Implementing Templates

[jmorgan0407]

Need some guidance implementing templates and binding them to existing networks without overwriting current network configurations.

We have deployed networks with specific IP's DHCP settings, etc... I want those the stay; however, I need to deploy L7 FW rules, Content Filtering, SSIDS, etc...

The goal is when we change in the template it changes globally. For example, adding a blocked category in content filtering needs to be blocked at all networks.

FYI. All our networks are "combined"

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[kYutobi]

You can simply clone your network when you setup a new one. Settings should pass through if you want to test.

• Keep Local Settings Safe: When binding a template, choose Local Overrides to keep your IPs, DHCP, and VLANs untouched. The template will only apply global settings like firewall rules, content filtering, and SSIDs.

• Set Up the Template: Go to Configuration Templates in Meraki and set up the rules and features you want to apply everywhere, like blocked categories or new SSIDs.

• Bind Networks to the Template: Attach your networks to the template one by one, making sure Local Overrides is enabled to preserve existing configurations.

• Test First, Then Roll Out: Start with a small batch of networks to ensure everything works smoothly before applying to all your networks.

• Automate If Needed: If you have a lot of networks, Meraki’s API can help speed up the process.

[pdeleuw]

Create a new template. The network type does not matter, so combined network is no problem.

Organization > Monitor > Configuration templates

While creating the template, you can choose "Copy settings from" and the network, from which you will retain the config.

Click "Add". In the next step, you can choose the networks to bind to the template.

Some parameters can be set individually in the networks (local overrides). Do you work with AutoVPN? Before you bind your networks, read the documentation about the difference between "same subnet" and "unique subnet": https://documentation.meraki.com/General_Administration/Templates_and_Config_Sync/Managing_Multiple_...

[PhilipDAth]

When you apply a template the IP address and DHCP settings are lost.  So first make a note of the IP address and DHCP settings, apply the template, and then restore the original IP address and DHCP settings.