In today’s fast-paced digital world, reliable internet connectivity is non-negotiable. For businesses and tech-savvy homes alike, Multi-WAN support is a game-changer — providing redundancy, load balancing, and improved performance by utilizing multiple internet connections simultaneously. Cisco Meraki’s cloud-managed networking devices make it incredibly easy to set this up through an intuitive GUI. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to implement Multi-WAN support using the Meraki dashboard, boosting your network’s resilience and speed without breaking a sweat.
What is Multi-WAN?
Before diving in, let’s clarify what Multi-WAN means. Multi-WAN refers to the use of multiple Wide Area Network (WAN) connections on a single router or firewall to enhance network reliability and bandwidth. By configuring more than one internet uplink, your network can avoid downtime by automatically switching to a backup WAN if the primary fails, or intelligently distribute traffic across multiple connections.
Why Use Meraki for Multi-WAN?
Meraki’s cloud-based dashboard simplifies network management, making complex setups like Multi-WAN accessible even if you’re not a networking pro. With features like automatic failover, load balancing, and detailed health monitoring, Meraki devices ensure your internet connections are optimized without manual intervention.
Step-by-Step Guide: Enable Multi-WAN on Meraki via the GUI
Step 1: Access the Meraki Dashboard
- Open your web browser.
- Go to dashboard.meraki.com.
- Log in with your credentials.
Step 2: Navigate to Your Network
- On the left-hand menu, select the network where the Meraki firewall or Security Appliance is deployed.
- Click Security & SD-WAN.
Step 3: Go to Appliance Status
- Under the Security & SD-WAN tab, select Appliance status.
- Here, you will see the status and configuration of your WAN interfaces.
Step 4: Configure WAN Interfaces
- Scroll to the Uplink configuration section.
- By default, Meraki appliances have two WAN interfaces: WAN 1 and WAN 2.
Step 5: Set Up Both WAN Connections
- Ensure both WAN 1 and WAN 2 are connected and configured according to your ISP’s settings.
- Click Edit beside Uplink configuration.
- Enter the required IP addressing info (DHCP or static IP) for both WAN interfaces.
- Save your settings.
Step 6: Enable Load Balancing or Failover Mode
- Still under Uplink configuration, choose how you want to utilize your WANs:
- Load Balancing (Multipath): This spreads outbound traffic across both WAN connections, improving bandwidth utilization.
- Active/Standby (Failover): WAN 1 is used primarily, with WAN 2 taking over if WAN 1 fails.
- Select your preferred option from the dropdown menu.
Step 7: Advanced Settings (Optional)
- For more granular control, head to Security & SD-WAN > Traffic shaping.
- You can create rules to prioritize specific traffic types, specifying how they traverse different WAN links.
Step 8: Monitor Your Multi-WAN Setup
- Return to Appliance status to see live info about the health and usage of each WAN interface.
- Use Network-wide > Messenger or Summary report to keep tabs on WAN uptime and any failover events.
Tips for Optimizing Multi-WAN on Meraki
- ISP Diversity: Use ISPs that are physically or logically different to reduce simultaneous outages.
- Regular Monitoring: Keep an eye on uplink performance and failover logs.
- Traffic Shaping: Prioritize critical applications like VoIP or video conferencing to ensure smooth performance.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly update your Meraki device to benefit from the latest Multi-WAN enhancements.
Wrapping Up
Multi-WAN is a smart investment in network reliability and speed, and with Cisco Meraki’s user-friendly dashboard, setting it up becomes an approachable task for IT pros and beginners alike. By following these steps, you can leverage multiple internet connections to keep your network humming even if one ISP stumbles.
Stay connected, stay productive!
By choosing Meraki for your Multi-WAN setup, you’re not just getting hardware — you’re getting peace of mind.
