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Cisco Catalyst Center Reviews

Vendor: Cisco
4.3 out of 5
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What is Cisco Catalyst Center?

Cisco Catalyst Center offers a comprehensive platform for network management, providing scalable solutions and advanced analytics for enterprise-level operations.

Get the Network Management Applications Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Cisco Catalyst Center, Cisco DNA Center, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and more!
Cisco Catalyst Center is the #3 ranked solution in top Network Management Applications. PeerSpot users give Cisco Catalyst Center an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. Cisco Catalyst Center is most commonly compared to Cisco DNA Center: Cisco Catalyst Center vs Cisco DNA Center. Cisco Catalyst Center is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 66% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a manufacturing company, accounting for 16% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
Network Management Applications
June 2025
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Helped 858,945 peers since 2012

Featured Cisco Catalyst Center reviews

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Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

Wireless Assurance, Cisco Spaces, VXLAN, Express Forwarding, VLAN configuration, and RADIUS authentication are valued. Users benefit from its strong hardware, robust threat intelligence, and dual functionality for management and monitoring. Analytics, performance, third-party integration, and scalability are key. Centralized management via DNA Center, automation capabilities, and extensive documentation enhance usage. Valuable features include observability, management combination, advanced security features, device stability, network segmentation, and excellent tech support.
  • "Cisco tech support is one of the best in the industry, which is a strong feature available across their products."
  • "The most valuable feature of Cisco Catalyst Center is automation."
  • "Cisco's technical support is excellent."

Room for Improvement

Cisco Catalyst Center needs improvement in managing heterogeneous environments since it primarily supports Cisco with DNA licenses. Enhancements are needed in deployment processes, reducing software bugs, and providing better documentation. Cost-effectiveness and user interface simplicity are also concerns. The platform could benefit from integration improvements, faster GUI, and enhanced security features such as threat detection. Adding auto-heal AI capabilities and extending the data retention period would further enhance its functionality.
  • "Advanced hardware replacement services have seen a degradation in quality, with delays in replacement parts."
  • "The initial setup of Cisco Catalyst Center is complex."
  • "Cisco Catalyst Center could improve its graphical user interface. Currently, it is CLI-based, which makes it challenging for those without Cisco training."

ROI

Cisco Catalyst Center reduces the need for extensive technical resources, simplifying network management and lowering costs. Its easy deployment and good support enhance availability. Users report high initial costs but appreciate the long-lasting hardware. By matching models to customer needs, this platform can improve performance and investment returns. Many observe a positive return, consistently choosing Cisco Catalyst Center due to its ability to meet performance demands, thus supporting operational efficiency.

Pricing

Enterprise respondents reported Cisco Catalyst Center as a higher-priced solution compared to other OEMs, yet justified by its stability and quality. Despite competitive pricing pressures and the perception of high costs, some view Cisco's offerings as providing value due to hardware excellence and potential discounts based on negotiation. Although setup can be costly and pricing varies by market and requirements, many find the return on investment acceptable given the service level and product reliability.

Popular Use Cases

Cisco Catalyst Center is primarily utilized for network management, offering visibility and automation for day zero, day one, and day two operations. It supports functions such as device onboarding, reporting, monitoring, provisioning for both wired and wireless devices, and managing SD Access. It serves educational institutions, enterprises, and environments requiring user-friendly or complex network connectivity solutions. Users leverage it for configuring switches, routers, firewalls, and managing large-scale device deployments.

Service and Support

Customer service and support for Cisco Catalyst Center receive high praise for efficiency and dedication. Users highlight strong industry support, with many experiencing prompt responses and effective problem-solving. Technical support scores range from eight to nine out of ten, with commendations for thoroughness and reliability. Online tech support and advanced hardware replacement have mixed feedback, with occasional delays in part replacements. Nonetheless, Cisco’s support maintains a positive reputation with ongoing customer satisfaction.

Deployment

Setting up Cisco Catalyst Center varies in complexity depending on environment size and user expertise. While basic automation is straightforward, elements like LISP require understanding. With proper prerequisites, device integration takes 1-2 hours. Some find initial processes time-consuming, especially loading iOS software. Documentation clarity is needed for easy adaptation. For some, setup isn't difficult, rating it six out of ten. Others find the architecture's size impacts complexity, needing more resources for chassis-based configurations.

Scalability

Cisco Catalyst Center is rated highly for scalability, ranging between eight to ten on a scale of ten. It offers various form factors suitable for diverse organizational needs, from small to extra-large capacities. The platform is adaptable to businesses of all sizes and flexible in meeting extensive reporting and automation needs. Stacking features are praised for robustness, and the center manages many devices efficiently, supporting different series models.

Stability

Cisco Catalyst Center is recognized for its strong stability in networking, particularly in switching and wireless. Users have noted its reliability with reports of long uptime and minimal power cycling. Although some users acknowledge software bugs and patching requirements, stability ratings often range from eight to nine out of ten. Instances of stability issues are low, and many users find it reassuring for managing critical workloads due to its robustness and security.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Network Management Applications Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Manufacturing Company
16%
Government
13%
Energy/Utilities Company
10%
Healthcare Company
8%
Legal Firm
7%
Financial Services Firm
6%
Educational Organization
5%
Comms Service Provider
5%
Retailer
5%
Non Profit
3%
Aerospace/Defense Firm
3%
Computer Software Company
3%
Outsourcing Company
2%
Construction Company
2%
Performing Arts
2%
Real Estate/Law Firm
2%
Renewables & Environment Company
1%
Security Firm
1%
Wholesaler/Distributor
1%
Transportation Company
1%
University
1%
Wellness & Fitness Company
1%
Insurance Company
1%
Logistics Company
1%
Hospitality Company
1%
Pharma/Biotech Company
1%
Photography Company
1%

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Learn more about Cisco Catalyst Center

Focusing on efficient network management, Cisco Catalyst Center effectively addresses dynamic enterprise environments, ensuring operational scalability and actionable insights through its robust feature set. It emphasizes seamless management with an intuitive interface tailored for professional use, facilitating enhanced network visibility and control among IT professionals and service providers.

What are the standout features of Cisco Catalyst Center?
  • Automated Provisioning: Simplifies and speeds up network configuration processes by automating repetitive tasks.
  • Advanced Analytics: Provides real-time insights and trends for network optimization and security enhancements.
  • Policy-Based Configuration: Ensures consistent network settings adherence with centralized policy management.
  • Comprehensive Monitoring: Offers in-depth visibility into network performance, facilitating quick identification of issues.
What benefits should users look for in reviews?
  • Improved Efficiency: Streamlined operations lead to reduced manual input and increased productivity.
  • Cost Savings: Automation and analytics reduce operational expenses and enhance ROI.
  • Enhanced Security: Policy enforcement and monitoring provide robust defense against vulnerabilities.
  • Scalability: Supports growing network infrastructures and evolving enterprise demands.

Cisco Catalyst Center is widely implemented across industries like finance, healthcare, and education due to its ability to handle complex network requirements. It addresses specific needs by offering tailored solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency and security, catering to professionals managing large-scale IT ecosystems.

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Cisco Catalyst Center reviews

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Ahmad Attal - PeerSpot user
Cyber Security Architect at Spie Ics
Verified user of Cisco Catalyst Center
Feb 7, 2025
Delivers strong analytics and integration capabilities but requires regular updates and training

Pros

"The analytics feature is quite good, and the hardware is very performant."

Cons

"My customers often complain about numerous software bugs requiring frequent software patches and updates to resolve these issues."

What is our primary use case?

I use Cisco Catalyst Center for network connectivity for customers who either have limited IT staff and need a simple solution to administrate or want to build a complex architecture and platform. It is user-friendly and often used with Wi-Fi solutions.

What is most valuable?

The analytics feature is quite good, and the hardware is very performant. The integration with third-party software is useful, especially when paired with Cisco solutions such as ICE and ICI. This level of integration proves to be both useful and performant for users.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: reseller
Read full review (375 words)
KR
Network engineer at a healthcare company with 10,001+ employees
Verified user of Cisco Catalyst Center
Feb 8, 2025
Efficient management and troubleshooting have been significantly enhanced through unified control and streamlined updates

Pros

"Cisco Catalyst Center allows me to manage all the fabric SD Access from one location. "

Cons

"The retention period of data could be improved from seven days to 30 days."

What is our primary use case?

I use Cisco Catalyst Center mainly to manage the fabric SD Access. I check MAC addresses for end users who are not connected for a certain period. The MAC address is stored in the database for seven days. This allows me to track where users were previously connected.

What is most valuable?

Cisco Catalyst Center allows me to manage all the fabric SD Access from one location. I can upgrade multiple switches or routers at once by selecting them and scheduling the updates. This capability enables efficient management and troubleshooting. The system also provides significant help with troubleshooting.

*Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Read full review (346 words)
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Premnath Jaganathan - PeerSpot user
Product Manager at Uop Ipl
Verified user of Cisco Catalyst Center
Mar 4, 2025
Offers robust monitoring and management for large enterprises

Pros

"Cisco Catalyst switches are reliable and stable."

Cons

"There is room for improvement in introducing auto-heal AI capabilities. In the current setup, incidents are always reactionary, and it would be beneficial if Cisco Catalyst Center could proactively handle issues such as bandwidth crunches and packet drops."

What is our primary use case?

I primarily use Cisco Catalyst Center for monitoring large enterprises. It offers an additional option to tools like SolarWinds to monitor the Cisco estate specifically. It provides features like observability and management of the network.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of Cisco Catalyst Center is its dual functionality of observability and management. Unlike SolarWinds, which provides only network observability, Cisco Catalyst Center offers both management and monitoring capabilities. This dual functionality is crucial for monitoring large enterprises, providing a robust solution for IT teams.
*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
Read full review (507 words)
Syed Shahnawaz Hussain - PeerSpot user
Sr. Executive Design Engineering Team at Wateen Telecom (pvt.)
Verified user of Cisco Catalyst Center
Apr 5, 2025
Comprehensive user connectivity management enhances network security while leaving room for improvement in cost-effectiveness

Pros

"Cisco tech support is one of the best in the industry, which is a strong feature available across their products."

Cons

"Advanced hardware replacement services have seen a degradation in quality, with delays in replacement parts."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case for Cisco Catalyst Center involves deploying different models of Catalyst switches, particularly for user connectivity. Some models are used for extra switching, some for distribution, and others for core applications. We extensively deploy various types of Catalyst switches.

What is most valuable?

Some of the most common and valuable use cases for the Catalyst switches include network segmentation, VLAN implementation, and access level security integration. There are lots of features in the Catalyst switches, and some of the basic, important features are crucial for deployment. Cisco tech support is one of the best in the industry, which is a strong feature available across their products.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
Read full review (395 words)
Muhammad Kabir Salihu - PeerSpot user
Deputy Director at NITDA
Verified user of Cisco Catalyst Center
Mar 17, 2025
Enhancements in user-friendliness and network security boost operational efficiency

Pros

"Cisco Catalyst Center has greatly enhanced the user-friendliness of configuring Catalyst switches."

What is our primary use case?

We use Cisco Catalyst Center for managing switches in our IT infrastructure. Our primary focus has been on utilizing Catalyst switches for configuration and management purposes.

What is most valuable?

Cisco Catalyst Center has greatly enhanced the user-friendliness of configuring Catalyst switches. The integration of SDM makes switch configuration much simpler than before. Additionally, the virtual LANs provide some security features, helping us manage our network more efficiently. The integration with Cisco firewalls further enhances our network security.
*Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Read full review (341 words)
CD
Network Administrator at a healthcare company with 501-1,000 employees
Verified user of Cisco Catalyst Center
Jan 30, 2025
Wide user base and industry benchmark inspire confidence and facilitate problem-solving

Pros

"The best feature of Cisco is its industry-standard nature."

Cons

"There should be tighter cohesion between the web-based GUI and the command line configuration."

What is our primary use case?

I use them for pretty much my entire switching platform.

What is most valuable?

The best feature of Cisco is its industry-standard nature. Cisco is often the example used, with hundreds of code examples. There is a very wide user base providing support, so I almost never have to contact Cisco support due to the vast accessible knowledge base.

*Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Read full review (383 words)
PB
Data Center Admin at Sysnet Global Technologies
Verified user of Cisco Catalyst Center
Mar 27, 2025
Clients leverage high throughput and sustainability for seamless integration

Pros

"Cisco's technical support is excellent."

Cons

"Cisco Catalyst Center could improve its graphical user interface. Currently, it is CLI-based, which makes it challenging for those without Cisco training."

What is our primary use case?

I am involved in implementing and maintaining switches, routers, firewalls, and load balancers at Cisco Catalyst Center. I support clients who have been using Cisco solutions due to various factors, possibly including cost, system integration, and market availability.

What is most valuable?

Throughput, scalability, sustainability, and device stability are the features of Cisco Catalyst Center that my customers value. These aspects encourage them to opt for Cisco solutions, as they look for scalability, good throughput, and stable devices that function well.
*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Implementer
Read full review (423 words)
PeerSpot user
Lead Network Engineer at a energy/utilities company with 5,001-10,000 employees
Verified user of Cisco Catalyst Center
Mar 13, 2025
Network management improves with centralized control and valuable assurance feature

Pros

"Customer service has been excellent."

Cons

"For someone new, the documentation is not very clear."

What is our primary use case?

Cisco Catalyst Center is used for network management applications. I have it installed in one location, but I use it to manage devices in multiple locations.

What is most valuable?

Some valuable features I have observed with Cisco Catalyst Center include software management, license management, and troubleshooting for both wired and wireless networks. These features are some of the main reasons I use it. Additionally, the assurance feature helps bring all different devices to the same configuration, which is vital for managing multiple device types in my environment.
*Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Read full review (436 words)