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!

Let's get started.

So you have gotten your equipment!

Well once You get your equipment, We are ready to start right?

Well.. Not quite yet.

First of all, this is a cloud managed technology, so there must be a way to get to the cloud...

The first thing We want to do is to go to https://dashboard.meraki.com.

You will get presented a web-page like the one shown below.

At this point, must likely you will have no account for the dashboard, so We will create a new one.

Click on "Create an account".

Select the right server for your region, basically the closest to You I would say.

We will be presented with the next web-page, just  fill every box and make sure you will remember your password. Also your email is important since you will get a confirmation email over there.

So, once You've verified You are not a robot ready to take over mankind, You should see the following window :

Go to your email, a new e-mail will be in your inbox from meraki, in my case I could not directly click the link, so just copied it and paste it on a browser to confirm mail.

And.. We are ready!, go back to https://dashboard.meraki.com and if You are not logged in yet, just type the provided email and password and click log in.

Tah da! 

We got our dashboard now!, but We are not ready yet....

We need to create a network to start having some fun, I will explain that in the next entry.

Here is the official guide, by the way.

Cheers!