In short: BTnet Meraki + BTnet Security is BT's managed leased line option. BT supplies Cisco Meraki equipment with a next-generation layer 7 firewall, advanced malware protection, URL content filtering, intrusion detection and prevention, regular security patches and 24/7 proactive monitoring. BTnet Wi-Fi can add Meraki Wi-Fi 6 access points, up to five in total.
What BTnet Meraki + BTnet Security is
BTnet comes in three plans: wires only, BTnet + Cisco router, and BTnet Meraki + BTnet Security. The third adds managed security at the edge of the network. All three share the same dedicated line, symmetrical speeds and SLA, described on the BTnet page.
With the Meraki plan, BT supplies Cisco Meraki equipment at your site as part of the service. It handles the configuration and the ongoing management, and it monitors the service 24/7. BT pitches the plan at businesses that want a dedicated connection with corporate-grade security. BTnet Security is only available with this Meraki managed equipment option, not with wires only or the Cisco router plan.
BT's BTnet Wi-Fi brochure says updates and firmware changes are delivered through Meraki's cloud and applied automatically. The latest network and security policies are applied without you having to schedule anything.
What BTnet Security includes
BT lists these protections as part of BTnet Security:
| Capability | What it does for you |
|---|---|
| Next-generation layer 7 firewall | Controls traffic by application as well as by port and address, so you can allow Microsoft 365 but restrict file-sharing or streaming apps |
| Advanced malware protection | Inspects downloads and traffic for known and emerging malware before it reaches devices |
| Advanced content (URL) filtering | Blocks categories of websites and known malicious sites across every device on the network |
| Intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS) | Spots and stops exploit attempts and suspicious traffic patterns |
| Regular security patch updates | Keeps the firewall's software and threat protections current without manual work |
On top of these protections, the BTnet Meraki + BTnet Security plan includes 24/7 proactive monitoring: BT watches the service around the clock rather than waiting for you to report a problem.
"Layer 7" refers to the application layer of the network model. A traditional firewall decides by IP address and port. A layer 7 firewall recognises the application itself, which matters now that most applications share the same web ports.
BTnet Security protects the connection and the traffic passing through it. It does not replace endpoint protection, email security or staff training, and it is not a certification in itself. Pair it with Cyber Essentials and good endpoint security for a complete picture.
BTnet Wi-Fi with Meraki access points
BTnet Wi-Fi extends the managed service to your wireless network using Cisco Meraki access points. According to BT's brochure:
- It uses Wi-Fi 6 for higher capacity and better performance in busy spaces.
- With a 1Gbps BTnet circuit and the Meraki router, one access point is included as standard, and you can add up to four more, so up to five in all.
- You can choose a wired set-up, a mesh network, or a combination, and change it as you grow.
- Separate networks for employees and guests, with group policies that set who can connect, on what device, with how much bandwidth, and rules for individual applications.
- Custom splash pages for guest Wi-Fi.
- One portal for BTnet and BTnet Wi-Fi, where you can keep an eye on usage. Through the self-serve portal you can also activate and renew access point licences, add more as you grow and pause or remove them in quieter periods.
- A dedicated scanning radio that checks the 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels for nearby networks that could affect performance.
- Engineer installation and managed changes afterwards.
For larger estates that need more access points, switches or cameras, Forever Group designs full Meraki Wi-Fi networks. For broadband sites, see BT business Wi-Fi.
Meraki managed or bring your own firewall?
The right choice depends on who you want running security and what you already own.
| BTnet wires only | BTnet + Cisco router | BTnet Meraki + BTnet Security | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edge device | Your own router or firewall | Managed Cisco router from BT | Managed Cisco Meraki equipment from BT |
| Firewall and security policy | Yours | Yours, behind BT's router | BTnet Security, managed by BT |
| Support | BT handles line faults 24/7; your firewall is up to you | BT manages the line and router; security is up to you | 24/7 proactive monitoring of the service by BT |
| BTnet Wi-Fi | Not part of this plan | Not part of this plan | Available on a 1Gbps circuit with the Meraki router |
| Good fit | Existing firewall, SD-WAN or strict internal standards | In-house IT that owns security policy | Small IT teams that want security handled |
Choose wires only if you already run a next-generation firewall, such as Cisco Secure Firewall or Sophos Firewall, or if your network team needs full control of routing and VPNs. Choose BTnet Meraki + BTnet Security if you want one supplier responsible for the line, the edge device and its protection.
Who BTnet Meraki suits
BTnet Meraki + BTnet Security tends to suit:
- Growing offices that rely on the internet all day but have no dedicated security engineer.
- Businesses handling customer or payment data that want web filtering and intrusion prevention in place from day one.
- Sites replacing an ageing firewall that is out of support, where buying and licensing a new one is less attractive than a managed service.
- Schools and trusts that want content filtering at the edge. See school broadband.
- Firms that want managed Wi-Fi on the same portal and contract as the line.
For broadband sites that want similar Meraki-based protection, BT offers BT Business Ultra. For BT's other broadband security options, see BT business broadband security.
How we help
Forever Communications Ltd is a BT Business Partner. We help you work out whether the managed Meraki plan or wires only with your own firewall gives better value, and we quote both if you are unsure. We handle the order, the survey and installation, and the BTnet Wi-Fi design. We stay your point of contact for changes and renewals.
Pricing depends on bandwidth, location, term and the number of access points, so ask us for a quote. Contact us to get started.
Why buy BT through Forever Communications
Forever Communications Ltd is a BT Business Partner, supplying BT Business connectivity, voice and mobile services to UK organisations. You get BT's network with a named team who knows your account.
- Impartial advice on the right BT product for each site, from Essential, Enhanced, Pro and Ultra business broadband to BTnet and BT Ethernet
- One point of contact for availability checks, orders, installations, moves, upgrades, faults and renewals
- Ready for the PSTN switch-off: digital phone lines, SoGEA, BT Cloud Voice, BT Cloud Phone and Digital Voice for Business, with your numbers kept where possible
- Multi-site and sector know-how for schools, GP surgeries, retailers, hospitality venues and growing offices
- Mobile and security too: EE Business mobiles from BT Group, Hybrid Backup on the EE Business 4G network, and BT security options alongside our wider Cyber Essentials help
We sell to businesses, schools, charities and public sector organisations. We do not sell consumer or home products.
Want a BT Business quote for your sites?
Tell Forever Communications what you need and we will come back to you by email with options, not a hard sell.
Contact usFrequently asked questions
What is BTnet Security?
BTnet Security is BT's managed security service for BTnet leased lines. It includes a next-generation layer 7 firewall, advanced malware protection, advanced content (URL) filtering, intrusion detection and prevention, and regular security patch updates. It is only available with the Cisco Meraki managed equipment option, which BT also monitors 24/7.
Can I use my own firewall with BTnet?
Yes. Choose BTnet wires only and connect your own router or firewall, or take BTnet + Cisco router and run your firewall behind it. Choose BTnet Meraki + BTnet Security if you want BT to manage the firewall for you.
How many Wi-Fi access points come with BTnet Wi-Fi?
BT's brochure says that with a 1Gbps BTnet circuit and the Meraki router you get one Meraki Wi-Fi 6 access point as standard, and you can add up to four more, so up to five in total.
Who keeps the Meraki equipment up to date?
BT manages it as part of the service. Firmware and security updates are delivered through Meraki's cloud and applied automatically.
Is BTnet Meraki the same as BT Business Ultra?
No. Both use Cisco Meraki technology, but BT Business Ultra is a broadband product and BTnet Meraki runs on a dedicated BTnet leased line. BTnet has symmetrical speeds and the BTnet SLA; Ultra runs over business broadband with 4G backup.