Introducing the Meraki Z4C: A Powerful Router for On-the-Go Connectivity

Hello and welcome to SDN Tech Forum! Today, we are excited to unveil a new product: the Meraki Z4C. This router is particularly interesting because it offers connectivity on the go using a SIM card or cellular interface. This means you can pack it up, travel with it, and get connectivity even in the remotest areas where Wi-Fi is not available.

Overview of the Meraki Z4C

The Meraki Z4C is a compact router with two external antennas, one internet port, and four LAN ports, all of which are gigabit Ethernet interfaces. One of the LAN ports (port number four) is a PoE port. The standout feature of this router is its built-in SIM card slot, which allows it to act as a backup or failover connection. This makes it ideal for both home use and on-the-go connectivity.

Key Features

• Compact Size: Small enough to pack and go.
• Cellular Connectivity: Built-in cellular modem for failover connectivity.
• Gigabit Ethernet: Four LAN ports and one internet port.
• PoE Support: One LAN port supports Power over Ethernet.
• High Throughput: Up to 500 Mbps throughput and 50 Mbps VPN throughput.

Comparison with Regular MX Routers

The Meraki Z4C is part of the Z series, the fourth generation of cellular-capable routers. Unlike the regular MX routers, which are characterized by SD-WAN and security features, the Z4C is a lightweight version. It has only one internet port and a backup cellular interface, making it ideal for scenarios where SD-WAN features like application-aware routing and load balancing are not required.

Setting Up the Meraki Z4C

1. Installation: The Z4C comes with a power cord, two external antennas, and a front panel with LED status indicators.
2. Cellular Failover: The router has an embedded LTE modem for cellular failover. To set it up, power off the Z4C, insert the SIM card, and connect the uplink via a wired connection.
3. Initial Setup: During the initial setup, ensure the router has wired connectivity to the Meraki dashboard. Once connected, the router will check the carrier of choice for the cellular SIM and activate the cellular connection.

Creating a Network with the Meraki Z4C

1. Claiming the Device: Go to the Meraki dashboard, find the serial number of your Z4C, and claim it to create a new network or add it to an existing one.
2. Network Configuration: Create a new network for your teleworker router. Choose the network type (combined hardware) and configure the VLANs and SSIDs.
3. VLAN and SSID Configuration: Create VLANs and assign IP addresses. Configure SSIDs for wireless connectivity.
4. Auto VPN: Enable Auto VPN to connect the router to your corporate network using Meraki's Auto VPN technology.

Demonstration

In the demo, we will show you how to set up the Meraki Z4C, configure VLANs and SSIDs, and enable Auto VPN for secure connectivity. We will also demonstrate real-time client connectivity and data usage monitoring.

Conclusion

The Meraki Z4C is a powerful and versatile router that offers on-the-go connectivity with cellular failover. Its compact size, high throughput, and support for PoE make it an excellent choice for teleworkers and remote locations. With features like Auto VPN and adaptive policy support, the Z4C provides enterprise-level functionality in a lightweight package.

For a more detailed walkthrough, watch the demo embedded below:

Stay tuned for more insights and deep dives into network security and segmentation strategies. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share!

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