Basic Speed/Duplex functionality of device ports

[707eric]

We currently have multiple MX105's and MS125's. All the 10GB SFP+ optical ports lack the ability to manually set the port to 10GB Full. The only option is auto-negotiate but you can't auto-negotiate optical links. This becomes major issue if network devices other than Meraki are added to the network. Meraki's answer seems to be "Don't use any non-Meraki devices" yet my solution is looking like, "Don't use any Meraki devices"

Does anyone know if there is any places to fix this most basic feature on the 10Gb devices?

[aleabrahao]

On MX, you can access the local device status page and set It manually:

On switch, you can force 1Gb full duplex.

[aleabrahao]

[707eric]

I don't want to set the port to 1GB. I want set the 10G ports to 10GB full and not 10GB auto-negotiate.

[aleabrahao]

Unfortunately, it is not possible, but you can use it in auto-negotiate. mode with other devices that are not Meraki that will work without any problem.

[aleabrahao]

Or request a new feature for Meraki. 😉

[707eric]

No that's not true because they are optical ports. 10Gb isn't supported on optical ports IEEE standards even says as much.

The very reason why the devices dont work with other network devices is because they follow IEEE standard and Meraki doesn't.

[aleabrahao]

Well, I have been using It with no Meraki and It has been working well.

But, as I suggested, make a wish for Meraki.

[aleabrahao]

Cisco Meraki switches and security appliances with SFP interfaces allow both Cisco Meraki-branded and 3rd party optics. Our products do not lock out optics that have been detected as non-Meraki parts. However, please note that in most cases only Meraki-branded accessories have been certified to work with Cisco Meraki products. For any exceptions please see the section below labeled: Are other Cisco SFP/SFP+ parts certified to work with Cisco Meraki products?

[aleabrahao]

There are many different standards in the industry for varying distances and fiber types. While Cisco Meraki strives to support the most common IEEE802.3 standards, if you are in need of a standard that Cisco Meraki does not carry a certified option for, you will need to use a non-Meraki part. If you have problems using the uncertified part with a Cisco Meraki product, please contact Cisco Meraki support. Though we do not officially support non-Meraki parts, many are still compatible and Support will do their best to ensure all the requirements are met for checking non-Meraki SFP connectivity and viability. For more information on compatible and supported SFP modules, check our SFP and Stacking Accessories document.

[707eric]

The issue isn't supporting Meraki branded or non-Meraki brands parts. The issue is more basic than that. If I buy a device, be it managed switch or firewall at the prices we are paying for these devices, I should have the fundamental basic capability to set speed and duplex on a port. I should have the ability to set a 10Gb optical port to 10Gb full.

Setting speed/duplex on a port is one of the most basic functions of a managed network device.

[BlakeRichardson]

@707eric I am using 10Gb SFP+ between our MS425-32 and a Fortigate with no problems.

Are you referring to 10Gb fibre or copper connections?

[707eric]

10gb copper connections act as expected. They support 10Gb auto-negotiation which falls in line with IEEE standard.

The issue is Meraki doesn't follow IEEE standard when using fiber. Fiber should be manually set or only support 10g Full Duplex not 10G auto-negotiate. The Cisco devices we use follow the standard and require the port be set manually. The Meraki doesn't allow the port to be set manually.

In fact accessing the local interface of the devices you wouldn't even know they support 10G.

[CMR]

@707eric we have MS225s connected to Cisco 3850s using 10Gb short range optics and they auto negotiate to 10Gb full without issue. We also have MS355Xs connected to Pure flash arrays using 10Gb SR without issue. These have worked for the last 2-3 years reliably. I know you want to be able to manually set them, but we haven't found it necessary.

[CMR]

I also checked the IOS config and all we have there on the 10G port is: