Meraki network with devices from 2 locations

[hmc250000]

One of our sites was closed and the users and computers were moved to 2 different physical locations. The Meraki network in the dashboard was never adjusted to reflect the changes. So we had devices sitting in that network that are actually residing in 2 different locations.

Now we are considering adding a 2nd L3 switch. THe network also contains an MX appliance.

- Are there any issues we can possibly run into? Anything be aware of?
- What is the recommended way of breaking a Meraki network up in 2?

[RWelch]

Can you be more specific when you refer to devices sitting in different locations.  Are you referring to Meraki devices or other devices with config/profiles enrolled for system manager?  Hard to understand without knowing more info or details.

In the dashboard, Organization > Configure > Inventory is where you would choose (select) a meraki device and on the RH side under action change it's network or organization if that is what you are/were referring to.

[RWelch]

Or were you referring to the physical address that is reflected for each device.  That can be adjusted by simply going to each device and selecting the pencil where ADDRESS is at and changing it to reflect accurate physical locations.  

[hmc250000]

We want to manage each location as a seperate network or site in the dashboard. We assign subnets to sites. Having devices from multiple locations and ip ranges listed in a single site can make things more complicated.

[hmc250000]

Sorry we do not have any non Meraki devices in the dashboard. 

We have an MX appliance, switches and Access points listed in the network that we would like to split in 2.

I'm not talking about Organization > Configure > Inventory.

I meant the network dropdown when you select a site to manage the devices.

[RWelch]

Hopefully I understand you correctly.

You can select +Create a network to have 2 separate locations.

And to move the devices or split would still need to move the devices using the Organization > Configure > Inventory to the new network.

[hmc250000]

Will the devices we move lose its current configuration? 

[RWelch]

Yes - you would likely want to make changes during maintenance window and configure each after moving the meraki devices to it's new network.

[hmc250000]

This is not good especially for the more complex configuration of the MX appliance. Is there really no way we can save the config, move the device to a new network and restore the config? I can imagine many other companies at some point would need to do the same.

[RWelch]

Not that I am aware of - perhaps others can chime in and give their recommendations/suggestions.  Hopefully some of the info shared has proved beneficial to you and if so, please leave a KUDO.

[RWelch]

One idea if you are wanting to AVOID moving the MX from one network to another because removing the MX and adding it to a different network would wipe the current config....is to simply RENAME the current network to be labeled as the second location (network) and once that's completed with addresses or locations adjusted, create another network naming it whatever it was labeled/titled.  Then move devices that wouldn't be as complex (such as switches or APs). 

[RWelch]

Moving Devices between Networks 

[RWelch]

There is a warning given on the document link below that indicates the following (for your consideration):

Removing an MX from its former network and moving it to a new network will wipe out the existing configuration on the MX, that it had from its old network.

[GreenMan]

You really need a Network for each site.

Create the new Network by cloning the existing one - then edit the bits in the new Network to make it relevant / accurate to/for the other location.

https://documentation.meraki.com/General_Administration/Organizations_and_Networks/Cloning_Networks_...

[hmc250000]

THis is the info I was looking for. Thank you much!