How add multiple Meraki APs in bulk to an existing network?

[RamonSolis]

We recently purchased over 2,000 Meraki access points and created approximately 50 school networks. Each network requires the assignment of 40–80 APs. However, we have encountered a significant challenge: the current Meraki dashboard only allows us to add APs to existing networks one at a time. This method is extremely time-consuming and inefficient for large-scale deployments. While we have explored the "Bulk and Inventory" options, they unfortunately do not support assigning devices in bulk to existing networks. Given the scale of our deployment, this limitation presents a major obstacle. Meraki does not currently appear to offer a streamlined solution for enterprise-level AP assignments.

[alemabrahao]

I believe you are mistaken; as far as I remember, you can select multiple access points and assign them to a network.

[RamonSolis]

Yes, we do. The issue is that each network will have about 60 APs, so we end up manually searching for and clicking on each one. We would like the ability to import a CSV file or input serial numbers separated by commas. We have purchased a large quantity of Meraki APs, and adding multiple APs by clicking each one individually is not an efficient method, it is time-consuming.

[alemabrahao]

Try making a feature request (make a wish).

[RWelch]

Give your feedback (previously Make a Wish) 

[sungod]

You could create a script to iterate through your list and add the APs (by serial number) to the networks (by networkId)...

https://developer.cisco.com/meraki/api-v1/claim-network-devices/

This call would get you the list of networkId vs name.

https://developer.cisco.com/meraki/api-v1/get-organization-networks/

Given the number of devices, this would also give you the foundation for scripting other configuration details.

Using the Meraki Python library would be my preference, but there are several other options for using the API.

https://developer.cisco.com/meraki/api-v1/python/

[PhilipDAth]

That is painful.

What is the process to determine which APs will go into each school network?

For example, does someone in a warehouse grab the nearest 60 APs and load them into a truck, scan each AP box with a bar code scanner, and then send them through to you?

[PhilipDAth]

Are you familiar with the process of claiming devices using the Meraki app on a mobile device?  You scan the device's barcode.

https://documentation.meraki.com/Platform_Management/Dashboard_Administration/Operate_and_Maintain/I...

Another option (maybe too late for you now), but if you batch your orders when placing them with Cisco Meraki, you get a claim code per order.  This lets you claim everything in the order at once and assign it to a network.

https://documentation.meraki.com/Platform_Management/Dashboard_Administration/Operate_and_Maintain/I...

[Chris_H_NZ]

There is also a new Zero Touch deployment workflow in Early Access that allows bulk AP deployment where you can use a csv file. 

AP Zero Touch Deployment - Cisco Meraki Documentation

[PhilipDAth]

Brilliant!

[RamonSolis]

The APs are ready claimed, the closest solution will be using API https://developer.cisco.com/meraki/api-v1/claim-network-devices/ and pip install meraki as "sungod" mention before. I will try python script.

[Jamieinbox]

Yes. Totally doable. I *think I used to do that with the bulk upload, but then bulk upload stopped working and we have a script to bypass.  jadexing/Merakicode: Code for Meraki Wi-Fi   then check out Merakicode/Config_SpreadsheetNetworkUpload at main · jadexing/Merakicode . I try to spell it out for things like this, sharing or using it for myself in the future. My suggestion is to take my code, run it through your fav AI to ensure what it says it's supposed to do. Then test small and then go big.

Cheers,
Jamie

[Jamieinbox]

Going over my script, it doesn't go into detail about the required fields for the file. It's the same as the bulk upload file. From my memory I believe it's name, serial number, and address.

[Jamieinbox]

And if you're new with APIs, here's a beginner's guide.
Leveraging APIs and Python to Deliver Troubleshooting and Analytic Data for Cloud Wi-Fi Platforms