Meraki Migration Tool (assistance needed)

[Junt]

Hey there,

I am currently in the process of converting several Cisco Catalyst over to Meraki, and would like some higher level guidance here.

What's going to be my best plan of action? Creating a python script that pulls the switches config file and attempts to convert them over via API to Meraki? Or logging into each switch, running show meraki compatibility, then copying the config once they're in the dashboard?

Thanks in advance! 

[rhbirkelund]

There is not API to convert a Catalyst Switch in Catalyst persona, to Meraki Persona. You'll probably need to follow the guide as described in https://documentation.meraki.com/MS/Cloud-Native_IOS_XE/Migration_from_CLI-managed_Catalyst_Switches...

You might be able to write a python script that will log into your CLI managed switch, and fire the conversion commands, while grabbing the Meraki Cloud ID (serial number). Just note, that once the switch has been converted, you will not be able to receive output on the console port. So if you miss the Cloud ID when converting, you may need to open a Support Case, for them to retrieve the Cloud ID (if they are able to). 

[Junt]

Unfortunately, these are older models and do not have the capabilities to run the Meraki services 😞 

[rhbirkelund]

Aren't they Catalyst 9300 switches? If they are, you can download the firmware from the link, and upgrade them to 17.15.3 and from there run the Meraki Service.

Only Catalyst 9k switches can be Meraki managed, and even so there is only a subset currently supported.

[rhbirkelund]

Ah, okay. I just realized that you may have meant old Catalyst switches that you'll be replacing with Meraki. Not converting 9K switches to Meraki Persona.

In that case, yeah, you'll most likely need to audit the switches and leverage the API to port configuration to Meraki, as @DarrenOC suggests.

[Junt]

Bah, I'm running MerakiCat but it's just not working for me 😞 

[DarrenOC]

How many switches are you looking to migrate?  If a large qty id look for some form of automation.  If a handful then it would be quicker to manually audit and reconfigure your switches in the dashboard.

[Junt]

Large quantity, I'm attempting to use merakicat but it keeps giving me trouble. 

[PhilipDAth]

Meraki have a sample script in their github which will probably do what you need.

https://github.com/meraki/automation-scripts/tree/master/migrate_cat3k