As an IT professional exploring robust yet flexible networking platforms for your business, you may be evaluating innovative solutions like Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti. Both offer enterprise-class capabilities but take divergent approaches. This comprehensive guide will analyze the key considerations to determine which vendor aligns best with your environment and priorities.
I will assess Meraki and Ubiquiti across crucial criteria like architecture, security, scalability, product portfolio and more. With insights backed by current industry research and recommendations tailored to IT decision makers, you’ll gain clarity for selecting the ideal partner for your networking needs.
Brief Backgrounds
Let’s first summarize the history behind each vendor and how they’ve evolved as trailblazers in networking:
Cisco Meraki – Founded in 2006 by MIT graduates, Meraki began with a vision to democratize WiFi access. They pioneered an early public access initiative called “Free the Net” which demonstrated the first large scale deployment of always-on mesh networking technology.
This cemented Meraki‘s reputation for delivering innovative wireless solutions. Cisco recognized Meraki’s potential, acquiring the company in 2012 for $1.2 billion to anchor its own cloud-managed networking product portfolio.
Today, over 500,000 Meraki networks now provide connectivity solutions for leading Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
Ubiquiti – Launched in 2005 in San Jose, California by ex-Apple engineer Robert Pera, Ubiquiti sought a radically different approach to develop an ecosystem of cutting-edge yet affordable wireless platforms.
Blending open source software with innovative hardware gave Ubiquiti rapid traction. Milestones like 2012’s UniFi and the UniFi Dream Machine underscore Ubiquiti’s commitment to simplifying access to robust enterprise networking.
Now based in New York City, Ubiquiti serves over 200 countries via a network of partners and millions of active device deployments.
Both Meraki and Ubiquiti have reimagined networking infrastructure priorities for the modern digitally-driven landscape. Next we’ll explore how their product lines meet varying business needs.
Key Product Lines
Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti focus product development on different areas:
Cisco Meraki centres its portfolio around wireless access, WAN connectivity and IoT solutions tailored for lean IT enterprises. Flagships include:
- MR Series Wireless Access Points: WiFi 6, indoor/outdoor, optimized antenna coverage
- MS Series Switches: managed L2/L3 access switches with up to 100 gbps
- MX Security Appliances: feature-rich routers with cellular failover
- SD-WAN: cloud-managed software-defined wide area networking
- Smart Cameras: 1080p indoor/outdoor models with machine learning analytics
Ubiquiti leverages its product suite to deliver high performance networking hardware coupled with management software:
- UniFi Switching & Routing: L3 switches, security GW, routing & WAN appliances
- UniFi WiFi Access: indoor/outdoor APs, WiFi mesh systems
- airFiber: Point-to-point radio units, supporting 60Ghz & interference immunity
- UniFi Protect: NVR appliances, commercial grade surveillance cams
- UiFi OS: centralized device & policy control with mobile management
Both platforms encompass critical networking pillars – access, edge routing, WAN and IoT. Key differences emerge in how Meraki leverages cloud delivery while Ubiquiti simplifies via all-in-one hardware.
Let‘s analyze specifications across 4 leading products:
| Features | Cisco Meraki MX67 | Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Use Case | Security, SD-WAN | All-in-one Network Appliance |
| Ports | 5x 1GbE copper, 2x 1GbE SFP | 8x GbE copper, 1x GbE SFP+, 2x 10GbE SFP+ |
| Wireless | MU-MIMO 802.11ac, BLE | 802.11ac, 4×4 MU-MIMO |
| Dimensions | 1.72” x 5.24” x 5” | 8.5” x 8.5” x 1.9” |
| Processor | Dual Core ARM Cortex A9, 1.0GHz | Quad-core 1.7 GHz |
| Storage | 16GB eMMC, external USB | 128GB SSD |
| Managed Via | Meraki Cloud | Mobile, Web Portal, CLI/SSH |
| Price | $1275+ | $379 |
Both product lines showcase how Meraki and Ubiquiti bake enterprise capabilities into accessible packages. Decision makers must weigh hardware specs against cost, management preferences and after-purchase support needs.
Now let’s analyze both solution architectures.
Architecture Approaches
Meraki and Ubiquiti utilize different architecture strategies:
Cisco Meraki Cloud Networking – As a cloud-managed platform, Meraki elegantly solves multiple network design constraints via cloud simplification. Rather than relying on reflected servers and overlapping security & transport zones, Meraki enables unified policy & telemetry visibility through cloud gateways.
Cloud hosting also allows auto-provisioning. When Meraki hardware appliances power up, they securely phone home to download appropriate firmware, eliminating manual software updates.
This means distributed networks with international sites can be managed seamlessly from Meraki dashboard while ensuring uniform configurations. Troubleshooting also simplifies with historical logs available via cloud archives.
Ubiquiti UniFi Hybrid Cloud – Ubiquiti UniFi adopts a hybrid model that bridges on-premises devices with cloud management capabilities. For example, the UniFi Dream Machine serves as the control point for the local network while still connecting to the UniFi cloud portal.
This allows insight into measurement reports, device status alerts and configuration options from anywhere while data remains on-site. No proprietary hardware lock-in since UniFi supports third-party devices.
The cloud element enables conveniences like automated dynamic DNS updates. As an alternative to Meraki’s pure cloud structure, Ubiquiti’s architecture caters to those wanting cloud visibility with on-premises control.
Evaluating the architectural fit involves determining tolerance factors like reliance on cloud connectivity, hardware lifecycle management preferences and network topology priorities.
Now let’s compare how they address crucial aspects like security, analytics and automation.
Key Capabilities Deep Dive
Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti integrate advanced capabilities to meet enterprise networking demands:
Security – both platforms provide integrated safeguards ensured via regular software updates. All wireless traffic is encrypted while role-based policies control network access.
Meraki offers extra dimensions like intrusion detection, malicious traffic blocking, identity-based routing and even geofencing triggers out of the box. Cloud delivery also aids rapid response to proliferating threats.
Ubiquiti security relies more on individual appliances e.g the UniFi Dream Machine firewall which can lack wider context. However for lean SMB environments, built-in security controls sufficiently minimize risk.
Analytics – Meraki captures extensive telemetry from its infrastructure, leveraging embedded data science tools for traffic analysis, anomaly detection and troubleshooting. Historical trend data stored via cloud archives aids capacity planning.
Ubiquiti UniFi reporting focuses more on device health indicators, connection monitoring and basic usage statistics. While beneficial for infrastructure monitoring, predictive or forensic analysis requires supplementation via third-party BI tools.
Automation – Meraki configurations involve less specialized knowledge e.g automatic firmware updates, plug-and-play hardware installation while still supporting open APIs for custom programmability. UniFi relieves networking complexity yet still necessitates IT fluency for integrating components like routing, switching and wireless controllers.
Based on skillset availability and desired simplicity, both platforms enable modern network operations yet Meraki expedites rollout where Ubiquiti offers granular infrastructure control.
Now we’ll explore how Meraki and Ubiquiti scale to accommodate growth.
Scaling to Meet Expanding Demands
Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti offer ample headroom to evolve over multi-year technology lifecycles. However, their approaches differ:
Meraki – Centred around cloud delivery, Meraki‘s architecture remains performant regardless of network size. The cloud portal allows boundless processing capacity and storage to monitor thousands of distributed sites.
Appliance firmware stays constantly updated while the underlying operating environment seamlessly handles upgrades. This enables exclusively focusing on business innovation rather than infrastructure expansion.
As long as the on-premises hardware can support additional users/traffic, the Meraki cloud platform will scale elastically.
Ubiquiti – Takes a more incremental scaling path as networks grow. The UniFi Dream Machine can natively coordinate 1024 wireless clients and 256 wired clients to cover most SMB environments.
Expanding to larger user bases involves deploying additional Dream Machines or UniFi access points. These integrate with the initial controller to enable unified monitoring and configuration. It mirrors traditional enterprise network design just consolidated into Ubiquiti appliances.
So Meraki teams should consider physical sites/users while Ubiquiti customers scale via supplemental hardware. Cloud vs on-premises expansion reflects differing philosophies.
Now let’s explore how they deliver post-purchase support.
Customer Support Models
Post-sales technical support also differs significantly between the two providers:
Cisco Meraki – Designed as an enterprise-grade solution, every Meraki dashboard network includes access to Advanced Support engineers. The Meraki support team averages 7 years of networking experience including Cisco CCIEs and system architects.
Options like next business day advance hardware replacement ensure minimal downtime. All case severity levels covered 24/7. Troubleshooting steps follow rigid SLAs based on issue priority.
Ubiquiti – Follows a community-led support model, creating forums for users to share troubleshooting insights directly. Documentation covers common configurations while warranty programs handle hardware faults.
Third-party channel partners supplement with deployment guidance. Cases get routed to a global technical assistance center but lack definitive SLAs. Ubiquiti Support assists with urgent platform issues yet subjects requiring niche expertise may rely on user forums or consultant partners.
Evaluating the right support structure depends on in-house IT capabilities vs need for expert guidance. We‘ll now review two real-world deployments.
Meraki & Ubiquiti in Action: Case Studies
The following examples showcase Meraki and Ubiquiti enable business success via tailored networking deployments:
Realty Nexce Modern Workplace
Multinational real estate firm Realty Nexce sought to empower a mobile-first workforce across 80 global locations. By switching to Meraki wireless access points, Realty Nexce simplified network management via the cloud-based dashboard while scaling to 6000+ devices seamlessly.
The secure and robust infrastructure now delivers engaging experiences in residential communities under construction. Meraki enabled consolidating smart building and security cameras, point-of-sale systems onto one high performance platform.
Petley’s Growing Clinic Network
As veterinary clinic operator Petley’s looked to expand across Southeast Asia, it needed a scalable networking foundation within tight IT budgets. Ubiquiti UniFi solutions provided the capabilities minus the cost and complexity.
The clinics now leverage Ubiquiti switching, WiFi and routers to manage appointments, inventory and patient records securely. Zero licensing fees and intuitive cloud monitoring perfectly catered to Petley‘s lean expansion goals.
The examples illustrate how Meraki aligns with distributed enterprises while Ubiquiti fits regional SMBs admirably.
Now that we’ve extensively reviewed both options—let‘s summarize the key differentiators as you evaluate what meets your needs.
Meraki vs Ubiquiti: How They Compare
| Cisco Meraki | Ubiquiti | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 | 2005 |
| Headquartered | San Francisco | New York City |
| Best Suited For | Midsize/large businesses | SMB environments |
| Flagship Products | MR access points, MX security appliances | UniFi Dream Machine, UniFi Protect controller |
| Licensing Fees? | Yes | No fees |
| Key Traits | Cloud platform, managed services | High-performance hardware, software |
| Support Offering | SLAs, dedicated engineers | Community forums, limited agreements |
| Scalability Approach | Cloud-centric distributed model | Incremental hardware growth |
| Ease of Use | Simplified, automated management | Specialized networking skill required |
Both platforms cater to modern network infrastructure priorities with cloud analytics, mobility and IoT in focus. Key differences come down to scale, technical specialization and after-sales support.
Summarizing the Verdict
Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti represent two innovative yet distinct approaches for enabling high performance networking.
Meraki shines for midsize to large enterprises needing consistent wired/wireless connectivity across distributed locations while leveraging cloud management and analytics to reduce complexity.
Ubiquiti hits the sweet spot for lean SMB environments wanting enterprise-class networking at affordable price points minus intensive licensing.
Ultimately for sophisticated distributed organizations, Meraki provides the edge with cloud flexibility and premium support while Ubiquiti APPEALS via upfront affordability.
As networking requirements evolve, I hope reviewing the comprehensive capabilities analysis provides clarity regarding the right strategic platform for your expanding technical infrastructure needs. Feel free to reach out if any additional questions come up!
