Cisco Meraki is a popular cloud-managed networking solution for schools and businesses, but IT decision-makers often have questions about licensing costs, network security and long-term value.
In this guide, Redway Networks answers common questions about Cisco Meraki WiFi, including how its licensing works, what happens when a licence expires, and whether Meraki is suitable for schools and organisations with multiple sites.
Drawing on our experience designing and installing Cisco Meraki wireless networks, we explain what to consider before upgrading your WiFi infrastructure.
Schools, businesses, and organisations often know about Cisco Meraki, but many are unaware of how competitive it is compared to other networking solutions. As a Gartner Magic Quadrant leader, Meraki delivers enterprise-grade wireless and networking solutions that are not only reliable and innovative but also cost-effective — dispelling the myth that high quality means exclusionary pricing.
Here, we answer the most frequently asked questions about Meraki licensing, pricing, total cost of ownership (TCO), and security.
Is Cisco Meraki suitable for multi-academy trusts and businesses with multiple locations?
Yes. Cisco Meraki is particularly well suited to organisations managing networks across multiple sites. Its cloud-based dashboard allows IT teams to monitor wireless performance, manage network configurations and troubleshoot issues remotely. This makes it an attractive option for multi-academy trusts, schools and businesses looking for centralised network management.
What Cisco Meraki licensing options are available?
Meraki offers flexible licensing terms of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years, covering the total cost of ownership for each period.
For UK schools, a particularly attractive option is the 10-year license, for which you only pay for 5 years — effectively doubling the value and making Meraki highly cost-efficient.
What’s Included in a Meraki License?
A single Meraki license consolidates multiple features that other vendors may sell separately:
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Lifetime hardware warranty (1-year warranty for outdoor APs)
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Firmware upgrades to ensure your devices always have the latest features
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Software updates included at no extra cost
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Full access to the Meraki cloud dashboard for management and monitoring
What happens when a Cisco Meraki licence expires?
Cisco Meraki requires active licensing for access to its cloud management platform and associated services. The impact of an expired licence depends on the licensing model, with potential restrictions on network management or device operation. Regularly reviewing renewal dates helps prevent disruption. Redway Networks can advise on licensing options and renewals to help keep your network supported.
How much does Cisco Meraki WiFi cost for a school or business?
The cost of a Cisco Meraki WiFi installation depends on the size of your premises, the number of wireless access points required, network infrastructure and licensing options. Although Meraki can have a higher initial cost than some alternatives, its cloud-based management, monitoring and support features can offer long-term value. Redway Networks can assess your requirements and recommend a cost-effective Meraki solution tailored to your organisation.
Is Cisco Meraki WiFi Expensive?
Many IT departments assume Meraki is expensive, but the total cost of ownership (TCO) often makes it more affordable than competitors:
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10-year license promotion allows you to pay for 5 years and get full coverage for a decade.
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Client feedback: Chris Baker from The John Warner School said, “Meraki was slightly more expensive than Aruba, but with the 10-year license promotion, both products worked out about the same price. Redway Networks persuaded me to look at Meraki, and I’m really pleased we did.”
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0% financing via EasyLease provides budget flexibility that many other vendors cannot match.
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Mesh networking benefits without needing a dedicated controller for small deployments.
Meraki provides a cost-effective, future-proof solution for schools, businesses, and enterprise environments.
Why Choose Meraki Over Consumer-Grade Solutions?
High-demand, bandwidth-heavy applications can overwhelm consumer-grade networks, but Meraki delivers a reliable and scalable solution:"
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Bandwidth monitoring and device control, ensuring optimal performance for all users
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Future-proofing with dashboard feature updates as technology evolves
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Mobile app management, allowing network oversight from smartphones or tablets
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Intuitive cloud-based dashboards, balancing power and ease of use
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Aesthetic access points (APs) that blend into physical environments
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Full-stack networking solutions, including switches and security devices, from a single vendor
Meraki helps organisations simplify network management while ensuring reliability and scalability.
Is Cisco Meraki cloud-managed WiFi secure?
Meraki is enterprise-grade secure:
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Only configuration data passes through the cloud; user data stays on the local network (LAN)
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If the internet connection fails, your LAN remains operational, keeping printers, file servers, and other local resources available
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Configuration changes queue until connectivity is restored, avoiding disruption
This design provides the benefits of cloud management without compromising security or uptime.
Can Cisco Meraki WiFi work with our existing network infrastructure?
Yes, Cisco Meraki wireless access points can often be integrated with existing network switches, firewalls and cabling, provided the infrastructure meets the necessary technical requirements. A professional WiFi survey and network assessment can identify compatibility issues and determine whether any upgrades are needed before installation.
Does every Cisco Meraki access point need a licence?
Each hardware device, such as a wireless access point, requires its own license. For example, 10 APs require 10 licenses to ensure full functionality, support, and updates.
Do I need a WiFi survey before installing Cisco Meraki access points?
A professional WiFi survey is recommended before installing or upgrading a Cisco Meraki wireless network. A survey helps determine the optimal number and placement of access points, identify potential interference and assess coverage and capacity requirements. Redway Networks provides professional WiFi surveys, design and installation services to help organisations achieve reliable wireless connectivity.
Support You Can Count On
When you deploy Meraki through Redway Networks, you’ll receive:
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24/7 proactive phone support from qualified engineers
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Break-fix guarantees for peace of mind
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System management and monitoring
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Remote troubleshooting
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Wireless network maintenance
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User training to maximise your investment
Get Started with Meraki
If you’re ready to explore a Cisco Meraki wireless solution for your school, business, or enterprise network, contact our expert team today. We’ll help you choose the right configuration and licensing to meet your budget, security requirements, and long-term networking goals.
If you’d like to speak to us about a Meraki wireless solution, contact us or call us 01908 046400.
