Learn how Cisco SD-WAN streamlines nonprofit operations and empowers organizations to enhance security and embrace innovation.
Posted Tuesday, March 26, 2024
In the ever-evolving world of network technology, staying ahead of updates and changes can feel like navigating a ship through foggy waters. For our nonprofit friends, we know the importance of smooth sailing, especially when it comes to managing your Cisco Meraki equipment. Today, we're here to clear the fog with a dual-purpose guide: understanding the End-of-Life (EOL) announcements and streamlining the license renewal process.
Understanding Meraki's End-of-Life Announcements
First things first, let's talk about what it means when your Meraki equipment reaches its "End-of-Life." Picture this: Meraki decides to retire a product from their lineup. They'll announce this with an EOL statement, detailing the critical dates to keep in mind—the last day they'll sell the product (End-of-Sale), the final day of support (End-of-Support), and the shiny new replacement model ready to take its place.
What's crucial to understand is that while your device won't immediately turn into a fancy paperweight post-End-of-Sale, its days are numbered. You can still renew its license and it will function as intended, but there's no promise it'll work flawlessly until the end of time. The End-of-Support date usually hits about 5-7 years after sales cease, and beyond this, your device might disconnect unexpectedly.
To give you an idea, 2024 saw several EOL announcements from Cisco Meraki, including updates to the Z3, Z3C, MR70, and various mounting kits. A host of others spanning the MX, MS, MR, and MV series are set to go End-of-Support in 2024.
Below is a list of the most common End-of-Life or near End-of-Life devices that our nonprofit clients have in their network:
MX Series – Visit our Meraki MX Shop page
MX64 (replacement model MX67)MX65 (replacement model MX68)MX84 (replacement model MX85)MX100 (replacement model MX95)
MX400 (replacement model MX450)
MX600 (replacement model MX450)
MS Series – Visit our Meraki MS Shop page
MS22/42 (replacement MS225-24 and MS250-24)
MS220 - all models (replacement model MS225 series)
MS320 – all models (replacement model MS250 series)
MR Series – Visit our Meraki MR Shop page
MR18 (replacement model MR28)
MR20 (replacement model MR28)
MR33 (replacement model MR36)
MR32 (replacement model MR36)
MR42 (replacement model MR44)
MR42E (replacement model MR46E)
MR45 (replacement model MR46E)
MR52 (replacement model MR46)
MR53 (replacement model MR56)
MR53E (replacement model MR46E)
MR55 (replacement model MR56)
MR62 (replacement model MR76)
MR66 (replacement model MR76)
MR72 (replacement model MR76)
MR74 (replacement model MR76)
MR84 (replacement model MR86)
MV Series – Visit our Meraki MV Shop page
MV21(replacement model MV22)
MV71 (replacement model MV72)
For the full rundown and replacement models, peek at Meraki's EOL Product Page.
License Renewals Made Easy
Now, onto the second beacon of guidance: license renewals. Traditionally, Meraki co-term license renewals were straightforward – one license key for all your renewals. Recently, Cisco has adjusted this approach, and you might now receive several keys for a single renewal. But fear not, we're here to demystify the process.
Start by claiming the first license key on your Meraki dashboard as a "renewal." For any subsequent keys, select the "Add devices/license more devices" option. This two-step process ensures all your equipment stays licensed and operational without any hiccups.
Telecom4Good is Here to Help
In conclusion, navigating the updates and transitions in Cisco Meraki's product lineup, especially in light of End-of-Life (EOL) announcements and the evolving process of license renewals, is crucial for nonprofits aiming to maintain an efficient and uninterrupted network infrastructure. Understanding the implications of EOL can significantly mitigate potential disruptions, ensuring that your organization continues to leverage the cutting-edge benefits of Cisco Meraki's solutions. Additionally, adapting to the new license renewal protocol is vital in keeping your network devices fully operational and secure.
For nonprofits, staying informed and proactive in managing network equipment updates is not just about technical maintenance; it's about safeguarding the connectivity that powers your mission-critical operations. Whether it's through upgrading to the latest models or navigating the license renewal process, the goal is to ensure your network remains a robust foundation for your organization's important work.
Remember, you're not navigating these waters alone. Our team of Meraki experts is here to guide you through every update, every EOL announcement, and every license renewal. We're committed to ensuring that your journey with Cisco Meraki is as smooth and beneficial as possible, enabling your nonprofit to thrive in a digitally connected world. Let us be your compass in the vast ocean of network technology, and together, we'll chart a course for success. Schedule a call today!
Frequently Asked Questions
End-of-Life (EOL) is an announcement from Cisco Meraki indicating that a product will be retired from their lineup. It includes critical dates like the End-of-Sale, the final day of support, and introduces the new replacement model. Although your device won’t immediately stop working post-End-of-Sale, its functionality may be limited as it approaches the End-of-Support date, usually 5-7 years after sales cease.
Once your Cisco Meraki equipment reaches EOL, you should start planning for its replacement. You can still renew its license and use it until the End-of-Support date, but beyond that, it might not function reliably. Consider upgrading to the suggested replacement model to ensure uninterrupted service.
Yes, you can renew the license of your Meraki device even after it has reached its End-of-Life, up until the End-of-Support date. This ensures your device remains operational, but it's advisable to consider upgrading to a current model for long-term reliability.
Cisco Meraki has updated the license renewal process, where you might now receive several keys for a single renewal instead of one. Start by claiming the first license key as a 'renewal' on your Meraki dashboard. For any subsequent keys, use the 'Add devices/license more devices' option. This ensures all your equipment stays licensed without issues.
If you're overwhelmed by EOL announcements or the new license renewal process, our team of trained Meraki engineers is here to help. We can assist with reviewing your dashboard, creating an upgrade plan, or claiming your licenses. Reach out to us for support to keep your nonprofit’s network technology up-to-date and operational.
