Cloud-Native IOS XE
Explore Cloud-managed Catalyst switches on IOS XE 17.15.3 offering options for device and cloud configuration. Learn more about each option, including supported models, to determine the best fit for your needs.
Cloud-native IOS XE 17.15.3 is the latest version of IOS XE with native support for Meraki cloud connectivity and management. With this release, we are beginning an exciting transition from a container-based architecture to a native (container-less) IOS XE architecture with support for Meraki cloud management.
We are introducing a brand new onboarding experience for Catalyst switches as they transition to the cloud. This enhances how the Meraki dashboard manages Catalyst switches, offering increased flexibility in switch management that enables customers to onboard their Catalyst switches based on either configuration source – cloud or device:
Configuration Source
Cloud
Cloud-managed switches with cloud configuration adds Cloud CLI and native IOS XE to the previous generation of cloud management. With cloud configuration, switches are managed via the cloud-based dashboard. This capability also offers a read-only Cloud CLI terminal you can use to view the entire running configuration or perform advanced troubleshooting using IOS XE show commands. Learn more about this option and its supported switch models here.
Cloud management with cloud configuration is moving to a stable release candidate with IOS XE 17.15.3, providing the full cloud-native management experience for select Catalyst 9000 devices from the Meraki dashboard.
Device
Cloud management with device configuration represents a significant evolution of Cloud Monitoring for Catalyst, which has enabled users to integrate their Catalyst 9000 series switches into the Meraki dashboard to view switch statistics, configuration details and troubleshooting tools. Building on this foundation, cloud-managed IOS XE switches with device configuration allow the choice to access to the Cloud CLI from dashboard, empowering users to leverage the benefits of cloud management, while maintaining access to all of the capabilities of the underlying IOS XE firmware.
In addition, cloud management with device configuration provides a streamlined onboarding experience for your switches, removing the need to use the local onboarding application required with Cloud Monitoring. Learn more about this option and its supported platforms here.
Cloud management with device configuration enters public beta and is an evolution of what was previously known as Cloud Monitoring.
Table 1: Configuration source comparison: cloud vs. device
|
Configuration: Cloud (formerly cloud management) |
Configuration: Device (formerly cloud monitoring) |
|
Exclusively managed by dashboard |
Management flexibility |
| Perform configurations with the dashboard | Perform configurations with Cloud CLI terminal |
|
Configurations are stored in the cloud and synced to the switch |
Configuration remains local to the device with cloud backup |
| Read-only CLI support | Read and Write CLI support |
|
Supports the following Catalyst series switches:
Refer to the full supported models list for cloud configuration here. |
Supports the following Catalyst series switches:
Refer to the full supported model list for device configuration here. |
Cloud CLI
Cloud CLI is an early access feature available for all cloud-native IOS XE switches starting in version 17.15.3. The cloud CLI is an interactive CLI terminal hosted in the Meraki dashboard for your cloud-native IOS XE Catalyst switches and wireless controllers. When launching the cloud CLI terminal, the dashboard will initiate a secure direct terminal session inside the Meraki Tunnel to your Catalyst device, similar to opening a direct SSH or console session. Learn more here.
Cloud CLI offers slightly different functionality depending on the configuration source:
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Device configuration supports Cloud CLI in both read-only and configuration modes, depending on dashboard user roles.
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Cloud configuration supports Cloud CLI in only read-only mode.
