Total Noob needs help getting started

[Jujubee]

I just started a new job and 5 Meraki MS130's showed up (ordered by the previous guy).  I have experience with Catalyst switches using CLI.

How do I make a physical connection to these devices using a console cable?  There is a port on back with a wrench next to it but when I connect the console cable and fire up teraterm nothing displays.

I have googled and found nothing that helps.  Seems this is a closely guarded secret...

J

[RWelch]

Getting Started with Meraki 

[Jujubee]

Thanks for the link.

[double_virgule]

Most configuration is intended to be done from the Meraki Dashboard. 

https://documentation.meraki.com/MS/MS_Overview_and_Specifications/MS130_Datasheet

1. Claim the device to an Organization on the Meraki Dashboard
   1. If a Dashboard Organization does not yet exist, Create one
2. Add the device to a Dashboard Network 
   1. If a Network does not yet exist, Create one first
3. Physically connect the device to the local network
   1. Connect one of the RJ45 or SFP/SFP+ ports to existing infrastructure to provide a temporary uplink
   2. Power on the device and let it check in to the Dashboard
   3. If necessary, configure a Static IP through the Local Status Page to allow it to communicate with the Meraki Dashboard.
4. Allow the device to complete check-in and perform any initial firmware upgrades
5. Finish configuring the device from the Meraki Dashboard 
   1. Manage local VLANs / Port configuration

[Jujubee]

Thanks for the details.  It took me over 1 hr to figure out how to create a simple VLAN.  Would have been 15 seconds at CLI.  I am not a fan of GUI, give me terminal any day.

[double_virgule]

Oh, I was appalled when I realized how little configuration you can do on the local level if not connected to the portal, especially coming from another vendor where I had full CLI on the device. 

Just means we call Cisco Meraki Support for more stuff. 😅 

[cmr]

@Jujubee with Meraki switches, all VLANs are already there, just assign one to an access port or more to a trunk port.  It is actually very simple once you get used to it.

[JustinH]

It's definitely a transition from CLI to GUI.  Give GUI a good chance; you'll get faster/better at it.  And if you need a CLI "fix," you can do a lot of stuff through the Meraki APIs as well.