Cisco Meraki Deployment

Price: 1200$
Duration: 2 weeks

01

Introduction

  • This document outlines the deployment of Cisco Meraki solutions addressing the specific networking requirements and configurations as outlined by the client. Cisco Meraki’s cloud-managed IT solutions, including wireless access points, security appliances, switches, and endpoint management, were chosen to meet the client’s operational needs and to streamline network management.

02

Client Requirements

  • The client approached us with the following network infrastructure requirements:

    1. High Availability and Reliability:
      The client operates in a dynamic environment where network uptime is critical. They requested a solution that would ensure high availability, minimal downtime, and quick recovery in the event of any failure.
    2. Scalable Network Infrastructure:
      The client’s business is growing, and they required a solution that could scale easily to accommodate new locations, devices, and users. Flexibility in the network design to support future expansion was key.
    3. Centralized Management:
      The client wanted a cloud-managed solution that would allow for centralized control of their entire network, even across multiple locations. This would enable efficient monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting from a single dashboard.
    4. Secure Network Architecture:
      Security was a primary concern, and the client specified a need for robust security features including content filtering, threat detection, VPN connectivity, and secure Wi-Fi for employees and guests.
    5. Seamless User Experience:
      With a large number of remote workers and guests accessing the network, the client required seamless Wi-Fi and VPN performance across all devices, ensuring a high-quality experience for employees and visitors.
    6. Remote Troubleshooting and Monitoring:
      Given the spread of locations and remote workforce, the client requested remote troubleshooting capabilities and real-time monitoring of the entire network to resolve issues without needing to be physically present.
03

Solution Overview

  1. To address the client’s specific requirements, we deployed a comprehensive Cisco Meraki solution:

    1. Meraki MR Series Access Points:
      We deployed Meraki MR access points to provide secure, scalable, and reliable Wi-Fi coverage across the client’s locations. The MR access points support features such as advanced traffic shaping, automatic channel selection, and seamless roaming between access points to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for all users.
    2. Meraki MX Security Appliances:
      To meet the client’s security requirements, we implemented Meraki MX security appliances at the network edge. These devices provide robust firewall protection, advanced intrusion detection/prevention (IDS/IPS), content filtering, and VPN capabilities. The MX appliances also ensure reliable site-to-site VPN connections for remote offices and secure client-to-cloud access.
    3. Meraki MS Switches:
      To build a reliable and easily scalable network infrastructure, we deployed Meraki MS switches. These switches provide high-performance connectivity between devices, while also offering cloud-managed functionality for ease of management and troubleshooting.
    4. Meraki Systems Manager:
      We implemented Meraki Systems Manager for centralized endpoint management, allowing the client to manage and secure devices such as laptops, mobile phones, and tablets from a single, easy-to-use interface. This tool also supports device configuration, tracking, and policy enforcement.
    5. Cloud Management Dashboard:
      The Meraki dashboard was the cornerstone of the deployment, allowing the client’s IT team to centrally manage their network and devices from any location. The intuitive interface provided real-time monitoring, alerting, reporting, and troubleshooting functionalities, all available in a cloud-based environment for flexibility.
04

Deployment process

The deployment process involved the following key phases:

  1. Assessment and Planning:
    We worked closely with the client to understand their existing network setup and operational needs. This phase included network surveys, identifying key areas for improvement, and creating a detailed deployment plan.
  2. Solution Design and Configuration:
    Based on the client’s requirements, we designed a solution using Cisco Meraki products that would provide the necessary functionality, scalability, and security. All devices were pre-configured in the Meraki dashboard, ensuring minimal configuration time during deployment.
  3. Physical Installation:
    The Meraki devices were installed at each site, including access points, switches, and security appliances. Proper placement and optimal coverage were considered during installation to ensure maximum network efficiency and reliability.
  4. Testing and Validation:
    After installation, we conducted extensive testing to ensure that all devices were functioning properly. This included testing network speeds, Wi-Fi coverage, VPN connections, and security features. The client’s IT team was also trained on using the Meraki dashboard for ongoing network monitoring and management.
  5. Go-Live and Support:
    Once the network was validated, the solution was fully deployed, and the network went live. Post-deployment support was provided to ensure smooth operation and address any potential issues that arose during the initial phase.
05

Benefits to the Client

    1. By deploying Cisco Meraki, the client experienced several key benefits:

      1. Improved Network Performance:
        The client now enjoys reliable and high-performance network connectivity across multiple locations, supporting both wired and wireless users.
      2. Enhanced Security:
        The deployment of Meraki MX security appliances provided a strong defense against potential threats, ensuring secure remote access and protecting the internal network.
      3. Scalability and Flexibility:
        The client can now easily scale their network infrastructure as their business grows, with the ability to add new locations, devices, and services quickly and without disruption.
      4. Centralized Network Management:
        The Meraki dashboard provided the client’s IT team with full visibility and control of the network from any location, simplifying ongoing network management and troubleshooting.
      5. Future-Proofing:
        The Meraki solution was designed with future growth in mind, ensuring that the client’s network infrastructure will be able to support emerging technologies and increased demand as their business continues to evolve.
06

Conclusion

          • The Cisco Meraki deployment successfully met all of the client’s requirements and significantly improved the overall network performance, security, and management. The client now has a reliable, scalable, and secure network infrastructure that can grow alongside their business, while also being easy to manage remotely through the cloud-based Meraki dashboard.