Meraki Cloud and Cisco Wireless LAN

 For many businesses in the United States, the Internet is wireless. Your employees connect to the Internet via laptops, smartphones, and Wi-Fi. To maintain this dynamic, companies rely on their wireless infrastructure. In the world of Cisco, customers have two options for building their Managed Lan Services. They could implement a Cisco solution on-premises or take the meraki cloud route. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and before making a decision, you need to understand how these decisions fit together.

Meraki Cloud and Cisco Wireless LAN

 CapEx vs Opex

The real difference between the two solutions is much less related to the features, capabilities or use cases, although they are an important factor. The truth is that both solutions will be a viable option in the vast majority of cases for the vast majority of companies.

One of the most important differences between Managed Meraki Services and Cisco's on-premises solution is that one is closely related to operational expense (OpEx) and the other to capital expense (CapEx).

Meraki

Meraki requires customers to purchase an annual license to use its solution, but initial implementation costs are significantly lower than for a local Cisco solution.

Cisco On-Prem

In contrast, an on-premises Cisco solution requires the customer to purchase and implement additional hardware to support and manage the WLAN. Consequently, the initial cost will be higher, but you will avoid the ongoing annual cost of renewing licenses. However, this comes with its own set of hidden costs. Without the help of the Meraki cloud platform, the customer will have to stand behind their solution. This requires an investment in qualified personnel who must spend part of their time maintaining the WLAN.

Stability and flexibility

It must be reiterated that both Meraki and Cisco on-site are viable routes for many deployments. Calling Meraki inflexible or rigid would be a disservice to the solution, but Cisco on-premises is the more flexible of the two. The team is yours. All equipment belongs to you and is cared for by your team. This gives you more control over your WLAN than using the cloud platform provided by Meraki.

If your business requires different types of antennas for coverage, if you have a team of engineers behind you, the added flexibility of a local solution may appeal to you.

Controllability and characteristics

 Meraki

Cloud hosting: The Meraki Cloud Controller interface can be controlled from anywhere with internet access, as the controller is in the cloud. Meraki has a mobile application compatible with iOS or Android, so the environment can be controlled from anywhere and from any device. The Cisco premises-based controller must be managed from the same location or over the Internet through a VPN client.

Intuitive interface - Meraki's cloud-based interface is more intuitive, easier to configure, and has more advanced functionality than the Cisco WLAN controller interface. With Meraki's cloud solution, administrators can add wireless access to new locations with fully automatic provisioning, use Application Visibility and Control (AVC) to determine which mission-critical applications are in use, with the ability to prioritize those critical applications and reduce bandwidth for specific applications. Applications. or block specific applications in a few clicks and easily identify BYOD clients and then automatically apply access policies to those devices at the device group or device level. The Cisco WLAN controller interface is not as intuitive and requires an engineer with some implementation experience to get the job done right. Additionally, the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller does not offer the same level of access control / application usage policies, traffic shaping capabilities, and location analysis.

Single Glass Panel - With Meraki, your entire network can be managed under one glass panel as you have the ability to integrate WAN, LAN, WLAN, and mobile device management on one page. An on-premises Cisco solution requires multiple management points and additional layers of software to provide the same level of transparency.

Always update: With Cisco's solution, it is recommended that you update your WLAN controller code once or twice a year, which can be tricky and will definitely affect performance. With the Meraki cloud solution, IT departments can forget about updates or fixes. New features and code levels in Meraki are provided as automatic updates so you are always up to date with new device types / application profiles, as well as new dashboard tools.

How To select a LAN Technology:

 This chapter focuses on choosing the right Managed Lan Services technology for your network. There are many options available. At the more traditional end of the LAN spectrum, we have several flavors of Ethernet and Token Ring. Some very interesting modern alternatives like ATMs and wireless networks can compete with these technologies. Each of these technologies has strengths and weaknesses. Some of them are incredibly effective in certain situations, while others are uncomfortable and difficult.

Selecting Appropriate LAN Technology

• Cost efficiency 
• Installed base 
• Maintainability
• Performance

Cost efficiency

One of my main assumptions in this book is that the network is built for some business reason. It may not be directly related to making money, but there must be some benefit to having a network that justifies the cost of building it. Clearly, the benefits are never infinite, so as network designers, it is our responsibility to create a network that meets the requirements at the lowest possible cost.

Installed base

The established base is another aspect of profitability. The chances of you building a new network from scratch are slim. In most cases, these are pre-existing hardware, existing applications, servers, and cable plant. A considerably cheaper alternative network technology may be available. If moving to this means you have to bear the high costs of changing the installed base, then simply using existing technology may be more profitable.

Maintainability

One of the biggest potential hidden costs on the web is maintenance. I already mentioned how the use of unmanaged workgroup devices at the network access layer can make finding problems difficult. I mentioned earlier that the principle of simplicity makes the network easier to maintain. Remember, these are not just annoying factors for the engineer who takes full responsibility for operating the network. There are costs associated with these problems.

Performance

And this topic brings us to performance considerations. You always want to build the fastest and best possible network for the money. Of course, by "best" I mean that the network is better suited to the requirements of business applications. A brilliant network with incredible bandwidth and low latency is useless if it is not compatible with the applications for which it was created.

All types of LAN & Purpose of Use,

 LAN or local area network is a type of connection for devices located in a specific geographic area. It is classified into four types according to the distribution method used on the Managed Lan Services. They are called "Ethernet" for a local area network, where the network is created as a wired, "Token Ring" to connect devices in a circular ring with a token that is passed through the network to allow the connection, "Token Bus "to connect devices using coaxial cables and tokens. , "FDDI or Fiber Distributed Data Interface" for faster network connectivity using fiber and copper cables.

1) Ethernet

• It is a network protocol that controls the transmission of data over a local area network.
• In this type of LAN, the user can transfer data at a speed of more than 10 megabits per second.
• First, the system checks the medium used for data transfer, if the medium is available, then only data transfer takes place.
• It is used in wired local area networks.
• When a machine or machines want to communicate with each other on a network, they discover a backbone that connects all the devices that will be used to transmit data. If the main cable, called the middle cable, is available and free, which means that no other machine on the network is transmitting data, the sending machine starts sending data packets over the network.

2. Token Ring

• This is a type of local area network in which all devices are connected in a ring.
• All devices are connected in a circle and receive a token according to their requirements. The token continues to rotate in a circular ring.
• The token is used to avoid data conflicts. It is 3 bytes long and continues to travel around the ring of servers or workstations.

3. Symbolic bus

• It is also a type of local area network developed by IBM.
• The Token Bus standard uses coaxial copper cables to connect various devices to large computers or workstations. The coaxial cable acts as a common communication bus.
• This protocol also creates an access control token for communication.
• Any computer that stores the token can transmit data. The token is released when the station finishes transmitting data or when a device with a higher priority needs to transmit (for example, a central computer).
• Due to the token release mechanism, there is no collision, that is, two or more devices can easily transmit information on the bus at the same time, and the transmitted data is also protected against destruction.
• This is similar to a Token-Ring network, but the difference is that the ends of the network do not meet each other to form a ring. But the network is disrupted at both ends.

4. Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)

• It is a LAN standard used to transfer data through optical media.
• Used in long distance communication networks.
• It uses fiber optic and copper cable.
• It provides communication over fiber optic cables at a distance of up to 200 kilometers at a speed of 100 Mbit / s.
• FDDI has two token rings, primary and secondary communication rings. One ring is intended for backup in case of failure of the main.

Conclusion: LAN types:

All types of LAN have their own importance and purpose of use, but they also have their limitations and problems. As in the token ring, if the station goes down, the data packets continue to circulate, which is known as the lost packet problem, then data corruption is also present, etc. - because of the high cost. Token Ring product prices are more expensive than Ethernet at similar speeds, so it is very important to take note of all the details before using any type of LAN.

How Does Cloud Storage Work?:Five Ways to Use Cloud Storage.

Cloud storage is purchased from a third-party cloud service provider that owns and manages storage capacity and pay-as-you-go Internet delivery. These cloud storage providers manage capacity, security, and reliability to make data available to their applications around the world.

Apps access Cloud Managed Storage Services via traditional storage protocols or directly via APIs. Many vendors offer value-added services designed to collect, manage, protect, and analyze data on a large scale.

Five Ways to Use Cloud Storage:

Backup and recovery

Backup and recovery is a critical part of keeping your data safe and available, but meeting ever-increasing capacity requirements can be an ongoing challenge. Cloud storage offers low cost, high reliability, and extreme scale for backup and recovery solutions. Built-in data governance policies, such as Amazon S3 object lifecycle management, can automatically migrate data to lower tiers based on frequency or time settings, and archive vaults can be created to meet legal or regulatory requirements. These benefits offer tremendous scalability in industries such as financial services, healthcare, and media that generate large amounts of data with long-term storage needs.

Software Development & Testing

Software development and test environments often require the creation, management, and decommissioning of separate, independent and mirrored storage environments. In addition to the time required, the required initial capital costs can be high.

Some of the world's largest and most valuable companies have built applications in record time, taking advantage of the flexibility, performance and low cost of cloud storage. Even the simplest static websites can be improved at incredibly low cost. Developers around the world are turning to pay-as-you-go storage options that eliminate management issues and scale.

Moving Data to the Cloud

The availability, reliability, and cost benefits of cloud storage can be very attractive to business owners, but owners of traditional IT functions such as storage, backup, networking, security, and compliance may be concerned about the reality of large cloud transfers. data. Cloud data migration services such as AWS Import / Export Snowball can make it easier to migrate your storage to the cloud by eliminating high network costs, long transfer times, and security concerns.

Conformity

Storing data in the cloud can cause regulatory and compliance issues, especially if the data is already stored on supported storage systems. Compliance controls in the cloud, such as Amazon Glacier Vault Lock, are designed to make it easy for you to enforce and enforce specific data warehouses with a lockable policy. You can specify controls such as Write Once, Read Many (WORM) to lock the data for future editing. Using audit trail products such as AWS CloudTrail can help you achieve compliance and management goals for your cloud file systems and storage systems.

Big Data and Data Lakes

Traditional local storage solutions can vary in cost, performance, and scalability, especially over time. Big data projects require large-scale, highly available and secure storage pools commonly referred to as data lakes.

Object storage-based data lakes maintain information in its original form and include rich metadata that can be selectively retrieved and used for analysis. Cloud data lakes can be at the heart of all kinds of storage, processing, big data, and analytics engines such as Amazon Redshift, Amazon RDS, Amazon EMR, and Amazon DynamoDB to help you get your next project off the ground in less time. and with more relevance.

Best Practices for a Cloud Storage Services : 3 real-world examples of successful cloud data management

Managed Storage Services in the cloud will be very similar to managing on-premises data storage with some additional considerations. Many cloud providers will help with some aspects of data management, but ultimately the business is responsible for its own data management.

Start with a plan - Offloading data to the cloud is not “cloud data management”. Will you move all data to the cloud? Or create a hybrid environment? Who needs access to what data? Where should the various processing tasks be performed? ETL vs. ELT is good conversation now.

Keep your data clean - This is incredibly important as other data manipulation methods depend on it. Keeping data “clean” means ensuring that data is entered accurately and that there are no duplicates or other errors.

Back up your data (often) - Most cloud providers perform regular backups automatically. However, if the company is hosting its own cloud, make sure the IT department performs regular backups.

Don't forget about data management. An existing data governance policy for on-premises data can be upgraded to a cloud or hybrid data governance architecture. However, moving data to the cloud often means additional compliance issues need to be considered, so make sure there are no leaks.

3 real-world examples of successful cloud storage services

Unsurprisingly, many data managers are choosing to use cloud data management as the best option for their business. In a variety of industries, the cloud has proven to be an invaluable tool for business development.

Cloud data management for healthcare

Accolade is a healthcare information service provider dedicated to improving the quality of care, outcomes and cost of healthcare for providers and patients.

Accolade uses a cloud-based data management system to combine data from various medical records, both patient and family members, to provide the most complete picture of the patient's medical history and possible risk factors. This allows clinicians and hospitals using Accolade's data services to access the most accurate and complete information available when making important decisions about the health and well-being of their patients.

Cloud data management for finance

A class of Australian asset management companies must be able to gather frequent and detailed information. If the data is difficult to access or only certain people have access to it, the reporting process gets stuck.

Class uses cloud-based data management to improve managed self-service data access and dramatically reduce the average amount of time it takes to generate reports.

Cloud data management for agriculture

Bayer has created a machine learning tool to help farmers identify the types of weeds growing in their fields by simply uploading a simple photo. While this process may be simple for the farmers who use it, the technology behind it is quite complex.

Bayer hosts large amounts of production data in the cloud and uses it to train machine learning. This algorithm can identify weeds growing in fields and help farmers make the right decisions about how best to manage their current growing environment.

What is Cloud Managed Storage Services?

Cloud Managed Storage Services is the practice of storing company data on an external server that is usually owned and controlled by a provider that specializes in hosting data in the cloud storage service provides an automatic backup strategy, professional support, and easy access from anywhere.

7 benefits of managing cloud storage service provide

The benefits of a data management system in the cloud are consistent with the overall benefits that the cloud offers, and they are significant.

Security -Today's data management in the cloud is often more secure than on-premises solutions. In fact, 94% of cloud users report improved security.

First, because managing data in the cloud reduces the risk of data loss due to device damage or hardware failure. Secondly, because cloud hosting and data management companies use more advanced security measures and techniques than companies investing in their on-premises data.

Scalable and economical - Managing data in the cloud allows users to scale up or scale down services as needed. More storage or processing power can be added as needed. After a major project is completed, companies can lay off staff to avoid paying for services they don't need.

Controlled Access - Increased security provides more peace of mind with controlled access to data. Cloud storage means team members can access the data they need from anywhere. This access also supports a culture of collaboration, as employees can work together on a dataset, easily share information, and more.

Automatic backup and disaster recovery - A cloud storage provider can manage and automate data backups so that businesses can focus on other things and be sure their data is safe. Continuous availability of an up-to-date backup also speeds up the disaster recovery process after an emergency.

Improved data quality -A well-managed, integrated cloud data management solution helps companies break down disparate data and create a single source of trusted information for every data point. Data stays clean, consistent and up to date.

Automatic Updates - Cloud data management service providers strive to provide better services and capabilities. When applications need to be updated, cloud service providers trigger these updates automatically. This means your team doesn't have to pause while it waits for IT to update all systems.

Sustainability - For companies and brands seeking to reduce their environmental impact, managing data in the cloud is a key step in this process. This enables organizations to reduce the carbon footprint of their own businesses and increase the remote work opportunities for their teams.

5 Common Wireless LAN Threats

While fraudulent activities are common, there are also many reports of innocent but reckless practices that often cause serious security breaches. Here are seven of the most common threats to Managed Lan Services.

1. Configuration problems (incorrect configurations or incomplete configurations)

Simple configuration issues are often at the root of many vulnerabilities as many SOHO / consumer APs ship without any security settings. Other potential configuration issues include weak passphrases, weak security implementations, and default SSIDs.

A beginner can quickly set up one of these devices and access or open the network for external use without additional configuration. These actions allow attackers to steal the SSID and connect without anyone noticing.

To reduce risk, use a centrally managed WLAN that includes regular audits and coordinated updates.

2. Denial of service

Anyone familiar with network security knows the concept of denial of service (DoS), also known as spoiler. This is one of the simplest network attacks since it only requires restricting access to services. This can be done by placing viruses or worms on the network, or simply by sending a large volume of traffic to a specific target with the intent to slow down or disable wireless services. This allows attackers to hijack resources, view unauthorized disclosures, and enter loopholes into the system.

For wireless networks, this can be much easier as the signal can be disrupted in several different ways. When the WLAN is using the 2.4 GHz band, interference can be caused by something as simple as a microwave oven or competing access point on the same channel. Since the 2.4 GHz band is limited to only three non-overlapping channels (in the US), an attacker only needs to create enough interference for them to cause a service disruption.

A denial of service attack can also be used in conjunction with a rogue access point. For example, one might be tuned to a channel that is not being used by a legitimate access point. A denial of service attack can then be launched on a channel that is currently in use, causing end devices to try to reconnect to another channel that is being used by a rogue AP.

3. Passive grip

Passive hijacking (or snooping) is accomplished by simply getting into range of the target WLAN, then listening and collecting data that can be used to violate existing security settings and analyze unsafe traffic. Such "listening" information includes SSID, packet sharing, and files (including confidential).

Consider the following scenarios that make passive capture possible:

• Your office building has multiple tenants, even directly above or below you on different floors.
• He has a lobby right in front of his office.
• Your parking lot next to the house.
• There is a street nearby.
• There are neighboring buildings.

As for the passive grip, it is possible almost everywhere. There are also some maneuvers where an attacker cannot be within normal transmission range, such as using a large antenna or wireless repeater to increase the range by several miles. An attacker could even use a packet tracking application that captures all outgoing packets, captures and analyzes them, and then exposes the data payload. You can try the packet tracker yourself to see the full depth and breadth of classified information available to anyone looking to capture it.

It is almost impossible to completely prevent this type of attack due to the nature of the wireless network. What can be done is to implement high security standards by using a firewall and setting complex parameters.

4. Unauthorized (or unauthorized / peer-to-peer) access points.

One technique often used by attackers is to set up an unauthorized access point within the reach of an existing WLAN. The idea is to "trick" some authorized devices in the zone into associating them with a fake hotspot and not a legitimate one.

This type of attack requires some physical access to be truly effective. This is necessary because if a user contacts an unauthorized access point and then cannot complete their normal tasks, the vulnerability will be short-lived and not as effective. However, if an attacker can access a physical port on a company's network and then connect an access point to that port, the devices can communicate and capture data from them for an extended period of time.

An exception to this barrier is when the target wireless LAN only provides Internet access. An unauthorized access point can also provide easy access to the Internet and leave the user unaware of their vulnerability for an extended period of time.

Part of the same idea of ​​rogue hotspots are rogue and secure hotspots and ad hoc networks. In these situations, the legitimate user configures an access point or ad hoc network for their own use, but does not implement proper security practices. This makes it possible to observe the attackers.

Some steps you can take to avoid these hotspots:

Use correct WLAN authentication methods and encryption methods.

5. Evil double attacks

An attacker can gather enough information about the wireless access point to impersonate it with the strongest transmission signal. This tricks unsuspecting users into tapping into the evil twin's signal and allowing them to read or send data over the Internet.

Authentication and server penetration tests are the only tools that can help stop the attacks of the evil twins.

7 Tips for Office LAN Security

 An average modern early-stage SaaS business with about 20 employees can operate with moderately lower security levels than a 500-employee business with multiple servers and IoT devices throughout the office. Companies operating on a larger scale are likely to have a security person in the organization (such as a security officer) who is well versed in network security.

Security of your office network

For midsize SaaS businesses, you can work with the following minimum Managed Lan Services guidelines:

1. Get a supportive router with a firewall enabled.

Change the default administrator credentials so that if your network is compromised, a hacker cannot make changes to it. Each time a vulnerability is discovered, a firmware update will be released. It is very important to install these updates. The easiest way to make sure you don't miss an update is to turn on the automatic update feature.

2. Use WPA2 encryption.

This is the type of encryption that protects the vast majority of Wi-Fi networks. WPA2 must have a strong password.

3. Create a "guest network".

You want it for people who visit your office but are not part of your company. Most modern routers have a guest network enable feature. This is an easy way to make your network more secure.

4. Ensure the physical security of your network equipment.

Physical security is a very important factor. Hardware should not be outdoors where anyone can access it. You want the equipment to be kept in a controlled room or closed office where a member of the organization can monitor it. An additional precaution would be to monitor the equipment with a security camera.

5. Buy higher quality routers.

You probably have basic routers, such as the ones your service provider installs, or cheap electronics store routers that come with a low-level firewall. However, an enterprise-grade router has more reliable firewalls. Some even have intrusion detection or protection systems built in, which pay off the extra cost. More powerful routers are likely to perform better on the network because these models can handle more devices.

6. Disable the "use ports" on the router.

There are often unused USB or Ethernet ports on the router. Disabling these ports will limit the chances of someone being able to connect the Rouge to the network. Since these ports are another starting point to worry about when it comes to LAN security, disable them whenever possible.

7. Add MAC address filtering.

MAC filtering is a security measure that allows only devices known to the organization to connect to the network. Filtering can be done by collecting the MAC address of each device and then loading those credentials into a database on the router. This may seem like an extra precaution, but it only guarantees that if a hacker can obtain the password from the network, he cannot gain access without one of the identified MAC addresses.

Is your wireless LAN secure? Back to the basics of security

Wireless LANs can offer a number of advantages over traditional Managed Lan Services, but there are basic steps IT departments must take to minimize the risk, writes Danny Bradbury.

Wireless LANs offer many benefits, including the ability for employees to move around the office, enabling network connectivity from meeting to meeting. Listed buildings or temporary facilities particularly benefit from a wireless environment. But the move from Category 5 cable to radio is opening up security loopholes that need to be closed to reduce business risks.

"Physical security is a particular concern for WLan users," said Gunther Allmann, X-Force Security Assessment Manager at Internet Security Systems. Removing access points from windows and outside walls will help reduce the risk of being intercepted from the outside.

Alternatively, instead of buying an omnidirectional hotspot that transmits in all directions, you can purchase directional hotspots to limit the data transfer area, perhaps placing it in an outer corner to transmit in all directions. However, it is very difficult to stop data leakage outside your walls and you still have to worry about your mobile client nodes, so different protection is needed.

Determine what information will be transmitted over the network to assess the level of risk. Jeff Davis, managing director of security consultancy I-Sec, says the vendor's customer base will be particularly vulnerable to attacks due to sensitive customer information that travels over the network. The nature of the data will affect the level of security you apply.

WEP

If your data is not particularly sensitive, the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption protocol built into most WLan 802.11b access points may be all you need. However, you must remember that this can be solved if the attacker is given sufficient time; you just need to collect enough of the correct packages with your own WLan card.

Davis estimates the cracking time to be between five and 30 seconds, depending on the amount of traffic traveling over his network, for a hacker using one of the WEP cracking tools, such as WEPCrack, that are freely available on the Internet.

One way to deal with a WEP vulnerability is to change the encryption keys you use regularly, forcing a potential hacker to start collecting packets again.

Much will depend on the size of your organization. The problem with WEP is that it is not very scalable. The encryption keys used to encrypt WEP communications cannot be updated dynamically and therefore must be updated manually. This is not a problem for a small single-branch retailer with a small number of laptops, but for a large company with a lot of nodes, the overhead of key counterfeiting would be too high.

 

The alternative would be to use Cisco access points and Cisco client cards, Davis said. The way WEP is used on these cards is not subject to the same attacks as other cards. However, Davis notes that this additional security only works when using Cisco access points and client cards. With more laptops that contain their own third-party client hardware, this Cisco-specific idiosyncrasy may not be of much value to you.

3 Things To Know About Buying Used Meraki Equipment

Cisco Meraki products are fully cloud-managed. From the Meraki dashboard, you can configure, optimize and monitor your networks, security devices and more. In addition, all software updates are carried out automatically to ensure the maximum security of your computer.

However, some of these features will be limited if Managed Meraki Services products were purchased from a non-certified reseller and configured incorrectly. Before purchasing or accepting used Meraki equipment, you should consider the possible implications of support, warranties, licenses and usability.

Here are three things you need to know about used Meraki equipment.

1) Cisco Meraki licenses are non-transferable.

Meraki cloud-managed platform requires license renewal, sold separately. Licenses can be purchased or renewed in increments of 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 years. License purchase includes quality 24/7 customer service and technical support, hardware replacement, and firmware and operating system updates. Don't forget about the basic functionality. Your panel will notify you when licenses expire 30 days after they expire. Another notification will be sent three days after the expiration date. Thereafter, a 30-day grace period begins. If you don't renew your license after that, your devices will stop working.

The higher the markup, the lower the total cost will be. Meraki's license renewal operates on a co-termination formula. It simply means that all users upgrade their individual licenses at the same time. If you purchase a new access point license with a different expiration date, it is split between your existing licenses to standardize the renewal date. This is called co-completion.

All of this should be kept in mind when purchasing equipment from a third party, as licenses are not transferable. It doesn't matter if the previous owner had about 10 years left on the license. To use the equipment, you will need to buy a new one.

2) Used Meraki equipment is not subject to support or warranty.

Like licenses, valid warranties cannot be transferred to purchases by third parties. If a product fails that was not purchased from a certified reseller, that part will not be RMA compliant.

3) The previous owner should not make a claim for the goods.

Claim device

The devices operate on their assigned networks. This means that you will need to request an item. On the control panel, products can be requested by entering the serial number of the device. If that doesn't work, then the next section will probably fix the problem.

How Safe Is Meraki Cloud Computing?

Cisco Meraki is a company that has built (and maintains) an extensive cloud computing network. They often partner with reputable IT companies like PCH to provide customers with customized cloud solutions. Of course, you won't get their support without earning it, and this is one of many ways to determine how good our people are.

Originally called Managed Meraki Services, this company grew out of a project called Roofnet. It was a computer science project that was designed to bring wireless Internet to the city of Cambridge. They solved a number of problems to achieve this goal, mainly by using the unique properties of radio waves to amplify fundamental signals.

From there, the company participated in a project to bring free Internet access to San Francisco residents. They distributed various gateways as access points to their free network. This experiment involved about 100,000 people before it was finally discontinued.

Following the acquisition of Cisco Systems in 2012 (approximately $ 1.2 billion), the company was renamed Cisco Meraki. Since then, they have specialized in cloud computing services and are considered some of the most respected names in their field.

How Safe Is Meraki Cloud Computing?

Of course, some people choose to restrict their use of the cloud for security reasons. Some people find it less secure than a regular Internet connection. However, this rarely happens. A normal Internet connection tends to be very open, unless someone takes care of hardening the system in various ways. On the other hand, the cloud system will be constantly managed, including security monitoring.

To be truly safe on the Internet, you really need constant monitoring. Oh, but do you think you could do it all yourself? Okay, of course ... we'll give you an idea of ​​how you can do this. You can use a program called Nmap. It's free and not that hard to use. This program monitors all connections on your network and tells you how long they have been connected. Thanks to this, you can easily see a map of your network connections and disable anything that looks suspicious. But you're not done yet!

You will also need to download a program called Wireshark, which will track all the information that travels through the network. An Internet connection always exchanges information (in the form of "packets") with other computers. Wireshark allows you to monitor these packets in real time. This requires a bit more technical knowledge, but still pretty basic. But here's the catch: you now have to watch these two shows all the time. This means hiring people to watch these monitors all day and trusting them to do a good job. In the end, you are better off delegating this task to a company that takes care of all the network monitoring for you.

In addition to this, Cisco Meraki offers a number of other high-security options, including VPN tunnels and firewalls. We're not telling you to uninstall your antivirus software, but Meraki dashboard can definitely deal with some security issues. The firewall and virus definitions are improving with each update, so it is unlikely that anyone will be able to bypass this protection.

5 Reasons To Choose The Cisco Meraki Cloud Network

Managed Meraki Services was built for the cloud networking and has a family of cloud-managed products that include wireless LANs, security appliances, Ethernet switches, and mobile device management. Cisco Systems Inc., a global leader in networking for the Internet, acquired Meraki in 2012 and subsequently formed the Cisco Cloud Networking Group. Meraki is currently investing in research and development to enable the next generation of cloud networking solutions. During the event, Michael Donis, Business Development Director and General Counsel for Stratosphere Networks, and John Engler, Sales Specialist for Cisco Systems Cloud Networking Group, talked about the benefits of Meraki cloud networks. Here are five reasons why companies might want to consider implementing Meraki networks.

Engler told attendees that Meraki's less cloud management workload allows IT departments to do more. The platform's capabilities enable IT professionals to accomplish more in a shorter period of time than they could before.

“We can take some of your administrative burden off,” Engler said. “For example, you are not focused on updating your code. We do it all for you. " Out-of-the-box access to the full feature set When you buy a Meraki product, you buy everything that the solution can do, without additional licenses for features or equipment needed to use all its capabilities.

In addition, Meraki is working to ensure that its cloud features remain cutting edge and innovative, with over 52 major feature updates released since its acquisition in 2012 by Cisco Meraki. Stable "speed of work" According to Engler, the Meraki platform is designed for "speed of work". This means that it is software-oriented and Meraki is constantly introducing new features.

In addition, the Cisco Meraki dashboard has a Make a Wish feature at the bottom of each page that prompts customers to complete the “I want this page to ...” sentence. The company then makes adjustments based on end-user feedback/wishes. Since the acquisition, Meraki has fulfilled over 10,000 customer requests. Features built specifically for cloud hardware.

Meraki hardware was designed to be managed and delivered in the cloud from the ground up, resulting in a more efficient cloud network. This gives Cisco Meraki an edge over competitors who have adopted on-premises solutions for the cloud.

“We've always lived in the cloud,” Engler said. Anywhere, Anytime Network Access As companies strive to adapt to an increasingly mobile workforce, being able to access solutions while working from home or on the go is critical. One of the most important benefits of cloud networks is that you can access them from anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection. No matter where you are in the world, if you can connect, you can enter the Meraki dashboard.

Check out these 6 must-haves to buy the right UPS systems for your organization:

Energy management is one of the most important investments for any organization. It is not possible to operate the equipment depending on the local power source, as in most cases this is not enough, or a power outage can occur suddenly, or voltage fluctuations can damage your systems. Therefore, organizations invest in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems to avoid power outages. Choosing from the many Managed Ups Services systems that best suits your needs can be a daunting task.

Check out these 6 must-haves to buy the right UPS systems for your organization:

1. Check the number of outlets.

You can't just pick any UPS system at random, whether you need it for business or personal needs. First you need to think about how many devices you need to connect to the UPS. Buy a UPS that has at least two more outlets than you need in case you need additional devices later.

Many UPS systems have more than eight outlets. Don't worry, it's best to make sure each plug is running on battery power. It is common to find certain UPS systems that are cheap but have many outputs. If you do a little research, you will see that only a few outlets receive battery backup. For many users this will not be a problem, but they should be aware of this before purchasing.

2. Check the power supply to the UPS.

Your UPS system must generate at least 25% more power than the devices connected to it consume. Therefore, at any time before purchasing, do not forget to calculate the total power required by the devices from uninterruptible power supplies.

If you plan to connect network devices such as Ethernet or a modem, also consider the power consumption of them. If your UPS is generating less power than the devices require, they will shut down. It won't do any good.

3. Select UPS systems with flexible options.

Every organization needs UPS support for server rooms and data centers. Flexible UPS systems are best suited for this purpose because they provide more options. Check where the cable can be inserted into the UPS cabinet. Is it above or below? Does the UPS have a front access function?

You should make your choice based on the purpose for which you are buying and where you intend to place it. For desktop computers, a tower UPS is usually used. If you need it for network and server management, a rack-mount UPS is better for you.

4. Learn about the different types of UPS.

To make the right decision, you need to gain a general knowledge of UPS types. Each type has its own characteristics, suitable for specific clothing. So think about the equipment that needs a power source and then decide which one to buy.

 

If you have money constraints, your best option would be to buy a backup or standalone UPS. They are mainly used for desktop computers. If you don't experience frequent power outages for a long period or excessive voltage fluctuations, you can certainly stick with this choice.

Another improved version of the standalone UPS is Line Interactive UPS, which is mainly used by small businesses to manage servers and small networks. It is faster than a standalone UPS to switch from utility to battery power.

The most advanced and cost effective UPS is the online UPS available only to large organizations. It can save any organization from downtime for a long time thanks to its powerful sinusoidal energy.

5. Find out how much battery life the UPS offers.

The main purpose of purchasing a UPS is to prevent computers from suddenly shutting down. In addition, the user needs enough time to complete and save their work. Therefore, one of the most important characteristics of a UPS is how much runtime it can provide. If your requirements match the capacity of the UPS, then there will be no problems with the purchase.

Some organizations look to UPS for support to keep them operating during power outages. If you need to, read the features carefully and then buy.

6. Check the warranty period.

Many companies today offer on-site warranties. This is a great option as you don't have to mess with getting your groceries to a service center. Someone from the company will come to you to diagnose.

Another important thing to be aware of is that there are separate warranties for different parts of the UPS, such as batteries and UPS systems. Be sure to check them before purchasing. The standard warranty is a minimum of 3 years. Compare several companies and decide which one is ideal.

Understanding UPS Systems: 3 Essential Things You Need to Know

Many of us in the emergency backup power industry are often asked to manage a range of complex systems that require particular attention to detail, efficiency, and power quality. This is a lot to work with and it is always helpful to have some guidance on the basics of these systems. Here's an overview for understanding Managed Ups Services:

1.) NOT ALL UPS SYSTEMS ARE THE SAME.

To truly understand UPS systems, it is important to become familiar with the types of UPSs and how they work.

Standby UPS

This is a faulty / repairable type of UPS. This system usually consists of a battery to provide a short-term source of electricity, a rectifier or charger to maintain battery voltage, an inverter to supply power to the load during normal operation, and a static switch to transfer the load. automatically between the grid and the inverter with minimal interference. It can also have input and output isolation transformers and filters to provide proper isolation and noise reduction. They also contain control circuits, sensors and monitors. This UPS system converts AC power to DC that is compatible with the voltage and characteristics of the battery.

Double conversion UPS

This type of UPS differs from an online or standby interactive UPS in several areas. First, the main power path is the inverter versus the AC grid. In this system, a failure in the AC input will NOT activate the transfer switch as the AC input is a backup source. This type of system works by converting power from AC to DC and then back to AC. Protects your installation at the highest level by isolating your equipment from the public mains power. Since the device is always online, it provides power with no transfer time to your equipment, making it ideal for mission-critical installations or locations with poor power conditions. It also has an internal static bypass, so in the event of a serious failure of your UPS, you can maintain critical loads on the grid during repair or replacement.

Line interactive UPS

This type of UPS monitors the incoming mains voltage and provides automatic voltage regulation when low or high voltage conditions occur. The Line-Interactive UPS extends battery life because you may not have to constantly switch to battery operation in areas prone to outages. Line interactive blocks also provide surge and surge protection. They also provide radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) filtering. This UPS is ideal for applications where you are not protecting critical equipment and where the utility power is kept clean. These UPSs are usually inexpensive, even for a small office.

2) TOTAL UPS SERVICE COST VARIES DEPENDING ON WHAT YOU PURCHASE AND HOW THE UPS IS USED.

Several factors can affect the total cost of ownership of a UPS. Overall life cycles can be affected by:

 

Energy inefficiency is one of the largest controllable UPS costs. The efficiency of a new UPS system in real online mode can range from 85% to 98%. However, UPS systems, especially when underutilized, can consume huge amounts of energy with 40 to 50% efficiency in some legacy systems. At QPS, we can help you estimate your total cost of ownership, including the cost of wasted energy, over the life of your system.

Dust, dirt and moisture will reduce overall efficiency. Power outages can also cause problems if not properly assessed.

Irregular maintenance or poorly designed systems. Failure to perform routine preventive maintenance will significantly shorten the life of your UPS. It also increases costs due to the need for more frequent replacement of parts. Poorly designed systems give the same results.

Some systems may come standard with a 3-year warranty instead of 1 year. Extending the initial warranty often helps lower your total cost of ownership.

3) YOUR UPS PROTECTS YOU MORE THAN A LOSS OF POWER.

You also regulate your power and protect your equipment.

Why is power regulation so important? Because power grid anomalies can reduce performance! The power conversion acts as a noise buffer and smooths out possible power fluctuations before moving it towards you. It is important to note that only an online true double conversion UPS will protect against all nine power anomalies.

There are nine common power problems that a power control system protects against:

• Power failure: complete power outage from the public network.
• Power failure: intermittent low voltage problems. It is like being sleepy after dinner.
• Voltage surges or surges: short-term high voltage exceeding 110% of normal output power. This is similar to high levels of caffeine in humans.
• Low voltage (undervoltage condition) - the mains voltage is reduced for a long period. This can be from a few minutes to several days. This usually happens during the summer months when air conditioners put pressure on the electrical grid.
• Overvoltage: Overvoltage in the mains voltage for an extended period from several minutes to several days.
• Power line noise is a high frequency power wave caused by RFI or EMI.
• Frequency Drift: Loss of stability at normal power supply frequency of 50 to 60 Hz.
• Switching transient: instantaneous undervoltage in the nanosecond range.
• Harmonic Distortion: Distortion of the normal power wave, usually transmitted by uneven loads.

How does a UPS Systems Work & Different types of UPS design?

An uninterruptible power supply, as well as an uninterruptible power supply, UPS, or battery / flywheel backup, is an electrical device that provides emergency power to a load in the event of a failure of the input power supply, usually utility power.

A Managed Ups Services differs from an auxiliary or emergency power system or generator standby in that it provides instant or near-instantaneous protection against incoming power interruptions with one or more connected batteries and associated electronics for low power users and generators and flywheels for high power users. Battery life for most uninterruptible power supplies is relatively short (5 to 15 minutes typically for small devices), but sufficient to allow time to connect an auxiliary power supply or to properly shutdown equipment. protected.

A UPS is not limited to protecting any particular type of equipment, but is commonly used to protect computers, data centers, telecommunications equipment, or other electrical equipment where an unexpected power outage could result in injury, death, or serious disruption. and / or loss of data. UPS units vary in size, from units designed to protect a single computer without a video monitor (rated at around 200 VA) to large units that power entire data centers (> 1 MVA), buildings (> 300 kVA) or manufacturing processes.

Different types of UPS design

There are three main categories of modern UPS systems: online, interactive online, or backup / stand-alone.

In a standby / stand-alone UPS system, the load is powered directly from the input power and the standby circuit is only activated when the utility power is disconnected. Most UPSs less than 1 kVA are line-interactive or standby, which is generally less expensive.

The Line Interactive UPS keeps the inverter online and redirects the DC battery current path from normal charge mode to supply current when power is lost.

The online UPS uses a “double conversion” method to accept AC input, rectify to DC for passage through a rechargeable battery (or battery strings), and then back to 120/240 VAC to power equipment. protected.

For large power supplies, dynamic uninterruptible power supplies are sometimes used. The synchronous motor / alternator is connected to the mains through a choke. Energy is stored in the flywheel. When the mains supply fails, the eddy current control system stores energy in the load. DUPS are sometimes combined or combined with a diesel generator [clarification needed] to form a Diesel Rotary Uninterruptible Power Supply, or DRUPS.

In recent years, a fuel cell UPS has been developed that uses hydrogen and a fuel cell as the power source, potentially allowing long run times in a small space.

Most Important Aspects Of An Managed Storage Services

In the 1960s, the development of Managed Storage Services began with the pioneers who identified the growing demand for commercial and residential storage. It was the developers who laid the foundation for the self-storage industry.

The self-storage industry is not much different from the supply and demand economy industries. Commercial and residential warehouses have increased their supply. Higher industry growth has contributed to greater public awareness of the product's personal and economic benefits. Constantly growing demand is always combined with excellent potential, and since 1978 warehousing has become one of the fastest growing industries.

There is no denying the importance of the self-storage industry. The commercial development of the industry began in the 1960s. Real estate will always be an important asset for homes, governments and businesses. They are subject to the economic law of supply and demand. However, opening an automated warehouse business is never guaranteed.

Key business factors of self-storage

Critical factors to consider in a self-storage business model include the following:

Cash flow analysis

Cash flow analysis helps to determine the total profit of a business, which is an integral part of any business. There are several factors to consider. These include a significant amount of leased space, projected occupancy rates, losses due to problems in finding vacancies, and gross annual rental income.

Development costs

Development costs must be received before starting any business, and total costs must be considered before important decisions are made. Accounting can be used to track any information associated with significant business-related costs. The area of ​​land to be acquired should not reflect the total area to be leased out upon completion of construction. In addition to this, important factors that help determine the rental coverage include utilities, easements, building codes and physical characteristics of the land. The figures that are tied to the cost of construction depend entirely on the type of object. Almost 67% of the development budget goes to construction and includes equipment, labor and many other items. Self-storage businesses require more than half of the construction costs of apartment buildings, including shared dwellings and apartments.

The financial analysis

Financial analysis is an integral part of the self-storage business. Cash flow analysis helps determine ROI immediately after development costs. An employment target must be developed and is usually around 90%. In addition to the target employment percentage, an equilibrium utilization must be determined to cover debt service and operating costs. Warehouse storage companies believe occupancy rates should be between 60% and 72%. A low interest balance is always ideal for investors as it provides additional protection against market fluctuations. 

Top Five Importance of Self-Storage Facilities

Managed Storage services are one of the most effective solutions to facilitate moving to a new home. These are the advantages of Storage services.

1. Availability of free services

These institutions offer their clients the best possible service, making a good impression on them. Most storage areas have trucks to help you move your belongings. This is useful as it helps you save extra money that you might have spent on transportation.

2. The reliability and safety of your products.

 You can rent warehouse space for a long time and be sure that your belongings will be safe. It's cheaper than renting a house to store things. Plus, you can easily access your belongings whenever you want. Therefore, make these storage facilities more efficient.

3. It gives you an edge

Renting storage space helps reduce stress by giving you enough time to start packing and moving your belongings. This helps free up your time, allowing you to do more rewarding activities.

4. Helps reduce risk

Storage rooms help keep your belongings neat and organized. This eliminates the possibility of damage to fragile items, especially if they are often moved. Storage systems help keep your items organized and organized.

5. It is beneficial

People who own a lot of items don't have to worry as storage space is affordable and will save you a lot of money. It's also an advantage as you can pay for the storage space you need.

These objects are really important in many ways. They are also useful for keeping personal items that you don't want to trust anyone. Contact Right Move Self-Storage if you would like to store your belongings.

Why Cloud Managed Storage Security Services Is Important

Cloud storage security is very popular right now. A recent survey found that 95% of IT professionals use cloud storage.

It's not just a technical quirk, it's forever.

This number is expected to grow rapidly. An estimated 2.3 billion people will use cloud Managed Storage Services by 2020.

Not everyone can be wrong.

In this article, we will tell you all about why you should use it too. Get started and find out what cloud storage is.

Benefits of Cloud Managed Storage Security Services

1. Data encryption

Data you store in the cloud can be encrypted before or after it is sent for added security.

There are a number of cloud storage security options, including single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and more.

This means that only the people you want to access your data can access, even if your device is stolen. Your privacy is fully protected and you don't need to worry about the theft or sale of your data.

2. Having a backup is worth it

Storing all your data on a server is very risky.

If for any reason it fails, you can lose everything in an instant.

Even if you don't use cloud storage as your primary storage system, it can double as a place to store second copies of your files in case you ever need a backup.

If you are already using cloud storage, you don't have to worry about backing up. The system saves you the trouble of doing it for you.

Clouds are stored on multiple servers, so you don't have to worry about losing the information you store on them. If a server goes down, your data will still be safely stored in various other locations.

This greatly reduces the risk of data loss. Hardware failures and glitches are completely unpredictable and there is no reason to expose yourself to their vulnerabilities in the presence of cloud storage.

3. Protection against hackers and malware.

Storing your data in the cloud provides additional protection against hackers and data loss.

If you have a small business, this is especially important as 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses. 60% of the affected businesses will stop operating in just 6 months. Hacking can be devastating to your business, so why take the risk?

It's not just small businesses that are vulnerable to hackers. When the biggest companies get hacked, there are always rumors in the media. Notable companies that have been the victims of notorious hacking scandals include Sony, LinkedIn, Target, and Ashley Madison.

As a result, the reputation of each of these companies suffered.

Don't let your business suffer the same fate.

4. Save money

Cloud storage is not only safe and reliable, it is also cost effective.

Without cloud storage, you are constantly spending money on servers, be it a purchase or just maintenance. Not to mention the people they need for their work.

Moving to cloud storage can save you a lot of money. Reduced overhead costs by reducing the need for electricity and personnel to maintain back-end servers. Overall, your storage costs can be reduced by up to 87%.

It will also make your business more sustainable.

The exact amount of cloud storage costs can vary, but you only pay for what you need. There are different payment plans for different storage sizes, and if you need more, you can always upgrade. You don't need to spend money on a full server that you won't be using at full capacity.

5. Easier to share and access files

Cloud storage allows you to work much more efficiently.

Sending bulky email attachments is a thing of the past. Downloading files is inconvenient and requires time and bandwidth. With cloud storage, you can avoid this and just send the link.

It also eliminates the need to sync devices, as all your data is centralized and accessible from anywhere. You do not need to be connected to the server and you can use any device of your choice. This is especially important for people who spend a lot of time outside the office, perhaps traveling for work, and need to access files while on the go.

Along with the security benefits of cloud storage, this is one of the main reasons everyone uses the cloud.

Some cloud systems also allow for real-time collaboration, so multiple people can make changes to a file at the same time. This is ideal for collaboration and project management scenarios.

6. Everything is organized

You can control what information is stored and how. While you can download whatever you have, you don't have to.

If you want, you can simply store the most important data in the cloud and leave the rest.

In the cloud, you can create folders to organize your information in a way that suits you best. This makes it easy for you to navigate and access.

Things Should Consider For Choosing LAN Services

 A managed local area network (LAN) service provider offers comprehensive LAN infrastructure management for small businesses, large campuses, and data centers.

In the past, companies managed their own LANs and even quickly recovered from disaster. But today, as networks continue to become more complex and technically complex, companies need outside help to take care of their local network.

Internal communication is critical to your business, and choosing a Managed Lan Services is key to ensuring uninterrupted service. These are the factors to consider before choosing a provider:

1. QoS and security

As demand for bandwidth and data rates continue to grow, a service provider must be able to provide quality of service (QoS) to prioritize certain applications over others. You should also pay attention to the security features included in the service. For example, some vendors offer network mapping and auditing, IP security encryption, and user-based authentication.

2. Coating

An ideal ISP should have a large number of LAN ports for its existing customers and manage local corporate networks from its own data centers through secure connections. It is also useful to ensure that they provide managed LAN services in accordance with the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).

3. Flexibility

The provider must customize its services to suit your business needs. Also, make sure the vendor offers its own hardware. This saves you the burden of investing in internal IT infrastructure and frees your IT team from the responsibility of managing the corporate network. However, the provider must allow you to use your own hardware if you wish.

4. Personalization and maintenance

The ISP must provide initial configuration of the LAN ports, management of associated hardware and software, and hardware maintenance and implementation. You must proactively monitor and report on SLA compliance, technical metrics, and updates.

5. Support

With increasingly diverse business structures, cloud computing, and big data, LANs are far more complex than ever. As a business with many LAN ports, it can be extremely difficult for you to effectively manage your network and eliminate any unplanned breakdowns. This is why it is so important to have a team of experienced experts available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

JOB DESCRIPTION of LAN

 Managed Lan Services is an administration that awards the endeavor with the capacity to powerfully interface branch workplaces and server farms on a worldwide scale. As organizations use a developing number of cloud-based applications, customary WAN networks can't keep up solid speeds and improved availability. Scaling multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) answers for defeat this test is exorbitant and tedious. LAN has developed as a more practical arrangement that can convey results with beforehand incomprehensible nimbleness and proficiency.

How LAN works

 While LAN products and administrations change among suppliers, most depend on one of two kinds: overlay LAN or network as an administration. With an overlay LAN, a seller gives an edge gadget to the client that contains the product important to run the LAN technology. For sending, the client connects its WAN connects to the gadget, which naturally designs itself with the network. 

Suppliers that offer LAN as a kind of network as an administration empower their clients to get to their own private networks. LAN functionalities, including traffic prioritization and WAN optimization techniques, are consolidated into the administration.

JOB DESCRIPTION of LAN

The job description of a LAN Engineer sees you assume liability for the mix, advancement, usage, setup, and backing of all phases of the LANprocedure. This frequently means troubleshooting and advancing effectively existing networks to get them up to speed. Be that as it may, you may likewise need to give exhibits, helping the business groups with specialized mastery, and streamlining tasks, and cut expenses.

What LANEngineer will do

Taking on a job as a LAN Engineer accompanies numerous necessities and duties, and it's critical to have a thought of what this job involves before you begin. In your ability as a LAN Engineer, you will fill in as a field engineer, entrusted with executing LANadministrations inside organizations. It is fundamental for organizations hoping to interface networks and improves their proficiency.

Skills required for LANEngineer

With regards to LANEngineer Skills, the experience is at the highest point of the tree. To help increase down to earth involvement, numerous LANEngineers partake in entry-level position programs while regardless they're contemplating.

Other significant abilities for the job incorporate logical aptitudes, a great degree of correspondence, critical thinking, and PC abilities in a pertinent situation. LANEngineer duties are colossal and it is significant that however many aptitudes as could be expected under the circumstances are picked up. In the event that you comprehend LAN and security matters well, a profession as a LAN Expert could be for you.

How Much Salary you can expect in LAN

As a utilized LAN master, you can hope to acquire at least $75,000, however, most win over $110,000. It depends on your age, your capabilities, your experience, and your area as the rates can fluctuate from state to state.

Be that as it may, filling in as a LANEngineer on the independent premise is considerably more rewarding and you would then be able to hope to win $150,000 or more.