Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Reviews

Name: Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN
Brand: Cisco
Rating: 4.0 (94 reviews)

Vendor: Cisco

4.0 out of 5

94 reviews
92% willing to recommend

960 followers

Start review

What is Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN?

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN serves to connect remote offices, reduce MPLS costs, and facilitate cloud and internet access while providing secure connectivity and centralized management for hybrid networks.

Get the Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, Cisco Catalyst Center and more!

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is the #2 ranked solution in SD-WAN tools, #2 ranked solution in top WAN Edge solutions, and #6 ranked solution in top Network Management Applications. PeerSpot users give Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN an average rating of 8.0 out of 10. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is most commonly compared to Cisco Catalyst Center: Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs Cisco Catalyst Center. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is popular among the midsize enterprise segment, accounting for 50% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a educational organization, accounting for 43% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN

April 2025

Get the report

Helped 849,963 peers since 2012

Featured Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN reviews

Igor Van Den Ouden

Engineer at Routz

The valuable features of Cisco SD-WAN include its security policies and zone-based firewall that are applied to every site, as well as application-aware routing. Security is standard compliant, eliminating config drift that was prevalent before manual configurations. Application-aware routing offers flexibility in using different lines for traffic, depending on the policy implemented.

Read full review

SreejeshSoman

Security Consultant at Vertex Techno Solutions (B) Pvt Ltd

Cisco SD-WAN is valued for its operational efficiency and ease of operation. It allows prioritization of packages based on production requirements, and integration capabilities provide comprehensive security. Integration with Cisco ISE, Cisco Firewalls, and other Cisco solutions is beneficial. Furthermore, it is appreciated for its insights, visibility, and ease of use.

Read full review

MOHAMEDELSHERIF

Senior Technical Consultant at International Turnkey Systems - ITS

The setup is quite straightforward and the solution is easy to deploy. Deployment time depends on the size the customer or enterprise. Each customer has its own use case so it is difficult to give a time estimate. In any case, the work is straightforward with no obstacles or challenges.

Read full review

PeerResearch reports based on Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Network Management Applications	May 2, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	May 2, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs Cisco DNA Center	May 2, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs Aruba Airwave	May 2, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs Cisco Catalyst Center	May 2, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Cisco Catalyst Center	4.3	N/A	100%	15 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN offers valuable features including effective security, ease of deployment, intuitive user interface, scalability, centralized management, and application-aware routing. It integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure and enables efficient traffic aggregation. Its brand recognition and reliability appeal to large enterprises. The platform provides operational efficiency, load balancing, and simplified configuration processes. Users appreciate its comprehensive security features, high-level support, automation capabilities, and consistent performance in demanding environments.

"The technical team is very competent."
"I would recommend Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN as it is a good product."
"Overall, I rate Cisco SD-WAN as nine out of ten."

Room for Improvement

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN needs cost reduction and improved licensing flexibility. Enhanced security features, a more user-friendly interface, and streamlined management are essential. Better integration with cloud services and third-party software would be beneficial. Improved documentation and simplified configurations are needed. Networking capabilities should expand, and the system's complexity should be reduced. Enhanced support, stability, and feature updates would strengthen the offering. A unified platform integrating WAN, LAN, and security elements is suggested to boost market position.

"The durability of the switches could be improved. In the past, Cisco devices had a longer lifespan."
"The main area for improvement in Cisco SD-WAN is the lack of documentation, which often lags behind the software releases."
"Integration with other OEMs and the API part needs improvement to be more user-friendly, especially in terms of GUI."

ROI

Many users report a significant ROI from Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, highlighting notable reductions in WAN costs and improvements in monthly fees after removing MPLS sites. ROI assessments vary based on organizational factors, yet consistent cost savings and operational efficiencies are evident. The flexibility of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN supports growing businesses while achieving considerable savings. Users have rated ROI positively, with long-term benefits in operational performance and connectivity costs becoming apparent over time.

Pricing

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN's pricing is generally expensive compared to competitors like Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks. Costs range from $100 to $200 monthly per location, excluding broadband. Pricing varies based on bandwidth and subscriptions, with additional costs for licenses and support. Enterprise agreements might reduce expenses, and discounts sometimes apply. Users find the licensing model complex, and while it offers comprehensive features, its cost efficiency could improve, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.

"We can only buy three-year licenses, not monthly. The cost seems high for us, especially since we're in Vietnam, which isn't a rich country. But we still like the product because it is good."
"The product is not too expensive."
"The initial cost is quite significant, but the investment is worthwhile."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN for reducing MPLS costs, enhancing remote connectivity, integrating cloud services, and improving data center communication. Enterprises deploy it to manage network policies, ensure secure connectivity, and replace traditional routers. Users benefit from centralized management, load balancing, and cost efficiency. The technology facilitates secure branch-to-branch connections and provides flexible cloud-integrated security features. It is widely adopted in enterprises, banking, and retail for its scalability and cost-effective networking.

Service and Support

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN customer service is praised for being responsive, knowledgeable, and quick to address concerns. Many appreciate the efficiency and technical skill, noting it stands out compared to competitors. Some report areas for improvement, mentioning delays and a need for more local expertise. Ratings vary, with many expressing satisfaction while a few highlight challenges due to organizational changes and outsourcing. Nonetheless, the general sentiment remains positive.

Deployment

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN's initial setup varies in complexity, often influenced by deployment size and customer familiarity. Some found it straightforward, especially with smaller deployments, while others noted challenges, particularly with command-line interfaces and controller configurations. Training and technical support aid the process. Deployment times range from a few days to several months, affected by factors like existing infrastructure and specific client needs. Experienced users generally reported a smoother setup experience.

Scalability

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is recognized for its scalability, accommodating small to enterprise-level needs. It easily scales to thousands of connections, managing branch and head office links efficiently. Users highlight its flexibility, allowing integration with other Cisco products. Despite occasional technical challenges, improved software versions enhance scaling capabilities. Organizations appreciate its efficiency in handling complex networks, making it a favored choice. Its adaptability to grow with client needs is widely endorsed by diverse sectors.

Stability

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is viewed as a fairly stable option, though experiences vary. Many express satisfaction, finding it reliable without crashes. Some highlight minor software bugs, especially during initial deployments or complex setups. Users face challenges with certain iOS transitions and Viptela integration. Despite minor issues, most regard it as dependable, recommending preventive measures and specific operating systems for optimum performance. Stability ratings often range between 8 to 9 out of 10.

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

Download our Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

43%

Computer Software Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Energy/Utilities Company

Government

Healthcare Company

Legal Firm

Retailer

Wholesaler/Distributor

University

Construction Company

Insurance Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Non Profit

Hospitality Company

Media Company

Outsourcing Company

Performing Arts

Pharma/Biotech Company

Consumer Goods Company

Transportation Company

Compare Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with alternative products

Learn more about Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is leveraged for secure connectivity, load balancing, VPN, centralized network management, and migrating from traditional networks to SD-WAN. It supports hybrid networks, enabling centralized management across branches and data centers, improving security, and optimizing bandwidth usage. Industries such as banking and retail benefit from its capabilities for secure and efficient network management.

What are the main features of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN?

Centralized Management: Simplifies network operations and administration.
Application-Level Routing: Enhances performance for critical applications.
Segmentation: Provides robust network segmentation for security.
Policy Configuration: Customizable policies for traffic management.
Real-Time Traffic Visibility: Enables monitoring for better insights.
Load Balancing: Distributes network traffic efficiently.
Hybrid Cloud Connectivity: Seamless integration with cloud services.
Deep Packet Inspection: Detailed traffic analysis for security.
High Security: Offers strong security protocols to protect the network.
Ease of Deployment: Features like zero-touch provisioning simplify setup.

What benefits should be considered in reviews?

Cost Savings: Reduces operational expenses through efficient network management.
Reliability: Proven performance and uptime for critical operations.
Scalability: Grows with the organization's needs.
Integrated Health Monitoring: Proactively identifies and resolves issues.
Industry Trust: Cisco's reputation for quality and support.

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN's implementation in banking enhances secure transaction communication between branches and data centers. Retailers utilize it to ensure steady connectivity for point-of-sale systems and inventory management. Organizations benefit from centralized management, making it easier to handle networks across multiple locations.

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN was previously known as Cisco SD-WAN.