Meraki Installation Guide 2025-2026

Meraki Managed Firewall

• The Meraki MX67 firewall is the approved firewall for meetinghouses at this time.
• Port 2 on the MX67 should be connected to an SFP port on the Meraki Switch using an SFP Module. * Ports 3, 4, 5 will be disabled.

** If you don’t have an SFP module then connect to one of the Switch Access Ports and configure that switch port to be “LINK” in Church Network Manager. (CNM)

Meraki Managed Switches

• For a successful install, please read the instructions before beginning the switch install or contacting the GSD for assistance. Reading and understanding this guide before you begin is imperative for success.
• Label cables before disconnecting them from the current unmanaged switches.
• At least one Meraki managed switch must be installed in every meetinghouse worldwide
• Most meetinghouses will use a combination of the Meraki switch and current unmanaged switches. If there are enough Meraki ports for all data cables then remove all unmanaged switches.
• The installer will need access to a mobile computer or an iPad in order to activate and configure the new Meraki switch in Church Network Manager during the Meraki switch installation
• All wireless access points (APs) in the meetinghouse must connect directly to the a Meraki managed switch. Do not connect Cisco APs into the Meraki Switch. Upgrade Cisco APs to Meraki APs.
• Order an SPF module when ordering a Meraki Switch.
• If a second Meraki switch is needed in the same meetinghouse then two additional SFP modules will be needed.
• You will need a screwdriver and wood screws if you are mounting a switch to a wall, cabinet, or rack
• You will need a pen or pencil, tape and paper to create a cable mapping sheet of the meetinghouse data drops
• The Switch installation will be much easier if you have 2 people to identify where each data cable connects. Especially for the Wireless Access Points.
• The Meraki switch(es) installed in a meetinghouse will be logically tied to the Meraki Firewall in the Meraki Cloud Management application.
• Use of the 48-port switch is an exception and should only be used when the number of in-use Ethernet network lines running to a single location exceeds 22.

SFP Modules

SFP Module –Approved Optics 1000BASET SFP transceiver module for Category 5e/6 copper wire

• Every switch will need a SFP module installed in port SFP 9 on the "8 Port switch", port SFP 25 on the "24 Port switch" and port SFP 49 on the “48 port switch.

• If a second Meraki switch is needed in the same meetinghouse then two additional SFP modules will be needed. Install the extra SFP module in Port 10 of the first Meraki 8 Port switch (or port SFP 26/SFP 50 on the first 24 or 48 port switch respectively) to connect the two Meraki Switches.
• To install the SFP module- open the lock, insert the module and close the lock. This will lock the SFP module into the switch.
• Connect the data cable to the SFP modules with the lock closed in the locked position.
• To remove an SFP module- open the lock and remove the module from the switch.

• 
  Insert the SFP modules into the switch with the lock open and then close the lock
• 
  SFP lock is open
• 
  SFP lock is closed
• 
  SFP lock is closed with data cable connected

Steps before installing Meraki Managed Switch (MS130-8P,-24P,-48P)

Examples of unmanaged switches

1. Using tags or tape, identify and label the following possible cables connecting to:
   1. Wireless Access Points (tag as AP)
   2. Clerk’s and unit Leader’s offices (tag as Clerk or BP or SP)
   3. The HVAC, Door locks, and other Facility devices (tag as HVAC or Locks or FAC)
   4. Webcast equipment, Audio/Video distribution systems (tag as AV)
   5. The Family History Center (if present) (tag as FHC)
   6. The Seminary and Institute Teacher Offices and student classrooms (if present) (tag as S&I)
   7. FM office, Mission office, etc... (if present) (tag as FM or Mission)
   8. All other rooms in the meetinghouse (all of these will be public zone)
2. This is a great opportunity to determine if all classroom connections are used or needed. If they are no longer used, then leave the cables disconnected to reduce the number of needed switch ports. If you leave a room disconnected, then add a sticker to the data jack faceplate in that room stating that it is disconnected.
3. After labeling, take photos of the current configuration to inform the troubleshooting process if problems occur during the new switch installation.
   1. It is recommended that you leave a sheet of paper with the cable and port mappings next to the switch. This will facilitate future changes to the network. (example: Port 7 on the switch goes to the Clerk’s office, etc. )

Figure 1- One Meraki MS130-8P (8 port switch) Configuration