We are thrilled to introduce the latest Catalyst Switching (CS)17 software beta release! With CS17, Cisco Meraki MS390 and Catalyst 9300-M (including migrated Catalyst 9300) users can unlock new security, visibility, and sustainability features for their networks. These updates include:
If you have other types of Meraki devices in your network, you will notice that the last few months we have rolled out the Device Uptime Visibility on Switch Device Page. This allows you to see device uptime and learn events that relate to device reboot reasons. With CS17, Device Uptime will now also be available to our Catalyst-based Switching (CS) devices.
- Radius Caching
With this setting enabled, it provides a failover mechanism by caching authentication and authorization responses to be used in the event that a RADIUS server becomes unreachable.
Enable Radius Caching under Switching → Access Policies. RADIUS Cache timeout can be set in hour format. Refer to documentation.
- Multi-auth Support
With multi-auth support for guest, failed, and critical auth VLAN on a single port, it adds an additional layer of security and scalability where multiple devices need to authenticate before gaining access to the networks.
Enable Multi-auth Support under Switching → Access Policies. Refer to documentation.
- VLAN to SGT Mapping
With this new feature, it provides mapping of a VLAN to an SGT as a way to provide differentiated policy for Voice and Data devices behind a port without the requirement for RADIUS. This means VLAN to SGT assignment will leverage the existing VLAN profile name to ID mapping as well as AdP group mapping, saving users time and reducing potential errors.
Leverage this new feature under Network-Wide → VLAN Profiles. Refer to documentation.
- Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) → Coming soon.
EEE (also known as IEEE 802.3az) is an enhancement to ethernet interfaces that reduces power consumption during periods of low activity or idle period. This brings a significant impact in achieving power savings and greener networks.
Users can enable or disable EEE at the port level via API with CS17 beta release in June. UI support will be available post-GA.
Eligible platforms:
CS17 will be applicable to all Catalyst-Based switches in Meraki management mode, such as MS390, Catalyst 9300-M and migrated C9300.
Upgrade today
We encourage you to upgrade to the CS17 software beta release. While we have tested it extensively in-house, we understand that there may be unforeseen issues that may arise. If you do encounter any issues, please get in touch with support so we can address them as soon as possible.
Head on over to the firmware management page to schedule your upgrades now. Check out the article in Documentation for step-by-step instructions.
Thank you for your continued support and feedback. We hope that this new release will further enhance your user experience and make our product even more useful for your daily needs.
