Cloud-Managed Catalyst Switches: Device Configuration Source FAQs

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What is the difference between cloud management with device configuration and Cloud Monitoring for Catalyst?

Cloud-managed switches with device configuration replace Cloud Monitoring for Catalyst as the Meraki Dashboard-based solution for connecting Catalyst switches. This option retains full CLI access and configuration options in IOS XE. Cloud Monitoring supports switches with IOS XE up to 17.12.3, while cloud management with device configuration is available starting with IOS XE 17.15.3.

Cloud managed switches with device configuration offer seamless onboarding directly through the Dashboard, unlike the onboarding application used by Cloud Monitoring for Catalyst.

Switches with device configuration also offer an opt-in full CLI console for configuration changes from the Dashboard. See Cloud CLI for Cloud-Native IOS XE for more details.

What is the difference between cloud configuration and device configuration?

There are two options for the configuration source: cloud or device. The option selected determines the authoritative source for the configuration of the switch.

Cloud-managed switches with cloud configuration offer full cloud management through the Dashboard. Configuration of switches in Dashboard is similar to Meraki MS switches, without local CLI access.

Cloud-managed switches with device configuration connect to the Dashboard, allowing view of configurations and alerts using a single pane of glass experience. Configuration in Dashboard is not available, but CLI/SSH connectivity is supported.

What switches are supported for device configuration?

Device configuration mode is currently supported on Catalyst 9200 and 9300 Series switches. Support for Catalyst 9500 Series switches is coming soon.

What are the pre-requisites for enabling a switch for device configuration mode?

Click here to review all pre-requisites for enabling switches for device configuration mode.

How do I move a switch from Cloud Monitoring for Catalyst to cloud managed in device configuration mode?

Remove switches from Cloud Monitoring for Catalyst before enabling cloud management in device configuration mode. Find more details here.