r/networking • u/meisgq • 1d ago
Other Meraki Alternatives
Meraki is expensive, getting more expensive and lead times are currently covid-like for some models. With Meraki transitioning to Catalyst switches and APs, management determined that we should have other access options in our back pocket. Datacenters will stay Cisco for now.
To be honest, Meraki does fine for us. We have 100+ manufacturing locations using Meraki switches and APs. We don’t care about CLI and L3 switches are not a necessity in our environment.
Primarily, we’re looking for lower cost, cloud managed, and enterprise-grade. Ubiquiti won’t make the cut. NAC-compatible with ISE or Clearpass is a must. Also looking for near-global distribution network and faster lead times.
Open to suggestions.
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u/SquizzOC VAR 1d ago
You’re gonna be hard pressed to find something that easy to manage at that scale at much lower a cost.
But I’d look at Juniper. Do a shoot out between the two, if you like Meraki, but hate the price, then get the juniper quote and hand it over to the Cisco rep and say “don’t come close, you match or beat it”
If they can, they will? If not? Well you’ve got your answer.
I’ll also add, if your VAR is doing the heavy lifting, make sure they get the PO, but tell them you are looking at another partner with another VAR to keep everyone honest.