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Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance vs OptiView XG [EOL] comparison

Cisco and NETSCOUT are both solutions in the Network Monitoring Software category. Additionally, 100% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 89% of NETSCOUT users who would recommend it.
Cisco Provider Connectivity...
Read 24 Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance reviews
  • 2,293 Views
  • 1,490 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
OptiView XG [EOL]
Read 38 OptiView XG [EOL] reviews
    89% willing to recommend
     

    Comparison Buyer's Guide

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    Executive Summary
    We performed a comparison between Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance and OptiView XG [EOL] based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

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    Network Monitoring Software
    October 2025
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    Helped 872,098 peers since 2012

    Review summaries and opinions

    We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
     

    Categories and Ranking

    Cisco Provider Connectivity...
    Average Rating
    8.8
    Reviews Sentiment
    6.9
    Number of Reviews
    24
    Ranking in other categories
    Application Performance Monitoring (APM) and Observability (43rd), Network Monitoring Software (42nd)
    OptiView XG [EOL]
    Average Rating
    8.6
    Number of Reviews
    38
    Ranking in other categories
    No ranking in other categories
     

    Featured Reviews

    Pifu Lin - PeerSpot reviewer
    Addresses connectivity issues with real-time monitoring while offering good local support
    I had prepared for COC and the client. I work as a vendor for a client using Flow Mount for network performance monitoring. I focus on resolving client-side issues related to Packy Performance and quality use. This involves addressing network device issues, specifically Cisco network devices One…
    Read full review
    MW
    A valuable, impressive, and portable product that saves time and has great scalability and stability
    It just saves time. We have run into situations where contractors come in, and they plug in a WiFi device that is handing out DHCP addresses, which affects the rest of the network. To be able to quickly identify from where the problem is originating, you need a network tool that can identify the device that is doing this. It just brings into clear focus the exact issue when there is a problem or outage. When there is a crisis and you've several people wanting to know an estimate of when things are going to be back up and running again, you need to have answers. I have been at places that didn't have a tool like that. I know one place that had an outage for almost a week, and it was craziness. It turned out to be just a bad cable. That's all it was. They were having trouble with their email server, which was an on-premise email server, but emails were taking six hours to appear. The whole problem was because of a bad network cable. When I plugged in the Fluke analyzer, it analyzed and told me immediately that there were transmission errors on this one port from one switch. It told me this within 10 minutes. It is an incredible product.
    Read full review

    Quotes from Members

    We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
     

    Pros

    "If [the problem] is something related to HTTP or VoIP, then I can have a quick look into the protocols, a process which gives me some good ideas..."
    "This solution has helped to improve the interaction between our network, datacenter, and application teams. I have used other tools, but this tool can pinpoint the root cause of my application or network issue in the majority of the cases. So, it helps different divisions or groups in the IT department to troubleshoot together and get an issue resolved. This tool helps a lot in our day-to-day networking application and IT operations."
    "The performance of Accedian Skylight is better than other vendors."
    "One valuable feature we have is real-time monitoring for connection issues."
    "The feature I used to like the most was its ability to decode layer seven protocols, although this is becoming less useful now that encryption is so widespread."
    "I always have the Skylight dashboard on one of my screens... Now you can create your own dashboard, specific to an application, specific to a server, or to something else."
    "The solution’s UI and single pane of glass is good. The new dashboard is modern with its new design. The look of it is not pretty, but it is efficient, which is good. It is user-friendly; you can find what you need on the interface quickly."
    "The ability to measure performance end-to-end across the cloud data center allows us to take corrective action to keep our channels online."
    More Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance pros
    "Gives us the ability to see our network."
    "It is a very valuable tool. It goes out and does a discovery, which is a great process of it. You could have something like a rogue DHCP server, and it will identify it, and then you can see to which switch port it is connected. It is quite an impressive tool. I really liked it because you didn't have to install an agent on anything. It would just go out and do its discovery. For me, that's great."
     

    Cons

    "Human resource costs can be high when dealing with connection issues."
    "Some of the Skylight applications are a little newer, and they're still moving through initial revs. There are certain bugs, but nothing is insurmountable... It will just take a little bit of time for their user interface to get a little bit better."
    "The Accedian Skylight user interface still has room for improvement."
    "If you want a new version, you go to the website. The hardest part is finding the link, where is that .bin file? Sometimes it's pretty hidden in a document... it's hidden in the release notes or in another file somewhere. And it's usually not on the first page either."
    "The UI interface of Accedian Skylight could improve."
    "For the PVX, they are in the process of getting the results to export to cloud and SaaS for analytics. They told me that this will happen later this year. Right now, for the most part, I create that data myself."
    "There should be an option to update and upgrade the solution to the new version without having to re-buy it. I have clients switching to other solutions. The old solution is great, but if you change your license to a new one, you have to almost re-buy it completely."
    "It's a bit slow. When I execute a query, something general with a short timeframe that covers one month, for instance, and I do not specify the IP source or IP destination, it can take ages because it has to query the whole database."
    More Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance cons
    "I would like a built-in tap feature which doesn't interfere with the network, and it allows you to see what is happening there."
    "Its price can be improved. Their support can also be improved a little bit. In terms of features, it did everything I wanted it to do. With more features, I would have to start installing network agents or something else, and I don't want to have to install anything. This was the value for me about this device."
     

    Pricing and Cost Advice

    "The solution was previously well-regarded, but after being acquired by Accedian, the prices have significantly increased. This has made it challenging to sell the product due to its high cost. It is an expensive solution."
    "It's not for free, clearly. But on the other hand, it offers very interesting functionality. We pay around €100,000."
    "If you look into Riverbed, it's a licensing nightmare. You need to pay for every type of analysis... If you don't look into licensing, Riverbed and SolarWinds are pretty comparable. But if you look into licensing it would not be smart to go for either of them. On the pure, bare-metal basis, it's the same. But when you get the bare metal and a few basic licenses, then you need all those other licenses just to be sure that there's no issue... One of the great things about Skylight is you have them all, and you actually need them all."
    "Pricing is a little bit expensive."
    "It provides value and the cost is not huge."
    "The pricing of Accedian Skylight is really good. The sensors are low cost. Their model to analytics for sensors is by license, endpoint, or session. With the probes for their analytics, if they get deployed virtually, they are free. The licensing is only based on flows. So, you can effectively deploy probes everywhere in your network. Then, if you want to look at a specific type of traffic, you can enter into it with a very low cost license. You can just use things like spam ports, mirrors, TAPs, and aggregators to optimize what sort of traffic you send to these analysis tools. Then, if you want to start looking at more, you can up your licensed as you go. You are not getting forced into expensive appliances or subscription models."
    "We understand there's a significant cost difference, but have yet to investigate fully."
    "The price is competitive overall, depending on the type of customer."
    More Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance pricing and cost advice
    "Its price was a bit excessive. The device that I had died. It is under warranty, and they want $20,000 for another one. I just don't want to spend that kind of money, so I'm trying to find an alternate solution. They have annual maintenance on it, which probably was 10% a year, so it all starts to add up."
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    Top Industries

    By visitors reading reviews
    Computer Software Company
    35%
    Manufacturing Company
    8%
    Financial Services Firm
    8%
    Government
    6%
    Government
    14%
    Non Profit
    13%
    Educational Organization
    12%
    Comms Service Provider
    12%
     

    Company Size

    By reviewers
    Large Enterprise
    Midsize Enterprise
    Small Business
    By reviewers
    Company SizeCount
    Small Business14
    Midsize Enterprise6
    Large Enterprise9
    By reviewers
    Company SizeCount
    Small Business7
    Midsize Enterprise8
    Large Enterprise26
     

    Questions from the Community

    What needs improvement with Accedian Skylight?
    Human resource costs can be high when dealing with connection issues. I require more tools to file and resolve these issues efficiently.
    See all answers
    What is your primary use case for Accedian Skylight?
    I had prepared for COC and the client. I work as a vendor for a client using Flow Mount for network performance monitoring. I focus on resolving client-side issues related to Packy Performance and ...
    See all answers
    What advice do you have for others considering Accedian Skylight?
    I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.
    See all answers
    Ask a question
    Earn 20 points
     

    Comparisons

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    Compared 13% of the time
    Zabbix vs Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance Logo
    Zabbix vs Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance
    Compared 9% of the time
    NETSCOUT nGeniusONE vs Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance Logo
    NETSCOUT nGeniusONE vs Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance
    Compared 8% of the time
    SolarWinds NPM vs Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance Logo
    SolarWinds NPM vs Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance
    Compared 7% of the time
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    vRealize Network Insight vs OptiView XG [EOL] Logo
    vRealize Network Insight vs OptiView XG [EOL]
    Compared 100% of the time
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    Product Reports

    Buyer's Guide
    Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance
    October 2025
    Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance reportDownload Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance product report
    Buyer's Guide
    OptiView XG [EOL]
    October 2025
    OptiView XG [EOL] reportDownload OptiView XG [EOL] product report
     

    Also Known As

    Accedian Skylight, Accedian SkyLIGHT PVX, SkyLIGHT PVX, SecurActive, Performance Vision
    No data available
     

    Overview

    Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance is known for its user-friendly approach to network analysis and performance monitoring. It excels in real-time diagnostics, helping organizations quickly resolve network issues and optimize performance effortlessly.

    Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance focuses on comprehensive network troubleshooting and performance monitoring, assisting in identifying bottlenecks and analyzing applications. Real-time data collection and evaluation ensure IT infrastructure efficiency. With active monitoring of latency, jitter, and throughput, users maintain smooth operations across multiple sites and applications. While highly effective, improvements in data handling, protocol support, and dashboard aesthetics are suggested to enhance user experience.

    What are the key features of Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance?
    • Flow Matrices: Advanced analysis of network paths and traffic distribution.
    • SQL and DNS Analysis: In-depth insights into database and domain queries for troubleshooting.
    • Bandwidth Assessment: Evaluation of network capacity and utilization for performance optimization.
    • Real-time TWAMP Monitoring: Tracks network performance using Two-Way Active Measurement Protocol.
    • Application Performance Modules: Monitors the performance of various applications and services.
    • Customizable Dashboards: Personalized views for tracking critical network metrics and trends.
    • PCAP Capturing: Detailed packet analysis using tools like Wireshark for deeper insights.
    What benefits and ROI should users look for in reviews?
    • Ease of Use: Intuitive design allowing users to swiftly diagnose network issues.
    • Comprehensive Monitoring: Enhanced visibility of network activity for better control.
    • Performance Efficiency: Optimization of throughput, reducing downtimes and improving service delivery.
    • Cost-Effectiveness: Balances features and functionality with competitive pricing for better ROI.

    In industries such as telecommunications and finance, where network reliability is crucial, Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance offers critical network performance insights. It supports high-demand environments by providing data-driven decisions, ensuring infrastructures handle increased loads efficiently.

    Cisco

    OptiView XG is the first network analysis tablet designed specifically for the network engineer. It combines critical functions necessary to automate root-cause analysis of both wired and wireless network performance issues – whether network or application related to reduce time for problem identification. OptiView XG supports repeatable, effective troubleshooting – whether pre- or post-deployment.

    NETSCOUT
     

    Sample Customers

    T-Systems, Thomson Reuters, Bordeaux Metropole, CGI, Citadelle Regional Hospital Center, Lorraine Institute of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Groupe BPCE, Group S, Splitpoint, Horus-Net, Audatex, Indexis, Province de Liège, EASI, Spie Batignolles, Faymonville
    XG is used in all industries. Example customers include: Republic National Distributing Company, Titelive, CitiGroup, Los Angeles Unified School District, Saudi German Hospital, DeKalb County Schools, Valdosta State University, The Everett Clinic, Bio-Reference, Miami-Dade Library, Mitel, Borsa Istanbul, Cimarex, Air National Guard Lowndes County, High Point City, Carrollton City Schools, Kern County, Pruitt Communications and Bosch Group.
    Buyer's Guide
    Network Monitoring Software
    October 2025
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