

Cisco DNA Center and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN compete in network management and optimization. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is favored for its advanced WAN features, despite DNA Center's competitive pricing and customer support.
Features: Cisco DNA Center is strong in network visibility, automation, and policy implementation with analytics and assurance. Catalyst SD-WAN provides dynamic path selection, secure connectivity, and application-aware routing, enhancing network efficiency across wide-area networks.
Room for Improvement: Cisco DNA Center could enhance application performance management, user interface intuitiveness, and multi-vendor support. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN could benefit from improved affordability, simplified licensing options, and enhanced integration with non-Cisco platforms.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN simplifies deployment with templates and APIs, advantageous for complex networks. Cisco DNA Center offers a centralized deployment model, simplifying oversight. DNA Center's customer support is more accessible, while SD-WAN is preferred for rapid deployment.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco DNA Center typically has a lower initial setup cost, offering favorable ROI through efficient network management. Catalyst SD-WAN, though costlier initially, delivers strong ROI by optimizing application performance and reducing operational costs in extensive WAN settings.
They are now back to do that with the remainder of their company, so they've realized the value in 12 months and are willing to invest in the remainder of their organization.
Although Cisco DNA Center is expensive, we have seen a return on investment in terms of time savings.
I would rate Cisco's support, their customer service, and technical support as excellent.
The principal third-level support is very good.
I would consider Cisco support a 10 out of 10.
Overall, Cisco DNA Center rates eight out of ten as a complete solution.
The support for Cisco DNA Center is good.
Cisco SD-WAN is highly scalable and can be expanded to more than 10,000 sites.
The ease of configuration and features like zero-touch provisioning enhance the scalability of Cisco SD-WAN, especially in disaster recovery situations.
From my experience, we can easily manage numerous devices.
The solution is designed for large enterprise companies.
While some software-related issues and bugs were encountered, they did not cause the whole environment to crash.
When we communicate problems, they solve them effectively.
Now, they change frequently, making it difficult to obtain long-term support.
The negative, or the downside of Cisco is the knowledge base; you need to be a little bit more tech-savvy and network-savvy to work with Cisco, while Juniper is a lot more user-friendly from what I can see, especially in terms of configuration and any kind of roll back.
Cisco can improve Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN by simplifying licensing and platform integration with other Cisco products such as Catalyst Center or solutions with Meraki.
The AI-driven insights have contributed significantly to faster troubleshooting and predictive analytics.
The client history in Cisco DNA Center can be longer than 10 days, perhaps extending to 15 or 20 days.
It is also relatively cost-effective for smaller businesses when using the Meraki version.
Its pricing is justifiable due to the comprehensive solution it offers.
The pricing of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is rated between eight and nine out of ten, where ten is the most expensive.
It also provides robust security features, including port security, analysis, mirroring, and multiple other security solutions.
It is important that Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN supports cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments for my organization because it allows for scalability and faster deployment in the cloud.
Integration capabilities provide comprehensive security.
The most valuable features include AI-driven insights which make troubleshooting much easier.
If there is a problem, I can inspect the situation and see what is happening, which is beneficial.
| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Cisco DNA Center | 16.7% |
| Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN | 2.7% |
| Other | 80.6% |


| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 44 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 15 |
| Large Enterprise | 43 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 10 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 9 |
| Large Enterprise | 25 |
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN offers centralized management and integrates seamlessly with existing Cisco ecosystems. It simplifies deployment with zero-touch provisioning, delivering robust security and optimized application routing.
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN provides essential capabilities for organizations seeking secure remote connectivity and cost reduction, notably through its support of hybrid environments. While pricing and complexity present challenges, its advanced application control and cloud compatibility make it a valuable asset for connecting branches and data centers. Users benefit from enhanced security, network assurance, and simplified management, driving operational efficiency.
What are the key features of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN?In banking, retail, and enterprise sectors, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN facilitates effective network management by enhancing connectivity between branches and data centers. Its security features and zero-touch deployment are particularly valued, providing scalable solutions for locations that demand reliable, application-prioritized networking.
Cisco DNA Center delivers powerful centralized security, automation, and comprehensive analytics for enhanced network management. With an intuitive dashboard and integration with Cisco devices, it reduces errors, boosts efficiency, and ensures seamless wired and wireless network operations.
Organizations leverage Cisco DNA Center for network management and automation, offering increased visibility into traffic flows and efficient device provisioning. It supports real-time data transmission, network segmentation, and integrates with ISE. Features like wireless assurance, centralized management, and AI-driven insights into network health promote an efficient network environment while addressing compliance issues. However, improvements are necessary for better third-party integration, affordability, and more user-friendly documentation.
What are the solution's most important features?In industries like healthcare, finance, and education, Cisco DNA Center's advanced features facilitate the management of complex network infrastructures and aid in achieving compliance efficiently. Its ability to manage LANs and WLANs supports diverse networking environments including greenfield projects and SPN setups.
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