Meraki Cloud Controller Licensing FAQs
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Last updated: November, 2009
Q: How does Meraki licensing work?
A: Meraki access points use the Meraki Cloud Controller for centralized management and control. Meraki Cloud Controllers are licensed on a “per node, per year” basis. Each account is licensed for a certain number of access points. Meraki currently offers two versions: the Enterprise Cloud Controller and the Pro Cloud Controller.
Q: How much does a Cloud Controller license cost?
A: An Enterprise license is $150 per node per year. There is no license required for the Pro Cloud Controller. Discounts are available for multi-year licenses. Please see meraki.com for details.
Q: How do I buy a Cloud Controller license?
A: You can buy a license directly through an authorized Meraki partner or from Meraki directly.
Q: What happens when my license runs out?
A: You can purchase a renewal through an authorized Meraki partner or from Meraki directly. If you chose not to renew, you will no longer have access to Meraki's Cloud Controller, which will cause your network to stop functioning.
Q: Do I have to buy more licenses every time I buy new hardware?
A: Not necessarily. Licenses are sold separately from the hardware.
Q: Can I upgrade from Pro to Enterprise?
A: Yes you can, and it's easy. If you have a 10 AP Pro network, simply purchase a 10 AP Enterprise Cloud Controller license and apply it to your account. Your account will be automatically upgraded.
Q: What happens if I add APs in the middle of my license term? Can I buy a pro-rated license?
A: Meraki sells one year and three year licenses, but does not sell pro-rated licenses. When you add a license to an existing account, we calculate the amount of extra time in your account and extend the renewal date for all your APs accordingly. In this way an account only has a single renewal date, avoiding the confusion associated with multiple renewal dates and co-termination.
Q: Can I combine two organizations with different licensing terms?
A: Yes you can. Please contact Meraki technical support for assistance.
Q: I don't understand how the pro-ration calculation works. Please explain.
A: If you add a license to an existing network in the middle of the license period, we give you credit on your new license by extending your renewal date. Here's an example.
Let's say you originally purchased a 10 AP, 1 year license. 4 months into the license term you decide to add a 6 AP, 1 year license. You have extra credit of 4*6=24 AP-months. We automatically apply those 24 AP-months for your new 16 AP network. This gives you an additional 24 / 16 = 1.5 months.
The diagram below illustrates this example.
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