Hey Meraki Community! 👋   Our Learner Research team will be at Cisco Live US next week in sunny San Diego, and we'd love to meet you!    We’ll be moving between the Sails Pavilion and World of Solutions during the event Monday through Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT, so be sure to check back here—we will post a clue to our whereabouts each day during Cisco Live!   We’ll have plenty of swag to give out and we’d love to talk to you about: What sparks your interest to learn something new 🧠 How you find, choose, and evaluate learning content 📚 And what makes learning engaging and valuable for you 💡 Your input helps us shape better learning experiences across the board. So if you’re at the event, come say hi—we'll be easy to spot (and did we mention the swag? 😄).   See you in San Diego! —The Meraki Learner Research Team @chrisandrews @Jayne @JustinV    ... View more

  Learning objective Learners will troubleshoot, identify and resolve a common network issue with the RCA Flow tool.     Learn   Have you ever troubleshot an issue but didn't know where to begin? We've all been there, and have spent hours determining next steps and piecing together information. Fortunately, with Root Cause Analysis alert-based workflows, or RCA flows, that whole process is easier than ever. Guided RCA flows help direct a dashboard operator to not only determine but execute next steps right there in the alert itself, and standard RCA flows help give additional context with links to documentation, recommended actions, or other suggestions.   In this Nibble, you will explore the functionality of a guided flow to troubleshoot and resolve a common network issue. Good luck, and have fun!      Try Curious to see the tool for yourself?   Try it out with our quick yet comprehensive simulation!    Give it a try!       Earn a badge     Learn more If you’d like to deepen your knowledge about Meraki Assurance, check out our Introducing Meraki Assurance Overview course at the Learning Hub. It’s free and fun!   Learn more     Share this Nibble ... View more

  Learning objective Quickly and easily troubleshoot common network flow issues with the dashboard’s Firewall Log tool!         Learn   Think you need to take a packet capture each time to see what’s traversing your firewall? Think again! Meraki’s Firewall Log tool for the MX security appliance provides real-time visibility into network traffic, helping a dashboard operator easily identify and troubleshoot common network flow issues.   By capturing detailed logs of allowed and blocked connections, the tool gives insight into what’s happening with the firewall as that traffic happens. Much quicker than running a standard packet capture, this tool enables an operator to get in, out, and back to it quicker than ever before!     Try Curious to see the tool for yourself?   Try it out with our quick yet comprehensive simulation!    Video transcript here.   Give it a try!       Test your knowledge     Learn more If you’d like to deepen your knowledge about Meraki’s MX security appliance, check out our Security and SD-WAN Introduction course at the Learning Hub. It’s free and fun!   Learn more     Share this Nibble ... View more

  Learning objective Discover a better way to troubleshoot networking issues using Intelligent Capture!     Learn   Network troubleshooting is a necessary but grueling process when users report there are problems with the network. Thankfully, the Cisco Meraki dashboard can help identify the root cause of networking issues with Intelligent Capture! Packet capture files can be saved to the Meraki cloud and even analyzed by the dashboard to pinpoint errors and failures on the network.   The Proactive PCAP feature paired with Intelligent Captures enables troubleshooting data to be recorded automatically, saving you time from having to capture packets at the right place and the right time.     Try   Give the Intelligent Capture feature a try to understand how it streamlines the network troubleshooting process!   Once you try packet captures using Intelligent Capture, you won’t be able to go back to troubleshooting the old fashioned way.     Test your knowledge       Learn more Want to learn more about wireless network troubleshooting on the Meraki dashboard? Visit our free eLearning course Wireless Advanced Operations!   Keep learning     Share this Nibble ... View more

  Learning objective Understand the process to bind a Meraki network to a Cisco Networking Subscription     Learn   Binding Meraki networks to a Cisco Networking Subscription through the Cisco Meraki dashboard is a straightforward process that enhances network management. The complexity of licensing Meraki devices is greatly reduced, as devices can be licensed appropriately with a few simple steps.   This enables you to get your Meraki networks up and working in no time!     Try   Test out the workflow on how to bind Cisco Meraki networks to a Cisco Networking Subscription in the following dashboard simulation!     Give it a try!         Test your knowledge       Learn more Further your knowledge on Subscription Licensing in the Meraki dashboard with our eLearning course: Introduction to Cisco Networking Subscription   Keep learning     Share this Nibble ... View more

  Learning objective Differentiate license sizes and feature tiers for Cisco Networking Subscription Licensing.     Learn   Cisco Networking Subscription Licensing is an innovative model that offers enhanced flexibility and simplicity in payment methods, configurations, management, and scalability. Subscriptions are built to best meet the needs of the individual networks and their end users.    This model simplifies license management and supports multiple feature tiers within the same organization.     Download video transcript       Try Explore the Subscription and License Info pages on the Meraki dashboard and discover how subscription licenses are broken out by Meraki product lines with different feature tiers.      Give it a try!         Test your knowledge       Keep learning Check out our eLearning course: Introducing the Cisco Networking Subscription to further your knowledge on Cisco Networking Subscription Licensing in the Meraki dashboard!   Level up your network ✨ Share this post with your fellow network enthusiasts.           ... View more

  Learning objective Identify how Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and dual uplinks increase throughput, reduce latency, and improve reliability for Wi-Fi 7 connections.     Learn Cisco's Wi-Fi 7 achieves zero-friction wireless connectivity through Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and dual uplink features. MLO enables clients to transmit traffic simultaneously across multiple bands, such as 5GHz and 6GHz, optimizing bandwidth usage.   When combined with dual uplinks, this technology boosts speed and reliability while minimizing latency, ensuring seamless and efficient network performance.   Download video transcript       Try   Give it a try! This environment will let you explore some Wi-Fi 7 features within the Meraki dashboard. Follow these steps to identify:     The MLO feature on the Meraki dashboard displays the client device connected to two radios. How the dual uplinks are represented Dual uplink aggregation and redundancy features Which Wi-Fi 7 client(s) are connected to the access point How the client connects to multiple bands simultaneously Visual representation of the current client connection Client's performance     After finding those, test your knowledge with a quick assessment!       Test your knowledge       Level up your network ✨ Share this post with your fellow network enthusiasts.        Keep learning Check out our Unifying Cisco Hardware and Licensing with Wi-Fi 7 Learning Path to explore how you can future-proof your network!   ... View more

  Learning objective Identify AFC features and how they optimize the network for compliant, interference-free 6 GHz wireless.     Learn Meraki’s wireless AFC optimizes 6 GHz spectrum usage, automates interference management, ensures regulatory compliance, boosts network capacity, and simplifies centralized control—delivering reliable, high-performance wireless in complex environments.           Try   The AFC tab on the Meraki dashboard displays the AFC status, 6 GHz power mode, and location. Give it a try!   In the San Francisco - AFC network, select the access point CW9163E.   Find the following: Its AFC status Latitude and Longitude How that location was derived Its 6 Ghz power mode   After finding those, test your knowledge!         Test your knowledge           Nice work on leveling up! Share the fun ✨ Share this post with your fellow network enthusiasts—the more, the merrier!       Keep learning Check out our Refining Wireless Networks with RF Optimization module for more ways to optimize your network.   ... View more

This is a one page PDF flyer (summary brief) that can be downloaded for the Meraki Learning Paths. ... View more

What is the Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist Certification? The Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist Certification will certify an IT professional’s ability to plan, design, implement, and operate Cisco Meraki solutions. It covers extensive knowledge of Meraki technologies, including (but not limited to) wireless LAN, switching, security, SD-WAN, wireless WAN, Meraki Insight, smart sensors, smart cameras, and mobile device management. Who should pursue this certification and is the exam open to anyone or is it restricted to certain groups (i.e. Cisco Channel Partners)? The exam/certification is open to everyone around the world and is intended for individuals who design, install, and operate Cisco Meraki solutions in environments ranging from small deployments to large enterprises. What exam is required to obtain the CMSS certification? Only one exam is required: 500-220 Engineering Cisco Meraki Solutions. How do I register for the exam? Exam candidates can register through Pearson VUE. Is this a proctored exam? Yes - many Cisco certification exams are delivered in a proctored environment at a Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center. However, due to the global pandemic, the format of Pearson VUE's test delivery format is subject to change. Please refer to this page regarding the current availability of proctored online exams. How many questions and how much time is given to participants to complete the exam? The total number of questions on this exam is not published, but participants have up to 90 minutes to complete the exam. What language(s) is the exam available in? The exam is currently offered in the English language only. How much does the exam for the CMSS certification cost? $300 USD + tax and Cisco Learning Credits can also be redeemed for exam vouchers. Are there any certification prerequisites to obtaining the CMSS certification? (i.e. having an associate level certification such as CCNA) There are no certification prerequisites for this exam. What are the topics covered in this exam? A full breakdown of all major and minor exam topics can be found on the official Cisco Learning Network exam website until October 23, 2024. I heard Cisco Learning Network is going away (announcement). Where can I go to learn more? The Cisco Digital Library has been a Cisco learning standard for digital training for years. With the introduction of Cisco U. (the Cisco Learning and Certifications state-of-the-art digital training platform), Cisco Digital experience is shutting down as of October 23, 2024.   By doing this, we can give our learning community a more consistent, up-to-date experience in Cisco U. As always, our commitment remains the same: Deliver the best outcomes with the right skills.   What format of questions will show up on the exam? Questions may appear as multiple choice (single/multiple answers), drag-and-drop, and evaluation of an exhibit/figure. What type/level of Cisco certification does the CMSS qualify as? The Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist is a technical specialist certification, which recognizes specific expertise of technical professionals. How long is the CMSS specialist certification valid for? As a Cisco specialist level certification, the CMSS is valid/active for a duration of 3 years. Can the CMSS be recertified by other Cisco certifications? Yes, details can be found on this link - specialist level certifications can be recertified using any of the following methods: Pass any one professional concentration exam Pass one technology core exam Pass any one expert-level written exam Pass any one expert-level Lab/Practical exam Earn 40 CE credits Does the CMSS recertify other Cisco certifications? (i.e. CCNA, CCNP) Not at this time. All official certification methods across the different levels can be found at this link. Where can I track my Meraki certifications? You can track your CMSS status through the Cisco Certification Tracking System, similar to other Cisco certifications. For a Meraki-recognized certification such as the CMNA, you will need to log into the Meraki learning dashboard, followed by clicking on the “My Transcript” tab. How often is the exam updated and will we see questions about (fill in the Meraki feature/product) in the future? Please refer to the full exam topic list (link here) for the most up-to-date information. The Cisco certification team along with Pearson VUE will make the appropriate announcements and post notifications well ahead of any major exam revisions. Will Meraki release future certifications along the associate, professional, or expert tracks? Our team is always open to feedback and will make public announcements as new developments or information becomes available. Does obtaining the CMSS certification provide any free Cisco Meraki equipment? No promotional equipment or licenses are provided upon obtaining the CMSS certification.   Does the CMSS help my organization qualify or update our standings within the Cisco Channel Partner Program? Currently, the CMSS does not fulfill any Channel Partner Program requirements, but we are open to feedback and will make public announcements as new developments or information becomes available. I noticed that Meraki content is included in the (fill in the name) exam - is that related to the CMSS? They are not related. Other exams that include Cisco Meraki technologies do not serve as a prerequisite or a method of recertifying the CMSS specialist certification. 200-901 DEVASC Exam: DevNet Associate 300-435 Automating Cisco Enterprise Solutions 300-445 Designing and Implementing Enterprise Network Assurance 350-901 DEVCOR Exam: Developing Applications Using Cisco Core Platforms and APIs 500-560 OCSE Exam: Cisco Networking: On-Premise and Cloud Solutions 700-755 SBTO Exam: Small Business Technical Overview How do I prepare for the CMSS certification exam? Attending/completing the ECMS training program is highly recommended (but not mandatory) for potential exam candidates. For self-paced preparations, candidates should carefully and thoroughly review the ECMS exam self-study guide as well as the lab supplement. What is the best way of acquiring Meraki gear + licenses to build my own practice lab? There are some low-cost methods that can be explored: (Cisco employees only) Employee Purchase Program: link here (Cisco partners only) Not for Resale pricing: link here By participating in special contests/competitions at the Meraki Community By participating in Meraki marketing webinars that may include promotional gear Through the Meraki Trials program: link here Is it absolutely necessary to build my own practice lab to prepare for the exam? While there are no practical or hands-on “lab” style questions on the exam, it will be very difficult to pass the exam without having familiarity with the Dashboard user interface. Having the proper lab environment will provide opportunity to practice configurations and testing of Meraki features as outlined in the self-study lab supplement guide. Are there any printed media (i.e. books or study guides) available to be used for self-study? No - printed media that caters to the CMSS certification is not currently available. However, various Cisco Learning Partners that offer instructor-led ECMS courses may provide printed materials as student “supplement guides”.   Last Updated: September 2024 ... View more

Introduction This self-study guide is intended to help prepare exam candidates with a detailed breakdown of the main topics that the ECMS exam is comprised of. The guide below outlines sub-categories within the main topics that include features, technologies, concepts, architectures, and techniques. Candidates should review the list of study materials — comprised of knowledge base articles and instructional videos — prior to taking the ECMS 500-220 exam. To download a PDF of the topics as it appear on the exam blueprint, click here.   For guidance around preparing a lab environment for practical self-study, click here to access the lab supplement.   Exam Topics 15% 1.0 Cisco Meraki Cloud Management 30% 2.0 Design 25% 3.0 Implementation 30% 4.0 Monitoring and Troubleshooting   1.0 Cisco Meraki Cloud Management Exam Topics 1.1 Explain Cisco Meraki cloud architecture (Meraki and Catalyst cloud monitoring, cloud management) 1.2 Explain access methods to dashboard and devices 1.3 Explain organizational structure, segmentation and permissions 1.4 Explain licensing, co-termination, and renewals 1.5 Compare deployment workflows   Study Material Getting Started  |  Video  Meraki Cloud Architecture Building a Scalable Meraki Solution Managed Service Provider Upstream Firewall Rules for Cloud Connectivity Configuring SAML Single Sign-on for Dashboard Meraki Dashboard Organizational Structure Managing Dashboard Administrators and Permissions  |  Video Meraki Licensing Models  |  Video Meraki Co-Termination Licensing Overview The Science Behind Licensing Co-Termination Meraki Per-Device Licensing The Science Behind Per-Device Licensing Meraki MX Security and SD-WAN Licensing Cloning Networks and Organizations in Dashboard Managing Multiple Networks with Configuration Templates MX Templates Best Practices Templates for Switching Best Practices The Cisco Meraki Dashboard API  |  Video 1  |  Video 2  |  Video 3 Developer Hub: Dashboard API - Action Batches   ↑ To Top   2.0 Design Exam Topics 2.1 Design scalable Meraki Auto VPN architectures 2.2 Explain deployments considerations for the vMX 2.3 Design dynamic path selection policies 2.4 Design stable, secure, and scalable routing deployments 2.5 Design Enterprise network services 2.5a Redundant networks and high availability 2.5b QOS strategy for voice and video 2.5c Applying security at layer 2 2.5d Firewall rules on MX and MR 2.5e Network access control solutions 2.6 Design Enterprise wireless services 2.6a High density wireless deployments 2.6b MR wireless networks for enterprise 2.6c MR wireless networks for guest access 2.7 Compare endpoint devices and application management methods 2.7a Device enrollment such as supervised and device owner 2.7b Application deployment Study Material White Paper: Meraki Auto VPN Meraki Auto VPN - Configuration and Troubleshooting Auto VPN Hub Deployment Recommendations  Automatic NAT Traversal for Auto VPN Tunneling  Datacenter Redundancy (DC-DC Failover) Deployment Guide BGP  |  Video MR Teleworker VPN MX Sizing Guide vMX100 Setup Guide for Amazon AWS KB Article: vMX100 Setup Guide for Microsoft Azure Meraki SD-WAN MX Routing Behaviour Using OSPF to Advertise Remote VPN Subnets Route Table MS OSPF Overview IP Source Address Spoofing Protection MX Warm Spare - High Availability Pair Link Aggregation and Load Balancing  |  Video Switch Stacks  |  Video MS390 Series Installation Guide (Stack Power) Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) Overview MS Switch Quality of Service Defined Wireless QoS and Fast Lane Configuring the MS Access Switch for Standard VoIP Deployments Restricting Traffic with Isolated Switch Ports Dynamic ARP Inspection MX Firewall Settings Layer 3 and 7 Firewall Processing Order MR Firewall Rules MX Access Policies (802.1x)  |  Video MS Switch Access Policies (802.1x) Managing User Accounts Using Meraki Cloud Authentication Access Control Conducting Site Surveys with MR Access Points High Density Wi-Fi Deployments Using tags to Broadcast SSIDs from Specific APs SSID Availability  |  Video Hidden SSIDs Wireless Client Isolation Configuring a Custom-Hosted Splash Page Cisco Meraki and Umbrella Integration  |  Video Enterprise Deployment Guide and Best Practices Enrolling Devices  |  Video 1  |  Video 2  |  Video 3  |  Video 4 iOS Enrollment  |  Video Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP)  |  Video Containerization with Systems Manager Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP)  |  Video Android Enterprise Deployment Guide Android Zero-touch Enrollment Deploying Store Apps for iOS/macOS and Android Managed and Unmanaged Apps Updating Managed iOS Apps   ↑ To Top   3.0 Implementation Exam Topics 3.1 Configuring security and SD-WAN appliances 3.1a SVI, dynamic routing and static routes 3.1b Auto VPN 3.1c Traffic shaping and SD-WAN 3.1d Threat protection and content filtering rules 3.1e Access policies and 802.1x 3.1f Application assurance and thresholds 3.2 Configuring switches 3.2a SVI, dynamic routing and static routes 3.2b QoS using Meraki switching networks 3.2c Access policies and 802.1x 3.2d Replicate a switch configuration 3.3 Configuring wireless access points 3.3a SSIDs for Enterprise and BYOD deployments 33.3b Traffic shaping 33.3c RF profiles 33.3d Air Marshal 3.4 Configuring endpoint management 3.4a Configuration profiles 3.4b Security policies 3.4c Sentry for Meraki managed deployments 3.5 Configuring smart cameras 3.5a Camera video and alerting 3.5b Retention settings 3.6 Configuring smart sensors 3.6a Gateway connectivity 3.6b Sensor alerting Study Material General MX Best Practices MX Addressing and VLANs Client VPN Overview DHCP Services  |  Video Passthrough Mode on the MX Security Appliance Creating and Applying Group Policies Site-to-site VPN Settings  |  Video VPN Concentrator Deployment Guide Traffic and Bandwidth Shaping Using Packet Prioritization on a Traffic Shaping Rule SD-WAN and Traffic Shaping  |  Video Content Filtering  |  Video Threat Protection  |  Video Advanced Malware Protection Threat Grid Integration Switch Settings Switch Ports Configuring Spanning Tree on Meraki Switches (MS) MS Layer 3 Switching and Routing Layer 3 Switch Example Configuring ACLs Configuring the MS for Standard VoIP Deployments Switch Cloning Wireless Mesh Networking Wireless Encryption and Authentication Overview  |  Video Splash Page Details for Meraki MR SSID Modes for Client IP Assignment WPA3 Encryption and Configuration Guide Wireless Layer 3 Roaming Best Practices SSID Tunneling and Layer 3 Roaming Configuring Bandwidth Limitations and Enabling Speed Burst RF Profiles Receive Start of Packet (RX-SOP) Air Marshal Systems Manager Quick Start Types of Tags in Systems Manager Using Tags in Systems Manager Configuration Profiles Security Policies in Systems Manager  |  Video Systems Manager Sentry Overview  |  Video MDM Commands in Systems Manager  |  Video Selective Wipe and Device Quarantine in Systems Manager  |  Video Video Streaming  |  Video MV Wireless Configuration Guide Restricting Access to Cameras  |  Video Video Retention  |  Video MV Cloud Archive MV Smart Camera FAQ Meraki Insight Introduction MI Web App Health  |  Video MI WAN Health MI VoIP Health   ↑ To Top   4.0 Monitoring and Troubleshooting Exam Topics 4.1 Interpret information from monitoring and reporting tools 4.1a Alerts with Dashboard, SNMP, Syslog and Netflow in Dashboard 4.1b Logging and reporting in Dashboard 4.2 Describe how to use the dashboard API to monitor and maintain networks 4.3 Explain firmware upgrades 4.4 Troubleshooting Enterprise networks 4.4a Layer 2 technologies using Dashboard 4.4b Layer 3 technologies using Dashboard 4.4c Wireless client connectivity issues using Dashboard 4.4d Device local status pages 4.4e Security threats using Security Center 4.4f Application performance issues using Meraki Insight Study Material Alerts and Notifications  |  Video Meraki Device Reporting - Syslog, SNMP and API Syslog Server Overview and Configuration Meraki Event Log  |  Video Organization Change Log  |  Video Manage Tags Summary Report Overview  |  Video PCI Compliance with Meraki Webhooks Webhook API Managing Firmware Upgrades  |  Video Best Practices for Meraki Firmware Cisco Meraki Firmware FAQ Using the MS Live Tools  |  Video Wireless Health Network Topology VPN Status Page Troubleshooting VPN Registration for Meraki Auto VPN Troubleshooting Automatic NAT traversal for Meraki Auto VPN Site-to-Site VPN Troubleshooting Connection Monitoring for WAN Failover RF Spectrum Page Overview Wireless Issue Resolution Guide Splash Page Traffic Flow and Troubleshooting Using the Cisco Meraki Device Local Status Page  |  Video Security Center  |  Video 1  |  Video 2   ↑ To Top   Last Updated: August 2024   ... 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Introduction This self-study lab supplement is intended to help exam candidates set up their own lab environment in order to become well-versed in using the Meraki Dashboard. In addition to the lab environment guidance, this supplement provides an outline of the products, features, and tools that candidates should use to achieve suitable proficiency within the Meraki Dashboard.   For a full list of recommended study materials, please click here.   Table of Contents Lab Environment Guidance of Topics and Features   Lab Environment The most ideal Meraki lab setup for candidates include an account with full organization administrator access to the Meraki Dashboard. If that is not possible, the candidate should at least have read-only org admin privileges to a Dashboard organization.   Note: Read-only access will enable a candidate to become familiar with Dashboard and most Meraki features. However, some Dashboard user interface elements and features are only visible to admins with full permissions. Similarly, the user will be unable to commit configuration changes and unable to fully test the impact on the network. Bill of Materials The recommended minimal viable lab consists of the following bill of materials   Recommended Equipment Alternate Models License* MX67 MX67C, MX67W, MX68, MX68CW, MX68W, MX75, MX85, MX95, MX105, MX250, MX450 Advanced Security** Z4 Z4C, MX67, MX67C, MX67W, MX68, MX68CW, MX68W, MX75, MX85, MX95, MX105, MX250, MX450 Advanced Security** MS250*** MS250, MS350, MS355, MS390, C9300-M Enterprise MR36 MR36, MR44, MR46, MR46E, MR56, MR57, MR76, MR86 Enterprise or Advanced MV12WE MV12N, MV12W, MV22, MV22X, MV32, MV52, MV63, MV63X, MV72, MV72X, MV93, MV93X Enterprise MT10 MT11, MT12, MT14, MT15, MT20 5x Free Licenses   *Cisco Meraki licenses can be purchased in various durations (1 day, 1 year, 3 years, etc.) and a license that matches the hardware must be applied in Dashboard to avoid device or organization shutdown.   **Candidates may choose to obtain another additional, separate Meraki Insight (MI) license or an Advanced SD-WAN Plus MX license, which is inclusive of MI features. This will enable the candidate to gain hands-on experience with MI features and configurations. This is an optional component, as reviewing all suggested MI study materials is sufficient for exam preparation.   ***The recommended switch model must support Layer 3 routing and PoE. It is possible to test many Systems Manager features without having an SM license in a Dashboard organization (e.g. creating and merging an SM network, configuring management profiles and application payloads). However, the candidate will need a license to enroll a client device to Systems Manager and test pushing configuration profiles. A SM license was not included in the bill of materials table because candidates can utilize Cisco Meraki’s free 30 day trial license for Systems Manager. The trial automatically starts upon enrolling a device into any unlicensed Systems Manager network.   Note: A paid Systems Manager license is required to keep devices enrolled beyond 30 days. If the device is not unenrolled/removed within 30 days, the Dashboard organization will be at risk of being shut down.   Workstation The candidate should also have a laptop or a desktop with wireless and ethernet ports. Having a physical ethernet port will enable the candidate to test wired access and associated features.   Lab Network Diagrams The following network diagrams show the recommended topology and network deployment of the lab equipment.   Note: The network topology depicted in this guide is NOT a typical, real-world deployment recommendation. This network topology is strictly for the purposes of testing out Meraki features and it does NOT follow traditional practices/designs for actual production networks.    Figure 1: lab topology diagram overview (depicted using traditional network icons)        Figure 2: lab topology wiring diagram (suggested port interconnects between devices)     Installation Candidates should reference the following installation guides for detailed instructions on how to properly deploy each piece of lab hardware.   MX Installation Guides MS Installation Guides MR Installation Guides MV Installation Guides MT Installation Guides       Guidance of Topics and Features The following consists of the recommended topics, features, and concepts that a candidate should practice within their lab environment during their preparation for the certification exam. The list is not exhaustive and the exam subject matter is subject to change as a result of updates to the Meraki Dashboard’s user-interface and/or product feature updates.   Network-wide (cross platform) Configure network timezones Create, apply, and verify device tags Create and define network-wide group policies to address scenarios such as the following: Configured to allow devices such as corporate clients Configured to contain/restrict blocked devices or those in violation Tuned to override or append default network settings Create and define network-wide group policies that address devices which should be contained Configure Sentry policies to enforce group policies based on a device’s dynamic security policy tags Understand the available alert trigger options of each product family and how to configure recipients for email alerting (including adding non-Dashboard recipients)   Security and SD-WAN Configure basic addressing Configure Auto VPN in various topologies (i.e. mesh, hub-and-spoke) as well as  defining local networks for VPN advertisement Understand the elements of the VPN Status page to accomplish the following: Troubleshoot problematic VPN connections between peers Interpret uplink decisions made by the MX appliance of active connection flows Create and configure static routes required for dynamic routing (OSPF) route redistribution Enable, configure, and verify dynamic routing (OSPF) including analysis of the following: Route table page “Static routes” table on the Addressing & VLANs page Configure proper SD-WAN settings including the use of the following: Uplink throughputs for WAN interfaces Load balancing Flow preferences of various internet traffic types VPN traffic selection policies with different traffic filters (including the use of custom created performance classes) Configure and verify traffic shaping rules for various scenarios including: High priority traffic types such as VoIP and video Guests and low priority traffic categories Create layer 3 and layer 7 firewall rules Enable Advanced Malware Protection Enable and configure Intrusion Detection & Prevention Enable and configure content filters and URL patterns Restrict web search results and enforce YouTube Restricted Mode   Switching Configure switch ports (in bulk) with basic setting such as: Access/Trunk port type PoE settings Defining VLANs (including dedicated voice VLANs) Create, apply, and verify switch port tags Configure and verify an Etherchannel Configure and verify a port mirror Create and configure switch virtual interfaces (SVI’s) Enable, configure, and verify OSPF Modify and verify switch ports for proper VoIP deployment Configure and verify QoS rules for proper VoIP deployment Configure and apply access allow/restriction policies to switch ports using the following: MAC whitelist Sticky MAC Create, configure, and apply user-defined access policies that leverages 802.1X using the following: Meraki Authentication RADIUS server for authentication Systems Manager Sentry Create, configure, and apply a port schedule to switch ports   Wireless Create and configure SSIDs with various basic association, splash page, and client IP assignment types Configure and verify QoS and traffic shaping rules for proper VoIP deployment Create layer 3 and layer 7 firewall rules Create and configure a dedicated SSID for guests with the following settings: Appropriate firewall restrictions and traffic shaping rules A custom splash page An SSID schedule Create and apply RF profiles Create and add SSIeD blacklist and whitelist entries to Air Marshal Configure and enable SSID alerting in Air Marshal Generate a PCI report and focus on the following tasks: Proper adjustment and calibration of the scope and environment of the PCI reporting tool Identify and review the passed and failed requirements of a completed report   Endpoint Management Create and configure Apple profiles for enrolled devices Create and configure Android profiles for enrolled devices Define the target scope of configured profiles through the use of various tag types (device, policy, user) Add and configure different settings payloads to profiles (e.g. restrictions, passcode policy, WiFi settings) Create and define security policies Import, manage, and push applications out to clients enrolled in SM Understand the list of MDM commands that are available Understand the list of Live Tools that are available   Smart Cameras Identify the available options, features, and settings of the camera platform and how they impact the overall retention capacity Identify and review the configurable motion alerting options Create and configure video wall layouts Review the workflow of building and applying wireless profiles   Smart Sensors Identify the various methods for establishing connectivity to Dashboard Create and configure sensor Alert Profiles Create and customize sensor alert notifications Establish and review the relationship between sensors and cameras within Dashboard.   Application Assurance Add and configure web applications to be tracked through Web App Health Understand the threshold indicators of tracked applications as presented through various filters and perspectives (i.e. per network view, client details view) Analyze application trends and configure relevant alerts Analyze the status of uplinks and metrics tracked through WAN Health   Organization (administration and troubleshooting) Carry out the deployment of a new network including: Create a new network (single product and combined) Claim and add devices Claim, apply, and renew licenses Understand how to utilize the elements within the “Help” drop-down menu including the following: Obtaining relevant firewall information Opening a case with Meraki Support Enable, generate, and manage API access for Dashboard administrators Add new organization administrators to Dashboard and grant various permission levels Scheduled and manage firmware upgrades Generate, review, and analyze summary reports for essential information Review the information found on Dashboard’s Firmware Upgrades page including the various filters available on the All Networks sub-tab   If you have feedback on any of the content found on this exam preparation resource, please leave a comment below for the Cisco Meraki team. Your comment will not be viewable publicly. We are constantly working to improve this page and welcome suggestions, but cannot guarantee a direct response to every comment.   Last Updated: February 2024 ... View more