BTnet Meraki: managed Meraki equipment with BTnet Security

What BTnet Meraki is

BTnet is BT's dedicated internet access service, and BT offers it with three equipment choices: wires only (your own router), a managed Cisco router, or managed Cisco Meraki equipment. BT presents the third as BTnet Meraki + BTnet Security: a dedicated line with a stronger security layer, aimed at businesses that want corporate-grade protection without running it all themselves.

On this plan you get the standard BTnet service, plus Meraki equipment that BT supplies and manages:

• A dedicated BTnet line with uncontended, symmetrical bandwidth at the port speed you order
• Managed Cisco Meraki equipment at your site, configured and managed by BT
• BTnet Security, BT's security service, which BT makes available only with the Meraki option
• The route to BTnet Wi-Fi, BT's managed Meraki access points for coverage across your site
• Static assigned IPv4 addresses, Business Premium Care and BT's BTnet service levels

We do not publish equipment model numbers. BT selects suitable Meraki hardware for the speed and options in your order, and its terms say equipment specifications are available on request.

Why Meraki makes a difference

Cisco Meraki equipment is managed from the cloud. For a BTnet customer, that has a few practical effects described in BT's own material:

• Updates without scheduling: BT's BTnet Wi-Fi brochure says firmware updates and changes are delivered through Meraki's cloud, applying current network and security policies automatically
• One portal for the line and Wi-Fi: BT says BTnet and BTnet Wi-Fi share the same portal, with a dashboard for usage from any device
• Security on the same box: because BTnet Security runs on the Meraki equipment, your line, edge device and security policies sit on one managed platform
• Room to add Wi-Fi: Meraki access points join the same managed set-up rather than being a separate system

BT's terms still apply the usual maintenance rules: BT may carry out maintenance, including firmware updates, and uses reasonable endeavours to give at least five Business Days' notice of planned maintenance on its network and equipment, with less in an emergency.

BTnet Security on the Meraki platform

BTnet Security is the main reason many businesses pick this plan. BT lists it as:

• Advanced malware protection
• Content (URL) filtering
• Intrusion detection and prevention
• Regular security patch updates against new threats

BT's terms treat BTnet Security as an in-life option where the managed equipment supports it, so you can ask for it when you order or add it later in writing. It is a layer, not a guarantee: BT's terms say BT does not guarantee the security of the service against unauthorised access, so you still need endpoint protection, secure email, strong sign-in and backups. Read the full detail on our BTnet Security page.

Where BT's responsibility ends

With managed equipment, BT's service management boundary is the LAN port of the managed equipment. BT provides and manages the line and the Meraki equipment up to that port. The cable to your own devices and your office network are yours.

Wireless is treated differently. BT's terms say BT will test the service with an Ethernet cable and will not connect or test wireless; BT is not responsible for Wi-Fi range, signal strength or throughput. If you switch on Wi-Fi or guest Wi-Fi, you set and protect the passwords, you test the wireless, and you are responsible for how people use it. If you have BTnet Security, you also make sure your security policy is active on both the staff and guest Wi-Fi networks. See BTnet Wi-Fi for more.

The equipment stays BT's property. You keep it safe, insure it, do not move or alter it without BT's written consent, and arrange its return at the end of the service.

Comparing the three BTnet plans

Choosing Meraki is not only about features. If your IT team already runs a firewall estate they like, a plan that leaves security to them may suit better. If you have no in-house security expertise, a managed security layer on the line is a sensible starting point. Our BTnet leased line plans page lays out the choice in full.

Who BTnet Meraki suits

• Small and mid-sized businesses without a security team, who want protection applied at the edge of the network
• Offices that need Wi-Fi for staff and guests on the same managed platform as the line
• Schools, charities and hospitality venues where content filtering and guest access matter; see leased lines by sector
• Multi-site organisations that want the same equipment and policies at every site; see multi-site leased lines

Before you choose

Two points are worth checking early. First, the managed equipment has its own throughput and client capacity, and BT's terms say a bandwidth flex beyond it needs new equipment and a new minimum period, so plan the speed you may need, not just today's. Second, security features use processing power, so the equipment should be sized for your line with security switched on. We can talk both through with you at quote stage.

How Forever Communications helps

Forever Communications is an Authorised Supplier for BT. We supply BTnet Meraki and can help you decide whether it is the right plan and size it properly:

• Review how your network and security are run today and what you want BT to manage
• Choose bearer, port speed and options with growth in mind
• Plan BTnet Security alongside the protection you already have on devices and email
• Scope BTnet Wi-Fi: how many access points, where, and staff and guest networks
• Help with survey, wayleave and site preparation questions

Ask us for a quote: pricing depends on site, bearer, speed, options and term. Contact us with your postcode and what you need.