Cisco Meraki Dashboard vs ExtremeCloud IQ

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.

ExtremeCloud IQ provides machine-learning-driven unified management for access points, switches and SD-WAN. It offers real-time and historical views of client and device health with built-in remediation tools. Automatic configuration policies, near zero-touch deployment workflows and Instant operations support onboarding and provisioning. Enhanced WiFi Maps help with network planning and optimization. The product supports OpenAPI-standard APIs for provisioning, management and customization. It can manage Cisco and HPE Aruba switches, while other third-party devices receive basic setup and monitoring. Deployment options include public cloud, private cloud and ExtremeCloud Edge; the product page describes 21 global points of presence across AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform. Licenses are pooled and portable across devices, locations and users, covering wired and wireless devices. Pilot includes guest management, wireless intrusion prevention and location services; CoPilot adds anomaly detection and experience monitoring. Pricing is on request, with a 90-day trial and no free plan.