Network infrastructure is one of the most important aspects that make a business productive and efficient. However, maintaining the performance of a complex network can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially for companies with limited IT resources. Cisco Meraki offers a cloud-managed networking solution that simplifies management, enhances security, and seamlessly scales to meet the evolving needs of your business.
Here are the top 10 compelling reasons why Cisco Meraki empowers your company with a secure and adaptable network.
1. Effortless Management from Anywhere
Gone are the days when dedicated IT staff physically configured and managed individual network devices. Cisco Meraki offers a user-friendly cloud-based dashboard for managing resources centrally that can significantly boost efficiency, allowing your IT team to focus on strategic initiatives. Here are a few features:
- Remote Device Provisioning: Simply power on a Meraki device, and it automatically connects to the cloud for configuration.
- Centralized Monitoring and Configuration: Access the dashboard from any internet-connected device to view network health, configure settings, and troubleshoot.
- Automated Tasks: Schedule automatic firmware updates, security policy enforcement, and device backups.
2. Unmatched Security for a Connected World
Cybersecurity threats are ever-evolving, and businesses need strong defenses to protect sensitive data and assets. Here are a few security features provided by Cisco Meraki:
Unauthorized Access Prevention
Firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) block unwanted traffic and malicious attacks.
Granular Security Policies
You can create custom policies to control user access, application usage, and network traffic based on individual needs and roles.
Real-time Security Insights
The Meraki dashboard provides detailed reports and alerts on security events, allowing you to identify and address potential threats promptly.
3. Scalability to Match Your Growth
As your business grows, your network needs will inevitably change. Cisco Meraki's cloud-based architecture allows you to scale your network to accommodate your evolving needs easily:
Seamless Addition of New Devices: Meraki devices are automatically added and configured to the network with the help of Zero Touch Provisioning.
Multi-Location Support: Manage all your branches, offices, or remote locations from a single dashboard, regardless of geographic distance.
Future-Proofed Network: Meraki's cloud architecture is designed to handle large networks with thousands of devices. This eliminates the need for hardware upgrades as the network expands, reducing costs and simplifying management.
4. Enhanced Visibility and Network Insights
four young multicultural students studying on computers
Understanding your network's performance is important for identifying bottlenecks, optimizing traffic flow, and ensuring a smooth user experience. Cisco Meraki offers the following insightful analytics:
Network Performance Monitoring
Gain real-time insights into bandwidth usage, application performance, and device health, allowing you to proactively identify and address potential issues.
Efficient Troubleshooting
The intuitive dashboard allows you to drill down into specific devices or users, pinpointing the root cause of network issues quickly and efficiently.
Data-Driven Decisions
You can leverage historical data and trends to optimize your network configuration, prioritize bandwidth allocation, and improve overall network performance.
Can You do Both?
Yes, you can do both! Many testing teams would be happy to test the security of your network prior to whitelisting to ensure there are no gaps in your first line of defense and then move on to test your infrastructure or applications directly with whitelisting.
5. Reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
While you may have to consider the initial cost, implementing Cisco Meraki can ultimately lead to significant cost savings. Here's how:
Reduced IT Overhead
Centralized management and automation capabilities significantly reduce the need for dedicated IT staff to manage the network, thus saving labor costs.
Simplified Deployments
Easy installation and configuration reduce the dependency on expensive consultants or specialists, further reducing costs.
Reduced Hardware Expenses
The cloud-based architecture doesn’t require on-premise hardware and software upgrades, leading to lower hardware costs over time.
6. Guest Wi-Fi Management
Cisco Meraki's guest Wi-Fi options provide convenient and secure internet access for guests and visitors. By offering secure and controlled guest Wi-Fi, you can enhance the experience for visitors and secure your business network. It allows you to:
- Separate Guest Network: Isolate guest traffic from your main network, ensuring the security of your sensitive data.
- Customize Access and Control: Define bandwidth limitations, set time restrictions, and implement a captive portal for additional control.
- Simplify Guest Onboarding: Offer easy self-service options for guests to connect to the Wi-Fi network with minimal IT intervention.
7. Seamless Integration with Other Cisco Solutions
Cisco Meraki offers seamless integration if you already utilize other Cisco solutions in your business. This integration simplifies management, strengthens security, and creates a cohesive network ecosystem for businesses already using the Cisco portfolio. The combination would feature:
Centralized Management
Manage your entire network infrastructure from a single platform, including Meraki devices and other Cisco solutions.
Enhanced Security
Leverage Cisco's advanced security features across your network for a comprehensive and unified defense against cyber threats.
Simplified Troubleshooting
Gain deeper insights and identify potential issues across your entire Cisco environment, enabling faster and more efficient troubleshooting.
8. Mobile Device Management (MDM) Integration:
Cisco Meraki seamlessly integrates with leading mobile device management (MDM) solutions. This would help your organization:
- Enforce Security Policies: You can apply MDM policies to all devices connecting to your network, ensuring consistent security standards across all endpoints.
- Boost Device Visibility: It enables you to track and monitor the status of all connected devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, from a centralized location.
- Improve Compliance and Data Security: Enhance data security by enforcing compliance policies on all mobile devices accessing your network.
9. Prioritize Critical Applications
Meraki allows you to prioritize network traffic for critical applications, ensuring they have the bandwidth to function properly.
Traffic shaping becomes crucial for businesses heavily relying on real-time communication tools like Voice over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing. By prioritizing these applications, Meraki ensures they receive the necessary bandwidth for stable call quality and uninterrupted video streaming, even during periods of high network traffic. Similar prioritization can be applied to other critical applications like ERP systems, CRM platforms, and financial software
10. Peace of Mind and Reliable Support
Cisco Meraki offers comprehensive support resources and a reliable service level agreement (SLA), including:
24/7 Technical Support
Access professional assistance from Cisco experts anytime to resolve any network issues quickly.
Extensive Online Resources
Benefit from a vast library of documentation, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides to answer your questions and support self-service troubleshooting.
Dedicated Account Management
Gain access to dedicated account managers who can provide personalized support and guidance tailored to your specific business needs.
Is your business struggling with a complex, insecure, or outdated network? At CNP Technologies, we are experts in Cisco Meraki solutions. We can help you design, implement, and manage a secure, scalable network that empowers your business to thrive. Contact us today at (704) 927-6600 for a free consultation and to unlock the full potential of your network.