Troubleshooting Meraki switches

Meraki Switch Troubleshooting Guide:

Users, APs and computers are not able to connect to the internet

A Meraki switch is connected to the Meraki Firewall or to another Meraki switch that is connected to the Meraki Firewall and devices still are not able to connect to the internet then do the following:

Solid White Switch Light – Indicates that the switch is functioning properly

1. If users and APs are not able to connect to the internet and the switch LED indicator is Solid White then verify the following:
   1. The Meraki switch is connected directly to the Meraki firewall
   2. For 8 Port Meraki Switches - Switch Port SFP9 should be connected to Port 1 on the Meraki Firewall
   3. For 24 port Meraki switches - Switch Port SFP25 should be connected to Port 1 on the Meraki Firewall
   4. For 48 port Meraki switches - Switch Port SFP49 should be connected to Port 1 on the Meraki Firewall
2. If an SFP port is not available or an SFP module is not available, then another switch port configured as “Link” in CNM may be used to connect to the Meraki Firewall
3. If the Meraki switch is connected to another Meraki switch:
   1. SFP ports should always be used to connect Meraki switches if they are available
   2. If an SFP port is not available or an SFP module is not available, then another switch port configured as “Link” in CNM may be used to connect to another Meraki Switch.
4. Avoid “daisy-chaining” switches whenever possible, there should never be more than one switch between the Meraki firewall and any other Meraki switch

Solid Orange Switch light – Indicates that the switch is booting or is unable to communicate with the Meraki cloud management application.

1. After booting the indicator light should transition briefly to the “Rainbow” cycle
2. After connecting to the Meraki cloud management application the switch may reboot and revert back to an Orange light.
3. If the LED indicator continuously cycles between the solid Orange and the “Rainbow” state every few minutes, it is not able to communicate with the Meraki Cloud controller:
   1. Verify the Meraki switch is connected directly to the Meraki firewall
   2. For 8 Port Meraki Switches - Switch Port SFP9 should be connected to Port 1 on the Meraki Firewall
   3. For 24 port Meraki switches - Switch Port SFP25 should be connected to Port 1 on the Meraki Firewall
   4. For 48 port Meraki switches - Switch Port SFP49 should be connected to Port 1 on the Meraki Firewall
   5. If an SFP port is not available or an SFP module is not available, then another switch port configured as “Link” in CNM may be used to connect to the Meraki Firewall.
4. If the Meraki switch is connected to another Meraki switch:
   1. SFP Ports should always be used to connect Meraki switches if they are available
   2. If an SFP port is not available or an SFP module is not available, then another switch port configured as “Link” in CNM may be used to connect to another Meraki Switch.
5. Avoid “daisy-chaining” switches whenever possible, there should never be more than one switch between the Meraki firewall and any other Meraki switch
6. If the indicator stays Orange persistently the device should be rebooted
   1. To reboot the switch:
      1. Disconnect the power from the device
      2. Wait at least ten seconds
      3. reconnect the power
7. If the Meraki switch is properly connected to the Meraki Firewall and the switch ports are configured correctly in CNM and the indicator light remains Orange even after rebooting the switch, then contact the Global Support Desk for assistance resetting the switch to its factory default settings.

Blinking White Switch light - Indicates that the Meraki switch is updating

1. Generally, this is completed within a few minutes but may take 30 minutes or longer for a new switch
2. Switches typically reboot(will go orange briefly) at the end of an update
3. It is generally best to wait for the device to finish updating and transition to a solid white indicator
4. The Meraki switch will function normally during the update process

Devices connected to existing switches are unable to access the internet, or are in the wrong zone:

1. Verify that the switch is online, LED indicator on the front of the switch should be solid white.
2. If the LED indicator is not solid white please follow the troubleshooting steps above to restore the switch to normal operation.
3. Verify that each switch port in CNM is correctly configured. The default setting for a switch port is “Public.”
4. Devices typically found in the Public Zone include:
   1. Clerk Computers and unit leader computers
   2. Cisco APs that should be replaced by a new Cisco/Meraki MR3x AP
      1. Any wireless access point that is not managed by CNM (use of such devices is not recommended, please contact your facility manager if more wireless access points are required for you building).
   3. Webstats, Sprinkler Controllers, Alarms, etc. that are managed through the internet (Contact your facility manager if you’re unsure about any of these devices).
   4. Any resources that should be reachable by wireless users associated to “Liahona”
   5. Printers, and devices used exclusively by wards, stakes, branches, and other local units belong in the Public Zone
   6. AV systems that are meant to be accessed from the public network
   7. Webcast devices

Devices that belong in the Facility Zone should be connected to switch ports configured for “Facility” in CNM.

Devices typically found in the facility zone include:

1. Webstats (some HVAC controllers are managed over the internet and may be placed in the “Public” zone, contact your facility manager to determine which zone your HVAC gear belongs in)
2. Door locking systems
3. Sprinkler Controllers
4. Fire Alarms
5. AV Equipment
6. Any system that is managed remotely over the network by the Facility Manager.

Devices that belong in the Workforce Zone should be connected to switch ports configured for “Workforce.”

1. Workforce zones are only found in meetinghouses where Church employees have permanent dedicated workspace.
2. “Workforce” should not be used to connect unmanaged switches, if there are not enough ports on the Meraki switch(es) to accommodate all of the switch ports that are needed for Workforce users then additional Meraki switches should be added.