IT Buyer's Guide: Meraki SD-WAN & SASE Network Security
This buyer's guide provides IT decision-makers with an evaluation of Meraki's SASE and SD-WAN offerings, focusing on practical deployment considerations, operational requirements and cost implications for buyers looking to shortlist Meraki SD-WAN alongside alternative vendors.
Latest Capabilities and Roadmap (Cisco Meraki SD-WAN & SASE)
When considering Meraki's SD-WAN and SASE roadmap, the vendor has prioritised simplicity above all else, with cloud-first management principles at the core of their strategy.
Recent enhancements have delivered unified management capabilities spanning both Meraki and Cisco Catalyst infrastructure, improved Microsoft 365 performance monitoring and deeper visibility into Software-as-a-Service applications whilst maintaining simplified branch-to-cloud connectivity through their single, centralised platform approach
The platform's development has recent seen integrations of unified communications, IoT device management and improved deployment capabilities. This broader Cisco ecosystem couples with the Meraki platform and enables zero-touch provisioning, centralised control, easy-to-use management interfaces, intelligent traffic steering and automated rollouts - delivering automation whilst prioritising operational simplicity and providing integrated functionality that addresses distributed enterprise requirements.
Deployment Models and Multi-Cloud Integration
Physical deployments utilise Meraki MX security appliances, spanning compact branch solutions through to enterprise-grade data centre platforms. The next generation firewall architecture combines security services and networking capabilities within unified hardware, providing protection at the network edge.
Cloud deployments leverage vMX virtual appliances, enabling presence within major cloud platforms including AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Alibaba Cloud and Cisco NFVIS. Such cloud-native deployments facilitate scalable architectures with consistent policies whilst adhering to operational expenditure (OpEx) financial models.
The Meraki Dashboard serves multi-cloud architectures through centralised management, maintaining uniform security policies throughout hybrid workforce scenarios and diverse cloud deployments. This approach delivers a wide variety of security capabilities whilst avoiding unnecessary complexity, particularly when supporting distributed remote workers or transitioning applications between cloud providers.
Typical hybrid deployments might include MX appliances within branch offices linked to vMX deployments across cloud platforms. The entire infrastructure operates under unified Meraki Dashboard control, maintaining policy consistency throughout. Following successful deployment, the management and orchestration simplicity becomes essential for sustained operational efficiency.
Ease of Configuration and Orchestration
The Meraki Secure SD-WAN browser-based interface delivers all of the configuration and monitoring functionality, featuring live status displays, easy-to-use management views and detailed visibility covering performance metrics, infrastructure health and security alerts. Flexible reporting functionality allows enterprises to produce compliance documentation and operational metrics matching organisational needs, whilst compatibility with established monitoring platforms maintains network visibility through existing operational workflows.
Meraki prioritises unified management and automated provisioning workflows, reducing administrative burden and streamlining network operations.
Centralised policy management through the Meraki Dashboard enables consistent configuration deployment throughout distributed infrastructures. Administrators create policies once and apply them uniformly across distributed sites, regardless of hardware form factor. Policy scope encompasses security rules, traffic routing and application prioritisation. It's worth noting that the dashboard's intentional simplicity may present challenges for highly complex deployments requiring granular control, potentially making sophisticated configurations more difficult than competitors offering command-line flexibility.
Zero-touch deployment capabilities allow remote site activation without local technical resources. Devices automatically retrieve appropriate configurations upon network connection, including certificates, security policies and network parameters.
How Cisco Utilises AI For Configuration
Automation through Smart Thresholds allow for optimised traffic routing - significantly reducing administrative workload.
Should organisations prefer maintaining manual oversight, the dashboard provides comprehensive visibility into all automated operations. Additionally, remote diagnostic tools allow support teams to troubleshoot issues without dispatching technicians.
Integration of External Tools with Cisco SD-WAN
RESTful API support facilitates connections with third-party management platforms, automation frameworks and custom-developed tools. Organisations can embed Meraki operations within existing automation workflows and leverage established configuration management systems. Programmatic access enables bulk operations and event-driven responses, proving essential for enterprise-scale networks where manual administration becomes unsustainable.
While the cloud-first philosophy and streamlined interface excel at reducing complexity, these same attributes may constrain organisations needing sophisticated network configurations.
Most deployments experience accelerated rollout schedules and reduced administrative requirements following implementation. Success depends upon embracing the platform's cloud-centric philosophy rather than attempting to replicate traditional networking approaches.
Managed Services and MSP/MSSP Enablement
Whilst Meraki is more optimised as an organisation management tool, it does offer service provider capabilities that extend through multi-tenant architecture and features supporting Managed Service Providers (MSP) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP) business models.
The MSP Portal delivers comprehensive multi-tenant functionality, maintaining complete data isolation whilst providing consolidated operational views. Granular role-based permissions allow customer self-service capabilities without compromising tenant boundaries.
Service provider operations benefit from unified visibility spanning all customer deployments. Multi-tenant architecture maintains strict data segregation whilst enabling efficient service delivery. Integration capabilities support ticketing systems and security service edge offerings through Meraki's integrated security stack, encompassing threat prevention, content filtering and policy enforcement. Customisable alerting and workflow automation adapt to individual customer requirements whilst utilising shared operational infrastructure. This model enables consistent service delivery despite varying customer needs.
Cloud-managed architecture enables service providers to efficiently deliver SASE and SD-WAN offerings, including security services, performance monitoring and policy management.
Day-2 Operations: Adds, Moves and Changes
Operational agility depends upon efficient handling of routine modifications including site additions, configuration updates and policy adjustments. Meraki's cloud-centric design prioritises simplified processes and unified management, reducing administrative effort for standard changes whilst ensuring inter-site consistency.
Site additions leverage zero-touch deployment methods - maintaining standards across the newest deployments. Validation workflows confirm proper integration with existing infrastructure whilst verifying policy compliance.
Configuration modifications benefit from dashboard-based management with immediate propagation, ensuring organisational alignment whilst enabling pre-deployment verification. Live monitoring confirms policy effectiveness and reveals potential issues before production impact.
OpEx-focused organisations benefit from Meraki's support for automation and resource management, allowing provisioning resources to respond to demand fluctuations. Resource allocation methods are supported, allowing control of costs through usage-based optimisation. Cloud service modifications execute through automated workflows, minimising disruption whilst utilising Meraki's simplified cloud management.
Cloud-based intelligence recognises network behaviour patterns, delivering actionable optimisation insights and troubleshooting guidance. Such automated analysis minimises technical team workload whilst preserving service standards, with enterprises confirming substantial reductions in operational complexity through cloud-managed infrastructure.
Integrated Security Features and Zero Trust Networking in Cisco SD-WAN and Cisco Secure Access
Whilst their focus is often seen to be simplicity, Meraki's security integration remains fundamental, especially zero trust principles and threat intelligence capabilities, establishing integrated protection.
Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) functionality within MX appliances maintains uniform security enforcement throughout distributed sites, encompassing application controls, intrusion prevention, content filtering and threat protection at every network edge.
SASE implementation combines on-premises MX appliances with cloud-delivered security services via Cisco Secure Connect Foundation (or Cisco Umbrella for older use cases) integration, delivering Secure Web Gateway and Cloud Access Security Broker functionality alongside Zero Trust Network Access features. This hybrid approach maintains consistent protection throughout diverse environments.
Identity-centric controls leverage existing identity management systems for user and device verification. Security policies adapt to user context, device posture and application sensitivity rather than network location. Zero trust principles extend throughout the architecture, incorporating device trust validation and granular application policies with ongoing verification requirements via micro-segmentation and persistent authentication.
Cisco Talos threat intelligence continuously updates security defences with emerging threat data and attack pattern recognition - enabling rapid detection of evolving attack methodologies. Intelligence feeds automatically update security policies and detection mechanisms throughout the infrastructure, incorporating Advanced Malware Protection (AMP), behavioural analytics and anomaly detection capable of identifying sophisticated threats beyond traditional signature-based detection.
Integration extends throughout Cisco's security portfolio, including Cisco XDR for greater detection and response capabilities.
Industry-Specific Capabilities and Use Cases
Even though Meraki doesn't have the depth of security features as other vendors (like Fortinet), they're still very much a viable candidate across industries with specialised SD-WAN and SASE needs.
Healthcare
Healthcare deployments benefit from support for HIPAA compliance. Medical device integration employs network segmentation and streamlined policies preventing unauthorised access without disrupting clinical operations. Healthcare system compatibility ensures appropriate access controls matching clinical responsibilities. Implementations typically demonstrate improved compliance outcomes, clinical application responsiveness and strengthened patient data protection throughout distributed facilities.
Retail
Retail deployments demand point-of-sale connectivity and inventory system reliability whilst securing payment card data. Meraki supports PCI DSS-compliance and standardised branch deployments minimise operational overhead throughout retail chains, whilst optimised support for retail applications improves transaction processing and inventory synchronisation.
Financial Services
Financial organisations demand rigorous security measures and Meraki's integrated security features address these compliance obligations, however they may not be quite as applicable for the likes of trading enterprises.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing environments receive network segmentation capabilities. IIoT device management employs simplified security policies and network separation preventing unauthorised industrial system access whilst minimising production interruptions through dependable connectivity.
Given that financial considerations significantly influence vendor selection decisions, it's worth understanding Meraki's commercial model and their value proposition.
Meraki employs hardware pricing combined with mandatory subscription-based cloud management and security services.
Hardware investments involve upfront capital requirements plus recurring subscription fees for cloud management, firmware maintenance and security services. Meraki MX appliances deliver competitive performance-per-dollar metrics in their target market segments, whilst functionality within individual devices may reduce total hardware needs compared to multi-vendor deployments. However, performance requirements must be carefully evaluated against throughput specifications, as competing solutions may offer superior performance at similar price points for high-bandwidth scenarios.
Subscription terms span from one to ten years, with multi-year commitments attracting volume discounts. Organisations must note that all devices within a single Meraki organisation must use the same license tier - mixing Enterprise and Advanced Security or SD-WAN Plus licenses is not permitted.
We've discussed Cisco Meraki's Latest Hardware Here
Cost Comparison with Other Vendors
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and Meraki SD-WAN serve different market segments, with Catalyst ranked in Network Management Applications and Meraki leading Software Defined Networking categories. Catalyst SD-WAN is more advantageous in scenarios demanding more sophisticated routing protocols and granular configuration control, though both solutions can be deployed with varying levels of security infrastructure depending on specific requirements.
Organisations must also consider recent changes to Meraki's SASE offerings. The Meraki Umbrella SD-WAN Connector has been discontinued (since May 2025), replaced by Cisco Secure Connect Foundation, which requires specific hosting region compatibility between Meraki and Umbrella organisations.
ROI and Future Cost
Measurable returns include reduced connectivity expenses via improved link utilisation, minimised security breach costs through integrated defences, and productivity gains from administration and application delivery.
Long-term considerations involve mandatory subscription renewals (devices become non-functional without active licenses), security requirements and growth-related scaling expenses.
Competitive Positioning and Comparison Against Other Networking and Security Specialists' SD-WAN solutions
Understanding Meraki's market position versus competing SD-WAN and SASE providers proves crucial, particularly when evaluating Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, Fortinet and Cato Networks alternatives.
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs Meraki
Cisco's Catalyst SD-WAN targets complex enterprise requirements with more advanced routing protocol support. Meraki differentiates through easy-to-use cloud management and simplified administration.
Fortinet vs Meraki
Fortinet prioritises security depth featuring deep packet inspection and sophisticated threat prevention, outperforming Meraki on that front. However, their platform demands greater administrative expertise and relies upon on-premises management contrasting with Meraki's cloud-native simplicity.
Cato Networks vs Meraki
Cato Networks delivers unified SASE architecture with proprietary global backbone infrastructure. However, Cato is only delivered in a Managed Service model and therefore Meraki is arguably the best DIY SD-WAN for ease of use and simplified deployment use cases.
Cisco's Key Advantages
Core strengths include simplified cloud management, zero-touch deployment and intuitive administrative interfaces. Cloud-native design facilitates rapid deployment throughout distributed locations.
Cisco's Weaknesses
Meraki's can sometimes be seen as too simplified for more advanced or complex requirements and therefore is unsuitable for many of these use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cisco's Gartner Status?
Gartner recognises Cisco (encompassing Meraki and Catalyst SD-WAN portfolios) as a Magic Quadrant Leader for SD-WAN across five consecutive evaluations. Meraki SD-WAN operates through MX hardware and virtual appliances managed via the cloud-based Meraki Dashboard. The platform serves thousands of enterprise SD-WAN deployments globally across diverse verticals. Near-term development priorities target enhanced automation capabilities, expanded multi-cloud support and broader SASE functionality improvements.
What are the Pros and Cons of Cisco Meraki
Meraki SD-WAN Pros and Cons
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:03 PM | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:03 PM | ✓ Simple Configuration: Easy to set up and configure. | ❌ Premium Solution: Positioned as a premium solution with higher costs. |
| 2 | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:03 PM | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:03 PM | ✓ Efficient QoS Configuration: Quality of Service (QoS) is efficiently managed. | ❌ Cannot Support Complex Needs: Limited in supporting complex networking requirements. |
| 3 | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:03 PM | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:03 PM | ✓ Private Backbone: Utilises a private backbone for enhanced performance. | ❌ Feature Limitations: Certain features have limitations, restricting advanced configurations. |
| 4 | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:03 PM | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:03 PM | ✓ Simple Deployment: Offers a straightforward and fast deployment process. | |
| 5 | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:03 PM | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:03 PM | ✓ Agility: Provides agility to adapt to network changes quickly. | |
| Pros | Cons |
What industries do Cisco deliver solutions for?
Meraki addresses these vertical markets:
- Communications
- Federal Government
- Financial Services
- Healthcare
- Higher Education
- Hospitality
- K-12 School Districts
- Manufacturing
- Media and Entertainment
- Oil and Gas
- Pharmaceutical
- Power and Utilities
- Retail
- State and Local Government
- Technology
- Transportation
What regulations do Cisco comply with?
Meraki maintains compliance capabilities for:
- Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS)
- Privacy Amendment (Notifiable Data Breaches) Bill 2016
Cisco Partners
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and Integrations:
- 1Kosmos
- 7Signal
- A Cloud Guru
- Absolute Software
- Acumatica
- Adobe
- AirWatch
- Airtame
- AlertEnterprise
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Amelia
- Aperio
- Apple
- Arista Networks
- Armorblox
- Aruba Networks
- AT&T
- Auvik
- Aviatrix
- Barracuda Networks
- BetterCloud
- BigPanda
- Binary Defense
- Bitdefender
- BlackBerry
- Blue Coat Systems
- BlueCat
- Bluebeam
- Brocade
- Carbon Black
- Cato Networks
- Centrify
- Check Point
- Chrome River
- Cisco
- Cisco Catalyst
- Cisco Umbrella
- Cisco Webex
- Citrix
- Claroty
- CloudFlare
- CloudGenix
- Code42
- Cohesity
- ConnectWise
- Cradlepoint
- CrowdStrike
- Cybereason
- Cylance
- Darktrace
- Datadog
- Datto
- Dell Technologies
- DNSFilter
- Docker
- Docusign
- Dropbox
- Duo Security
- Ekahau
- Elastic
- Endace
- ESET
- Everbridge
- Extreme Networks
- F5 Networks
- Fastly
- FireEye
- Fiserv
- Forescout
- Forgerock
- Fortinet
- G Suite
- Gigamon
- GitHub
- Gitlab
- Google Cloud Platform
- Grafana
- Guardicore
- HashiCorp
- HID Global
- HPE Aruba
- Huntress
- IBM
- Illumio
- Imperva
- Infoblox
- Informatica
- Intel
- Intermedia
- Intune
- Ivanti
- Jamf
- Jira
- Juniper Networks
- Kaspersky
- Kentik
- Keycloak
- KnowBe4
- Kubernetes
- LastPass
- Lenovo
- LevelBlue
- LiveAction
- LogicMonitor
- LogMeIn
- LogRhythm
- Lookout
- Malwarebytes
- ManageEngine
- McAfee
- MetaDefender
- Microsoft
- Microsoft 365
- Microsoft Azure
- Microsoft Intune
- Microsoft Teams
- Mimecast
- MobileIron
- MongoDB
- Morpheus
- Mosyle
- Motorola
- N-able
- Nagios
- NetApp
- NetScout
- New Relic
- NinjaOne
- Nutanix
- Okta
- OneLogin
- Open Systems
- OpenDNS
- Oracle
- OTRS
- Palo Alto Networks
- PaperCut
- Paessler
- Parallels
- PingIdentity
- Pluralsight
- Polycom
- Prisma Cloud
- Proofpoint
- Pulse Secure
- Pure Storage
- Qualys
- Rapid7
- Red Hat
- RingCentral
- Riverbed
- RSA
- Rubrik
- Salesforce
- SaltStack
- Samsung
- ScienceLogic
- SecureAuth
- SecureWorks
- SentinelOne
- ServiceNow
- SevOne
- Signal Sciences
- Silver Peak
- Simpplr
- Slack
- Smartsheet
- SolarWinds
- Sonicwall
- Sophos
- Sourcefire
- Splunk
- Square
- Symantec
- Tableau
- Tanium
- Tenable
- Terraform
- ThousandEyes
- Threatstack
- Trend Micro
- Tripwire
- Twilio
- Ubiquiti
- Vade
- Varonis
- Veeam
- Veracode
- Verizon
- VMware
- VMware NSX
- Watchguard
- Webroot
- WhatsUp Gold
- Workspace ONE
- Xerox
- Zabbix
- Zendesk
- Zerto
- Zimperium
- Zoom
- Zscaler
- Zyxel