topic Re: Features limitation with Template in Cloud Networking Platform

Features limitation with Template

stevepfortin — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 18:15:21 GMT

Hi,

Anyone came across a list of features that is not compatible with template?

We start questioning the use of templates and if we would be better off with a tool like Bondless Digital to manage our devices.

Thanks,

Steve

Re: Features limitation with Template

aleabrahao — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 18:22:32 GMT

Hi,

- Configuration templates cannot be used on networks with Systems Manager.

- Templates are less effective if your networks have significant variations. Some settings can be overridden per site, but extensive differences can be challenging.

- All networks tied to a template must run the same firmware version. Updating the firmware on the template applies it to all attached networks.

- When binding a template, local settings like IP addresses and DHCP configurations can be lost unless specifically preserved.

Managing Multiple Networks with Configuration Templates - Cisco Meraki Documentation

Solved: Templates & Cloning - The Meraki Community

Implementing Templates - The Meraki Community

Re: Features limitation with Template

inderdeepsingh1 — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 20:04:42 GMT

Apart from what @alessandrodematos provided also check the best practices

https://documentation.meraki.com/Architectures_and_Best_Practices/Cisco_Meraki_Best_Practice_Design/Best_Practice_Design_-_MX_Security_and_SD-WAN/MX_Templates_Best_Practices

Re: Features limitation with Template

JamesT91 — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 08:13:17 GMT

We tend to use templates for LAN/WLAN but for SDWAN it just lacks the flexibility to be useful.

If more overrides were available (load-balancing I am looking at you) and the full L7 NBAR list then we would be getting somewhere.

Re: Features limitation with Template

MaghM — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 08:45:59 GMT

Below are overrides that can be configured for networks bounded to a template. Please refer to the product specific guides for more details:

MX/Z - MX Templates Best Practices

Addressing & VLANs subnets
DHCP exceptions
NAT / Forwarding rules
SD-WAN & Traffic shaping Uplink Configuration
Client VPN

MS - Templates for Switching Best Practices

Switch ports (Access Policies*, Port Schedules*)
Routing and DHCP
OSPF Routing
Port Management Profile
Stack Management
DHCP Snooping
Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)

MR Access Points

SSIDs (name, enable/disable)
Access control
Radio Settings (RF Profiles)

*Note: These configuration must be defined at the template level

If anything else you think it's suitable to be override please submit a feature request . Any wish that is made it sends an email to our Product Managers and Development Teams.