If you’re here and reading this article, you’re probably wondering: how do I connect a Meraki switch locally? One of the best things about Cisco Meraki switches is that they’re designed to be entirely cloud-managed. They bring you deep, engrained, end-to-end control and visibility over your network(s) from any location with internet access.
While this benefit is a shining feature of these devices, there are times when you need to manage your settings locally, including:
- Internet outage
- Error in configuration
- Other issues
If you need to manage your settings locally, you’re still covered. Sometimes, you just want directly accessible statistics and tools. Whatever the reason, Meraki’s local configuration pages are the solution.
In this article, we’ll cover how to connect a Meraki switch locally without needing an internet connection. These techniques will help you speed up troubleshooting and keep you up and running.
Can I Manage a Meraki Switch Locally?
Yes, you can manage a Meraki switch locally. No matter the issue keeping you from internet access, you can get in there and tweak all the settings you need locally. If you’re trying to connect to Meraki tools and statistics directly, this is a solution for you, too.
Cisco Meraki’s security appliances, access points, and switches are all equipped with local configuration pages. These allow you to manage the hardware locally.
For Meraki switches, they are manageable offline. This will allow you to manage your device when directly connected to or downstream from it. No internet connection is necessary.
How Do I Get the Local Status Page of a Meraki Switch?
There are two ways to get the local status page of a Meraki switch.
The first method is the standard process:
- Connect your machine to the Meraki device.
- Navigate to switch.meraki.com.
- Log in to your device.
If that doesn’t work and the page doesn’t pull up, then proceed using your device’s IP address:
- Connect your machine to the Meraki device.
- Locate your hardware’s IP address.
- Enter the IP address into your browser.
How Do I Log into a Local Meraki Switch?
Users are required, by default, to log in to pages providing configurable options. Use your serial number for the username (capitalized with dashes and no password). This procedure is for devices that haven’t fetched configuration or if default authentication credentials are used.
How Do I Get Access to Meraki Switches?
If the above methods aren’t working for you and you need local access for fast network troubleshooting, here’s an alternative solution. Navigate to the local status page. You’ll have to log in using your Meraki device’s serial number. This method doesn’t require internet access.
As stated above, you can always enter the IP address of the default gateway to gain entry and log in from there using your credentials.
What Are the Benefits of a Meraki Switch?
Chances are, you’re probably confident in your purchase of a Meraki switch, or you’re planning to get one. You’re not new to this scene—you’re a professional who knows the value of these best-in-class products.
Maybe you’re researching this product and still on the fence. To help you out, we’ve provided a few top advantages of a Cisco Meraki switch.
- Easy setup: It only takes a few minutes to get up and running. Troubleshooting any issues that arise is a breeze.
- Streamlined management: After setup, you can use Cisco’s simple management system to keep things on track.
- Dynamic network map: Meraki automatically builds your network map for you, so there’s no need to draw it out yourself.
- Save time and money with cloud networking: The cloud networking capability of your Meraki switch can save you lots of time and money. As we’ve covered in this article, you can still access things locally if necessary.
Learn More about How Stratus Can Help with Your Cisco Meraki Hardware
Stratus Information Systems provides best-in-class Meraki support and consulting services. We’re here to manage your network whenever you need us and offer as much support as you require.
Our expert team is with you every step. Reach out today to learn more about our worldwide, accessible, experienced support.