Meraki Introduces New Topology Map Feature

Cisco Meraki has released their new topology feature.  It is available now on the Meraki dashboard.  No need for a firmware update or purchase of a new license.  Put simply, you can now map your entire network quickly and easily.

The video below is provided by Cisco Meraki.

Benefits

This is a simple intuitive interface designed to make your life easier.  Benefits include:

• Troubleshooting and support are more intuitive.
• Greater network visibility
• Replaces manual mapping
• Aids in keeping track of MAC address tables

Features

The new topology feature intelligently and automatically maps the network.  The map shows direct and redundant links across wired and wireless infrastructure.  It gives you a hierarchical, physical layout of how your gear is interconnected.  You can see how your equipment is deployed.  You can search for devices by name, type, or tag.

The simple, intuitive interface represents a Meraki MX security appliance with a square, a rectangle represents a Meraki MS switch, and Meraki MR access points are shown by circles.  Non-Meraki devices on your network are represented by an empty diamond shape.  Non-Meraki devices will be shown on the topology map if they are within one hop of a Meraki device.

Hovering over a device will give you information about the device type, number of clients and any pertinent service alerts.

You can hover over a link between devices to check on traffic density over that link.

It will also show redundant and blocked links to help prevent data loops.

Summary

The new topology feature is a simple, intuitive look at your network.  For full functionality, the network must include a Meraki MS switch.  It will show non-Meraki devices and can even give limited data on them depending on the device.