Christophe ANDRIEU - PeerSpot reviewer
Sales Manager at Waycom International SASU
Real User
Top 20
A simple to use cloud managed Switch with a user-friendly portal
Pros and Cons
  • "I like the portal, it's really interesting."
  • "I like the portal, it's really interesting."
  • "The pricing can be made cheaper."
  • "The pricing can be made cheaper."

What is most valuable?

I like the portal, it's really interesting.

What needs improvement?

The pricing can be made cheaper.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Meraki MS Switches for ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I don't know about stability. But at present seven users are using it.

Buyer's Guide
Meraki MS Switches
March 2024
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What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is a scalable solution.

How are customer service and support?

I have not contacted the support, my team does.

How was the initial setup?

The setup is very very simple.

What about the implementation team?

It was done with the help of a technical team.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It is very expensive so I want it to be cheaper.

What other advice do I have?

I give it an eight out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
JoelCloutier - PeerSpot reviewer
Engineer - Operations Technologies Individual Contributor at Innergex
Real User
Not very scalable and the feature set is less interesting than other equipment but easy to set up
Pros and Cons
  • "The product offered a lower CapEx cost for the appliance."
  • "We had issues with the stability, issues with the pricing, and the total cost of ownership."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily used the solution as a switch.

What is most valuable?

The product offered a lower CapEx cost for the appliance. That's why they tried that infrastructure.

It was easy to set up.

What needs improvement?

We didn’t like the performance, which is why we ended up stopping usage.

We had issues with the stability, issues with the pricing, and the total cost of ownership.

The feature set is less attractive than other or similar equipment from other companies.

You can’t really scale the solution.

We’d like to have on-premises management in the future versions of the product.

It would be great if there were industrial protocols with more on them for an IT environment.

For how long have I used the solution?

We’ve used the solution since 2018.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We faced some stability issues when using the product.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It’s not a very scalable product.

It’s used for energy generation, and we only really need 5% of our team managing it, so it doesn’t really require that many users per se.

How are customer service and support?

I recall technical support being good. They were pretty helpful and responsive.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We used Cisco switches, among other options.

How was the initial setup?

The solution was relatively easy to deploy. It was straightforward and not overly complex.

The deployment itself only took a couple of hours.

You only need one person to handle the deployment tasks.

What about the implementation team?

We used an integrator. They helped us manage the initial setup.

What was our ROI?

We’ve removed all of the switches. We didn’t really witness an ROI.

In the long term, we likely did not get any ROI as we had to buy the switch. We should have bought it a couple of years ago. At this moment, it was a good return on investment in the sense that we had a switch working. However, it was not doing everything we wanted, yet we had it quickly working for low pricing. In the beginning, it seemed reasonable; however, in the end, it was not, as we have to replace everything.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution offered low Cap-Ex pricing.

However, it ended up being expensive. We purchase dit as a package from an integrator. There were some extra fees, for example, for maintenance.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We didn’t really evaluate any other options. A company approached us about the product, and we decided to try it out.

What other advice do I have?

We are currently removing our Meraki switches. I’m not sure which version we were using. The latest was likely MS 120. We replaced the switches with others, and we’re bringing in ways to interconnect with other systems, which was providing us with more stability.

I’d rate the solution a four out of ten and advise potential users to go with a different product.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Meraki MS Switches
March 2024
Learn what your peers think about Meraki MS Switches. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2024.
767,667 professionals have used our research since 2012.
AnkurKumar - PeerSpot reviewer
Consultant at HCL Technologies
Real User
Top 5
A very stable product with great network security features, fast speed, and low latency
Pros and Cons
  • "The switch supports various automation testing tools, and it's quite helpful for network troubleshooting as well."
  • "It is a compact switch, so there are a limited number of ports, and it needs improvement in terms of scalability."

What is our primary use case?

It's a cloud-managed, stackable access switch. It has various features, like providing quality of service to prioritize critical traffic, such as voice and video. It has various levels of support for simplified voice deployment. We also use this switch for multicast traffic. In addition, we use the switch for high capacity trunking where we require link aggregations. 

What is most valuable?

This switch is enabled with network security features. We use it for port security and MAC whitelisting, as well as DHCP snooping to prevent users from adding unauthorized DHCP servers to the network. The switch supports BPDU guard, root guard, and rapid spanning tree protocol for the loop prevention mechanism.

Moreover, now with the advent of automation in our environment, the switch supports various automation testing tools, and it's quite helpful for network troubleshooting as well.

The switch has a good speed and low latency. I will not say it's the market leader of low latency, but it competes with Arista switches in terms of latency. 

What needs improvement?

It is a compact switch, so there are a limited number of ports, and it needs improvement in terms of scalability. The number of ports should be increased. I would love to see modular capabilities, and various security features, like the ones provided by Palo Alto and various emerging cybersecurity solutions. I would like this switch to match that level of competency.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This switch is robust. It's never, ever gone down. It has not been rebooted during the last two years in my environment. In terms of stability, I don't see any challenges. I haven't seen any bugs associated with the current IOS. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is a scalable solution, but compared to competitors' technology, I still see some gaps. There are a lot of scalability improvements needed in this particular model.

There are 500+ on-prem users. Counting business employees altogether though, there are about 2,000. 

How are customer service and support?

The support is quite easy and handy. No one can compete with Cisco's tech support.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was very straightforward. I have been in the IT industry for the last 16 years so I didn't have any challenges with the configuration or deployment. It is a plug and play solution, and needs basic configuration during the initial setup. We pushed the configuration and provisioned this switch immediately. 

What was our ROI?

I see a return on investment in terms of manageability because a single employee can easily manage the switch. I don't need to hire additional resources for taking care of the vulnerability assessment or anything else.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I don't know the exact price, but in terms of comparison, I know that Extreme switches are more cost-effective than Cisco Meraki Switches. Cisco should have some switches that are more cost-effective.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

There are some other competitors nowadays, like Extreme switches. They are cost-effective and have many security features embedded in the switches. We want to see that level of competency for modular capabilities in Meraki switches soon. I still see Cisco as the market leader because no one can compete with Cisco's fast tech support.

What other advice do I have?

To someone considering this solution I would say that compared to other switches, like Arista, Meraki switches are quite robust. In terms of performance, we haven't faced any issues or vulnerabilities in the last two years. 

I would rate this solution as a ten out of ten. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Nader-Elmansi - PeerSpot reviewer
Presales System Engineer at a computer software company with 501-1,000 employees
Reseller
Top 5Leaderboard
Reasonably priced with good support and an easy setup
Pros and Cons
  • "Its cloud feature and cloud management are great. They are the most valuable aspects."
  • "If they added the option to manage it locally, not in the cloud, it would be better."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution as a switch.

What is most valuable?

It's better for small businesses.

The solution is well-managed and easy to deliver.

Its cloud feature and cloud management are great. They are the most valuable aspects.

The setup process is simple.

It is stable. 

We can scale the product.

Cisco gives very good support.

The pricing is very good. 

What needs improvement?

If they added the option to manage it locally, not in the cloud, it would be better. 

Cisco has to make improvements to the ordering page CCW. If it could be the same as Cisco Switches, it would be way better.

For example, Cisco has a page called CCW where you can put in and order the switches and all other items from Cisco. Meraki has some difficulties in terms of adding its products to this page. You cannot enter it. You can memorize the product number ICQ by name. Other Cisco Switches, without memorization, you can put in them in.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for five years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable and reliable. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. 

How are customer service and support?

Technical support is very good. Cisco offers the best technical support.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I'm working with Cisco. That's all.

How was the initial setup?

We found the initial setup to be simple and straightforward. It's not overly complex.

What was our ROI?

This is an easy product to scale. 

We only use it for a small business, for a branch offices and remote workers. There are maybe 50 users at this time. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing is reasonable. I'd rate it four out of five in terms of affordability.

The licensing and support last up to seven years. You pay for it once, and it lasts for around that long. 

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We did not compare the solution with another vendor as we only work with Cisco. 

What other advice do I have?

We're a distributor and reseller.

I'd rate the solution eight out of ten. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller
PeerSpot user
CTO at itecks
Real User
Top 10
Beneficial central management, reliable, and straightforward setup
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features of Meraki MS Switches are simple deployment and administration. You can have all your switches in one place and manage them."
  • "Meraki MS Switches could improve if it was an SDN. It will be more flexible and WWE can use one link for specific traffic and another one for other traffic."

What is our primary use case?

We are using Meraki MS Switches for a company responsible for elections, in our country. We've set up the network for all the servers to work in the same network and they have different sites. We have set up some VPNs between those sites.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of Meraki MS Switches are simple deployment and administration. You can have all your switches in one place and manage them.

What needs improvement?

Meraki MS Switches could improve if it was an SDN. It will be more flexible and WWE can use one link for specific traffic and another one for other traffic.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Meraki MS Switches for three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Meraki MS Switches is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of Meraki MS Switches is good.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have used HP and Ubiquiti switches. I prefer Cisco solutions.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Meraki MS Switches is straightforward. The full deployment took about three months. We have different sites all over the country and this is why it took a while to do the deployment.

What other advice do I have?

The maintenance of the not difficult. However, when we order some cards, it's difficult to have them when we want because the hardware supply time is long.

My advice to others is for them to get prepared before starting the adventure with Meraki MS Switches because they are different and the logic behind them I different than what someone would typically use.

I rate Meraki MS Switches a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
PeerSpot user
Principal & Director of Operations at Net3IT
MSP
Rock solid, good support, and easy to deploy
Pros and Cons
  • "Quality of Service is easy to deploy. The ease of deployment, in general, is valuable. It is easy to do port configuration and VLAN assignments."
  • "On the switches, I don't know a whole lot that I would change. Different levels of switches have different layer 2 and layer 3 functionality. It's always nice to have layer 3 functionality across the board if you can, but that drives up the cost. They've got different lines for different amounts of layer 3 functionality. However, on their models that do include full layer 3 access, when you choose to use layer 3 on a switch, it doesn't have the full functioning routing capabilities of an MX firewall. It can be limiting in some of those aspects."

What is our primary use case?

We are using it for local LAN switching.

What is most valuable?

Quality of Service is easy to deploy. The ease of deployment, in general, is valuable. It is easy to do port configuration and VLAN assignments.

What needs improvement?

On the switches, I don't know a whole lot that I would change. Different levels of switches have different layer 2 and layer 3 functionality. It's always nice to have layer 3 functionality across the board if you can, but that drives up the cost. 

They've got different lines for different amounts of layer 3 functionality. However, on their models that do include full layer 3 access, when you choose to use layer 3 on a switch, it doesn't have the full functioning routing capabilities of an MX firewall. It can be limiting in some of those aspects. I have found myself in a situation where I thought I was going to have the ability to do all the routing from an MX firewall, but even on their fully functional layer 3 switches, you don't have that. There are drawbacks. So, it is not just a, "Oh, I can use a switch instead of a firewall for the routing part of it." The answer is, "That's probably not a good way to think about that."

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for six years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

They are rock solid. I've got hundreds of these deployed, and we rarely had any issues. Meraki support is always great to handle advance replacement regardless of how old it is. It is really good.

How are customer service and technical support?

Their support is really good.

How was the initial setup?

The setup of all Meraki products is extremely simple.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We don't use standard licensing. Most of the time, we use the advanced security model. 

If there is a drawback to Meraki, it is the cost, but you also have to evaluate it based upon the other factors that you do get. Their support is really good; their hardware is really good. The ease of configuration and deployment is really good, but it is more expensive than most.

What other advice do I have?

If you're looking for a solution that is easy and quick to roll out, you can go for these switches. If you want to deploy them without having somebody on-site, you can hire somebody very inexpensively to plug these up and configure them remotely or do advanced configuration beforehand. For deployments of a changing environment, these are the best switches I've ever used.

I would rate Meraki MS Switches a nine out of 10. There is something that could be better, but I don't have a lot of performance needs that drive that situation.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
IT Specialist at a manufacturing company with 5,001-10,000 employees
Real User
Top 20
Easy to maintain and offers device tracking features
Pros and Cons
  • "he product is easy to integrate with other software tools."
  • "The product's high price is an area of concern where improvements are required."

What is our primary use case?

In my company, the solution is used to connect computers to a network.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of the solution is device tracking, which allows our company to know where the product is plugged into the environment.

What needs improvement?

I am sure that my company uses only some of the basic stuff attached to the solution. I don't know much about the higher models or ranges offered by the product.

My company knows how to carry out the setup of our networks and how it works in general. In short, everything in the tool works to meet our company's expectations.

The product's high price is an area of concern where improvements are required.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Meraki MS Switches for over five years. I am an end user of the product.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is a stable solution. Stability-wise, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is a very scalable solution.

In Europe, around 2,000 people use the product.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have experience with TP-Link.

Meraki MS Switches is an enterprise-grade solution that is well managed over the cloud. TP-Link lacks the features that Meraki MS Switches offers, and it also fails to offer proper services and devices. Discussing Meraki and TP-Link is like comparing apples with grapes.

How was the initial setup?

Based on the years of experience I have with the tool, the product's initial setup phase is easy.

One device can be deployed in half an hour to configure the connection with the cloud, and then everything goes on as the product states. Adding one device to an existing environment is simple, but building everything from scratch requires a lot of preparation, so I am not sure about the time required for the deployment from a wider horizon.

Currently, I am not involved in the deployment process of the product in Poland. I was only involved in the deployment process around five years ago.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Securing licenses and devices for more than a year can make the product expensive. In general, the product is expensive.

What other advice do I have?

The product has simplified our network management tasks with a single console that provides our company access to an overview of our whole infrastructure.

The product has been helpful for our company in finding loops in the network. The tool also helps to identify some broken cables because there are testing tools available on the device.

The cloud management aspect of Meraki MS Switches has dramatically improved our company's operations because, previously, we had to go directly to the device to find it.

The product is easy to maintain as the updates happen automatically via the cloud.

The cost-savings from using the product stem from the fact that my company has experienced less downtime, so the business operates without any breaks.

The product is easy to integrate with other software tools.

I rate the product a ten out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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PeerSpot user
Sairam Prem Vangala - PeerSpot reviewer
Technical Support Operations Manager at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Top 5
Simple initial setup, helpful support, and easy to use GUI
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features of Meraki MS Switches are the GUI mode which is helpful for access and good dashboards."
  • "When we do any changes to the core switch it causes the devices to reboot."

What is our primary use case?

We use Meraki MS Switches to can the VLANs to a particular port.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of Meraki MS Switches are the GUI mode which is helpful for access and good dashboards.

What needs improvement?

When we do any changes to the core switch it causes the devices to reboot.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Meraki MS Switches for approximately one and a half years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have approximately 1,000 people using the solution.

How are customer service and support?

The support that Meraki MS Switches provides is good.

I rate the support from Meraki MS Switches a nine out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Meraki MS Switches is simple.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I rate the price of Meraki MS Switches a two out of ten.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I did not evaluate other solutions. I have always used Cisco.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Meraki MS Switches a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
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Updated: March 2024
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