Cisco Meraki: cloud-managed networking and security, deployed and managed properly
Cisco Meraki is a cloud-managed networking platform covering wireless access points, switches, security appliances and SD-WAN, smart cameras, and environmental sensors. All of it is managed through a single web dashboard, which is the platform’s defining feature: networking that’s actually visible, manageable, and supportable from anywhere, without the complexity that historically came with enterprise-grade Cisco kit.
For UK businesses in the 70 to 150 user range running offices, hybrid working setups, and the increasingly serious networking demands that come with both, Meraki sits in a sensible place. It’s enterprise-grade hardware and software, properly supportable remotely, and doesn’t require a full-time network engineer to run.
Dr Logic deploys and manages Cisco Meraki across client environments as part of ongoing managed IT support. That means specifying the right kit for your offices, configuring it properly, monitoring it day-to-day, and dealing with anything that needs attention before users notice. This sits inside our IT Success® Plans and connects to the wider IT support and cyber security work we deliver.
What Dr Logic delivers with Cisco Meraki
Network design and hardware specification. We design the right network for your offices, factor in headcount growth, hybrid working patterns, video conferencing load, and any specific requirements (guest networks, studio environments, segregated networks for finance or sensitive work), then specify the right Meraki kit to deliver it.
Deployment, installation, and configuration. We handle the physical install, configure switches, wireless, and the MX security appliance, set up VLANs and segmentation properly, and verify that everything works as designed before handing it over. Done once, done right.
Wireless coverage and performance. Wi-Fi that actually works across the whole office, with the right coverage, capacity, and roaming behaviour. We survey, plan, and configure to deliver consistent performance rather than the patchy coverage most offices put up with.
Boundary firewall and security. The Meraki MX appliance handles firewalling, intrusion prevention, content filtering, and traffic shaping. We configure it properly to support Cyber Essentials boundary firewall requirements and the broader security posture across the business.
Site-to-site and remote access VPN. Where clients have multiple offices, remote workers, or specific access requirements, we configure Meraki Auto VPN for clean site-to-site connectivity, and SSL or AnyConnect VPN for remote access. This ties into the broader hybrid working setup we support.
Network segmentation. We segment networks properly: corporate traffic, guest Wi-Fi, IoT and AV kit, finance or sensitive systems, all separated with appropriate controls between them. This is the layer most networks get wrong and pays off significantly during security incidents.
Monitoring, alerting, and reporting. The Meraki Dashboard gives clear visibility into network health, performance, client devices, and security events. We monitor it day-to-day, deal with anything that surfaces, and produce regular reports on network health and security posture.
Integration with the wider stack. Meraki sits alongside our Apple MDM platforms (Jamf, Addigy), identity providers (JumpCloud, Entra ID, Google Workspace), endpoint security, and managed SOC capability. Network telemetry feeds into the broader security picture rather than sitting in isolation.
Partner status and expertise
Dr Logic is a Cisco Meraki partner with hands-on experience deploying and managing the platform across many client environments, particularly UK offices in the 70 to 150 user range. This runs alongside our Apple Premium Technical Partner work and the broader managed IT and security stack we deliver. For Apple-heavy environments, getting the network right matters: video conferencing, cloud sync, large file transfers, and proper coverage across creative studios or open-plan offices all depend on a network that’s been properly designed rather than thrown together.
When Cisco Meraki is the right fit, and when it isn’t
Cisco Meraki is often the right call for businesses that want serious, properly-managed network infrastructure with strong remote visibility and support, particularly clients with offices that matter to how the business operates (creative studios, professional services firms with client visits, hybrid working setups that depend on reliable connectivity). The licensing model isn’t the cheapest, but for businesses that genuinely value the management experience and feature depth, the cost is usually justified.
That said, it’s not always the answer. Ubiquiti UniFi offers a credible alternative at lower cost, particularly for businesses comfortable with self-managed networks and willing to accept some compromises on enterprise feature depth and support. Aruba Instant On sits at the SMB end of the market. Fortinet is a stronger choice for clients with more demanding firewall and SD-WAN requirements, particularly in regulated sectors. For very small offices or simpler setups, simpler kit is often the right call.
On the Meraki Systems Manager (MDM) side specifically: we don’t typically recommend it for Apple-heavy environments. Jamf and Addigy are purpose-built Apple MDM platforms and significantly better suited to the businesses we serve. Where Systems Manager is used, it’s usually for specific cross-platform scenarios rather than as a primary MDM.
The right answer depends on your offices, your hybrid working pattern, your security and compliance requirements, and your budget. Get in touch and we’ll talk it through.
What is Cisco Meraki?
Cisco Meraki is a cloud-managed networking platform covering wireless, switching, security appliances (firewall and SD-WAN), cameras, sensors, and endpoint management. All of it is configured and monitored through the Meraki Dashboard, which is what makes the platform genuinely supportable remotely.
Do you manage Meraki for clients, or just install it?
We do both, but most of our work is ongoing management. Initial design and deployment are the start; day-to-day monitoring, configuration changes, firmware updates, and dealing with anything that surfaces are the continuing service. Licensing, kit, and ongoing management are all included in the IT Success® Plan.
How does Meraki support Cyber Essentials?
The Meraki MX appliance covers the boundary firewall and gateway requirements of Cyber Essentials directly. Properly configured, it provides the firewall, intrusion prevention, and content filtering controls that the certification expects, with the dashboard giving the evidence trail. We use it as part of certification and re-certification work.
Do I need ongoing Meraki licences, or just the hardware?
Both. Meraki hardware requires an active licence subscription to keep working. This is one of the most common misunderstandings with the platform: if licences lapse, the kit stops being managed and (after a grace period) stops working. The licence cost is genuinely part of the total cost of ownership, not a surprise add-on. We model the full lifetime cost when recommending Meraki against alternatives.
How does Meraki compare to Ubiquiti UniFi or Fortinet?
Ubiquiti UniFi is the closest credible alternative at lower cost. It works well for businesses comfortable with self-managed networks and willing to accept some compromises on support, feature depth, and enterprise-grade reliability. Fortinet is stronger for businesses with more demanding firewall and SD-WAN requirements, particularly in regulated sectors. Meraki tends to win on management experience, support, and the breadth of the platform across wireless, switching, security, and visibility.
Should we use Meraki Systems Manager for our Macs?
Is Cisco Meraki cost-effective for a business our size?
For most businesses in the 70 to 150 user range with offices that matter to how they operate, Meraki tends to work out as a sensible total cost when you factor in the management experience, reliability, and support. For very small offices, simpler setups, or clients comfortable with self-management, UniFi or similar alternatives may make better economic sense. We model the lifetime cost (hardware plus licensing plus management) properly against alternatives rather than just comparing kit prices.
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If you’re planning a new office, reviewing the network behind your hybrid working setup, dealing with Wi-Fi or connectivity problems, or preparing for Cyber Essentials, we’d be happy to take a proper look and tell you honestly what would work best, whether that’s Cisco Meraki or something else.
