In short
Cloud managed switches are network switches configured, monitored and updated from a vendor-hosted web dashboard rather than switch by switch. They offer managed-switch features such as VLANs, PoE, stacking and access control, with every switch and site in one view. Cisco's options are Meraki MS, cloud-managed Catalyst and Cisco Smart Switches.
Get a quote for cloud managed switching
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What a cloud managed switch is
A switch connects the devices in a building: computers, phones, printers, access points, cameras and servers. Business switches come in three broad types:
- Unmanaged: plug and play, with no configuration. Fine for a handful of devices, but no VLANs, no visibility and no security controls.
- Managed: configured on each switch, through a command line or a local web page, or through an on-premises management server. Full control, but every switch is managed separately unless you run that server.
- Cloud managed: a managed switch whose configuration and monitoring live in a vendor-hosted dashboard. You plug it in, it contacts the cloud and downloads its configuration, and from then on you manage every switch at every site from one browser window.
Cloud management changes how you run the switch, not how traffic flows. With Cisco Meraki, only management data goes to the cloud; traffic between your users and devices stays on your network. Our guide to cloud vs on-premise networking covers the wider trade-offs.
Why organisations choose cloud managed switches
- Zero-touch deployment: switches can be claimed in the dashboard and configured before they arrive, then plugged in on site by someone without networking skills.
- One view of every port: search for a device, a port or a VLAN across all switches and sites at once, rather than logging into each switch.
- Consistent configuration: port profiles and templates push the same settings to many switches and sites.
- Firmware from the browser: schedule upgrades per network instead of upgrading switch by switch.
- Faster troubleshooting: see which device is on which port, cable tests, packet captures and topology diagrams remotely.
- Alongside Wi-Fi and security: the same dashboard runs access points and security appliances, so one team sees the whole network.
Switch roles: access, distribution, compact and rugged
| Role | What it does | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Connects end devices: desks, phones, access points, cameras | Port count, PoE budget, multigigabit ports for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, stacking |
| Distribution / aggregation | Connects access switches together and to the core or firewall | Fibre uplinks, higher speeds, layer 3 routing, redundancy |
| Compact | Small number of ports for small offices, meeting rooms or cabinets | Fanless or quiet operation, PoE for a few devices, small size |
| Rugged | Places that are hot, cold, dusty or cramped | Temperature range, mounting and power options |
Most small and mid-sized offices need access switches and perhaps a pair of distribution switches; larger sites add a core. We design from the devices you need to connect, not from a product list.
Not sure which option fits? Ask us
Tell us what you need and we will recommend the right option for your organisation, with a quote.
PoE, stacking and other features to compare
When people search for the best cloud managed switches, the right choice depends on what you need to connect. These are the questions that separate one switch from another:
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): access points, phones and cameras draw power from the switch. Check the per-port standard (PoE+, PoE++ or Cisco UPOE) and the total power budget across the switch, not just the port count. Cisco lists newer Meraki access switches with up to 60 W per port and cloud-managed Catalyst switches with up to 90 W.
- Port speeds: Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 access points benefit from multigigabit (2.5 or 5 Gbps and above) ports and 10 Gbps uplinks.
- Stacking: several switches managed and run as one, with redundant links between them. Physical stacking uses dedicated cables; see Meraki MS switches for the stacking options.
- Layer 2 or layer 3: layer 3 switches can route between VLANs themselves, which matters at the distribution layer.
- Security: 802.1X and MAC-based access control, port isolation, DHCP and ARP protections, and group-based segmentation on higher tiers.
- Licensing: cloud managed switches need an active licence to stay managed. Compare the licence model and term as well as the hardware; see Meraki MS licensing.
- Lifecycle: check the end-of-sale status of a series before standardising on it; see Meraki end of life.
Cisco's cloud managed switch options
Cisco now offers three ways to run switches in the Meraki dashboard:
- Meraki MS switches: Meraki's own cloud-native switches, in compact, access, distribution and rugged families. See Meraki MS switches.
- Cloud-managed Catalyst switches: selected Catalyst switches running IOS XE, onboarded to the Meraki dashboard and configured from the cloud. They bring Catalyst performance, higher PoE and features such as a single management address per stack. See Catalyst in the Meraki dashboard.
- Cisco Smart Switches: Cisco's newest switch family, licensed through Cisco Networking Subscription unified licences that let the same hardware run in cloud, mixed or on-premises management mode, depending on the family.
Which fits depends on scale, existing skills and how much of the network you want in the cloud. Our Cisco Meraki vs Catalyst comparison explains the differences, and for supply and installation see our Meraki switches service page.
Is cloud managed switching the right fit for you?
We will check it against your systems and requirements and recommend the right option.
Moving to cloud managed switching
Most customers come to cloud managed switches from an existing network of unmanaged or individually managed switches. A typical move looks like this:
- Audit: list what is connected where, which VLANs exist, which ports need PoE and what the uplinks are.
- Design: decide the switch roles, stacking, VLAN plan and access control, and whether routing sits on the switches or the firewall.
- Pre-build: claim the new switches in the dashboard and build the configuration before they arrive on site.
- Stage and cut over: install the new switches, move cables cabinet by cabinet in an agreed window, and test phones, access points, printers and servers as you go.
- Tidy up: name ports, record the design and set alerting and firmware windows.
Because the configuration is ready before installation, the on-site work is mostly patching and testing. We can carry out the whole process or support your own team through it.
Licensing in brief
The licence is what keeps a cloud managed switch in the dashboard: Meraki states that all current Meraki products need valid licensing to operate, and the licence brings the dashboard, firmware updates and Meraki support with it. On co-term licensing, MS licences are sold per model in Enterprise or Advanced tiers; on subscription, switches are licensed by class in Essentials or Advantage tiers.
It is worth comparing the total over the life of the switch rather than the hardware price alone. We can quote hardware and licences together over the term you choose; ask us for a quote, and see Meraki licensing models for how the models differ.
How Forever Systems helps
Forever Systems is a Cisco Partner. We can work out how many switches you need and where, size PoE for access points, phones and cameras, design VLANs and access control, supply switches and licences, and stage and install them so cutover is planned rather than improvised. Many customers pair new switching with cloud managed Wi-Fi or an office network setup. Contact us to talk through your switching.
Working with us on Cisco Meraki
Forever Systems helps organisations plan, buy and run cloud-managed networks built on Cisco Meraki wireless, switching, security and SD-WAN.
- Plan the network: we look at your sites, users and existing kit, and can arrange a wireless site survey before anything is ordered
- Choose the right products: access points, switches, security appliances, cellular gateways, sensors and cameras sized to what each site needs, rather than a one-size bundle
- Licensing made clear: we explain co-termination, per-device and subscription licensing, check renewal dates and quote the licences you need
- Deployment help: we can set up the Meraki dashboard, organisations, networks, templates and policies, and help move you from older or on-premise kit
- Ongoing help: changes, licence renewals and reviews as your sites grow, with the scope agreed at quote
Ask us for a quote and we will confirm what is included for your organisation.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cloud managed switch?
A cloud managed switch is a managed network switch that is configured, monitored and updated from a vendor-hosted web dashboard rather than on the switch itself or through an on-premises management server. It still switches your traffic locally; only management data goes to the cloud.
What is the difference between a managed and a cloud managed switch?
Both support VLANs, PoE management, access control and monitoring. A traditional managed switch is configured individually or through software you host. A cloud managed switch is configured from a hosted dashboard that shows every switch and site in one place, usually with a licence to keep it managed.
Do cloud managed switches stop working if the internet goes down?
No. Meraki says its devices keep running on their last known configuration if they lose contact with the cloud. Traffic carries on, but you cannot make configuration changes from the dashboard until the connection returns.
Which are the best cloud managed switches?
The best switch is the one that matches your ports, PoE budget, uplink speeds, stacking needs and licensing preference. We design from the devices you need to connect and compare Meraki MS, cloud-managed Catalyst and Cisco Smart Switches on those points.
Do cloud managed switches need a licence?
Meraki switches and Catalyst switches managed in the Meraki dashboard need an active licence to stay managed. Ask us for a quote covering hardware and licences over the term you want.
Still have a question about cloud managed switching?
Ask us and a member of our team will reply by email.