Here’s an action plan with a timeline for setting up and configuring a Meraki Client VPN:
Phase 1: Pre-Setup Planning
Objective: Assess the network and determine VPN requirements.
Tasks:
- Review Network Topology:
- Assess subnets, IP ranges, and identify internal resources that need VPN access.
- Time: 0.5 day
- Define VPN Subnet and DNS:
- Select an appropriate VPN IP range and DNS servers.
- Time: 0.5 day
- Select Authentication Method:
- Decide between Meraki Cloud, AD, or RADIUS authentication.
- Time: 0.5 day
- Ensure VPN Compatibility:
- Verify compatibility with user devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android).
- Time: 0.5 day
Deliverables:
- VPN subnet, DNS, and authentication method documented.
- Resource list with users and devices requiring access.
Total Time: 1–2 days
Phase 2: Meraki Dashboard Configuration
Objective: Configure the client VPN on the Meraki dashboard.
Tasks:
- Login to Meraki Dashboard:
- Access the dashboard with admin credentials.
- Time: 0.5 day
- Enable Client VPN:
- Enable Client VPN and configure subnet, DNS, and shared secret.
- Time: 0.5 day
- Configure Authentication:
- Set up Meraki Cloud, AD, or RADIUS authentication.
- Time: 1 day
- Set Firewall Rules:
- Configure firewall rules to control VPN user access to internal network resources.
- Time: 1 day
Deliverables:
- VPN subnet, DNS servers, and PSK configured.
- Authentication method configured and tested.
- Firewall rules defined and applied.
Total Time: 2–3 days
Phase 3: Client Device Setup
Objective: Set up VPN configurations on user devices.
Tasks:
- Distribute VPN Setup Instructions:
- Provide users with instructions on configuring the VPN on their devices.
- Time: 0.5 day
- Configure VPN on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android:
- Provide support for users setting up their devices and handle troubleshooting.
- Time: 2–3 days, depending on the number of users.
Deliverables:
- VPN connection instructions shared with users.
- VPN successfully set up on all necessary devices.
Total Time: 2–3 days
Phase 4: Testing and Validation
Objective: Test the VPN functionality and ensure proper access.
Tasks:
- Test VPN Access:
- Test connections from different device types to verify the VPN setup.
- Time: 1 day
- Check Logs for Issues:
- Review Meraki dashboard logs to check for errors or authentication problems.
- Time: 0.5 day
- Verify Network Access:
- Ensure that VPN users can access the internal network resources as defined.
- Time: 0.5 day
Deliverables:
- VPN access tested and validated for users.
- Logs reviewed for errors and resolved.
- Internal network access confirmed.
Total Time: 1–2 days
Overall Timeline: 6–10 days
Summary of Deliverables:
- Phase 1: Document VPN subnet, DNS, authentication method, and resources.
- Phase 2: Configuration of VPN settings, authentication, and firewall rules on the Meraki dashboard.
- Phase 3: Setup instructions provided and VPN configured on all devices.
- Phase 4: VPN functionality tested and logs reviewed for issues.
This timeline ensures thorough planning, configuration, testing, and user support, minimizing the risk of errors and ensuring a smooth setup process.