Cloud-managed access point architecture uses a public SaaS cloud platform to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot wireless access points remotely. Cisco Meraki is the Cisco offering for this architecture. section 19.2 section 19.2.3
The architecture separates management traffic from client data:
- Connects Meraki APs to the cloud over the internet through an encrypted tunnel. section 19.2.3
- Sends RF information, client statistics, and other operational information to the cloud platform. section 19.2.3
- Lets administrators centrally manage APs through the web-based Meraki dashboard. section 19.2.3
- Forwards user data directly to the wired LAN rather than tunneling it to the cloud. section 19.2.3
Figure 19.11 Cisco Meraki offers cloud-based APs. Meraki APs are managed using Meraki’s cloud platform, which connects to each AP using an encrypted tunnel. User data traffic from clients is not tunneled to the cloud—only management traffic.
Trace the encrypted management tunnel from Meraki APs to the cloud while following user traffic directly to the wired LAN. section 19.2.3
This design simplifies AP deployment, configuration changes, health monitoring, and troubleshooting while providing centralized, scalable management. It differs from lightweight AP architecture, which requires a WLC, and from a cloud WLC deployment, which places a WLC virtual machine in the cloud. Standard Cisco APs cannot operate as cloud-based APs; this capability applies to Cisco Meraki APs. section 19.2 section 19.2.3
