Happy New Year! What are your Networking Resolutions?

[AmyReyes]

🎆🎩🍾✨ Happy New Year!! ✨🍾🎩🎆

It’s 2025, which means it’s time for our annual resolutions contest!

In last year’s Network Resolutions contest, the community resolved (among many things) to become ECMS certified, renew CCNA or CCIE certifications, and explore blockchain's potential! You can tell the spirit of continuous learning is thriving in the Meraki Community.

Tell us, how did those 2024 resolutions go? What do you resolve to do in 2025? You never know… some of our members here may have some great advice for you to help achieve your goals. 

By sharing your resolutions here, you may just inspire some fellow networking enthusiasts. And of course, there is the chance to receive some fun Meraki swag!

How to enter

Tell us your Network Resolutions in a comment on this blog post before 10:59am ET on Thursday, January 16th.

 

How to win

Once submissions close at 10:59am EST on January 16th, we select three entries at random to win a pair of Cisco Meraki blue light glasses.

Good Luck!

The Fine Print

• Limit one entry per community member
• Submission period: Thursday, January 9th, 2025 at 11am EST through Thursday, January 16th, 2025 at 10:59am EST
• Complete rules and eligibility can be found here.
  

[DarrenOC]

I hope to resolve an issue with a pair of Cisco 9K FTDs (cluster) that simply won’t form a site to site VPN with pretty much anything!

😭😭😭

[KarstenI]

I can confess that I 100% fulfilled my 2024 resolution. My goal was to survive. This year I'll go with the same resolution!

[Karberos]

In 2024, I successfully renewed my CCNA certification and explored the potential of blockchain in networking solutions, though achieving ECMS certification remains a goal. In 2025, I resolve to become ECMS certified to master Meraki’s advanced tools, deepen my knowledge of network security to tackle evolving threats, and explore AI-driven networking for automation and optimization. I also aim to contribute actively to the Meraki Community by sharing my experiences and adopt sustainable networking practices to reduce environmental impact. Excited to embark on this journey with all of you!

[ManorIT]

To more completely manage all aspects of my network and contain costs for my employer.

[double_virgule]

Finish our Cisco Meraki deployment and build a secure and stable distributed network using Cisco Secure Connect!

Also, ideally start using cert-based authentication on iOS devices for Cisco Secure Client. 

[JustLittleOldMe]

Pay our way into partner status.

[Scott11]

I started 2024 with a goal to upgrade as many non-managed switches to Meraki managed switches.  Didn't quite get as far as wanted.  2025 hopefully can be the year I get a lot more done on that front.  Biggest hurdle for me though, is just time.

[MathieuHetu]

In 2024, my goal was to learn more about AI and Wi-Fi 7 to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies. Although I didn't renew my certifications, I had the opportunity to work with IoT technologies, which allowed me to gain a lot of new skills and knowledge.

For 2025, I'm setting new challenges for myself. I want to deepen my understanding of task automation and practice using Meraki Sensors more frequently. Additionally, I aim to explore AI technologies further and their application in business task automation.

I'm also looking forward to contributing to the Meraki community by sharing my experiences, especially when I encounter extraordinary situations.

I hope my resolutions for this year will inspire other networking enthusiasts to pursue their own goals.

[tobjevans]

We have many Meraki GX20 deployed and hoping if budget allows to get them upgraded to an MX version.

[Gaetano]

Good afternoon...

renew my certifications and get new one also finish all the configuration and details for 27 Switch and 32 AP.....t

[Brian21]

From a Cisco Meraki perspective, I'm hoping to further develop my CE training to increase my product knowledge.  

Have a blessed and successful 2025 and thank you for the opportunity to win some cool glasses!  

[EvanD]

Fully implement ISE across our networks along with Secure Connect.

Utilize Boundless API integration to standardize all new network deployments.

[Viana]

  Buy book, Securing Enterprise Networks with Cisco Meraki.

[RyanRamenattecs]

IPv6 deployment issues with ISP networks on a few MX...s seems a few ISPs lose IPv6 connectivity each time they make config changes, not sure why but working with them to figure out a solution on how to stop V6 traffic failing was painful.

[van604]

need to brush up on AI and  LLM's and do some more with the Meraki API 

[Jayman-SCI]

Get our budget approved to replace a number of our devices, replace the approved devices, find the time to finish tweaking our wireless settings to improve performance and reliability, and if workload permits this year to get my certification finally.

[RR-THE-IT-GUY]

Lot's of Meraki deployments and use of built in troubleshooting for remote network management, came in handy today to diagnose an intermittent line fault 

[ChrisAtBell]

My goal this year is to go to another Cisco Live this year, now that I know most of the things are there for. This time I'd like to take a CCNP test while there, which I forwent last year.

[amyers2010]

My goal is refamiliarize myself with the Meraki product line (additional basic sales training) and continue to grow our business clients with these solutions!

[GH2023]

this 2025 I hope I can implement some of these projects or at least study more about them

Network Automation with AI and ML 

Use tools like Cisco DNA Center, Ansible, or SolarWinds for network automation.

Upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) 

Evaluate current wireless infrastructure and replace outdated access points.

Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA)

Implement identity-based authentication for every user and device.

[MarioSalverredy]

I think the main one will be to finally start the course to get a CCNP certification and deepen my knowledge in Meraki management through APIs, I think it is a great opportunity to develop a better professional profile. Kudos for all!!!

[jochoi]

In 2024, I successfully installed over 200 Meraki devices across multiple sites. Moving forward, I anticipate deploying more than 100 additional units and managing a substantial number of devices in the network.

[HPMsys]

Finish my network restructuring project with zero downtime!

[HarounSlimani]

My goal in 2025 is to survive as one of the community members highlighted ! Than get my CCNA and ECMS.

[liamclose]

Automate Meraki firmware upgrades with a Service Now change management workflow

[dstatzer]

My 2025 resolution is to finally take and pass my 350-801 CLCOR exam 😀

[DanD]

We hope to finish our Secure Connect deployment between our Azure environment and our 3 offices here in the next couple of weeks. We are also planning a network upgrade for our main office, which would eliminate 3 Catalyst 6500s and replace them with 3 Meraki MX stacks and a bunch of MRs to go full wireless throughout. 

[Oskar873740]

Hi everyone!! In 2024 I became a Cisco partner again, participated in several trainings especially BlackBelt and I hope this 2025 to finally take my CCNA exam. Let's go for much more!

[jclm1rt]

¡Feliz Año Nuevo, comunidad Meraki! 🎉Mi resolución para 2025 es integrar inteligencia artificial en la gestión de redes bancarias, automatizando la detección de anomalías y optimizando el rendimiento en tiempo real. 🤖🌐 La IA es el futuro, y estoy emocionado por explorar todo su potencial. 🚀¡Listo para aprender y compartir ideas con ustedes este año! 😊

[EricY]

Not to make the news because of a security incident.

[langstonha]

My dynamic new years resolution for 2025 is,

1. Learn more about AI. 

2.Keep in touch with family more,

3. Continue to stay in shape.

4. Run Wingnuts Temporal Navigator on a virtual machine for my Grand Daughter.

5. Finish reading Someone else's bucket list and Human Compatible artificial intelligence and the problem of control.

6. Finish working on my 1st million.

7. Get organized.

8. Purge all the old tech.

[PFields]

Hello Everyone! My 2025 or resolution is to complete the setup and licensing for my test lab so I can complete my 2024 to complete my ECMS1 exam.  I currently don't have an environment where I can get hands-on practice where I work and being a non-profit, we don't have extra equipment to spare.  Once that is completed, I can move on to the ECMS2 course and can get my ECMS certification completed.😉

And since our network is completely cloud-based using Cisco Meraki devices, this certification will enhance my career goals tremendously!

[Viewmax]

My 2025 Network Resolutions

2024 was a transformative year for me and my team at Securicom Solutions. One of our major resolutions was to partner with a world-class provider, and I’m proud to say we accomplished that by becoming a Cisco Meraki partner. We’ve spent the past year diving into Meraki’s capabilities, implementing solutions for clients, and even setting up a dedicated demo system to showcase Meraki’s full potential. It’s been an exciting journey, and our clients have been impressed with the simplicity, scalability, and power of the Meraki platform.

For 2025, my resolutions focus on growing and learning even more within this ecosystem:

1. Obtain ECMS Certification: I aim to enhance my expertise with Meraki by completing the ECMS (Engineering Cisco Meraki Solutions) certification. This will allow me to better support our clients and leverage the full potential of the platform.

2. Close Key Camera Proposals: We currently have several proposals for Meraki camera systems with clients in diverse sectors. A key goal for 2025 is to turn these opportunities into successful deployments, demonstrating the unmatched capabilities of Meraki’s AI-powered video surveillance solutions.

3. Launch a Network Resilience Initiative: With increasing concerns around cybersecurity, my team plans to develop a framework for proactive monitoring and incident response using Meraki’s analytics and security tools.

4. Expand Client Engagements: This year, we aim to deploy Meraki solutions for at least 20 new sites in the Vancouver area. Alongside that, we plan to explore new integrations from the Meraki Marketplace to deliver even greater value to our clients.

5. Stay Innovative: Finally, I resolve to keep an open mind to emerging technologies, such as AI and IoT, and how they can be seamlessly integrated with the Meraki ecosystem to future-proof networks.

The Meraki community has been an incredible source of inspiration and knowledge, and I’m looking forward to learning from all of you as we tackle our goals together this year!

Here’s to a successful 2025 filled with growth, collaboration, and innovation.

[SeanW]

This year I am setting some quick goal to get back into the habit followed by a couple of longer term goals I have put off.

Quick Goals

AI-900

AWS Cloud Practitioner

Longer Term Goals

ECMS

CCNA

It's not like I am not in these planforms on a daily basis but now its time to get the letters by my name.

[danlogd]

My resolution this year is to get CCNA certified... it was my resolution last year, but I hope to achieve it this year!

[CyberElder]

My resolution is to not have a network meltdown!

[Rabih]

I'm happy to have gotten my Cisco certification last year, and I'm looking forward to getting certified from Meraki too.
Meraki is a well-known name in the IT networking industry, and I'm hoping that Meraki courses will be part of the Cisco Networking Academy.

[Olsen]

ECMS 💪

[Evgeniy]

I have just started the journey of a warrior on the road to network security c Cisco Meraki in 2024. Happy New Year 2025 everyone! In 2025, I will be better, smarter, faster ))))💪

[Andrew30]

replace all our 10 year old+ Cisco switches to Meraki

[Brash]

I got round to doing my ECMS last year.

A small goal to kick but good to finally do it.

This year I'm hoping to do at least one of the following:

 - Get CompTIA Security+ certified

 - Get more into automation, especially around ansible and/or puppet

 - Cleanup my homelab which has become a bit of a mess (both physically and virtually)

[Meraki_Stocky]

Introducing automation to our existing Meraki network which completed migration from legacy CISCO gear last year and testing out new Wi-Fi 7 WAPs are my New Year resolutions 

[Rueda]

Seguír migrando mi infraestructura de Red a Meraki, configurar mis VPN sitio a sitio 

[MikeDavidson]

Last year, at our Corporate Office in Doral, Florida - I was able to redesign the office, and install 2 MS425-16 (Layer 3 Core Switches) and connect (4) Floors of about 35 (MS250 48-port Layer 2 Stacked Switches) using fiber uplinks. It was a crazy overhaul - but in the end it was worth it. Would you believe that prior to that project I had no knowledge of Merak Switches? Only the legacy catalyst switches. It was great. The office works great - everyone is happy. But my resolution for 2025 - Get certified in Meraki!! Who Hoo!!

[AnhHa]

2024 Journey: Helped our customers integrate the Cisco Meraki WiFi system with their NAC system, enhancing security and conducting in-depth troubleshooting using the Meraki Cloud Portal.

2025: Deploying more projects, learning more every day! 🙂

[Balachander]

Below 3 points are my 2025 new year resolution, which i had taken on this 1st Jan

• Contribute to the Networking Community: Want to Actively participate in online forums, communities, and meetups to share knowledge, learn from others, and stay updated on the latest industry trends. I will also consider contributing to open-source projects or writing technical blogs.
• Develop Strong Communication Skills: I want to improve my communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal. Effective communication is crucial for collaborating with teams, presenting technical concepts, and advocating for network improvements.
• Prioritize Work-Life Balance: To maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. I will prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.

[OsmanSuebyeci]

For 2025, I will convince the customers with Meraki cameras and sensors. There are lot of sites, for opportunities, where customer doesn't think about all-in-one solutions.

[kelvintsesw]

I tend not to believe in NY resolutions as most of the time, we let our foot off the pedal half way through the year. However, I am willing to give this a shot. Why not right? With a New Year of New Beginnings.

I've renewed my dual CCNP certifications. My target is to achieve Cisco Meraki's ECMS certification.

My other vital goal is to assist Cisco partners to be successfully in Selling...Selling...Selling Cisco Meraki solutions in the Age of A.I. 🙏 😉

[eduriz1]

My goal for 2025 Cisco Merki Cerification, replacing our old mx with new ones and hopfully going to secure sd-wan plus licensing

[Aldebaran]

Hi Meraki community! 😀

During 2024, I passed few CISCO network certifications via the learning portal and for 2025 I plan to get new certifications in datacenter World where I want to explorer the various technical technologies. My wish for 2024 is to move to another company for a CISCO partner in Luxembourg. I also would like to get my CCNA in order to obtain more fundamental knowledges.

Best wishes to everyone and happy new year!🥂✨🌐💻

[shasha81]

Reconnect with old colleagues or clients regularly. Attend events or conferences to meet new people in your industry. Focus on building strong, meaningful relationships instead of just growing your contact list. Offer support to your network—whether it’s through mentorship, sharing opportunities, or simply celebrating their successes. Make it a habit to meet or connect with someone new every few months.

[ggarolla]

In 2024 I got my Master Degree in Telecommunications Engineering and I was promoted to Senior Network Engineer.

In this 2025 I want to get my CWNA certification, perform wireless surveys in all our managed sites to improve Wi-Fi connectivity (always using our trusted Meraki access points), and finally get my CCNP R&S certification

[Mohammed_S]

Here's my resolutions :
Master network automation and scripting, improve troubleshooting skills, enhance my security knowledge and obtain certifications.
In summary, be a better Meraki and Network engineer.

[RupB96]

Better understand the technical design aspect of deploying Meraki SD WAN and create a more compelling story for our customers looking to make the move. 

[eduriz1]

Best wishes to everyone and happy new year!

[mrjelly]

I have two main new year resolutions for 2025.

Enter a Meraki competition to win Meraki glasses.

Win a Meraki competition *and* win some Meraki glasses.

Also learn more about Python:

"Now is better than never."

[Pond]

Giving Back to the Community 
This incredible community has helped me so much; it's time to pay it forward. I'm resolving to actively participate in discussions, share my knowledge, and help others on their networking journeys 💚

[Raelth]

Part of this new year's resolution is to learn more about the Meraki environment, improve my troubleshooting, and get a few certifications.

[Wolfpack]

Renew my CCNA and learn more about Meraki...and hopefully win some glasses 😎.

[B33b5]

Last year was to attend ECMS training session which has been on my agenda since 2020 just needed a sponsor which my work kindly could budget for this year which was great.

Also I set myself the goal to pass the exam which I did in December which I've worked out I got 92%.

This year

1) Learning Cisco DNA for our Cisco Switch environment.

2) Building on my basic knowledge and understanding of Azure Networking so that I can support linking Meraki to Azure with vMXs as well as vFMCs (Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center Virtual).

3) Revisit CCNA learning to sharpen up and retake exam after first attempt was 2021 and kids and job changes had to put on back burner.

4) Buy some blue light glasses

[mgvp]

1. Implement more SD-WAN, Meraki makes it easy.

2. Renew my Cisco certs

[Morttallyz]

Build a better service for people and give back to that FOSS community that built me. Start adding to a community or build my own that helps people to find enjoyment in life without the troubles of having to sell their souls to attain it.

To do my part to make life a little better in whatever way I can manage.

[Str8Outta127001]

Finish our conversion to Meraki. 11-ish of 30 sites complete in 2024, now it's time to finish the rest! And, of course, it's a huge goal to win some free Meraki glasses.