"Wired clients are part of the wifi network" setting

[Ryan2024]

Our network has two SSIDs that are exactly the same except for one setting.

Wired Clients are part of the wifi network

Network 1 - yes

Network 2 - no

These SSIDs both broadcast in offices. My understanding is that one of them is used for devices that are hardwired, and the other is used for devices that don't have ethernet ports.

I just don't understand why. I'm not understanding the value in having both SSIDS, whereas there is clear value in reducing the # of SSIDs broadcasting (these APs have another 2 SSIDs broadcasting on them, for a total of 4).

What am I missing?

[alemabrahao]

Have you tried doing a test by simply disabling one of them?

[BlakeRichardson]

Maybe it's to early in the morning for me but what are you wanting to achieve? 

[Mloraditch]

Im general you bridge clients to the LAN (as in Network 1) to allow direct connectivity between the wired and wireless devices. This allows broadcast traffic to work, etc.

You would use NAT mode (Network 2) for a variety of reasons including conserving IP addresses, security (can combine with firewall settings and use for a guest ssid), or perhaps something else.

It also could have just been a misunderstanding by whomever originally set things up. The understanding of why yours is that way, that you have presented doesn't make much sense to me as a reason.

Suffice it to say there could be valid reasons to have your setup that way.

In general you mention eliminating SSIDs, you may want to look into : https://documentation.meraki.com/MR/Encryption_and_Authentication/IPSK_Authentication_without_RADIUS
This allows you to consolidate SSIDs while still providing different firewalling and vlans and other rules to clients. The caveat being you can't mix match NAT Mode/Bridge mode, all clients need to be one way.

[PhilipDAth]

>Wired Clients are part of the wifi network

>Network 1 - yes

If you have this setting, and MESH access points, you can connect a remote LAN to the network.  You can also plug in a device like a wired device and let it then connect via WiFi.

Perhaps the SSIDs have different bands configured (check the RF profiles).

https://documentation.meraki.com/MR/Radio_Settings/RF_Profiles