We use Cisco Nexus especially when we have bigger datacenter projects for organizations such as banks where the operations of all subsidiaries and sister companies are controlled from the head office.
ICT Infrastructure Solutions Engineer at Datec (Fiji) Limited
Is stable and easy to set up
Pros and Cons
- "The redundancy and the vPC are the most valuable features. We can integrate two switches together for file transfers; that is, we can operate two switches as one. This is because the network can be shared via a vPC trunk, particularly for devices that are not critical for redundancy."
- "There is limited guidance in terms of the use and configuration of Cisco Nexus for specific use cases. The documentation is not comprehensive, and you have to do a lot of online research."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The redundancy and the vPC are the most valuable features. We can integrate two switches together for file transfers; that is, we can operate two switches as one. This is because the network can be shared via a vPC trunk, particularly for devices that are not critical for redundancy.
What needs improvement?
There is limited guidance in terms of the use and configuration of Cisco Nexus for specific use cases. The documentation is not comprehensive, and you have to do a lot of online research.
I would like to have web interface configuration of the GUI in the next release. It would be good to be able to instruct via the GUI and then do the background commands.
I would also like, in terms of tracking for HSRP features, active-passive links when using multiple active-passive links. It would be great to have data automation.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using it for almost 12 years.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable product.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
In terms of scalability, Cisco Nexus has limitations because you have to configure another vPC domain if you want to extend it.
We have three or four engineers within our company who are experienced at configuring Cisco Nexus, and we have several large corporate clients who use it as well.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy. It can take a bit of time to test for specific scenarios, but as you become more experienced with configuring for particular services, it can be fast.
What other advice do I have?
If you want high availability and redundancy in terms of stability, then I would recommend Cisco Nexus. On a scale from one to ten, I would rate Cisco Nexus at eight.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner

VDC allows a single physical box to be used for dynamic purposes and VPC for more redundancy and flexibility
Pros and Cons
- "The solution has introduced VPC, Virtual Port Channel, which allows for more redundancy and flexibility."
- "There may be many bugs which remain unresolved."
What is most valuable?
Cisco Nexus introduced VDC, Virtual Device Context, meaning the person has a single physical box, usually one pair, for dynamic purposes. This pair allows one to create multiple logical switches, for totally different functioning. One could be for production, another for UAT, a third for Dev. Yet, we are talking about a physically single box. It has also introduced VPC, Virtual Port Channel, which allows for more redundancy and flexibility.
What needs improvement?
Cisco Nexus if focused primarily on the data center. While it has been in the market for nearly ten years, there are still many areas in need of improvement. There may be many bugs which remain unresolved. It is important for Cisco to be aware of the various issues it encounters and come up with new releases.
The frequency with which this occurs can vary. It may take months, be done quarterly or, sometimes, after half a year has elapsed. There is still much to be done to increase their stability, something which can depend.
The solution is relatively expensive when compared with Cisco Catalyst.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been dealing with Cisco Nexus since it first emerged around ten years ago.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
While this can depend, there is still much to be done to improve the solution's stability.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is relatively expensive when compared with Cisco Catalyst.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Nexus, which uses NX-OS, runs on a different operating system than CatOS, which means that the latter tends to run on OS - just like a Cisco router - only with the functioning being a bit different. While NX-OS is very different, even when it comes to the command line, most things are the same.
However, NX-OS already introduced a different concept, which is more like a carrier level. They have a dedicated command management module. All other modules have comparatively many more functions or power than regular Catalyst switches.
Nexus' primary focus is on the data center and supports what are known as top-of-rack or end-of-rack features, including the cost of cabling. So too, the latest one, the Nexus 9K, also supports a software-defined cloud with Cisco ACI, which is what this is referred to when typically deployed inside the company.
The solution is relatively expensive when compared with Cisco Catalyst.
What other advice do I have?
We are talking about a network portion. Catalyst and Nexus switches are all part of the network domain.
I rate Cisco Nexus as an eight out of ten, as it is a new platform.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Senior System Engineer at Itworks srl
Fast and professional support but it is not reliable, and the stability needs improvement
Pros and Cons
- "When it comes to data centers, Cisco Nexus is the best."
- "The flexibility and configuration could be better."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution mainly for the data center and or a yacht. They were used as core switches on a three-layer network.
They were the core level for a 90-meter yacht. They were connected with a fiber single-mode backbone.
What is most valuable?
When it comes to data centers, Cisco Nexus is the best.
What needs improvement?
The flexibility and configuration could be better. It needs to be improved.
It is not as reliable as Catalyst.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Cisco Nexus for 15 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
My experience with the stability of Nexus was that there was a failure with the power supply. I had to replace the hardware component related to the power supply.
I have had fewer issues with stability when using Catalyst.
How are customer service and technical support?
Cisco support is always the same. It doesn't matter if you are looking for support for Wi-Fi, or any other product they offer, they will figure out the solution.
The support is always the same, they are fast and professional, even if you don't have a valid service contract.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Using Nexus was a request from the customer and we installed it based on their request.
We would have preferred to install Catalyst. They are more flexible and the configuration of the high availability features are better than Nexus.
Nexus is the best solution for the data center and not as a solution for a moving environment, such as a yacht, that would have issues related to the power supply. This is why Catalyst would have been better than Nexus.
With my experience with Catalyst, I would rate it a nine out of ten.
How was the initial setup?
The installation was not as easy as it was with Catalyst. The configuration was more difficult.
They have a similar CLI, but different components and features.
We need a team of four to maintain this solution. The team consists of one manager, two technicians, and one installer.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We purchased this solution as per the client's request. We completed the installation with their requested license and features.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We did not evaluate other solutions for our client.
We didn't spend time researching the best solution for the client. They had a particular method and requested Cisco Nexus specifically.
What other advice do I have?
My recommendation would be with Cisco Catalyst. I prefer Catalyst over Nexus because of its flexibility and reliability.
I only used Nexus one time and don't have a good comparison. I would rate it a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Integrator
Co-Founder and CEO at PT Eugenea Kreasi Utama
Great GUI, user-friendly, and easy to scale
Pros and Cons
- "Technical support has been very, very helpful and they offer good SLAs."
- "The solution is more expensive than other options on the market."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution as a switch. We use it for our data center.
What is most valuable?
Cisco Nexus is a very powerful switch.
We don't have any problems with Nexus, ever. It's very stable. We have been, for almost five years, using Nexus, and it has been virtually problem-free.
It's smooth to use and very, very user-friendly.
The GUI is very, very easy to maintain.
It's very easy to log in.
The reporting is quite good. It's easy to understand.
Technical support has been very, very helpful and they offer good SLAs.
The scalability of the product is very good.
What needs improvement?
The solution is more expensive than other options on the market. HPE, for example, is a more affordable option.
The renewal of support is quite expensive.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've used the solution for about five years at this point. It's been a while.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is great. There are no bugs or glitches and it doesn't crash or freeze. It's 100% reliable. We've never had issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is very easy to scale out. If a company needs to expand it, it can do so.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support from Cisco is more than enough. It's very, very good. They are very fast and responsive and also very easy to understand. The response is good. We don't have issues with after-sales support Cisco. The SLA, service license agreement, is very, very good.
That said, the renewal for full support is very expensive for us.
How was the initial setup?
I did not handle the initial setup myself as I am not an engineer. Someone else handled that part. Therefore, I can't speak to how easy or difficult it might be. My colleague is much more versed in installation protocols.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution, in general, is a bit pricey, and you need to pay extra for support, which can also be expensive.
What other advice do I have?
We're just a customer and an end-user.
I would recommend using Cisco Nexus for those who want good performance, premium support, and easy maintenance. Cisco Nexus is a stable product in Indonesia. If a company is in the banking, oil and gas, or telecom industries, they should look into this product.
I'd rate the solution at a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Sr. Backbone Architect at NTT Global Networks Incorporated
Scalable, stable and easily installable, but more expensive than Juniper switches and lacks a single switch for multiple ports
Pros and Cons
- "The initial setup is easy."
- "It would be nice if the solution offered multiple types of port support."
What needs improvement?
Cisco Nexus could also have better documentation.
Moreover, it would be nice if the solution offered multiple types of port support. It does not have, for example, a single switch for both internet and fiber ports.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco Nexus for around 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution has demonstrated stability thus far.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable.
How are customer service and technical support?
The technical support is fine.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
For Cisco, we use Nexus and 2900.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
As I deal with the technical aspects of the solution, I am not in a position to comment on the price.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We consider Juniper switches to be more affordable.
What other advice do I have?
I use the solution in my own company. It works.
There are around 500-plus devices being utilized in our organization.
My advice to others is that they get initial hands-on experience in a lab environment. This should involve a proper grasp of the solution's features, such as that which concerns troubleshooting and may involve a different setup. Only at this point should one enter the production stage.
I rate Cisco Nexus as a seven out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
CTO at Mechkar
Stable, easy to use, and scalable
Pros and Cons
- "It's easy to use."
- "The implementation process could be easier, which is something that should be improved."
What is our primary use case?
I use Cisco Nexus for the private cloud.
What is most valuable?
It's easy to use.
What needs improvement?
The implementation process could be easier, which is something that should be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco Nexus for three years.
We are using version six suite, 9372.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We don't have any issues with the stability of this solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Cisco Nexus is scalable.
We have 2,000 to 3,000 people in our organization who are using this solution.
How are customer service and technical support?
I have contacted technical support.
How was the initial setup?
It could be easier to install.
It takes approximately two weeks to deploy.
I have a team of 10 IT people in the IT department to maintain this solution.
What about the implementation team?
I deployed the solution myself, I didn't use an integrator or consultant.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We have a virtual license.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to others who are interested in using it.
It's very good. I would rate cisco Nexus an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Private Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Managing Director at Technology Pro Egypt
Easy to use, easy to manage, scalable, and very reliable
Pros and Cons
- "Its easy management is most valuable. It is easy to use, easy to manage, stable, and very reliable."
- "The cost of the support can be improved. We had critical operations, and we needed 24/7 support for 365 days, which was quite expensive. We had to go for a very costly support contract, which was really a concern. The availability of spare parts, especially in a remote location such as Egypt, can also be improved."
What is our primary use case?
The Cisco Nexus switches are the best and most reliable solution for us in my previous company, which was a telecom service provider. We used cisco modular switches for our heavy services as part of our GSM network as it requires heavy processing and highest performance.
What is most valuable?
Its easy management is most valuable. It is easy to use, easy to manage, stable, and very reliable.
What needs improvement?
The cost of the support can be improved. We had critical operations, and we needed 24/7 support for 365 days, which was quite expensive. We had to go for a very costly support contract, which was really a concern. The availability of spare parts, especially in a remote location such as Egypt, can also be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for quite sometime, several years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is stable and reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is very scalable. We had around 7,000 users in our company & more than 26 million GSM customers.
How are customer service and technical support?
They have been responsive, but you need the right support contract. We had critical operations, and normally, we asked for the highest level of support and next-day replacement or avail spare parts on-site. It was easy and not that difficult but very costly.
How was the initial setup?
It was straightforward and easy.
What about the implementation team?
General it is a mutual cooperation and ix between the in-house team and the vendor, and both are highly qualified.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Licensing is annual or every three years. We were one of the big customers, and we used to get good prices, but the cost of the support need to be improved.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Cisco Nexus an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Reseller
Manager IP Core and Transmission Networks at GO PLC
We found it to be the only product with Multi-Tenancy
Pros and Cons
- "From a data center implementation, with respect to competition from your data, there isn't really a product recovery for the different tests other than Cisco Nexus. For example, if you take Multi-tenancy for the data center, it's something which, I think, only Cisco has. There are some implementation from HP, but I think it's limited there."
- "One of the biggest challenges, which I see is that there's a constant evolution in the product. For example, our configuration is based on what is known as traditional data center implementation. Today there is the ACI deployment and to implement, to migrate from one technology to another, that's challenging both from a configuration perspective and also from a cost perspective."
What is most valuable?
From a data center implementation, with respect to competition from your data, there isn't really a product recovery for the different tests other than Cisco Nexus. For example, if you take Multi-tenancy for the data center, it's something which, I think, only Cisco has. There are some implementations from HP, but I think it's limited there.
What needs improvement?
One of the biggest challenges, which I see is that there's a constant evolution in the product. For example, our configuration is based on what is known as traditional data center implementation. Today there is the ACI deployment and to implement, to migrate from one technology to another, that's challenging both from a configuration perspective and also from a cost perspective. We have had a problem in an order of a batch of optics, which is practically failing. So that was about the average of optics, which caused us quite some problem.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Cisco Nexus Switches since 2017 or about four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This year, we have only experienced the problem once. Of course, it was not identified and I had a problem with OTB wiring and we experienced it just once. I stayed in kind of generic configuration, that's why we're like Cisco, because they are significantly stable. If you don't try to do something fancy and they don't get problems.
How are customer service and technical support?
We have also the advance services of Cisco to support us there. I think they are still better than some competition. But, I think, their quality has decreased. In the past week they were not very good. They have had better quality.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We work with our account manager to negotiate a good price, so overall, I think the pricing is fair.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend Cisco Nexus Switches. Of course, there is the ACI deployment and the challenges there. It is always a challenge to keep up with the technology. They are just constantly doing some updates and changes and becoming the modern marketer is challenging. So in the past fiscal year for data center and every JSS deployment things are much more complicated. I would give it an eight on a scale of ten, because of the problem which we had. I'm just thinking in respect of competition.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner

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