Meraki Network Migrations: How to move networks and devices to another organization

October 25, 2023
Blog
The Boundless Crew

Cisco Meraki provides a complete solution for simplifying device administration and network configurations in the area of network management. However, circumstances may develop where you must move Meraki networks and devices from one enterprise to another, requiring a thorough comprehension of the migration procedure. The detailed instructions in this article explain how to move Meraki networks and devices across businesses without causing any disruption to your network infrastructure.

What you need to know before getting started

It can be risky to move networks and devices between Meraki enterprises, especially if you don’t pay attention. Unexpected network outages, data loss, security flaws, and configuration mistakes are some of the potential threats.

If the migration is not carried out correctly, network downtime may ensue. Businesses and organizations that depend on their networks to function may experience disruption as a result. The improper execution of the migration may potentially result in data loss. For companies and organizations that keep crucial data on their networks, this can be a major issue.

The tutorial aims at guiding you through the migration process and make sure to limit the risk of configuration error and downtime.

Step 1: Unclaim the Device from the Current Organization

The first step is to unclaim the device from the current organization. This can be done manually through the Meraki Dashboard, or using the Meraki API.

To unclaim a device manually:

Go to the Meraki Dashboard and log in.
Click Organization > Inventory.
Click the Name of the device you want to unclaim.
Click Unclaim.
Click Unclaim to confirm.

To unclaim a device using the API, you will need to use the following request:

Step 2: Claim the Device on the New Organization

Once the device has been unclaimed from the current organization, it can be claimed on the new organization. This can also be done manually through the Meraki Dashboard, or using the Meraki API.

To claim a device manually:

Go to the Meraki Dashboard and log in.
Click Organization > Inventory.
Click Claim.
Enter the serial number of the device you want to claim.
Click Claim.

To claim a device using the API, you will need to use the following request:

Step 3: Register the Device on the New Organization

Once the device has been claimed on the new organization, it needs to be registered. This can also be done manually through the Meraki Dashboard, or using the Meraki API.

To register a device manually:

Go to the Meraki Dashboard and log in.
Click Organization > Inventory.
Click the Name of the device you want to register.
Click Register.
Enter the required information and click Register.

To register a device using the API, you will need to use the following request:

Step 4: Move the Network to the New Organization

To move the network to the new organization, you will need to contact Cisco Meraki support. They will be able to transfer the network ownership to the new organization.

Step 5: Update the Network Settings

Once the network has been transferred to the new organization, you will need to update the network settings. This includes things like the network name, SSID, and security settings.

Step 6: Test the Network

Once the network settings have been updated, it is important to test the network to make sure that everything is working properly. You can do this by connecting to the network and browsing the internet.

Step 7: Update Your Documentation

Finally, you need to update your documentation to reflect the changes that you have made. This includes things like your network diagram and IP address assignments.

Conclusion

It is important to make sure that you have a backup of your network configuration before you start the migration process.
It is also a good idea to test the migration process in a staging environment before you perform it in a production environment.
If you are moving a large number of devices, it may be helpful to use the Meraki API to automate the process.
If you need any assistance, do not hesitate to contact Cisco Meraki support.

Sources

How to move a network from one organization to another in Meraki: https://community.meraki.com/t5/Dashboard-Administration/Move-a-network-from-one-organization-to-another/m-p/144260
Moving Devices between Organizations: https://documentation.meraki.com/General_Administration/Inventory_and_Devices/Moving_Devices_between_Organizations
Best Practices for Merging/Combining Networks within the Same Organization: https://documentation.meraki.com/General_Administration/Organizations_and_Networks/Best_Practices_for_Merging_Networks_and_Organizations
Meraki Dashboard Organizational Structure: https://documentation.meraki.com/General_Administration/Organizations_and_Networks/Meraki_Dashboard_Organizational_Structure

Meraki Network Migrations: How to move networks and devices to another organization

Table of Contents

What you need to know before getting started

Step 1: Unclaim the Device from the Current Organization

Step 2: Claim the Device on the New Organization

Step 3: Register the Device on the New Organization