Cisco Meraki Z1/Z3

When working with a property to install a Meraki Z1 VPN, obtain the following information from the property’s IT department:

  • Public static IP
  • Default Gateway
  • Subnet Mask
  • DNS Server 1
  • DNS Server 2

It is important to explain to the IT department that while we understand that NATing and Port Forwarding should work, DirecTV does not allow for this and we will need a public static IP that is prior to any firewalls.

After obtaining the following information, configure the Meraki Z1/Z3 using the following steps:

  1. Connect to port 2 on the back of the VPN with your laptop.
    1. On the Z3 port 1 is the internet port so you will need to connect port 2 to your laptop.
    2. Make sure that your IPV4 settings are set to Obtain an IP address automatically and not Use the following IP address.
  2. Open a web browser and connect to http://wired.meraki.com.
    1. If you are unable to make a connection, press and hold the reset button on the back of the Meraki Z1 for 15 seconds. Once all the lights on the back turn on then off, you may release.
      1. If you are resetting a Z3 you will only need to press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds
    2. After the Meraki Z1 has rebooted, attempt again to connect to http://wired.meraki.com
      1. If you are connecting to a Z3 instead connect to http://setup.meraki.com
  3. On the Meraki’s home page, click on the configure TAB. You will be prompted for a username and password. The username will be the serial number located on the bottom of the Meraki unit. The serial number must be entered exactly as it appears, including the dashes. Example: QHT7-RD98-KCS2. Once you set the username, leave the password blank and press enter. 
  4. On the configuration page you will need to change the IP address from DHCP to Static. After setting the unit to Static, additional fields will appear. Enter in the IT department’s provided information and click save at the bottom.
    1. If the property did not provide you with a DNS server 1 and 2, set DNS 1 to 8.8.8.8 and DNS 2 to 8.8.4.4. If this does not work, reach back out to the property’s IT department and ask them what DNS to use.
  5. Connect the Meraki Z1/Z3’s internet port to the IT specified port on their network. The unit should connect..
    1. After connecting to the port given to you by the property’s IP, the light on the front of the Meraki should begin to change color and eventually stop at solid white. This will indicate that the Meraki has made a connection. If the light continues to change or stop on solid orange, it was unable to connect.
  6. After you configure the Meraki Z1/Z3, you MUST contact someone from the office to test connectivity. If anything is wrong they will be able to help identify the issue and help correct it before leaving the property.
  7. Connect port 1 on the back of the Meraki Z1 to the specified port on the Dre or Com 1000/2000/3000 to complete the installation.
    1. On the Z3 you will connect port 2 to the specified port on the Com or Dre

Instructions for setup of the Meraki Z1/Z3 specifically for Managed Dre and Com with pictures can be found Here