Cisco Catalyst Center Reviews

Name: Cisco Catalyst Center
Brand: Cisco
Rating: 4.3 (13 reviews)

Vendor: Cisco

4.3 out of 5

13 reviews
100% willing to recommend

What is Cisco Catalyst Center?

Cisco Catalyst Center offers a comprehensive platform for network management, providing scalable solutions and advanced analytics for enterprise-level operations.

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Cisco Catalyst Center is the #7 ranked solution in top Network Management Applications. PeerSpot users give Cisco Catalyst Center an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. Cisco Catalyst Center is most commonly compared to Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN: Cisco Catalyst Center vs Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN. Cisco Catalyst Center is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 61% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a government, accounting for 16% of all views.

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Network Management Applications

March 2025

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Featured Cisco Catalyst Center reviews

Ahmad Attal

Cyber Security Architect at Spie Ics

My customers often complain about numerous software bugs requiring frequent software patches and updates to resolve these issues. Furthermore, the complexity of the solution can be challenging for some customers as they often require extensive training to fully understand and utilize the product. They have concerns about the high number of software bugs and the need for regular updates to address these bugs.

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Premnath Jaganathan

Product Manager at Uop Ipl

There is room for improvement in introducing auto-heal AI capabilities. In the current setup, incidents are always reactionary, and it would be beneficial if Cisco Catalyst Center could proactively handle issues such as bandwidth crunches and packet drops. Additionally, the initial setup, especially when loading the software on new devices, is time-consuming and can be further improved by reducing the time required.

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Muhammad Kabir Salihu

Deputy Director at NITDA

Cisco Catalyst Center ( /products/cisco-catalyst-center-reviews ) has greatly enhanced the user-friendliness of configuring Catalyst ( /products/cisco-catalyst-switches-reviews ) switches. The integration of SDM makes switch configuration much simpler than before. Additionally, the virtual LANs provide some security features, helping us manage our network more efficiently. The integration with Cisco firewalls further enhances our network security.

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Valuable Features

Cisco Catalyst Center excels in dual management and observability, wireless assurance, and integration with third-party software. Its robust architecture supports features like VLANs and security analytics. Users praise its scalability, centralized management, user-friendly switch configuration, strong hardware, and threat intelligence with Talos. VXLAN, express forwarding, and comprehensive documentation enhance its popularity. The ability to manage multiple devices, efficient troubleshooting, and license management further contribute to its versatility and reliability.

"Cisco's technical support is excellent."
"Cisco Catalyst Center has greatly enhanced the user-friendliness of configuring Catalyst switches."
"Customer service has been excellent."

Room for Improvement

Cisco Catalyst Center needs improvement in managing heterogeneous environments, simplifying the deployment process, and integrating with non-Cisco products. Users experience complexity and frequent software bugs requiring updates. Enhancements in threat detection, automatic issue handling, and faster GUI response are desired. Licensing options could be streamlined, and extending data retention from seven to 30 days would be beneficial. Users suggest clearer documentation and more cohesive interfaces between the web-based GUI and command line.

"Cisco Catalyst Center could improve its graphical user interface. Currently, it is CLI-based, which makes it challenging for those without Cisco training."
"For someone new, the documentation is not very clear."
"Some features in terms of security should be there, especially in threat detection. Cisco Catalyst Center lacked intelligence in this area and required reliance on third-party appliances like firewalls or threat protection devices."

ROI

Investors find Cisco Catalyst Center valuable due to its easy deployment, good support, and simplified management, leading to reduced technical resource needs and lower costs. Organizations experience good return on investment with enhanced network operations and performance improvements. While initial costs are high, proper management extends its lifespan significantly. They effectively assess customer needs to align the right model, facilitating efficient element configuration and resource allocation, resulting in productive and long-lasting network infrastructure.

Pricing

Cisco Catalyst Center is often perceived as expensive compared to other OEMs. While some users find it reflects good value due to quality hardware and service, others note significant setup and licensing costs. Pricing varies widely, with potential discounts based on volume. Despite competitive pressures, especially from Huawei, many appreciate its stability and effectiveness for critical workloads, likening it to the iPhone of networking for its balance of quality and cost.

Popular Use Cases

Cisco Catalyst Center is primarily used for visibility into Cisco products, automation, and connectivity management across both wireless and wired devices. Users apply it for an array of functions, including device onboarding, telemetry data collection, and network monitoring. It caters to a range of environments like enterprises, educational institutions, and sectors with limited IT staff. It facilitates networking tasks, configuration, and administration in multi-location scenarios and aids in provisioning, reporting, and SD Access management.

Service and Support

Customer service and support for Cisco Catalyst Center receive high approval. Cisco is praised for excellent assistance, efficient service, and dedicated support during issues. Many rate their experience as eight to nine out of ten. Cisco's support includes timely escalations to advanced teams, often described as proactive and reliable. Users appreciate the ease of the software platform and specific support agreements, which enhance their experience. Networking Academy alumni benefit from accessible support via chat.

Deployment

Cisco Catalyst Center's initial setup is straightforward, though the process can vary based on factors like environment and documentation clarity. Setting up takes about one day and may require multiple people for larger systems. While basic automation and segmentation management are manageable, loading iOS software on devices is time-consuming. It's important to follow prerequisites like IP configuration. Some find the SD Access Fabric setup somewhat complex initially, but it becomes easier with use.

Scalability

Cisco Catalyst Center suits companies across various sizes, offering impressive control and flexibility. Its scalability is favorably rated with features like switch stacking. Some limitations exist in spanning tree architecture, yet it remains an industry standard. Customizable models, such as the 9,000 or 2,000 series, cater to specific requirements. Cisco DNA Center's different form factors align with future needs, from small to extra-large, ensuring device management and handling of requirements effectively.

Stability

Cisco Catalyst Center is generally considered stable with users highlighting its reliability in network functions. Some experience minor software bugs, rating its stability at five out of ten, while others rate it at eight. Long-term users report no significant issues, maintaining stability over years without rebooting. Despite previous glitches and few security concerns, users find it robust and secure for critical tasks, with a low number of cases indicating instability issues.

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

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Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Government

16%

Manufacturing Company

14%

Healthcare Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Comms Service Provider

Financial Services Firm

Retailer

Non Profit

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Computer Software Company

Educational Organization

Outsourcing Company

Transportation Company

Construction Company

Hospitality Company

Insurance Company

Legal Firm

Logistics Company

Performing Arts

Photography Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

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Learn more about Cisco Catalyst Center

Focusing on efficient network management, Cisco Catalyst Center effectively addresses dynamic enterprise environments, ensuring operational scalability and actionable insights through its robust feature set. It emphasizes seamless management with an intuitive interface tailored for professional use, facilitating enhanced network visibility and control among IT professionals and service providers.

What are the standout features of Cisco Catalyst Center?

Automated Provisioning: Simplifies and speeds up network configuration processes by automating repetitive tasks.
Advanced Analytics: Provides real-time insights and trends for network optimization and security enhancements.
Policy-Based Configuration: Ensures consistent network settings adherence with centralized policy management.
Comprehensive Monitoring: Offers in-depth visibility into network performance, facilitating quick identification of issues.

What benefits should users look for in reviews?

Improved Efficiency: Streamlined operations lead to reduced manual input and increased productivity.
Cost Savings: Automation and analytics reduce operational expenses and enhance ROI.
Enhanced Security: Policy enforcement and monitoring provide robust defense against vulnerabilities.
Scalability: Supports growing network infrastructures and evolving enterprise demands.

Cisco Catalyst Center is widely implemented across industries like finance, healthcare, and education due to its ability to handle complex network requirements. It addresses specific needs by offering tailored solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency and security, catering to professionals managing large-scale IT ecosystems.