Core Components of the Meraki Ecosystem

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Cisco Meraki offers a comprehensive cloud-managed IT solution that simplifies network management for nonprofit organizations, enabling them to securely scale their infrastructure with minimal IT overhead. Each component in the Meraki ecosystem is designed to work together seamlessly, ensuring a reliable, high-performance network for your nonprofit’s unique needs. In this article, we explore the core Meraki product types, see why they are used, and provide relevant nonprofit use case examples for various sizes and needs.

Meraki Wireless Access Points (MR series)

In a connected world, Wi-Fi is crucial for both staff and visitors. Meraki wireless access points (APs) provide reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi coverage in both indoor and outdoor spaces, essential for nonprofits that operate across diverse environments. With modern capabilities — including Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E on most models — Meraki WAPs can deliver fast speeds, connect to many devices, provide easy-to-configure guest networks, and offer indoor and outdoor options.

A nonprofit can deploy MR84 WAPs to provide Wi-Fi access at community training events, helping people access online learning resources. Meanwhile, a nonprofit providing shelters can use MR36 WAPs to offer Wi-Fi, ensuring easy access to social services.

Meraki Switches (MS series)

A network needs switches to efficiently manage traffic between all connected devices. Meraki switches provide Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, offer PoE+ (Power over Ethernet) for powering devices like IP phones and cameras, and integrate easily into the Meraki Dashboard for centralized management.

A nonprofit that runs a community center offering workshops on environmentally sustainable practices can use the MS130 switch to manage network traffic across devices like computers, projectors, and other networked equipment. The switch can ensure reliable data flow for presentations and workshops while maintaining network security and performance. In contrast, a larger nonprofit might use a PoE-enabled MS225 switch to power other networking equipment and support multiple high-traffic devices, like telemedicine systems, ensuring stable connectivity for remote services.

Meraki Security Appliances (MX series)

With nonprofits handling sensitive data such as donor and client information, security is paramount. Meraki security appliances are designed to protect networks in a simple and comprehensive way. They combine several critical security functions in one device. This includes firewalls to block unauthorized access, VPNs (virtual private networks) to securely connect remote workers, and content filtering to block harmful websites or inappropriate content. These features ensure that sensitive data, like donor or client information, is kept secure while allowing nonprofits to easily manage their networks without needing specialized IT skills. It’s all done through an easy-to-use, cloud-based interface.

A nonprofit providing workforce development training could use the MX67 to securely connect a small office, ensuring safe access to online resources for employees and job seekers. For a climate impact organization managing multiple projects and remote workers, the MX75 offers greater throughput and security, enabling efficient collaboration and secure access. A larger human services nonprofit supporting many staff members across multiple locations might use the MX105 to handle higher traffic, enabling the secure transfer of large datasets, such as case management or grant application systems.

Meraki Gateway Devices (Z and MG series)

Gateways provide secure and reliable internet access in unique scenarios, such as supporting remote workers or ensuring connectivity in areas with limited infrastructure. Cisco Meraki’s teleworker gateways securely connect remote workers to a central network using auto-provisioned VPNs, ensuring safe and seamless access to organizational resources without complex configurations. Their cellular gateways provide internet connectivity via cellular networks, acting as a primary or backup connection to ensure reliable access in locations with limited or unreliable traditional broadband options.

Any nonprofit that has an employee accessing sensitive information, from a remote location that isn’t supported by the organization’s security infrastructure, may use the Z4 teleworker gateway. This could include executives working from home while handling financial records and legal documents, social workers operating in the field and supporting vulnerable populations, or grant writers working from shared office spaces and managing grant application details or funding allocations. A nonprofit responding to a natural disaster or crisis could use MG cellular gateways to establish connectivity in areas where traditional infrastructure is down. For example, a nonprofit delivering emergency supplies and coordinating volunteer efforts in a flood-affected region could deploy MG devices to power mobile command centers, ensuring reliable internet for communication and data sharing even in remote or devastated areas.

Meraki Security Cameras (MV series)

Nonprofits with physical spaces need reliable surveillance. Meraki security cameras provide cloud-based video surveillance with easy access and scalability, helping monitor facilities and protect valuable assets. These cameras integrate with the same Meraki Dashboard as other Meraki devices, ensuring seamless security management across the organization without the need for complex or separate systems.

A nonprofit running a community health clinic could use MV12 cameras inside waiting areas to monitor patient flow and ensure safety in reception areas. A religious nonprofit with a large church campus might deploy MV72 cameras around outdoor areas such as parking lots, entrance paths, and courtyards to monitor traffic flow and ensure the safety of attendees during events and services.

Meraki Systems Manager Enterprise (SME)

Meraki Systems Manager Enterprise provides a comprehensive mobile device management solution, enabling IT teams to efficiently manage, monitor, and secure endpoint devices, even with minimal technical expertise. This includes smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and other network-connected devices that users interact with.

The software enhances data security through real-time policy enforcement, remote wiping of lost devices, and application control. It simplifies provisioning, automates updates, and ensures regulatory compliance via a centralized, user-friendly platform. IT administrators can monitor and secure desktops (Windows or macOS) and mobile devices, applying security policies, managing apps, and troubleshooting remotely using live device insights such as connectivity and battery status. These tools enable swift resolution of issues without physical access, supporting consistent security and seamless management across diverse device types, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Any nonprofit that issues mobile devices to employees or volunteers can benefit from using System Manager Enterprise. It can be used to ensure that all laptops and mobile devices used by employees are secured, updated, and compliant. It also enables remote device troubleshooting, which helps maintain productivity without requiring physical access to each device.

Meraki Sensors (MT series)

Environmental monitoring is crucial for many nonprofits. Meraki's MT series sensors offer nonprofits a comprehensive solution for monitoring and maintaining optimal environmental conditions across diverse operations. These sensors track critical factors such as temperature, humidity, occupancy, and air quality, ensuring the safety and efficiency of facilities, equipment, and resources. Whether managing perishable goods, overseeing sensitive technology, or safeguarding vulnerable populations, Meraki sensors provide real-time data and alerts to prevent costly damage, enhance operational effectiveness, and ensure the well-being of individuals. Their seamless integration with the Meraki Dashboard simplifies management, making them an essential tool for nonprofits aiming to protect assets and maintain compliance

A nonprofit running a shelter for displaced families can use Meraki sensors to monitor room temperatures, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment. Organizations focused on green building initiatives may use sensors to optimize energy consumption, reduce waste, and lower costs. Food banks can deploy sensors to monitor humidity and temperature in storage areas to protect perishable goods. Similarly, nonprofits relying on environmentally sensitive equipment, such as server rooms, can use sensors to detect and address conditions outside the ideal operating range.

A Real-World Nonprofit Network Example

To illustrate how these devices work together, imagine a nonprofit with multiple locations, remote workers, and a focus on social impact. The network topology could look like this:

• Meraki WAPs (Wi-Fi 6), such as the MR36 for office spaces and MR84 for outdoor community events, provide seamless wireless connectivity.
• Meraki switches, like the MS130, ensure that all devices are efficiently connected and powered, supporting devices like phones, computers, and cameras.
• Meraki MX security appliances, like the MX67, protect sensitive data and ensure secure connections between offices and remote workers.
• Meraki Z4 teleworker gateways provide secure connections for remote staff, while MG21 cellular gateways maintain connectivity in rural or underserved areas.
• Meraki MV cameras offer surveillance, with MV12 cameras monitoring shelters and MV72 cameras providing outdoor security.
• Meraki Systems Manager manages and secures mobile devices, ensuring that staff members in the field are always connected and compliant.
• Meraki sensors monitor temperature and occupancy, ensuring that facilities are safe and comfortable for staff and clients.

This integrated Meraki ecosystem offers a secure, easy-to-manage, scalable network that helps nonprofits' initiatives operate efficiently and effectively.