What is meraki?

Meraki is a cloud-managed IT company that provides a range of networking products and solutions. Originally founded in 2006 and later acquired by Cisco Systems in 2012, Meraki offers extensive cloud-based solutions designed to simplify the management of modern networks. Here are some key components and features of the Meraki platform:

  1. Cloud-Managed Networking: Meraki's solutions are managed via a web-based dashboard, allowing network administrators to configure, monitor, and manage network devices and services remotely.

  2. Product Range: Meraki offers a variety of networking products including wireless access points, switches, security appliances (firewalls), security cameras, and mobile device management (MDM).

  3. Ease of Use: The Meraki Dashboard provides a user-friendly interface, making it easier for IT teams to deploy and manage networks without needing extensive network engineering experience.

  4. Scalability: Meraki solutions are scalable, making them suitable for small to large enterprises. Organizations can easily add or remove devices and locations through the centralized dashboard.

  5. Security Features: Meraki includes built-in security features such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and secure VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to help protect network data.

  6. Real-time Monitoring and Analytics: The platform provides real-time monitoring of network activity and performance, along with analytics to help businesses understand and improve network usage and efficiency.

  7. Automatic Updates: Meraki devices receive automatic firmware updates and security patches from Cisco, ensuring that networks stay secure and feature up-to-date capabilities.

  8. IoT Integration: In addition to networking devices, Meraki supports the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, expanding its utility in smart environments.

Meraki is popular in various sectors, including education, retail, healthcare, and hospitality, due to its flexibility, security features, and ease of deployment and management.