January 10, 2025
Networking is the backbone of communication. It’s the technology that allows you to share files and host virtual meetings. It’s the reason you can operate systems like a customer relationship management (CRM) platform and remotely access your work email.
Networking used to look like physical servers, routers, and switches managed in your office. But imagine managing your entire business network from anywhere with just a browser. That’s the power of cloud-based networking.
What is Cloud Networking?
Cloud networking is just what it sounds like — your network but in the cloud. The main difference between cloud networking and traditional networking lies in the location of the servers. With cloud networking, servers are accessed remotely through the cloud, while in traditional networking, servers are housed on-premises.
However, both approaches still require local hardware. Even with cloud networking, devices like routers, switches, and access points are needed to connect to the network.
What is Cisco Meraki?
Cisco Meraki is a cloud-based networking provider. Like anything, not all cloud networks are created equally. When comparing your options, Cisco Meraki is a great standard to measure against. They’ve been known as a leader in the industry for many years and continue to set the pace of innovation.
What To Look For in a Cloud Networking Provider
Cloud networking isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. When considering your options, look for custom solutions, a good dashboard, and robust security.
Tailored Approach
Look for a networking provider that offers custom packages based on your business. Some key features to consider include:
- Wifi Access Points: Provide and monitor connections to your network.
- Cloud-Managed Network Switches: Connect devices within a network and direct data to its destination efficiently.
- Mobile Device Management (MDM): Secure mobile devices accessing the network.
- Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN): Optimize and secure network traffic, such as prioritizing better connectivity for video conferencing.
Together, these devices and software create the infrastructure of a cloud network. Depending on your business size, location, and operating model, you may need different levels and combinations of cloud-based networking services — which is why it's important to partner with a provider that can recommend a custom solution.
Easy-to-Use Dashboard
One of the main benefits of cloud networking is browser-based management. This allows IT managers to tell the network what they want, and the cloud system takes care of the rest.
Look for a cloud network provider that offers an easy-to-use dashboard. Cisco Meraki is once again a great example. Through their dashboard, you can provision, configure, and troubleshoot your global networking and Internet of Things (IoT) deployment in one place.
Top-of-the-Line Security
Like anything in IT, security is a top consideration for cloud-based networking. Cisco Meraki automatically blocks 98% of malware — 25% more than the industry average. To accomplish this, they use a combination of security measures. When you’re assessing the security of a potential partner, consider these factors:- Firewall: Blocks unauthorized access to your network
- IDS and IPS: Detects (IDS) and blocks (IPS) suspicious activity
- Site-to-Site Auto VPN: Secures connections between office locations
- Content Filtering: Blocks harmful or distracting online content
- Malware Protection: Detects and removes malicious software
- Zero Trust: Verifies every user and device every time
- XDR: Combines security data to detect and stop threats
With cloud-based networking, it’s easier than ever to manage security policies, applications, and users without making significant capital investments. You no longer need to deal with the cost of additional hardware, navigate various manuals and configurations, expand your IT department, or invest in training courses for IT staff.
Meraki’s multiple data centers keep your network functions operating even if the cloud connection is interrupted. Plus, the system complies with strict standards like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), ensuring protection for sensitive health and payment data.
Get Started With Marco
Cisco Meraki is one of the largest and most acclaimed cloud-based network providers. To facilitate its services, it partners with office technology companies like Marco. By getting Cisco Meraki through Marco, you get all the benefits of Cisco’s products with the hands-on service and ongoing support of Marco.
Marco is a Cisco Gold partner — meaning that we have exceptional expertise in Cisco products and services. We’ll ensure you receive the right solution implementation and answer all your questions along the way.
Curious about Cisco Meraki or another Cisco service? Learn more about our strategic partnership.
