Cisco DNA Center Reviews

Name: Cisco DNA Center
Brand: Cisco
Rating: 4.0 (42 reviews)

Vendor: Cisco

4.0 out of 5

42 reviews
89% willing to recommend

What is Cisco DNA Center?

Cisco DNA Center offers a comprehensive platform for network automation and management, providing detailed analytics, enhanced security, and streamlined operations for both wired and wireless networks.

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Cisco DNA Center is the #1 ranked solution in top Network Management Applications, #2 ranked solution in top Network Automation solutions, and #13 ranked solution in best Network Monitoring Tools. PeerSpot users give Cisco DNA Center an average rating of 8.0 out of 10. Cisco DNA Center is most commonly compared to Zabbix: Cisco DNA Center vs Zabbix. Cisco DNA Center is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 68% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 14% of all views.

Helped 864,155 peers since 2012

Featured Cisco DNA Center reviews

Ahmed Helmy

Sr. Director, Business Development & Sales Operations at connect professional services

We have been working with Cisco DNA Center for ten years. Our clients use Cisco DNA Center for unified visibility/monitoring across Enterprise Campus both LAN & WLAN along with Access and fast technical issues troubleshooting The solution provides fast troubleshooting capabilities and fast…

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AvrahamSonenthal

Senior Network Engineer at Inside Global

The platform's biggest benefit has been in managing our wireless network. Having a single pane of glass to control all wireless controllers and access points and to monitor activity has been a significant advantage. We're a small federal agency with around 300 network devices, so automation is a minor focus. It's more relevant for larger networks. The main benefits we've seen are in inventory management and the potential for configuration automation. However, I recommend using the DNA Centre only for larger networks with over a thousand devices; otherwise, it may not be cost-effective. Before proceeding, ensure that your devices are compatible with DNA Center, as not all Cisco devices are supported. Also, investing in proper training is different from plug-and-play. I rate it an eight.

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SinaGhozati

Network Solutions Architect at SPIE ICS

I rate the initial setup phase of the product a five on a scale of one to ten, where one is difficult and ten is easy. The initial configuration is not a problem, but working with Cisco DNA Center is hard, so there is a learning curve for all the clients. It is really complex to speak on how Cisco DNA Center can be improved, but there are products equivalent to Cisco in the market, like Aruba Central, which is way easier to work with, including the dashboard and everything. Cisco offers a wide range of features in their management tool, making it hard for the client to work on it. It is hard to wrap your head around all the functionalities provided by Cisco, and you have to learn about the solution to get a hang of it. The solution is deployed on an on-premises model. The deployment time taken for the solution depends on the requirements of the company's clients. The time taken for deployment may range from a day to two weeks. For Cisco DNA Center's deployment, there is a need for a server and an OVA file. There is also a process for configuring Cisco DNA Center by itself, and then there is another process for adding all your devices. At the end of the deployment phase, we get templates to push into the configuration part.

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Cisco DNA Center mindshare

Product category:

As of August 2025, the mindshare of Cisco DNA Center in the Network Management Applications category stands at 23.6%, down from 29.3% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Management Applications

PeerResearch reports based on Cisco DNA Center reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Network Management Applications	Aug 1, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Aug 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco DNA Center vs Aruba Airwave	Aug 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco DNA Center vs Cisco Catalyst Center	Aug 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco DNA Center vs Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN	Aug 1, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Zabbix	4.2	N/A	95%	106 interviews Add to research
Juniper Mist Premium Analytics	4.0	N/A	100%	3 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Cisco DNA Center offers centralized management, robust security integration, and comprehensive analytics that enhance network visibility. Features like zero-touch provisioning, automation, and AI-driven insights simplify configuration and troubleshooting. Users appreciate its ability to manage devices rapidly, automate workflows, and provide detailed network health insights. Dashboards offer real-time monitoring, Wi-Fi analytics, and template-based configurations. Seamless integration with Cisco infrastructure and support for software-defined networking streamline operations, making it invaluable for IT teams.

"The most valuable features include AI-driven insights which make troubleshooting much easier."
"The monitoring is very valuable to me."
"Automation helps configure devices without manual intervention, enabling zero-touch provisioning."

Room for Improvement

Cisco DNA Center faces challenges with third-party compatibility and hardware integration. Users find its high cost, limited VRF capacity, and inadequate IPv6 support problematic. The interface lacks depth in error reporting and needs UI enhancements. Reporting options are limited, and the dashboard can be confusing for newcomers. Training resources fall short, and the upgrade process is time-consuming. Users desire better network visibility and integration with various vendor products and analytic tools for improved functionality.

"The pricing, setup cost, and licensing of Cisco DNA Center are expensive."
"The cost is very high."
"One area that needs improvement is the upgrade process."

ROI

System integrators report significant time savings by utilizing operations teams for complex issues rather than routine configurations. ROI from Cisco DNA Center is rated positively, with scores of four out of five and seven out of ten, despite its high cost. Users must pay for licenses for each client, switch, and access point, which increases expenses. However, ongoing time savings are recognized as contributing factors to the return.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers find Cisco DNA Center's pricing to be high, especially for smaller businesses, with varied feedback on affordability. Licensing costs can depend on the environment and chosen license model, with multi-year and advanced feature options available. Although costly, Cisco offers promotions to reduce expenses. Some users note that while necessary for centralized network management, the solution might be more suitable for large-scale deployments. Recurring fees and potential discounts influence perceived value.

"I would rate the pricing a six out of ten, with ten being expensive."
"The tool's licensing may not come across as something that may be friendly for users."
"The tool is medium-priced."

Popular Use Cases

Cisco DNA Center is primarily utilized for network management, offering automation, monitoring, and troubleshooting capabilities. Organizations implement it to enhance network visibility, manage access points, and automate configurations. It is often integrated with security measures, enabling segmentation and compliance enforcement. Users value its centralized management for large infrastructures, aiding in policy setting, device provisioning, and real-time data transmission. It supports varied environments, from educational to corporate, optimizing network operations efficiently.

Service and Support

Cisco DNA Center's customer service and technical support receive mixed assessments. Many commend their responsiveness and helpfulness, with ratings often between eight and ten. However, some express concerns about delayed resolutions and insufficient expertise when faced with complex issues. Availability and knowledge vary, depending on the severity and complexity of the problem. A few find it lacking compared to competitors and seek improvements in documentation and response times. The support remains valuable yet inconsistent in responsiveness and expertise.

Deployment

Cisco DNA Center's initial setup varies in complexity. For experienced users, it can be straightforward, but advanced networks pose challenges. Some find it time-consuming and incompatible with non-Cisco devices. A phased approach is common, and understanding Cisco terminology helps. It often requires training and comprehensive planning, especially for complex configurations. Deployment time ranges from hours to weeks, depending on network size and requirements.

Scalability

Cisco DNA Center is praised for its impressive scalability, effectively managing both small and large networks. Users highlight its ease of configuration, integration, and expansion potential, though licensing costs are noted. Various organizations successfully scaled across numerous devices and users, finding it suitable for large enterprises. Some mention limitations with non-Cisco devices and IP version updates, while others find the solution expensive. Ratings vary between 7 and 9, reflecting generally positive feedback on scalability.

Stability

Cisco DNA Center is generally stable, with many users rating its stability between eight and nine out of ten. While some minor bugs and issues with logs or database tasks were mentioned, users note they are manageable. Stability challenges are often due to configuration or update negligence rather than inherent flaws. Most reports affirm that once it's set up and maintained correctly, Cisco DNA Center operates smoothly without major disruptions.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

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Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

14%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Government

10%

Financial Services Firm

University

Healthcare Company

Educational Organization

Energy/Utilities Company

Retailer

Insurance Company

Comms Service Provider

Construction Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Non Profit

Wholesaler/Distributor

Engineering Company

Hospitality Company

Transportation Company

Outsourcing Company

Media Company

Consumer Goods Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Legal Firm

Pharma/Biotech Company

Performing Arts

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Logistics Company

Marketing Services Firm

Mining And Metals Company

Compare Cisco DNA Center with alternative products

Learn more about Cisco DNA Center

Cisco DNA Center integrates with Cisco infrastructure to deliver efficient network automation and management, helping organizations improve network visibility, security, and control. It supports AI-driven analytics and automated workflows to enhance operational efficiency and reduce errors. Challenges include compatibility with third-party systems, steep learning curve, and complex deployment. Its interface facilitates centralized control, vital for troubleshooting, policy management, and configuration management, with support for zero-touch provisioning and SD-Access.

What are the key features of Cisco DNA Center?

Robust Analytics: Provides detailed insights into network health with AI-driven analytics.
Centralized Security: Integrates with ISE for comprehensive security management.
Automated Device Management: Simplifies device provisioning and configuration transfers.
Wi-Fi Analytics: Offers deep insights into wireless network performance.
Zero-Touch Provisioning: Streamlines new device deployments with minimal human intervention.
Scalable Segmentation: Efficiently segments network traffic ensuring security and performance.

What benefits should users consider?

Operational Efficiency: Automation reduces potential errors and streamlines workflow.
Enhanced Security: Integration with Cisco ISE bolsters security capabilities.
Network Visibility: Comprehensive dashboards and analysis tools enhance monitoring.
Troubleshooting: Real-time monitoring aids in identifying and resolving issues swiftly.

In sectors such as healthcare, finance, and retail, Cisco DNA Center is utilized for its ability to enhance security and compliance, manage large-scale networks, and provide detailed analytics for better operational decision-making. Its support for location tracking and policy automation ensures efficient network management across diverse environments.

Cisco DNA Center was previously known as DNA Center.