Creating a network.

So, We are done with the dashboard account.

In Meraki they have the concept of networks within organizations, so what We did on the dashboard was actually create an organization.

Within that organization, We will create networks.

But what is a network?

Well, here is where you will put all your devices, the only restriction is that you can only have a single security appliance... which make sense, right? Since this will represent a single network We will only have a single last hop equipment before our internet access. 

Having said that, you can add as many access points, switches and cameras as you want, I am not including System Manager, since that is handled in its own network.

So let's get to it.

Log into your dashboard, on the left you will see "Network", you need to click on that drop-down menu and select "Create a new network" (pretty straightforward, inst it?)

You will be presented with the following:

So, if You want to have all your devices on this network, just select on network type, "combined", this will represent some challenges only for the security appliance, but I will not talk much about this until later posts. For your access points, switches and cameras, it should be fine. 

Also, a combined network will require for you to add a security appliance.

Since this is your first network, just select the default Meraki Configuration, otherwise, there is the existence of templates where you can get similar settings for different networks, or you can too clone all settings from an existing one. 

At the bottom you can either, add devices you have already claimed to your network or claim them in this moment. If you did not choose a combined or security appliance network, you can click on create network and get redirected to your new network, otherwise, adding the appliance is a must before continuing.

I created a blank wireless one, just to show how it would look like.

That should get us going, We are just missing the fun part, that is right! the devices itself.

But that will be in the next entry.

As always, you can find Meraki documentation here.

Cheers!