Meraki Switches: Are They Right for Your Business?

meraki switches
October 28, 2020

Switches work as connection hubs, one-stop sources for connected real-time data across a company network. When working specifically with Meraki switches, there is an added layer of control: instead of monitoring the efficacy of singular protocols, all of them are controlled in one central location: the Meraki dashboard. Though not a perfect fit for every company, this is one of the elements that make these networking devices so effective.

Remote Access Simplified

Imagine being able to control network devices from coast to coast without pausing operations to wait for local feedback; this demonstrates the potential game-changing nature of a Meraki switch. Remote work environments continue to rise in popularity, and Meraki switches fit into this model seamlessly: they allow not only for troubleshooting but for immediate action as well.

The pandemic “stay at home” orders pose no network device management issue for businesses that depend on a Meraki switch. From the dashboard, the network can be remotely managed. No matter the reason behind their use, these switches allow for a user to know exactly when and where connection issues arise.

Those connections can then then be tackled with haste. Thanks to a simple user interface that harnesses the visibility of a single dashboard, the network is easily managed remotely through the cloud. Businesses in the past had tasked employees with the arduous task of “network watchdog;” now worker capital can be engaged elsewhere.

Troubleshooting Made Clear Through Integration

Meraki switches are designed for ease-of-use and operation. They directly integrate with firewalls and access points through the dashboard. Historically, multiple management interfaces are difficult to use when troubleshooting. Such clunky technology demanded multiple points of entry. Meraki switches consolidate the control of these into one point of contact, allowing for a quick and accurate showcase of network health.

The benefit is not just found in the troubleshooting capability, but also with the ability to fix the issue in an expedient manner. Here’s how it might look: A dashboard displays an error. The switch is able to pinpoint the source of that error in the network; instead of a “wait and see” trial and error approach, the element that needs fixing is immediately visible. Repairs can then be made in haste with limited downtime resulting.

A Solution for Businesses Small and Large

Though Meraki offers basic edge switches for small businesses, they also include high-powered multi-gigabit switches as well as aggregation switches to assist with larger enterprise clients. Versatile switch placement requirements? SOHO and SMBs? There are different options available for those. Find support for redundant power; select a switch based on campus size and performance necessities. This is access and aggregation that is cloud-based, so even businesses with intricate departments can find a central core.

Network trends can now be easily identified, as common issues that reoccur can be pinpointed and reconciled. Due to the visibility provided by the dashboard, bandwidth consumption can be easily viewed and controlled. Switch ports at will, suppress rogue servers, increase security through lockdown of switch access and more. Need to reset ports? Sit back and relax. From that one dashboard comes the power to do so.

Overall, the ability to manage so much at one point of contact makes these switches a smart choice for many business operations needs. Meraki switches enable efficiency, offering the network confluence and security businesses need to drive results.

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