Combined networks with WiFi template

[Tuvestam]

I have combined network without Template (MX and Switch) now i would like to add a WiFi that is connected to a WiFi template. Is this doable.

[PhilipDAth]

If you are asking can you have a combined network that is a template - yes.

[Tuvestam]

No can I have a WiFi templet (only WiFi) in a combined network. All my WiFi should be the same but switches and MX is very different in every network.

[Nash]

If I knew for sure that I did not want templated changes on my switches/firewalls, regardless of whether or not I could use a wifi template on a combined network... I wouldn't. I don't like the risk of changes rolling out on equipment that needs to remain unique.

So what can you do?

I see two options:

1. Split each location's wireless network off into an individual network, leaving your other Meraki equipment in a combined network. Apply template to these individual wireless networks.
   
   1. Problem: You lose easy visibility through the stack.
   2. Problem: That's potentially double your networks, which is a mess.
2. Use the API to copy-paste SSID changes across your networks every time you need to make a change. This also allows you to exclude networks if you run into a case where Networks A - F need a change, but Network G doesn't.

I'd go the API route, because I prefer to do things with code. I have in fact gone the API route. It's pretty easy. 

[PhilipDAth]

If you have a small number of sites, you could also put all the APs in a single WiFi network.

I have one customer with around 400 APs spread over 200 sites that use a single network for all of them.  In this case, they did this because of the way they wanted to use location analytics.

[Nash]

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@PhilipDAth wrote:

If you have a small number of sites, you could also put all the APs in a single WiFi network.

I have one customer with around 400 APs spread over 200 sites that use a single network for all of them.  In this case, they did this because of the way they wanted to use location analytics.

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That's true, but I admit to really hating this solution. This is partly because my clients always creep into wanting exceptions for this place but not that one, and I have to implement them. That's a my-customers problem tho.