

Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller and Meraki Dashboard compete in network management. Cisco Nexus has the upper hand in managing detailed network operations and automation, whereas Meraki wins in simplicity and cloud-based management.
Features: Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller is valued for its stability, unique capabilities in managing Nexus boxes, and comprehensive network analysis tools. It provides strong automation and security integrations, especially with programming languages and configuration tools. Meraki Dashboard is renowned for simplicity and ease of use, enhanced by a cloud-based management system. Its single-pane view and robust analytics are key, alongside straightforward setup ideal for smaller businesses.
Room for Improvement: Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller could benefit from simpler configuration processes and better integration with other tools. Users seek improved reporting and pricing adjustments as well as reduced complexity in hardware requirements. Meraki Dashboard could enhance user interface and provide more granular control. Better integration with non-Cisco products is desired, with improvements in VPN functionalities. Licensing complexities and costs are common feedback points.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller is typically deployed on-premises and offers solid developmental support. Operational support receives mixed reviews. Meraki Dashboard supports diverse deployment options including public cloud and offers flexible environments. Its customer service is generally well-regarded, though operational support could be enhanced. Meraki's cloud capabilities offer broader deployment flexibility.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller is noted for higher costs yet offers value in large-scale network management and automation features. Pricing is often justified but has room for cost optimization. Nexus users enjoy ROI from long-term deployments. Meraki Dashboard has competitive pricing with annual licenses but is perceived as expensive by some. Users find the integrated features offset costs by reducing management time, with a flexible yet complex licensing structure. ROI for Meraki is enhanced by its ease of use for smaller businesses.
Cisco's support I would rate as a 10 compared to all other vendors.
The support response time can be slow, sometimes taking up to fifteen hours.
I evaluate customer service and technical support as helpful when we need it; you call them, and they help you through everything.
When I do have to use them, they are excellent.
Sometimes the new features do not clearly indicate whether there is an additional cost associated with my licensing level.
We have not encountered any downtime related to the Meraki cloud feature in the last five years.
I would say that Meraki Dashboard is very reliable.
I have never experienced downtime, crashes, or performance issues with the stability and reliability of Meraki Dashboard.
I do not believe it integrated well with different infrastructures for hybrid environments.
A backup feature for devices in Meraki, including a way to back up and export backups of devices from the portal.
There is a need for price reductions in developing countries, as the cost of Meraki is quite high.
The cameras are not connected through Meraki, but all other devices are on Meraki networks.
The cost of the Meraki solution is high, which may not be affordable for smaller companies, especially in developing countries.
If we involve a third-party vendor, the price will definitely go up.
My experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing is that it is very expensive.
People typically understand north-south traffic flows but usually miss the east-west traffic flows in data centers.
Meraki Dashboard positively impacts my organization by enabling live monitoring. If someone unplugs the power cable, if the switches are down, if there is an outage, or if there is any misconfiguration, we get an alert from Cisco in our mailbox.
Meraki Dashboard offers an exceptional centralized management solution that allows easy updates and monitoring of various network features, including bandwidth usage and content filtering.
The most valuable feature for me is the cloud dashboard.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Meraki Dashboard | 0.7% |
| Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (Formerly DCNM) | 0.6% |
| Other | 98.7% |


| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 10 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 6 |
| Large Enterprise | 16 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 23 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 14 |
| Large Enterprise | 29 |
Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller, formerly DCNM, provides a consolidated dashboard offering insights into network operations, real-time telemetry, and automation capabilities. Users noted enhanced data center management and seamless SD-WAN integration.
Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller integrates Python, Ansible, and Terraform for efficient traffic management. Comprehensive data center insight and stability highlight its utility across policy updates and network troubleshooting. With support for hybrid environments and enhanced network health data visibility, the platform suits complex, evolving infrastructures.
What are the Key Features?In data center operations, businesses leverage Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller for improved security, tackling tasks like VPN operations and private cloud development. It enhances storage management, providing robust support to manage Nexus switches for optimized component oversight and security protocols.
Meraki Dashboard offers intuitive, cloud-based network management, simplifying tasks with centralized control, real-time monitoring, and comprehensive security.
Offering ease of use and a single-pane-of-glass view, Meraki Dashboard enhances network management through centralized monitoring and configuration. Its intuitive interface allows remote device management, policy configuration, and real-time alerts. Cloud-based access provides scalability and automatic updates, while detailed analytics and security measures ensure robust control over networks. Though some users mention complexity in certain configurations and third-party integration gaps, its continuous improvement and network management efficiency accommodate extensive business requirements.
What are the Key Features of Meraki Dashboard?Enterprises deploy Meraki Dashboard for diverse network management purposes, including monitoring, access point deployment, security configuration, and VLAN and LAN management. In education, it provides centralized Wi-Fi management and ensures secure student access. Retail businesses utilize it for seamless device integration and analytics, while healthcare facilities employ its robust security and real-time monitoring to safeguard patient data and maintain network efficiency. Its cloud-based interface enhances control and visibility across numerous sites, simplifying management and configurations.
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