I'm currently managing a network with Meraki gear across 200 retail locations, each having an average of 5 Entra ID-joined PCs or Azure Virtual Desktop thin clients. We have a site-to-site VPN connection back to HQ mainly for file sharing. However, as we transition away from local file shares, the need for that VPN is diminishing, except perhaps for HQ to Azure connectivity.
My aim is to reduce the reliance on Meraki and Cisco licensing costs while still maintaining centralized management visibility on ISP gateways from AT&T or Charter that manage basic DHCP and NAT functionalities. It feels risky having no visibility into the network, even if the onsite networking demands are minimal. I've tried Ubiquiti at home, but I worry about its scalability and reliability in a retail environment, especially without VPN overhead.
I'm on the lookout for lightweight, cloud-managed platforms that are cheaper than Meraki and can provide reliable management across various sites using simple ISP internet. I'm prioritizing platforms that offer a straightforward dashboard and SD-WAN capabilities over intricate features. I'm open to both hardware appliances and virtual options that can handle environments with less than 10 devices. If it helps, I can provide specifics on our current MX67/68 counts and available bandwidth.
2 Answers
UniFi has been a solid option for us! Don't let the naysayers sway you; it performs well for my needs.
Have you considered if you really need site visibility anymore? With your endpoints using Entra and most apps being cloud-based, your focus should shift to identity and endpoint security rather than the gateway itself. Many organizations cling to Meraki for that 'visibility feels risky' reason, but often they can't articulate what actionable insights they would gain from it.
Absolutely agree, UniFi is fantastic!