With IOS XE 17.18.1, network admins can now remotely run real-time troubleshooting tools directly from the Dashboard on monitored Catalyst Access Points — bringing Meraki’s ease of use and operational efficiency to Catalyst Wireless.
🔹 What’s New
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Ping, Traceroute, Dashboard Throughput — run connectivity and performance checks directly from a Catalyst AP, without needing CLI access.
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ARP Table — view the AP’s local ARP table to quickly validate connected clients and IP/MAC resolution.
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Blink LEDs — remotely blink the AP’s LED to help technicians physically locate a specific device.
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Reboot — safely restart an AP from the Dashboard without needing CLI or on-site intervention.
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No Disruption — tools can be run live without impacting ongoing client sessions.
🔹 Why This Matters
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Faster Troubleshooting: Quickly validate connectivity, performance, and client reachability from the AP.
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Operational Efficiency: Eliminate the need for on-site CLI commands or external probes.
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Meraki Simplicity for Catalyst: Brings a consistent troubleshooting experience across Meraki MR and Catalyst APs.
🔹 Getting Started
You’ll find the Live Tools tab when viewing a monitored Catalyst AP in the Meraki Dashboard. IOS XE 17.18.1 is required for AP Live Tools. Tools available include:
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Ping – to test basic connectivity from the AP.
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Traceroute – to map the network path and identify routing issues.
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Dashboard Throughput – to run a throughput test between the AP and Meraki dashboard.
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ARP Table – to view the AP’s local ARP cache for IP-to-MAC mappings.
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Blink LEDs – to make the AP’s LED blink for easy physical identification.
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Reboot APs– to safely restart the AP remotely without requiring on-site access.
Learn more in the Cisco documentation.
