Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller and Cisco DNA Center are key players in the network management category. Cisco DNA Center appears to have the upper hand due to its broader integration capabilities and effective centralized management features.
Features: Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller excels with its admin VDC management, a robust automation suite, and unparalleled insights into data centers. Users recognize its stability and innovative fabric suite automation. Cisco DNA Center provides centralized management, AI-driven insights, and enhanced security through software-defined networking, making it valuable for large-scale operations.
Room for Improvement: Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller users desire better third-party integrations, improvements in automation, and pricing adjustments. There are also calls for better VRF support and IPv6 integration. Cisco DNA Center could improve with cost-effective licensing models, better integration with non-Cisco products, and enhanced reporting capabilities. Its user interface and configuration complexity could be simplified to support smaller networks and ease the initial setup process.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Both products offer on-premises and private cloud options. Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller's deployment is straightforward but may involve complex hardware setups. DNA Center offers hybrid cloud flexibility with simple operational setup. Technical support for both is reliable, though there is some variability in response effectiveness. DNA Center benefits from high-quality technical engagement, albeit at a high cost.
Pricing and ROI: Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller is perceived as expensive compared to market alternatives, with users finding value in its features for larger environments. Licensing is often tied to third-party hardware, and ROI is appreciated for its longevity and management capabilities. DNA Center pricing is also high, potentially deterring mid-market customers. Its extensive feature set and centralized management justify the cost for large enterprises, offering multiple licensing tiers that can escalate costs but promise significant ROI through reduced manual efforts and streamlined operations.
Although Cisco DNA Center is expensive, we have seen a return on investment in terms of time savings.
Overall, Cisco DNA Center rates eight out of ten as a complete solution.
The support for Cisco DNA Center is good.
Cisco's support I would rate as a 10 compared to all other vendors.
From my experience, we can easily manage numerous devices.
The solution is designed for large enterprise companies.
When we communicate problems, they solve them effectively.
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.
I do not believe it integrated well with different infrastructures for hybrid environments.
If there is a problem, I can inspect the situation and see what is happening, which is beneficial.
The most valuable features include AI-driven insights which make troubleshooting much easier.
People typically understand north-south traffic flows but usually miss the east-west traffic flows in data centers.
| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Cisco DNA Center | 1.2% |
| Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (Formerly DCNM) | 0.7% |
| Other | 98.1% |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 10 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 9 |
| Large Enterprise | 25 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 10 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 6 |
| Large Enterprise | 16 |
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.
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.
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