Meraki Dashboard Reviews

The pricing and licensing for Meraki Dashboard vary among the reviewers. Some find the pricing to be relatively high compared to other solutions, while others consider it reasonable or worth the cost for the quality provided. The pricing depends on the amount of equipment and that there are different licensing options available.

Users have experienced the benefits of Meraki Dashboard, with some mentioning the ability to access devices globally through a browser interface. Others anticipate seeing a return on investment in the future and highlighted the efficiency of the tool in reducing the need for a larger IT team.

The primary use case of Meraki Dashboard is to manage and control network equipment, including access points, switches, routers, and firewalls. It is used in various environments such as schools, offices, corporate offices worldwide, and warehouses. Users utilize the dashboard for monitoring, analysis, troubleshooting, configuration, reporting, and management of their networks. 

The solution is often used for managing WiFi networks, but some users also plan to use it for wired networks, Ethernet, and security. It provides insights, statistics, and reports on network utilization, throughput, and security threats. The dashboard is accessed through the cloud, saving time and offering convenience compared to traditional configuration methods. 

The most valuable features of Meraki Dashboard include:

1. Centralized control: Meraki Dashboard allows users to manage all equipment from a single cloud-based console, providing the ability to resolve problems remotely and change security settings or configure routers and switches.

2. Ease of use: Users appreciate the intuitive and easy-to-use interface of the dashboard, as well as its simplicity in navigating and managing devices.

3. Scalability: The solution is praised for its ability to scale, accommodating the needs of growing networks without compromising stability or performance.

4. Cloud-based: Being fully SaaS and cloud-based, Meraki Dashboard offers the advantage of accessibility from anywhere, eliminating concerns about infrastructure and providing a high level of service.

5. Monitoring and visibility: The dashboard provides comprehensive visibility of the infrastructure, allowing users to monitor devices, wireless networks, bandwidth utilization, and other important statistics.

6. Troubleshooting capabilities: Meraki Dashboard simplifies the troubleshooting process, making it easy to identify and resolve issues related to DNS, devices, or configuration changes.

7. Configuration and management: Users appreciate the configuration capabilities of the dashboard, including the ability to set up VPNs, manage access points, and configure advanced network protocols.

8. Maintenance and updates: Meraki Dashboard reduces the need for manual maintenance, as it automatically sends updates to the equipment and provides notifications about scheduled updates.

9. Security features: The solution offers advanced security features, such as malware detection and prevention, group policy assignment, and network monitoring by Cisco's security teams.

10. Single-pane-of-glass view: The dashboard provides a centralized view of the entire network, allowing users to easily monitor and troubleshoot network issues, run cable tests, and access logging files.

Meraki Dashboard could improve its pricing and integration with non-Cisco platforms. The planning stage for heat map creation needs to be made easier, as it currently requires third-party software. The solution lacks certain features found in older firewalls, such as the ability to see if something has been blocked by a firewall rule. 

The coverage and traffic analysis categories need improvement. The tool falls short in troubleshooting network issues and requires additional tools for assessment. The solution's routing table and licensing management can be complex and need to be made more user-friendly. 

The system crashes at times and needs better stability. The dashboard should show everything on the network, including devices from other vendors. More granular control and visibility into packets and routing would be beneficial. 

The solution could benefit from a CLI for more directives and alert notification for mailbox issues. It should also allow for multiple configurations across multiple endpoints, provide better support from ISPs, and offer better documentation. 

The user interface can be difficult to navigate, and more explanation of settings is needed. Identifying hardware and improving the client VPN are also areas for improvement.

The setup process for Meraki Dashboard is rated average, with some users finding it easy and straightforward while others encounter unexpected problems. Users with experience in Cisco solutions find it easier to set up, especially if they have knowledge about networks and firewall rules. 

The deployment process can vary depending on the complexity of the environment, but the VPN setup is simple and automated. The initial setup is generally considered simple, straightforward, and not overly complex. It can be completed within minutes to a few days, depending on the scale of the deployment. 

The Meraki Dashboard solution is highly scalable. It can easily handle the expansion of organizations, accommodating hundreds of users and devices. The cloud-based nature of the solution contributes to its scalability, making it suitable for both small and large businesses. However, some users note that while the solution can be built upon and expanded in terms of locations, it may become more complex. 

Customers have appreciated the quick resolution of their issues and the responsiveness of the support team. The support has been described as good, highly responsive, and user-friendly. Customers have also mentioned that Cisco provides information and support whenever needed. However, there have been instances of long wait times for support and difficulties in reaching the desired person. 

Users describe the product as stable, reliable, and without any bugs or glitches. Some mention occasional connectivity issues due to internet traffic. There have been rare instances of downtime, however, they were short and did not affect the entire system. The Meraki Dashboard provides warnings when potential problems are detected, allowing for proactive troubleshooting.