point.
I would rate this solution a 9 out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Director at a non-profit with 11-50 employees
Easy to implement and reliable
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is stable and reliable."
- "We have used technical support for some issues but not many times."
What is our primary use case?
We are primarily using Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN for applications.
How has it helped my organization?
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN has benefited organizations by meeting their requirements.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN for approximately three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable and reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is good.
How are customer service and support?
We have used technical support for some issues but not many times.
How was the initial setup?
I have found Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN easy to implement. It can be done in a very short time.
What about the implementation team?
We have a three-person technical team that does the implementation and support of the solution. The team is mostly engineers and architects.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There is an annual license required for the solution.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluated other solutions before Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to others because it's reliable, stable, and easy to implement.
I rate Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Updated: November 2024
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