The Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC) offers a comprehensive solution for managing Cisco NX-OS switches in hybrid-cloud environments, providing automation, visibility, and consistent operations. Designed to simplify and enhance data center management, NDFC integrates with Cisco Nexus Dashboard to streamline network connectivity, reduce deployment times, and ensure seamless transitions with minimal disruptions. Its modular architecture, new user interface, and support for non-Nexus OS platforms make it a robust tool for LAN, SAN, and IP Fabric for Media management. Additionally, NDFC enhances fabric reliability, automates workflows, and supports cloud connectivity with AWS and Microsoft Azure, making it ideal for businesses adapting to increasingly complex digital environments.
| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (Formerly DCNM) | 0.6% |
| Zabbix | 12.3% |
| LibreNMS | 4.8% |
| Other | 82.3% |
| Type | Title | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Network Monitoring Software | Aug 28, 2025 | Download |
| Product | Reviews, tips, and advice from real users | Aug 28, 2025 | Download |
| Comparison | Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (Formerly DCNM) vs Zabbix | Aug 28, 2025 | Download |
| Comparison | Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (Formerly DCNM) vs Auvik Network Management (ANM) | Aug 28, 2025 | Download |
| Comparison | Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (Formerly DCNM) vs SolarWinds NPM | Aug 28, 2025 | Download |
| Title | Rating | Mindshare | Recommending | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zabbix | 4.2 | 12.3% | 95% | 107 interviewsAdd to research |
| SolarWinds NPM | 4.1 | 4.4% | 92% | 159 interviewsAdd to research |
The pricing for Cisco Data Center Network Manager is considered expensive compared to other vendors on the market. However, customers find value in the solution and believe that the pricing is justified due to the use cases and the confidence they have in Cisco's implementation.
The licensing cost is also on the higher side, but it is transparent and not complex. Customers mention that they do not need to pay for the DCNM license separately as it is included when purchasing Nexus switches.
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 8 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 3 |
| Large Enterprise | 8 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 36 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 20 |
| Large Enterprise | 88 |
Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (Formerly DCNM) was previously known as Cisco Data Center Network Manager.
Banco de Guayaquil, Cox Communications, Kuwait Petroleum Italia, Roper St. Francis, University of British Columbia
| Author info | Rating | Review Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Manager - Technology at a engineering company with 10,001+ employees | 3.5 | We use Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller to manage multiple data centers and Nexus switches in Qatar. While its overall management capabilities are valuable, it needs more features and integrations to appeal broadly to Nexus customers. |
| Security Network Architect at Inmac | 5.0 | I have utilized the Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller for both spine-leaf and dual-core configurations, appreciating its automation integration with Python, Ansible, and Terraform. However, BGP peering issues arise when connecting Nexus switches to Palo Alto firewalls. |
| System Engineer at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees | 4.0 | We use the Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller for enhanced performance in our data center, appreciating its security features and integration capabilities. While it needs more user-friendliness and AI integration, it outperforms others, with a rating of over eight out of ten. |
| Network Team Lead at Atlas Security | 5.0 | I use Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller to manage 40 Nexus switches at an airport. It offers exceptional VDC management and integration insight, but its reporting requires advanced skills and needs improvement. Despite that, it's the best data center management solution available. |
| BDM/Chief Information Officer at Afcor PLC | 3.5 | I use Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller to implement policy changes efficiently across switches, leveraging push technology for updates. The uplink and downlink port balance needs improvement, and integrating AI for automation would enhance the efficiency of task management. |
| Consultant at Millenium IT | 4.0 | The Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller's most valuable feature is its consolidated dashboard, which provides insights into network usage and automation capabilities. However, improvements are needed in its pricing strategy and frequent product changes cause customer confusion. |
| Senior Network Engineer at Virgin Media | 3.5 | I use Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller to manage switches, and it simplifies managing our deployed services. However, I find that performance and reliability need improvement. Overall, it's easy to manage but could be more robust. |
| Network Consultant at Velocis Systems | 5.0 | I use Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller to simplify server and network management in data centers, offering a unified interface for configurations, health checks, and updates. Its valuable features include enhanced network visibility and remote management capability, though RMA process automation needs improvement. |
