An organization is only as strong as its wireless capabilities. In other words, if the Wi-Fi goes down, so does the business. Fortunately, several wireless hardware vendors offer top-tier solutions, but choosing the right one isn’t always straightforward. Speed, cost, and reliability are all important factors to consider.
This post will explore the key differences between two major wireless appliance players: Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti. We’ll also guide you in determining which solution might best fit your needs.
What is Cisco Meraki?
Founded in 2006, Cisco Meraki initially focused on wireless appliances. After six years of independent operation, Meraki was acquired by Cisco in November 2012. Meraki offers a range of networking solutions, which are organized under three primary categories: access, WAN (Wide Area Network), and IoT (Internet of Things).
Meraki’s appliances are designed to leverage the cloud for more globally accessible and scalable solutions. For example, their MDM (Mobile Device Management) solutions help mobile users access the applications they need while blocking unauthorized users from accessing or snooping on the VPN.
One of the most advanced solutions Meraki provides is SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networks). SD-WANs connect directly to the cloud, bypassing unnecessary server routes and reducing latency. This ensures better security and improves the speed of critical data like VoIP calls.
Meraki also offers IoT devices, including a cloud-centric security camera system. These cameras come with advanced features like license plate recognition and suspicious person detection through EVERYANGLE – a machine-learning technology that alerts users if suspicious activity, such as an individual wearing a mask with a baseball bat, is detected. Another important feature of Meraki’s ecosystem is its Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, which helps organizations manage mobile devices like smartphones and tablets across their network. Through the Meraki dashboard, IT administrators can monitor devices, push updates, enforce security policies, and remotely wipe data from lost or stolen devices, ensuring the integrity of the network and safeguarding sensitive information.
Meraki’s cloud-based management system also integrates machine learning and artificial intelligence to enhance security. The EVERYANGLE feature, integrated into Meraki’s security cameras, uses these advanced technologies to detect and alert businesses to suspicious behavior, such as unauthorized individuals on the premises. The system can send alerts via SMS, email, or even phone calls, enabling businesses to act swiftly in response to potential security threats.
Cisco Meraki’s strength lies in its ability to offer highly scalable, easy-to-manage solutions with advanced security features—all while being accessible through a simple, intuitive cloud-based dashboard. Whether you’re managing a small office or a global enterprise, Meraki’s integrated solutions provide the tools necessary to ensure a reliable, secure, and efficient network.
What is Ubiquiti?
Founded in 2003, Ubiquiti has gained recognition for providing affordable yet high-performance networking solutions. Like Meraki, Ubiquiti divides its products into three categories: IoT, Access, and Routing.
A standout product is the Dream Machine Pro, an all-in-one enterprise-grade networking device that includes a built-in security gateway, WAN support, an 8-Port Gigabit switch, and a video recorder. This device is particularly attractive due to its scalability and simplicity at an affordable price point.
Ubiquiti’s UniFi OS software is another major feature, offering a seamless user interface for managing and monitoring all your Ubiquiti devices. From routers to security cameras, UniFi makes it easy to configure and troubleshoot your hardware from a single device.
Ubiquiti also focuses on enhancing its UniFi product suite, which includes solutions like UniFi Identity. This platform allows IT managers to control access to both physical and network resources from a centralized application, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. Ubiquiti’s Dream Machine Pro, one of their flagship products, has gained a strong following due to its all-in-one capabilities. It combines a router, firewall, security gateway, and an 8-port switch, along with a UniFi Protect video recorder in a single, affordable device. The Dream Machine Pro, coupled with UniFi OS, offers a simple and powerful solution for small to medium-sized businesses looking for enterprise-grade networking at a fraction of the cost.
One of the standout features of Ubiquiti products is their easy-to-use, intuitive software interfaces. For example, UniFi OS provides a modern, streamlined dashboard for network monitoring and configuration. It allows administrators to gain real-time insights into network performance, track device status, and apply configuration changes with just a few clicks. Additionally, the company has integrated other innovative solutions like UniFi Identity, which allows for centralized control of access to both physical and network resources, including door access, EV charging stations, and Wi-Fi networks.
Ubiquiti’s success can be attributed to its commitment to providing high-quality, scalable solutions at a competitive price. While the company doesn’t offer the same level of premium support that some larger vendors like Cisco do, its vibrant user community and the availability of online resources make it an attractive option for many businesses that need reliable, cost-effective networking solutions.
What to Consider When Choosing a Networking Solution
Both Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti are reputable vendors with high-quality products. When evaluating networking solutions, particularly between Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti, it’s essential to assess your organization’s unique needs, goals, and budget. Both brands offer high-quality products, but understanding the key differences and aligning them with your specific requirements is crucial to making the right choice. However, the right choice depends on your specific business needs. Here are key factors to consider when deciding between the two:
Pricing Structure
Cisco Meraki typically requires licenses for most of its appliances, such as security gateways and cameras. Licenses are based on the hardware purchased and can cost between $150 and $400 per year. While this may seem expensive, the benefits of Meraki’s robust solutions may justify the cost, especially for large enterprises.
On the other hand, Ubiquiti does not charge for licensing. Once you purchase their devices, you own them outright, making it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses or even work-from-home setups.
Customer Support
Cisco Meraki is known for its exceptional customer support. With their Meraki Now—Advanced Hardware Replacement plan, Meraki provides 24/7/365 access to skilled technicians. This is particularly valuable for businesses that cannot afford downtime, as replacement hardware can be shipped and installed within a few days.
If you opt out of Meraki Now, you’ll still receive a standard one-year warranty (and a lifetime warranty on some devices). However, this level of support might be more than small to medium businesses need.
Ubiquiti’s customer support is less comprehensive compared to Meraki but still reliable. They have a vibrant community forum where users can seek advice and troubleshooting tips. Plus, their support technicians are available on-call 24/7.
Here are some factors to keep in mind when deciding on a networking solution:
1. Network Size and Complexity
The scale and complexity of your network play a significant role in determining which solution is right for you. If you operate a small to medium-sized business with straightforward networking needs, Ubiquiti may be sufficient. Its plug-and-play solutions and ease of management are ideal for less complex environments, where high-end features and scalability are not immediately necessary.
On the other hand, if you’re managing a large-scale enterprise or network with intricate requirements, such as multiple branches or a growing number of devices, Cisco Meraki may be the better choice. Meraki’s cloud-managed architecture and enterprise-level solutions are designed to handle complex, scalable networks while providing the advanced features required to ensure seamless connectivity and security across diverse locations.
2. Security Needs
Security is another critical factor to consider when choosing between Meraki and Ubiquiti. Cisco Meraki is widely known for its robust security features, such as integrated SD-WAN and advanced firewall protection, making it a top contender for businesses that need secure connections and sophisticated network monitoring. Additionally, Meraki’s cloud-based management allows for quick software updates and real-time security alerts, which is critical in preventing and responding to cyber threats in high-stakes environments.
While Ubiquiti also offers secure solutions with features like firewalls and VPN support, its security offerings are generally more basic compared to Meraki’s. However, Ubiquiti’s products are often more than adequate for small businesses or remote offices that need reliable but less intensive security measures.
3. Future Growth and Scalability
As your business grows, your network needs will likely evolve. Therefore, scalability is an important consideration. Meraki excels in scalability, providing solutions that can easily expand to accommodate new users, locations, and devices. Its cloud-based dashboard allows network administrators to manage large deployments, making it an excellent choice for organizations anticipating significant growth or those that operate globally.
Ubiquiti also offers scalable solutions, though it may require more manual configuration and management as the network expands. For businesses that expect rapid growth and require frequent changes or additions, Meraki’s centralized, cloud-based approach may be more efficient and future-proof.
4. Total Cost of Ownership
Cost is always an important consideration when selecting a networking solution. While Ubiquiti stands out for its low initial cost and lack of ongoing licensing fees, Cisco Meraki tends to have higher upfront costs due to the required annual licenses for most of its products. However, Meraki’s price includes the benefit of comprehensive support and advanced features, which may be worthwhile for larger organizations that require enterprise-level networking and support.
It’s also important to consider the total cost of ownership beyond just the initial purchase price. Factors such as licensing fees, support costs, maintenance, and software updates should all be factored in when determining the long-term cost of your networking solution.
5. Support and Community
Support can make or break your experience with a networking solution. Cisco Meraki offers industry-leading support, including 24/7 access to experts and a range of service plans that can be tailored to your needs. If you rely heavily on your network for business operations, this level of support can be invaluable, ensuring minimal downtime and quick resolution of issues.
In contrast, Ubiquiti offers a strong community forum and online resources, but its support services are not as comprehensive as Meraki’s. For small to medium-sized businesses, this may not be an issue, as they typically do not require round-the-clock support or rapid troubleshooting. However, for larger enterprises, Meraki’s customer service may be a significant differentiator.
Scalability
Both Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti offer scalable solutions, but Meraki tends to provide a more robust infrastructure for enterprise-level operations. However, Ubiquiti’s flexibility allows it to fit many needs for small to medium-sized businesses, often at a lower cost.
You can even mix and match Ubiquiti and Meraki devices to get the best of both worlds. For example, use Meraki for high-availability, mission-critical systems and Ubiquiti for less demanding networking tasks.
Cisco Meraki Scalability
Cisco Meraki is built with scalability in mind. Its cloud-managed platform is designed to grow with your business, allowing businesses to scale their networks easily and efficiently without worrying about the infrastructure limitations that can arise with traditional networking solutions. For example, as an organization expands to additional branches, Meraki’s centralized dashboard enables network administrators to remotely configure and manage new locations, devices, and users. This is especially beneficial for companies with multiple office locations or remote workers, as the system can be managed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Meraki also allows businesses to add new devices (such as access points, switches, and security cameras) into their network seamlessly, without requiring extensive manual configuration or rework. As new devices are added to the system, Meraki’s cloud-based system automatically applies the relevant configurations and settings, which can significantly reduce the administrative workload. This makes Meraki a strong choice for growing enterprises that need to rapidly scale their network without compromising performance or security.
Additionally, Meraki’s SD-WAN technology is particularly advantageous for large businesses with multiple locations. It enables the efficient management of wide-area networks, dynamically adjusting network routes based on real-time conditions. This ensures that performance remains high, even when there are network changes or issues, while reducing the need for additional physical infrastructure.
Ubiquiti Scalability
Ubiquiti, while offering scalable solutions, tends to be more manual and hands-on compared to Meraki. UniFi, Ubiquiti’s flagship product line, provides a range of access points, routers, switches, and other devices that can be added to a network, but they often require more configuration and setup as you scale. For small to medium-sized businesses, this manual configuration process is manageable, and Ubiquiti’s UniFi Controller software helps simplify the process by providing a unified interface for network management.
However, for businesses that experience rapid growth or need to scale in more complex environments, Ubiquiti may not offer the same level of streamlined scaling as Meraki. While Ubiquiti’s hardware is capable of handling growing networks, administrators will need to monitor and configure each new addition more closely, especially in larger deployments. The addition of more devices might also require more management effort to ensure they integrate smoothly into the existing network, especially as the number of devices grows.
Despite these considerations, Ubiquiti has made significant strides in making its products scalable, especially with recent innovations like the Dream Machine Pro, which integrates various networking functions into a single device. Ubiquiti also offers UniFi Protect and UniFi Identity, expanding its product offerings to meet the demands of businesses with larger and more varied infrastructure needs.
Choosing the Right Solution for Scalability
When deciding between Meraki and Ubiquiti for scalability, it’s important to consider the speed and complexity at which you expect your network to grow. Cisco Meraki is better suited for organizations that need rapid expansion and prefer a hands-off approach to network management. Its cloud-based management and automated configuration make it an excellent choice for businesses with ambitious growth plans, requiring minimal intervention.
Ubiquiti, on the other hand, offers flexibility and lower upfront costs, which makes it ideal for businesses with more gradual growth or those willing to put in the manual work to scale. Its products are designed to support a variety of configurations and can be adapted to different use cases, but they may require more technical know-how for larger deployments.
Ultimately, both solutions can support scalable networks, but Cisco Meraki provides a more automated and seamless experience for organizations anticipating rapid or complex growth. Meanwhile, Ubiquiti is an excellent choice for businesses that need a cost-effective solution and are comfortable with a more hands-on approach to scaling their network infrastructure.
Meraki vs Ubiquiti: Which Should You Use?
When choosing between Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti, it’s essential to consider your budget and networking requirements. If you’re managing a large enterprise where millions of dollars are at stake, Meraki’s high-end features and customer support might be the better fit. Cisco Meraki: Best for Large-Scale, Cloud-Managed Solutions
Cisco Meraki is ideal for businesses that require a comprehensive, scalable solution that can manage large, complex networks with minimal hands-on management. Its cloud-managed platform allows network administrators to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot networks remotely, saving time and resources. Meraki’s focus on automation, ease of use, and security makes it an attractive option for larger enterprises or organizations with critical business functions, such as financial services, healthcare, or retail.
For companies planning to scale rapidly or manage multiple locations, Meraki’s SD-WAN technology offers a robust solution to ensure efficient and secure data traffic routing. Additionally, Meraki’s advanced customer support, including the option for 24/7 technical assistance through Meraki Now, is highly beneficial for businesses that cannot afford network downtime.
Moreover, Meraki’s license-based pricing model might be more suitable for companies with larger budgets that are looking for an all-inclusive solution. While the licensing fees can be expensive, the peace of mind and superior support that come with Meraki’s services often outweigh the initial cost, especially for businesses with complex needs.
On the other hand, Ubiquiti offers excellent value for smaller businesses looking for an easy-to-manage, reliable networking infrastructure. Ubiquiti’s no-licensing fee model and intuitive UI make it a strong contender for cost-conscious organizations. Ubiquiti: Best for Cost-Effective, Flexible Solutions
On the other hand, Ubiquiti is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that need reliable, scalable networking solutions but don’t want to break the bank. Ubiquiti’s UniFi product line offers a wide range of devices at a lower price point compared to Meraki, making it highly appealing for businesses on a budget. The flexibility of UniFi Controller allows businesses to tailor their network infrastructure, while still maintaining ease of management.
For businesses with gradual growth or those just getting started, Ubiquiti provides a more hands-on approach to network management. While it requires more manual configuration, it gives IT professionals the ability to fully customize the network as needed. This hands-on management also means that businesses can scale incrementally, adding new devices and components as their needs grow.
Another key advantage of Ubiquiti is its lack of licensing fees. Once the equipment is purchased, there are no ongoing licensing costs, making it more budget-friendly in the long term. This is a major selling point for businesses with less frequent growth, as the upfront cost is all that is required.
Which One is Right for Your Business?
When choosing between Meraki and Ubiquiti, it’s important to evaluate the scale of your network, your budget, and the level of hands-on management your team can handle. If your organization is expanding quickly, requires a network that can handle complex needs with minimal oversight, and is willing to invest in ongoing support and licensing fees, Meraki is likely the better choice. Meraki’s ability to scale effortlessly, its superior security, and its cloud-managed platform provide long-term value for larger businesses or those with mission-critical applications.
Alternatively, if your business is smaller, budget-conscious, and needs a flexible solution that can be customized based on immediate needs, Ubiquiti might be the better option. Ubiquiti allows for cost-effective, incremental growth and provides all the necessary tools for small businesses to build a robust network. Its UniFi product ecosystem has expanded significantly, providing an increasingly comprehensive set of features for businesses looking for high performance without the premium price tag.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to the trade-offs between price and convenience, hands-on management versus automation, and the specific needs of your network. Both solutions are reliable and capable, but the right choice depends on how much control you need over your network and what your long-term scalability goals are.
In conclusion, Ubiquiti stands out with its affordability and ease of use, while Meraki excels in enterprise-level networking and customer support.
Cisco Practice Test, Cisco Certification, Cisco Exam, and Cisco Dumps: If you’re preparing for your Cisco certification exams, it’s worth exploring Cisco practice tests to gauge your readiness. Use resources like Cisco exam dumps and study materials to strengthen your understanding of Cisco networking solutions, whether you’re focused on certifications like the CCNA, CCNP, or other Cisco certifications. Cisco Meraki is a fantastic platform to integrate into your career as you advance your skills and credentials.
Want to learn more about Cisco Meraki? Consider our Implementing Cisco Meraki Networks Online Training with expert Knox Hutchinson. Also, if you’re looking to explore other enterprise-level networking solutions, it’s helpful to dive deeper into why Juniper can be an excellent choice for certain environments, especially in data centers and service provider networks.
