Cisco Meraki Dashboard vs Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager

Cisco Meraki Dashboard is a cloud platform for provisioning, configuring and troubleshooting networking and IoT deployments. From one dashboard it manages wireless, switching, routing, cellular gateways, cameras, sensors and industrial Ethernet switching. Cisco describes use across networks from small sites to distributed deployments with thousands of sites, and says zero-touch provisioning can deploy new sites in minutes. Integrated tools include ping, traceroute, throughput checks and live packet capture. The platform is API-first and includes a Networking App Marketplace with more than 350 applications, alongside partner apps, APIs and built-in integrations. Access is listed through web, API, Android and iOS; the mobile app manages organization and network administrators. Cisco states that its architecture keeps end-user traffic from traversing Meraki datacenters, while management data uses secure connections. The platform uses a PCI- and HIPAA-compliant architecture and has a stated 99.99% uptime SLA. Meraki products require valid licensing; there is no free plan, though a free trial is available.

Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager is a cloud platform for configuring, deploying, monitoring, operating and troubleshooting LTE and 5G router and adapter endpoints used for wireless WAN. Dashboards and reports show live LAN and WAN statistics, cellular health and data-plan usage. Deployment tools include preconfigured setup, bulk policy management, automatic carrier selection and cellular geolocation mapping. The service monitors connection health, provides network-health dashboards and deeper insights, and sends immediate alerts when issues arise. Security controls include optional multifactor authentication, Federated ID single sign-on, enhanced login security, granular permissions and security alerts. Data is encrypted at rest and in transit. Cradlepoint says its cloud services run on Amazon Web Services across multiple availability zones with offsite backups; device connections are client initiated, certificate based and encrypted with current TLS. The REST API offers programmatic access to many interface functions through v2 and v3 endpoints. A mobile app lets authorized users inspect alerts, endpoint status, signal and usage data, run tests and reboot endpoints. Essentials and Advanced plans include enterprise-level support, updates and global 24x7 assistance.