Here’s what the new Cisco Meraki Access Manager means for you

By Shaun Birrell | 28 January 2026

“Controlling who and what connects to your network has never been more important.”

Traditional network access control (NAC) solutions often involve complex deployments, additional hardware and long lead times, which can slow down projects and increase costs. Cisco Meraki has launched Access Manager to change that. It simplifies identity-based access control and delivers stronger security without unnecessary complexity.

You can try Access Manager free for 90 days and see how it works in your own environment. If you’d like expert guidance, talk to Bistech today. Our team can help you plan a smooth rollout and show how Access Manager fits into your Managed Network strategy.

What is Access Manager?

Access Manager acts as a smart gatekeeper for your company’s Wi-Fi and wired network. By verifying identities before granting access, it ensures only trusted users and devices connect. This reduces the risk of unauthorised access and cyber threats, giving you stronger protection without adding more systems to manage.

Seamless integration with Microsoft Entra ID

Access Manager works natively with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory), so you can use existing user identities to enforce access policies. This means no duplicate directories, no extra admin and a consistent approach to identity and network security across your organisation.

Fast, simple deployment

Forget weeks of setup and additional hardware. Access Manager runs directly in the Meraki dashboard you already know. A few clicks and you’re ready to go, with no on-prem servers or extra appliances required.

Diagram representing Cisco Meraki Access Manager

Why it matters

Your network underpins critical systems, from financial data to customer information. If attackers gain access, they could move laterally and compromise sensitive assets. Access Manager helps prevent this by enforcing identity-based access and segmentation, reducing the risk of a breach and limiting its impact.

For Meraki customers, it’s a natural upgrade

Access Manager brings enterprise-level access control to Meraki networks in a way that is fast, simple and cost-effective. For businesses looking to strengthen security without slowing operations, it’s a game-changer. You’ll benefit from:

Stronger protection against unauthorised access

Simple management from the same dashboard

Lower costs with no extra equipment or specialist staff

Try it free for 90 days

Cisco Meraki offers a 90-day free trial, so you can evaluate Access Manager in your own environment. Experience how easy it is to deploy, manage and secure your network, risk-free.

So now is the time book a call with Bistech today to find out how Access Manager fits into your Managed Network strategy and start your trial.

Talk to Bistech today and discover how our Managed Solutions can help you unlock the full potential of AI, securely, confidently and without complexity.

Book a call today

Shaun Birrell, Solutions Architect

Shaun Birrell works with customers to design and deliver technology solutions that are practical, scalable and aligned to real business outcomes. As a Solutions Architect in Bistech's Professional Services team, he bridges the gap between technical capability and operational need, translating complex requirements into clear, workable architectures. Shaun brings a hands-on approach to every engagement, ensuring that solutions are not only well designed but successfully delivered and supported over time.