In a recent blog, we introduced the Cisco Networking Cloud. A year ago, Cisco first introduced its “multi-year vision” for the Networking Cloud, positioning a high-level software console that provides access to all its on-premises and cloud-based networks whilst also delivering predictive analytics and visibility across network domains.
The initial vision was to provide a console that would include the following:
In recent conversations that we’ve had with our customers, they raised three broad questions. This blog aims to address those to provide clarity regarding the Cisco Networking Cloud.
The Cisco Networking Cloud is a multi-year journey involving customer input to unify the various Cisco management platforms. In the image above, you can see the Cisco Networking Cloud as a high-level console view providing single sign-on access to a broadening range of Cisco on-premises and cloud-managed platforms. Consistency of user experience (UX) and user interface(UI) in the ongoing maintenance of the unified management platforms has been adopted.
The Cisco Networking Cloud will cover the following Cisco operating systems IOS-XE, IOS-XR and NX-OS, and secure access to the Meraki Dashboard, DNA Center, Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller, and the Catalyst SD-WAN Controller.
For the Cisco Catalyst switches and wireless access points listed below, monitoring within the Meraki Dashboard is supported from IOS-XE 17.12.3 and improves towards the end of 2024 with the release of IOS-XE 17.15.1. Management of these devices is still handled via a command line interface due to the varied and potentially demanding configurations supported by Catalyst devices:
Meraki devices are designed to be cloud-managed out-of-the-box and can seamlessly integrate with Cisco’s Cloud Networking solutions. All Meraki hardware models are compatible with the Meraki cloud dashboard.
A common development UI is now used for the Cisco cloud-managed applications such as the Meraki cloud-managed dashboard, Identity Service Engine (ISE) and ThousandEyes. In addition, you can log into one of the three cloud applications and, if licensed, tab between them without having to log in to each individually, which saves time and improves security and the user experience.
Cisco is a major security vendor, leveraging its strong networking heritage, significant development and acquisition resources, and Cisco Talos Intelligence Group, one of the largest commercial threat intelligence teams in the world.
The Meraki cloud-managed dashboard provides a customer-friendly integration platform that combines Cisco’s increasing native security capabilities applied across the core functional deliverables of routing, switching, wireless, CCTV, and IoT.
The Meraki cloud-managed platform leverages both on-premises and cloud-based compute models, offering a range of security functions to meet each individual organisation’s appetite for risk.
A sample of these functions includes:
The Cisco Networking Cloud aggregates network protection for organisations and end users by offering an adaptable security solution where customers specify their security policies, and Cisco applies firmware and security updates as required.
The investment and familiarity with existing Cisco toolsets can present a level of organisational inertia when it comes to changes of this magnitude. However, with network monitoring as a primary capability of Cisco Networking Cloud, it’s an incredibly low risk, high return way to test the “Power of the Platform” for yourself.
Creation of a Meraki cloud-managed dashboard account is simple and free if you don’t already have one. There is a straightforward process to add a Catalyst device to the dashboard. As noted above, if you have a DNA Essentials or DNA Advantage licence, cloud monitoring is already included, so there is no further outlay. As you develop familiarity and comfort with Cisco Networking Cloud, you can gradually add other infrastructure over any time frame you choose, and at your own pace.
Although the technology and approach are already in use and well-proven within companies around the world, for those looking to take a guided approach, Data#3 can facilitate a Proof of Concept (POC) to address any residual questions. This hands-on option enables organisations to understand how Cisco Networking Cloud would fit seamlessly with your existing management toolsets, providing layers of monitoring and management capabilities and engaging staff with a broader range of skillsets.
As both a Cisco Security Master Specialised and a Networking Master Specialised Partner, Data#3 has one of the most mature and highly accredited teams in Australia. Working in partnership with Cisco, we have been helping our customers achieve a more connected and secure organisation for more than 25 years.
To explore how you can simplify and secure your network, talk to a Data#3 specialist today.