Cisco Cloud Entitlement for DNA

Eligible Hardware (originally shipped with IOS-XE) 

This offer applies to Catalyst 9000 hardware originally shipped with IOS-XE software. While a wide range of devices can participate, their functional capabilities within the Meraki Dashboard differ based on hardware generation: 

• Switches: Catalyst 9200, 9300, and 9500 Series switches are eligible for cloud management (device configuration mode and cloud configuration mode). 

• Wireless: All Catalyst Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 6E access points can participate in the offer. 

• Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 APs: These generations are capable of Cloud Monitoring (Device Configuration mode), allowing for visibility and specific management tasks. 

• Wi-Fi 6E APs: Catalyst 9100 Series Wi-Fi 6E models (e.g., C9162, C9164, C9166) are capable of Full Cloud Management (Cloud Configuration mode), where the Meraki Dashboard acts as the source of truth for all configurations. 

Ineligible Hardware 

• Meraki-Native SKUs: Any device originally shipped as a Meraki-native product (Catalyst SKUs ending in -M or -MR) is not eligible for this offer. 

• These native devices are built specifically for the Meraki cloud and require a standard Meraki-capable license for operation. 

General Offer Details 

• What is the primary requirement to use this offer? You must maintain an active Cisco license (DNA, DNX, Meraki or unified) for your eligible Catalyst 9000 hardware. 

• Does it matter when I purchased my hardware? No. There are no restrictions regarding the hardware purchase date, provided the model is eligible and originally shipped with IOS-XE. 

• Is there a limit on how many devices I can onboard? No. There is no cap on the number of eligible Catalyst devices you can onboard to the Meraki Dashboard under this entitlement. However, all devices must be covered by a valid active license to remain compliant. 

• Does this support regional clouds or government environments? Yes. This offer is available in all Meraki environments, including regional clouds (China, India, Canada) and the FedRAMP (Meraki for Government) environment. 

• How do I convert my Catalyst devices to be Meraki managed and onboard to the dashboard? The onboarding process depends on your hardware type: 

• Wireless: Please reference the following documentation for step-by-step instructions on migrating your Catalyst WIFI 6E Access Points:  https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/catalyst-9164-series-access-points/catalyst-9166i-9164i-dg.html#CiscoCatalystmanagementmodetoMerakimanagementmode  

• Switching: Please reference the following documentation for step-by-step instructions on migrating your Catalyst 9200, 9300, or 9500 Series switches: https://documentation.meraki.com/Switching/Cloud_Management_with_IOS_XE/Install_and_Get_Started/Conversion_from_CLI-managed_IOS_XE_Catalyst_Switches_to_Cloud_Management_with_Cloud_Configuration 

Licensing & Support 

• Will my Catalyst devices use my Meraki license seats? No. Participating Catalyst devices will not count against your Meraki license limit during the offer period. 

• Will this be supported on all Meraki licensing models?  Yes. This offer is supported across all Meraki licensing models, including organizations using Subscription, Enterprise Agreement (EA), Co-term, or Per Device Licensing models. 

• Do I still need a separate support contract? Yes. You must maintain an active service contract (such as Cisco Support - Standard) for each device to ensure continued hardware support and TAC access while using your DNA license. Once you transition to a Meraki or Cisco unified license, standard support is embedded, and a separate service contract is only required if you need faster hardware replacement options or advanced RMAs (e.g., 2-hour or 4-hour response) beyond the warranty SLA. 

• What license tier will I see in the Meraki Dashboard? Existing Meraki customers will match their current organization's tier (e.g., Advanced). New Meraki customers will default to the Enterprise tier. 

Operational Flexibility 

• Can I move back to on-premises management? Yes. You can revert to on-premises management at any time by contacting Meraki Support. To be reverted, the device must be online and connected to Meraki Dashboard. No licensing action is required to move back. For more information on reversion, please refer to: Migrating to DNA or CLI Managed Mode 

• What happens if a participating Catalyst device needs an RMA? For switching, the RMA replacement will arrive in the same mode it was originally purchased (IOS-XE). Wireless RMA replacement will arrive in the same mode the case was opened in. 

Planning for the Future 

• What happens after February 1, 2029? To maintain cloud management after this date, you must transition to a Meraki-capable or Unified license. 

• What if my DNA license has time remaining after the offer ends? You can work with your account manager to apply the remaining value of your DNA license as a credit toward a future Cisco purchase. 

• What about FedRAMP customers? FedRAMP customers must transition to the appropriate FedRAMP Meraki-capable licensing (FED- SKUs) by the February 1, 2029 deadline.