FAQs: Migrate to Meraki management mode

Before Migration

What models and associated modules support migration to Meraki cloud management mode?  

Migration is available for the following C9300 models

Ports type	Model SKU
24 port models	C9300-24P, C9300-24T, C9300-24U, C9300-24UX, C9300X-24HX, C9300L-24T-4X, C9300L-24P-4X, C9300L-24UXG-4X
48 port models	C9300-48P, C9300-48T, C9300-48U, C9300-48UN, C9300-48UXM, C9300X-48TX, C9300X-48HX, C9300X-48HXN, C9300L-48T-4X, C9300L-48P-4X, C9300L-48PF-4X, C9300L-48UXG-4X
Fiber models	C9300-24S, C9300-48S, C9300X-12Y, C9300X-24Y

The following network modules are compatible with the migration process. 

Model Series	Model SKU
C9300-NM	C9300-NM-2Q, C9300-NM-8X, C9300-NM-2Y*
C9300X-NM	C9300X-NM-2C, C9300X-NM-8Y
C3850-NM	C3850-NM-2-40G, C3850-NM-4-10G, C3850-NM-8-10G

Additionally, Meraki modules MA-MOD-2X40G, MA-MOD-4X10G and MA-MOD-8X10G are also compatible with migrating C9300 switches. Refer to Getting Started documentation for details. 

When will migration to Meraki management mode be available to the Catalyst C9300 customers?

This migration program is now available on eligible devices. Read Quick Start Guide and learn about the benefits and process. 

How do I find out if this is a suitable solution for my environment?

Contact your Cisco account team to learn more about suitability. 

Will any of my settings or files get migrated to the Meraki dashboard? 

During the migration, the switch will perform a factory reset. This reset erases the device's configuration and reformats file systems on the device and any connected USB drives. Ensure you save a copy of your files beforehand.

Will my hardware (such as LED lights) on the switch function differently? 

There are some differences such as LEDs, Console port, and SSD. Refer to this documentation and learn more: LED indicators in the Meraki-managed mode.

If I already have DNAC essential/advantage licenses, do I need to purchase another license to use the Meraki dashboard today?

Once your devices are migrated to the Meraki dashboard, there are two ways you can obtain a Meraki license:

• Migrate an existing DNA license through the request form.
• Purchase a new Meraki license.

Check page 4 of this Quick Start Guide and learn how to migrate your DNA license.

Can I access the console after I initiate the migration? 

No, once the switch is in Meraki management mode, there will be no console access. However, hardware/boot level output can still be monitored via the console port for troubleshooting HW/Stack/boot failures(read-only). The recommended option is to use the local status page via the management interface for troubleshooting and cloud connectivity issues.

Can I expect 1:1 feature parity between DNA management mode and Meraki management mode? 

The Meraki experience is about simplicity and an end-to-end experience that can help customers solve their network management needs at scale. Our goal is use case parity.  Over time, both Catalyst Center and Meraki will have parity for the most important use cases. We will be very thoughtful in delivering powerful solutions without adding complexity. 

During Migration

Process: What are the steps to migrate from DNA management to Meraki management mode? 

While this is not a frictionless process, we worked to minimize complexity as much as possible. Refer to Cisco Catalyst 9300 Management with Meraki Dashboard for the process, or contact the Meraki support team to assist you. 

Support: Who should I contact if I encounter any issues during migration? What about after migrating to the Meraki dashboard? 

Contact the Meraki Support team if you encounter any issues during or after migration.  

 

After Migration

What do I need to do if I want to migrate back to DNA management mode? 

Contact Meraki support if you wish to migrate your Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches from the Meraki management mode to DNA management mode. You'll need to open a PO for a DNA license, but you can RMA your Meraki license and receive a credit for the purchase of the DNA license. Note that this will reset the switch to its factory default settings and erase all configurations. 

Support: Who should I contact if I encounter any issues after migrating to the Meraki dashboard? 

Contact the Meraki support team if you encounter any issues during or after migration. 

Firmware updates: 

Once the C9300 has migrated to Meraki management mode, it can be added to a dashboard network running cloud-managed Catalyst switch firmware version, CS 15.21.1 or newer. The CS firmware will be automatically installed on your migrated C9300 switches based on the dashboard network’s firmware configuration.

Refer to the Managing Firmware Upgrades for instructions on updating firmware for Catalyst switches. Use tools for MS Firmware Upgrades and firmware upgrade status to efficiently manage and schedule updates.

When a new firmware version is available, you will be notified via the dashboard news feed or subscript to Meraki Community to receive relevant announcements in your inbox. 

RMA:  What management mode will a replacement unit be in? 

After migrating to Meraki management mode, Contact Meraki Support for assistance.

If an RMA is done for a migrated Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch, the replacement will come in the management mode for which the unit was originally purchased. This differs from CW access points where the replacement will be the same mode as when the case was opened. 

Other Technical Details

Will a Meraki-managed Catalyst switch still use IOS-XE as the native OS? 

Yes, but it includes additional code/configuration to enable integration with and management by the dashboard. If a C9300 in Meraki management mode is migrated back to DNA mode, you will need to upgrade the software to an IOS-XE version that is supported in DNA management mode. 

Does Meraki support stacking? How does it work, and can I stack Meraki and Catalyst together? 

A Meraki-managed C9300 switch stack can consist of up to eight stacking-capable switches linked through their StackWise-480 ports. The stack must only contain Meraki-managed Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series switches.

StackPower is supported in a ring topology supporting up to 4 switches. 

For a mix of Meraki and Meraki-managed Catalyst switching environments, virtual stacking is a great tool to support thousands of switch ports in a single logical stack for unified management, monitoring and configuration.

What are some of the security use cases I could address on the Meraki dashboard with my migrated C9300?

Meraki takes a thoughtful approach to network security with a wide range of tools and features to protect users and applications without complexity. Some of the examples are: 

• Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) on our Meraki-managed C9300 switches and MS390 switches. Refer to MS NetFlow and Encrypted Traffic Analytics for details. 

• Scalable security policy: Create an additional layer of access security based on the intent of the user, device, and application using Adaptive Policy.

• Cisco Trustworthy Solutions:

  • Trust Anchor: A tamper-resistant chip in Cisco products that provides secure storage and crypto services.

  • Secure Boot: Ensures code in hardware is authentic while protecting Cisco devices from non-compliant software.

  • Image Signing: Creates a unique signature and encryption for code using a Cisco private key.

  • Runtime Defenses: Makes it impossible for attackers to exploit running software by targeting malicious code.

Will IOS-XE API-driven configs stay the same? NECONF, RESTCONF, GNMI / YANG data models 

No, IOS-XE API will not work in the Meraki management mode. Meraki offers a rich set of dashboard APIs to programmatically manage your Catalyst switches.

Will software upgrades and patching still work the same? 

No, users can remotely monitor and manage software updates in bulk or in stages for switches through the cloud-based Meraki dashboard. Check Managing Firmware Upgrades for more information. 

Will the next-Generation Network-Based Application Recognition(NBAR2)/FNF still work on my migrated 9300?

Yes, NBAR2 is enabled by default and cannot be disabled on all MS390 and C9300 on Meraki management mode. Check Hardware and Software Requirements for more information. 

Resources 

What are the benefits of cloud management on the Meraki dashboard? 

With the powerful and intuitive Meraki cloud dashboard, your network team can scale, control, and secure distributed networks effectively, without a steep learning curve. 

Here are some example capabilities you can leverage today:  

• Centralized visibility and control of your network and application recognition; better-understanding devices and their dependencies with dynamic network topology diagram.

• Faster MTTR with real-time health monitoring, proactive alerts, guided actions, and powerful remote troubleshooting capabilities such as remote PCAP, cable testing, cycle port, and reboot devices.  

• Create an additional layer of access security based on the intent of the user, device, and application using Adaptive Policy.

• Set up multiple policies and enable them at the port level or across the entire network in a few clicks.

• Find malicious traffic, defend against threats, and experience full visibility across the network with Encrypted Traffic Analytics. 

• Defend against threats and keep infrastructure always up to date; review, schedule, stage and update firmware from an intuitive dashboard or automate with the API.

• Centralized cloud-managed experience across all Meraki product lines from security to IOT.

With the power of Cloud, we will be able to continuously deliver more useful and powerful value and capabilities right on the web-based dashboard to enable your network team to do more with less. Most importantly, deliver the innovation responsibly and effectively without impacting your operations and end-user experiences. 

Learning: How do I learn more about Meraki dashboard functionality? 

We have this short 30 minutes free training to walk you through some of the ideal use cases and problems you can solve with the Meraki dashboard. 

Stay connected: Where should I go for the latest information and feature announcements? 

Find answers, ask questions, and connect with a community of cloud-management aficionados from around the world: 

Meraki switching community

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