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Home > Reviews > The Top 10 SNMP Tools for Meraki Device Monitoring
April 01, 2025
Cisco Meraki devices, known for their cloud-first approach and ease of management, play a vital role in modern networks, but effective monitoring is essential to maximize their potential. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) provides a reliable and widely supported method for tracking key metrics, such as device status, bandwidth utilization, and network health.
With numerous tools available to monitor Meraki devices through SNMP, choosing the right solution can be challenging. Each tool offers unique features, advantages, and licensing models that cater to different organizational needs. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting a monitoring solution that aligns with an organization’s specific requirements and infrastructure.
This article provides an overview of the top tools for monitoring Meraki devices via SNMP, evaluating their capabilities and suitability for different scenarios. By examining the strengths and weaknesses of each solution, organizations can make informed decisions about which tool best fits their needs for effective Meraki device monitoring.
Meraki devices are cloud-managed networking products offered by Cisco Meraki, designed to simplify network management and provide powerful features for businesses of all sizes. The Meraki ecosystem includes wireless access points, security appliances (MX series), switches (MS series), smart cameras, cellular gateways, sensors, and the Cisco Meraki Cloud Controller.
The Meraki Cloud Controller is a centralized management platform that enables administrators to control and monitor all Meraki devices through a single, intuitive web-based dashboard. It facilitates zero-touch provisioning, automated firmware updates, and real-time network monitoring across multiple sites. This cloud-based approach eliminates the need for on-premises hardware controllers, reducing costs and complexity.
Meraki MX security appliances are multifunctional devices that combine advanced security features with SD-WAN capabilities. They offer comprehensive protection, including intrusion detection and prevention, firewall, content filtering, anti-malware, and VPN connectivity. The MX series is designed for easy deployment and management, making it suitable for distributed branch offices and campuses.
Meraki switches (MS series) provide cloud-managed, enterprise-class switching solutions. They offer features such as virtual stacking, allowing centralized management of up to 10,000 switch ports across different physical locations. MS switches support Power over Ethernet (PoE), quality of service (QoS) for prioritizing critical traffic, and layer 3 routing capabilities on select models.
All Meraki devices benefit from the cloud-based management system, which enables rapid deployment, scalability, and automatic updates. This unified approach simplifies network administration, from small setups to large enterprise deployments, while providing integrated security features and continuous firmware updates to protect against evolving threats.
SNMP, or Simple Network Management Protocol, is an application-layer protocol used to monitor and manage network devices across local and wide area networks. It provides a standardized way for devices, such as routers, servers, printers, wireless devices and IoT devices, to communicate with a network management system (NMS).
SNMP operates on a client-server model, where the managed devices run agents that collect and report information to the manager, which oversees the network. This protocol allows administrators to track device status, monitor performance metrics, and configure devices remotely.
The SNMP MIB, or Management Information Base, is a crucial component of the Simple Network Management Protocol ecosystem. It serves as a structured database that defines and organizes the information that can be collected from network devices. Essentially, the MIB acts as a standardized dictionary of network management data, allowing network administrators and monitoring tools to understand and interpret the information provided by SNMP-enabled devices.
The MIB plays a vital role in defining the specific metrics and data points that can be queried via SNMP. It outlines the hierarchical structure of information, including device-specific details, performance metrics, and status indicators. This standardization ensures that different monitoring tools can consistently interpret and display data from devices, regardless of the specific hardware or software versions in use.
SNMP is widely used because of its simplicity and compatibility with most network hardware. Many devices come pre-installed with SNMP agents, making it easy to implement. Administrators rely on SNMP for tasks like monitoring device health, ensuring operational continuity, and detecting security threats. The protocol uses both pull and push methods; it can request data from devices or receive alerts (known as SNMP traps) when predefined thresholds are exceeded.
SNMP v3 is the latest version of the protocol, introduced to address security vulnerabilities in earlier versions. It incorporates robust authentication and encryption mechanisms through its User-Based Security Model (USM), ensuring that only authorized users can access or modify data. These enhancements make SNMP v3 ideal for environments requiring high levels of data security, such as enterprise networks or regulated industries.
SNMP is a popular choice for monitoring Meraki devices due to its simplicity and effectiveness. It allows network administrators to gather crucial information about their Meraki infrastructure without complex setup processes.
There are several reasons why SNMP is a preferred method for monitoring Meraki devices. Firstly, SNMP provides comprehensive visibility into device status, health, and performance. It allows administrators to track key metrics such as cpu usage, packet error count, data throughput, and interface status, enabling them to quickly identify and address potential issues.
Secondly, SNMP supports automatic device discovery and addition. This feature is particularly useful in large networks where manually configuring each device for monitoring would be time-consuming. SNMP can detect and add devices automatically, streamlining the monitoring process.
Thirdly, SNMP offers flexibility in metric selection. Administrators can choose which specific metrics to monitor, allowing them to focus on the most relevant data for their network’s needs. This customization extends to setting thresholds and receiving alerts when these levels are breached.
Furthermore, SNMP is widely supported across various Meraki devices, including switches, wireless access points, and security appliances. This broad compatibility ensures consistent monitoring across the entire Meraki infrastructure. Finally, SNMP can be integrated with various network monitoring tools, allowing organizations to consolidate their monitoring efforts into a single platform.
There are many reasons to invest in Meraki monitoring with SNMP. Here are five of them, in no particular order.
When choosing a solution to monitor Meraki devices via SNMP, there are five key aspects to consider. First, compatibility is crucial. The monitoring solution should support the specific Meraki devices in your network, including wireless access points, switches, security appliances, and other Meraki hardware.
Second, look for a solution that offers comprehensive visibility into device status, health, and performance metrics. This includes the ability to track important data such as packet error count, data throughput, and interface status.
Third, consider the ease of configuration and management. A good monitoring solution should support automatic device discovery and addition, simplifying the setup process for large networks.
Fourth, flexibility in metric selection and alerting is important. The solution should allow you to choose which specific metrics to monitor and set custom thresholds for alerts, enabling you to focus on the most relevant data for your network’s needs.
Lastly, integration capabilities are vital. The monitoring solution should be able to integrate with other network management tools you may be using, allowing for consolidated monitoring efforts and enhanced overall network visibility.
Paessler PRTG is a comprehensive network monitoring solution that offers extensive capabilities for monitoring various IT infrastructure components, including Cisco Meraki devices. It provides a unified platform for monitoring network performance, bandwidth usage, and device health across an organization’s entire IT ecosystem.
For Meraki devices, PRTG offers two native sensors: the Cisco Meraki Network Health sensor and the Cisco Meraki License sensor. These sensors allow administrators to monitor key metrics such as device status, network health, and license information.
PRTG can also use various SNMP sensors to collect additional metrics from Meraki devices, providing a more detailed view of their performance and status. One of the main advantages of PRTG for Meraki monitoring is its ease of use and quick setup process. The native Meraki sensors simplify the configuration process, allowing for rapid deployment.
PRTG is available as an application for Microsoft Windows systems or a hosted solution (PRTG Hosted Monitor) with licensing on a subscription model. The pricing is based on the number of sensors needed, with packages ranging from 500 (enough for about 50 devices, considering the average of 10 sensors per device) to 10.000 sensors. Paessler offers a fully functional 30-day free trial.
Domotz is a cloud-based network monitoring and management platform that offers comprehensive support for Cisco Meraki devices. It’s designed to provide IT professionals and managed service providers with a user-friendly solution for remote monitoring, management, and troubleshooting of networks and connected devices.
Domotz offers SNMP-based monitoring capabilities that allow users to track key performance metrics, device status, and network health. The platform provides automatic discovery and mapping of Meraki devices, real-time alerts for potential issues, and detailed reporting on device performance. Domotz also integrates with the Meraki Dashboard API, enabling users to combine SNMP monitoring with API-based management features.
A significant advantage of Domotz for Meraki monitoring is its cloud-based nature, which allows for easy scalability and remote access. The platform’s intuitive interface and automated discovery features make it particularly suitable for managed service providers overseeing multiple client networks. However, compared to some enterprise-focused solutions, Domotz may have limitations in terms of customization options for complex monitoring scenarios.
Domotz operates on a subscription-based model (renewed monthly or annually), with pricing based on the number of devices being monitored. A 21-day free trial is available.
ManageEngine OpManager is a comprehensive network monitoring software that provides extensive capabilities for managing and monitoring IT infrastructure. It offers a unified platform for network performance monitoring, fault management, and configuration management, making it suitable for businesses of various sizes.
OpManager utilizes SNMP to collect and monitor crucial metrics such as device status, bandwidth utilization, and network performance. It offers pre-configured device templates for Meraki hardware, simplifying the setup process. OpManager provides real-time monitoring, customizable dashboards, and detailed reports on Meraki device performance. It also supports SNMP traps, allowing for immediate notification of critical events on Meraki devices.
One of the main advantages of OpManager for Meraki monitoring is its scalability and depth of features. It can handle large-scale deployments and offers advanced functionalities like automated network mapping and configuration management. However, the wealth of features can make the initial setup and configuration process more complex compared to some simpler solutions. Additionally, while powerful, OpManager may be overkill for small networks with only a few Meraki devices.
ManageEngine offers OpManager in three editions, with pricing varying with the number of devices monitored. Unlike some competitors, “a device can have any number of interfaces, elements or sensors”. A fully functional 30-day free trial of OpManager is available. There is also a free edition for monitoring up to 10 devices, which can be useful for small networks or testing purposes.
Datadog is a cloud-based monitoring and analytics platform designed for modern IT environments, including networks, applications, and infrastructure. It provides real-time visibility into the performance and health of systems, making it a popular choice for organizations managing hybrid or cloud-native environments.
Datadog can collect performance metrics such as bandwidth usage, device health, and network activity. It offers customizable dashboards that allow users to visualize data from Meraki devices alongside other infrastructure components. Datadog also supports alerting based on SNMP traps, enabling administrators to respond quickly to security events or anomalies within their Meraki networks.
One of Datadog’s key strengths is its ability to consolidate monitoring across diverse systems into a single platform. This is particularly beneficial for organizations with complex IT environments that include Meraki devices alongside other hardware and software. However, Datadog’s pricing can be higher than some alternatives, especially for businesses monitoring numerous devices. Additionally, its feature-rich interface may have a steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with cloud-based monitoring tools.
Datadog operates on a subscription-based SaaS (Software as a Service) model. Pricing is calculated based on the number of monitored hosts and the specific features selected (e.g., network monitoring, application performance monitoring). Datadog offers a 14-day free trial.
LogicMonitor is a cloud-based infrastructure monitoring and observability platform that provides comprehensive monitoring capabilities for a wide range of IT infrastructure. It offers a unified solution for monitoring networks, servers, cloud services, and applications, making it suitable for organizations with diverse IT environments.
LogicMonitor leverages SNMP to collect detailed performance metrics and status information. It provides pre-configured monitoring templates for Meraki hardware, streamlining the setup process. LogicMonitor offers real-time monitoring, customizable dashboards, and automated alert mechanisms for Meraki devices, providing a holistic view of the Meraki infrastructure.
One of LogicMonitor’s strengths is its ability to automatically discover and monitor new devices, which is particularly useful in dynamic Meraki environments. Its cloud-based nature allows for easy scalability and remote access. However, the platform’s extensive feature set may be more than what’s needed for smaller networks. Additionally, some users report that the initial configuration process can be complex, requiring a learning curve to fully utilize all features.
LogicMonitor operates on a subscription-based SaaS model. Pricing is typically based on the number of monitored devices and the specific features required. The company offers customized pricing plans tailored to each organization’s needs, which can make it challenging to estimate costs without direct consultation. A 14-day free trial is available.
N-Able N-Sight, formerly known as N-Central, is a comprehensive remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform designed primarily for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT professionals. It offers a wide range of features for monitoring, managing, and securing IT infrastructure.
N-Sight utilizes SNMP to collect and monitor essential metrics such as device status, network performance, and bandwidth utilization. The platform provides automated discovery and classification of Meraki devices, simplifying the initial setup process. N-Sight offers customizable dashboards, detailed reporting, and proactive alerting capabilities specific to Meraki infrastructure. It also integrates with other N-Able tools, allowing for extended functionality like remote access and automation.
A significant advantage of N-Sight for Meraki monitoring is its focus on MSPs, offering features like multi-tenancy and white-labeling that are particularly valuable for service providers managing multiple client networks. The platform’s automation capabilities can significantly reduce manual monitoring tasks. However, for organizations solely focused on monitoring their own Meraki devices, N-Sight may offer more functionality than necessary, potentially making it a more complex and costly solution compared to simpler alternatives.
N-Able N-Sight is primarily offered as a subscription-based SaaS solution, but detailed pricing information often requires direct consultation with their sales team. A free trial is available.
Zabbix is an open-source monitoring solution that provides enterprise-class monitoring capabilities for networks, servers, and cloud services. It offers a highly flexible and scalable platform that can be customized to meet the specific needs of various organizations.
For Meraki devices, Zabbix utilizes SNMP to collect and monitor a wide range of metrics. It supports automatic discovery of Meraki devices on the network and provides templates for quick setup of monitoring parameters. Zabbix offers real-time monitoring, customizable dashboards, and a powerful alerting system that can be fine-tuned for Meraki-specific events.
One of the main advantages of Zabbix for Meraki monitoring is its flexibility and extensibility. As an open-source solution, it allows for deep customization and integration with other systems. It’s also highly scalable, capable of monitoring large-scale Meraki deployments. However, this flexibility comes with a steeper learning curve compared to some commercial solutions.
Zabbix is available as a free, open-source solution, which can be a significant advantage for organizations looking to minimize costs. While the core Zabbix software is free to use, organizations should consider the potential costs of implementation, maintenance, and infrastructure when evaluating total cost of ownership.
For those requiring professional support, Zabbix offers commercial support packages and a cloud-hosted option. The pricing for these services is typically based on the number of monitored devices and the level of support required.
StatSeeker is a network performance monitoring and analytics platform designed to handle high-volume network data. It offers specialized capabilities for monitoring Cisco Meraki devices, providing detailed insights into network performance and utilization.
StatSeeker leverages SNMP to collect comprehensive performance metrics. It offers a dedicated Meraki Module that provides pre-configured templates and dashboards specifically designed for Meraki infrastructure. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to process and analyze large volumes of network data, making it suitable for organizations with extensive Meraki deployments.
A significant advantage of StatSeeker for Meraki monitoring is its scalability and performance with large datasets. It can handle high-frequency polling and long-term data retention without compromising on query speed. This makes it particularly valuable for organizations needing to analyze historical trends in their Meraki networks. However, StatSeeker’s focus on high-performance data processing may make it more complex and potentially overqualified for smaller Meraki deployments. Additionally, its specialized nature might result in a steeper learning curve compared to more general-purpose monitoring tools.
Statseeker is licensed on a subscription model renewed annually, but detailed pricing information is hard to find on the official website. A free trial is available.
Site24x7 is a cloud-based, all-in-one monitoring solution that offers comprehensive capabilities for IT infrastructure, applications, and networks. It provides a unified platform for monitoring various aspects of IT operations, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Site24x7 utilizes SNMP to collect and monitor essential metrics. The platform offers automated discovery and classification of Meraki devices, simplifying the initial setup process. Site24x7 provides real-time monitoring, customizable dashboards, and detailed reporting specific to Meraki infrastructure. It can track key performance indicators such as device status, network traffic, and resource utilization. The platform also supports SNMP traps, enabling immediate notifications for critical events on Meraki devices.
One of the main advantages of Site24x7 for Meraki monitoring is its user-friendly interface and quick setup process. The cloud-based nature of the platform allows for easy scalability and remote access, which is particularly beneficial for organizations with distributed Meraki networks. However, while Site24x7 offers comprehensive monitoring capabilities, it may not provide as deep a level of customization as some on-premises solutions.
Site24x7 operates on a subscription-based SaaS model. Pricing is typically based on the number of monitors (devices or services) and the specific features required. The platform offers various plans catering to different business sizes and needs, from small IT teams to large enterprises. Site24x7 provides a 30-day free trial.
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (also known as NPM) is a comprehensive network monitoring solution designed for IT professionals managing complex network infrastructures. It offers a wide range of features for network visibility, performance analysis, and troubleshooting.
NPM utilizes SNMP to collect and monitor crucial metrics. It provides out-of-the-box support for Meraki hardware, including pre-configured templates and reports specific to Meraki infrastructure. NPM offers real-time monitoring, customizable dashboards, and advanced alerting capabilities for Meraki devices. The platform can track key performance indicators such as device health, network traffic patterns, and bandwidth utilization across Meraki wireless access points, switches, and security appliances. NPM also integrates with other SolarWinds tools, allowing for extended functionality like configuration management and event log analysis.
A significant advantage of NPM for Meraki monitoring is its depth of features and scalability. It can handle large-scale Meraki deployments and offers advanced network mapping and topology visualization capabilities. The platform’s NetPath feature can be particularly useful for troubleshooting complex network issues involving Meraki devices. However, the wealth of features can make the initial setup and configuration process more complex compared to some simpler solutions. Additionally, while powerful, NPM may be more than what’s needed for small networks with only a few Meraki devices.
SolarWinds NPM is primarily offered as an on-premises solution with a subscription or perpetual licensing model. The pricing is based on the features and modules needed. SolarWinds also offers annual maintenance plans for updates and support. A fully functional 30-day free trial of NPM is available.
In conclusion, when it comes to monitoring Meraki devices via SNMP, Paessler PRTG stands out as our preferred tool. As an official Cisco Meraki technology partner, PRTG offers seamless integration and specialized features tailored for Meraki infrastructure. Besides SNMP, it provides native sensors for Meraki devices, offering valuable insights into device status, network health, and license information.
PRTG’s strengths include its user-friendly interface, quick setup process, and ability to monitor the entire IT infrastructure. It is scalable, handling large-scale Meraki deployments with ease, and offers advanced features like network mapping and topology visualization. Additionally, PRTG’s cloud-based capabilities enable easy remote access and management, making it ideal for distributed Meraki networks.
Overall, PRTG provides a robust solution for monitoring and optimizing Meraki infrastructure. Its comprehensive alerting system, customizable dashboards and graphs, and integration with other network management tools make it an excellent choice for organizations seeking a unified view of their network’s health and performance.
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