Branch LAN network with Meraki

[MerakiNetwork]

Hi,

We have HA branch network with two Cisco router having WAN links each for connectivity to home office and for redundancy. We are planning to replace C4500 closet switch with 4 Meraki MS390 switches. Would like to seek suggestions on switches stack design. Which option would be more reliable, and provides highavaibilty and meaningful ?

1.  2 x MS390 in a stack connecting to primary router.

2.  2 x MS390 in a stack connecting to secondary router 

                                or

4 x MS390 in a stack connecting to primary & secondary router.

[Inderdeep]

@MerakiNetwork : technically no issues using the stack with either of the option. I would go with Option 1 and 2.

[PhilipDAth · Accepted solution]

The MS390 is famous for its bugs and issues.  Personally, I would use any other model except that one.

If the branch is not 24x7 (so you can have a scheduled window for doing the firmware updates) I would use a single stack of 4 switches.  Simplest design.  Less chance of spanning loops and issues.

[cmr]

I'd agree with @PhilipDAth that you go for one stack unless you cannot tolerate 2-3 minutes downtime when you need to do a firmware upgrade.  However unless you need the advanced feature license then please don't go for MS390s, just take a look at the latest release notes posted here recently to see how many parts of the code aren't finished yet.

[MerakiNetwork]

Thank you very much all for your comments.

I think that branch does not work 24x7and therefore we can tolerate some down time when it comes to upgrading the switches software. Also stacking 4 switches seems to be a good idea to keep it simple.