Clarification on Serial Numbers in getOrganizationDevices API for Meraki & Non-Meraki Switches/APs

[Spaz]

Hi everyone,

We're using the getOrganizationDevices API to retrieve device details, including serial numbers. While testing, we suspect that for non-Meraki switches, the serial number returned by the API might not be the actual hardware serial.

For Meraki switches and APs, we want to confirm that the serial number retrieved from the API is the exact hardware serial number. Additionally, can anyone verify if it's expected behavior for non-Meraki devices to have an incorrect or placeholder serial in the API response?

Since we're developing an integration for a client, we don’t have direct access to all the hardware for full verification. Any insights from those who have tested this would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[Spaz]

We just received an example from our client, but we're unsure whether the details come directly from Meraki or are manually recorded notes by the client:

[
    {
        "serial": "Q5TF-****-****",
        "productType": "switch",
        "model": "C9300-48T",
        "details": [
            {
                "name": "Catalyst serial",
                "value": "FVH****L2**"
            }
        ]
    }
]

[alemabrahao]

The C9300 can be converted to use Meraki firmware, so this information should be legitimate.

If it is a switch model other than the MS or 9300 you will not be able to extract this information via the API.

[alemabrahao]

One note, I'm referring to the 9300 for management, but for monitoring the 9200 and 9500 are included, but I don't know if the API will bring this information to devices that are only monitored, but I believe it will.

[Spaz]

Firmware is something that can be installed, but if we install Meraki firmware on this C9300-48T, will the serial number change to "FVH****L2**"? It seems like Meraki follows a specific format for serial numbers, no?

Additionally, we found references online to a "C9300-48T" model with an "M" suffix. Does this indicate a version with Meraki firmware? Will it always have a Meraki serial format?

We’re a bit confused and would appreciate some clarification.

[alemabrahao · Accepted solution]

No, the serial number will not be changed, but the MS standard is different from Catalyst.

From what you sent, everything is correct.