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Head of IT Department at Silver Springs Hotel
Real User
An extremely stable and reliable device that performs well
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is very stable. I have not seen any downtime due to the product freezing or anything like that. It performs well and hasn't required reboots unless it's to troubleshoot with a support service provider needing configuration. It doesn't overheat and it's on 24/7."
  • "If I only have one LAN port in which I want to connect more than one device, I have to buy an add-on card so that I can have two LAN ports. The smaller devices and low-end routers have about four LAN ports. This solution is a high-end device but has only one. It would be preferable if they offered more LAN ports."

What is most valuable?

The solution is very stable. I have not seen any downtime due to the product freezing or anything like that. It performs well and hasn't required reboots unless it's to troubleshoot with a support service provider needing configuration. It doesn't overheat and it's on 24/7. 

What needs improvement?

It would be great if there was a graphical user interface or something to interface with the router.

If I only have one LAN port in which I want to connect more than one device, I have to buy an add-on card so that I can have two LAN ports. The smaller devices and low-end routers have about four LAN ports. This solution is a high-end device but has only one. It would be preferable if they offered more LAN ports.

I don't know whether the solution can be cloud-managed. When I am away from work, it would be great if I could still have access and manage things, check the configuration, etc. Right now, I don't have a way of monitoring things if I am not at my desk.

I need a feature introduced where I can be able to tell if my provider is giving me constant capacity. The solution should be able to alert me to when the capacity fluctuates so I can go back to my provider and tell ask them why they are giving me less capacity than I am paying for.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for more than ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of the solution is very, very good. 

There was a time I was experiencing some issues with the low-end Cisco router, the 800 series, but I upgraded to the enterprise option and its performance has been remarkable, I have no complaints whatsoever.

Buyer's Guide
Cisco Enterprise Routers
March 2025
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What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We haven't attempted to scale the solution, so I can't really speak to if it's easy or difficult.

How are customer service and support?

I've not engaged with Cisco technical support directly, but the resellers supporting us have been excellent. I prefer to work with the internet service providers because they are the ones who sold the Cisco router to me and they've been supporting me very well and I am happy with their assistance.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We didn't really use another solution, at least not on a large scale. We did use some small routers like Linksys for a handful of people. For the purpose of our internet connectivity from the service provider to my company, I wanted to use Cisco.

How was the initial setup?

Deployment took some time. One person came in to terminate cable. Then, the next day, they sent someone to configure the router which took three hours. Some of the settings weren't quite working right, which is why it took that long. 

What about the implementation team?

The initial setup was done by my internet service provider because they did not want anyone to tamper with their configuration. 

What other advice do I have?

We operate a hotel and we have clients who are logging into the WiFi all the time. We need to give them good connectivity. Sometimes we get as many as 500 connections and we know that with Cisco unless the service provider lets us down, the device won't fail. It's a very good product.

I'd recommend the solution. I'd rate it ten out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Sammy Mukuna - PeerSpot reviewer
Network Admin at Naivas Ltd
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
A solution for networking with easy setup and CLI
Pros and Cons
  • "The valuable feature is CLI."

    What is most valuable?

    The valuable feature is CLI.

    What needs improvement?

    For deployment, you need a tech-savvy individual with extensive CLI experience. Occasional troubleshooting may require remote access, which could pose a minor challenge. The centralized management system simplifies patching, deployment, and configuration tasks, making it easier for tech-savvy personnel to support and maintain the equipment.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using Cisco Enterprise Routers for two or three years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    They are stable. We don't have constraints in terms of deployment.

    I rate the solution’s stability a nine out of ten.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    We have a team of ten with the main configuration.

    I rate the solution’s scalability an eight out of ten.

    How are customer service and support?

    We need assistance regarding the GUI feature.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup takes around 30 to one hour, depending on the configuration and the person’s technical ability.

    I rate the initial setup a five out of ten, where one is difficult and ten is easy.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    I rate the product’s pricing a seven out of ten, where one is cheap and ten is expensive.

    What other advice do I have?

    One person is enough for the deployment, depending on the nation and the quantity configured. We don't have a centralized model through which you can deploy configuration.

    I would recommend it for security.

    Overall, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Buyer's Guide
    Cisco Enterprise Routers
    March 2025
    Learn what your peers think about Cisco Enterprise Routers. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2025.
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    Suman Ghimire - PeerSpot reviewer
    Senior Security Engineer at a tech services company with 201-500 employees
    Real User
    Top 10
    A scalable solution with great DNS features
    Pros and Cons
    • "Cisco provides most of the needed features in all the routers."
    • "Cisco is not granular if we compare it to Juniper."

    What is our primary use case?

    It is used for small to medium businesses. Nowadays, there are so many other routers with different operating systems, XR, and DSR that are available for service providers in other data centers.

    What is most valuable?

    The DNS features are different in the ASR series. Apart from that, Cisco provides most of the needed features in all the routers, except the live local license.

    What needs improvement?

    In my opinion, Cisco is not granular if we compare it to Juniper. In terms of the access lists and some other parts like if we delete one ACL, most of the parties are gone on the Cisco side. But in Juniper, I can delete fifty access lists.

    All the rules and policies are also granular and are based on the UNIX operating system or Linux operating system. Cisco needs to consider those in the market because Juniper is doing well. Some granular functions are required because they have all of the routing protocols with almost all the features.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using Cisco Enterprise Routers for 10-12 years, since the company launched the Cisco 1841 router.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    It is a stable solution. 

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    There are no issues with scalability. I rate the scalability a nine out of ten. 

    How are customer service and support?

    I have never contacted customer service apart from once or twice. But it was not regarding the router’s features rather there were some issues in FPD.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup is straightforward. Most of the people can understand and do it on their own. As far as the management platform is considered, hybrid solutions are being used by large enterprises. Some other enterprises use Meraki-based solutions as well, and some of them use the on-prem solution.

    What about the implementation team?

    I implemented it myself. 

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    It is quite costly for the same feature as compared to Huawei and Juniper. I rate the pricing an eight out of ten.

    What other advice do I have?

    I rate the solution a nine out of ten. I recommend Cisco. 

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    Hybrid Cloud
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Solution System Engineer at a comms service provider with 1-10 employees
    Real User
    Top-notch security with a simplified process for branching and networking
    Pros and Cons
    • "The solution provides the best security available and simplifies the process for branches and networking."
    • "The solution is difficult to implement without a broad knowledge base."

    What is our primary use case?

    Our company was contracted to change switches and routers for government offices, clinics, police departments, and armed forces. 

    The solution was part of a massive upgrade in technology government-wide and we were one of many subcontractors working on the project. 

    How has it helped my organization?

    Our country is five or ten years behind in technology and generally slow to react. 

    Cisco partnering with our government was very important because it motivated us to learn the solution, expand our portfolio, and move technology forward while serving as expert technicians for deployments and maintenance. 

    What is most valuable?

    The solution provides the best security available and simplifies the process for branches and networking. 

    What needs improvement?

    The solution is difficult to implement without a broad knowledge base. 

    Subnetting for large organizations is complicated because you must understand the company hierarchy before starting to subnet. The process can be difficult so it helps to have experience or rely on other team members for advice. 

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using the solution for two years. 

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    I do not monitor stability in my position but the solution has a reputation for being top-notch so stability must be good. 

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    I only handled installations but the solution must be scalable because it was deployed across all government offices. 

    How are customer service and support?

    Supervisors at our company partnered with technical support to ensure seamless implementations. 

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup is complicated and requires knowledge of the solution. 

    We opted to work in teams so we would have more knowledge in the field for implementations. Each site team consisted of 14 technicians and there were more than 1,000 technicians across all sites. 

    We first analyzed existing routers and switches to provide supervisors with a list of equipment to be replaced. We then prepared installation and configuration plans to ensure seamless implementations. 

    What about the implementation team?

    Our company replaced old hardware and worked in partnership with Cisco to configure and implement the solution.

    Implementation and maintenance requires two to four technicians. 

    What was our ROI?

    It helped our company to learn the solution and partner with the government which includes some of the largest organizations in our country. 

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    Cisco has a partnership with our government and provides the main solution in Botswana. 

    No other options were evaluated because our government believes that Cisco provides the best security in a comprehensive package that matches desired standards. 

    What other advice do I have?

    I rate the solution a ten out of ten. 

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
    PeerSpot user
    Field service manager at reduno.com
    Real User
    Extremely scalable with good technical support and good networking capabilities
    Pros and Cons
    • "The performance of the devices is very reliable."
    • "The initial setup can be a little bit difficult."

    What is our primary use case?

    We primarily use the solution for our final customers. The solution is used for communication. We are a service provider, and we offer our customers public networks as a service. Our customers typically need an internet connection or MPLS.

    What is most valuable?

    The solution offers very good networking capabilities.

    The stability is excellent.

    The consistency of the configuration has been very good.

    The performance of the devices is very reliable.

    What needs improvement?

    The initial setup can be a little bit difficult. They should try to make it easier to set up for new users.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I’ve used the solution for maybe ten to 15 years. I’ve used it for over a decade. It’s been a while.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The solution is quite stable and the devices are reliable. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn’t crash or freeze. It’s been great.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The solution is extremely scalable. It’s not a problem expanding it as necessary.

    How are customer service and support?

    We’ve used the solution’s technical support. We found them helpful and responsive and we are quite satisfied with the level of support provided.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup can be hard. That said, we have a good amount of experience. It’s easier to manage the process if you have a good understanding of the solution in general.

    I’m not sure how long it took to deploy the solution. For a big project, it might take as long as two weeks, however, a small deployment might only take a few hours. Every deployment differs according to size and requirements.

    What about the implementation team?

    We tend to set up the solution for our clients. We have some engineers that work directly with end customers.

    What other advice do I have?

    We use the most recent version of the solution, however, I do not know the version number off-hand.

    I’d rate the solution at a ten out of ten. We’ve been very happy with its capabilities.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
    PeerSpot user
    PeerSpot user
    Engineering Manager at Chalish Co.
    Real User
    Great CLI and OS with fantastic stability
    Pros and Cons
    • "The solution is easily scalable."
    • "Due to the sanctions on our country, we can't get outside help directly from Cisco. We need to handle the implementation ourselves."

    What is our primary use case?

    I'm a Cisco specialist, and I implement Cisco devices, not always just for myself. We consult, implement, and design Cisco devices for our customers according to their needs and requirements. Just for the record, I am the CEO of my company: Atin Secure Systems ltd.

    What is most valuable?

    I feel free with Cisco's operation system (IOS), and specifically, it's CLI. The power of Cisco is it's software and OS, not just their hardware. Their end product is very stable, straightforward, and scalable. However, it takes time and energy for a beginner to be able to administer the CLI.

    What needs improvement?

    Cisco could update or release a new GUI. It needs a more extensive and comprehensive GUI, specifically for people who don't like using CLIs. I don't mind CLI but, I know based on my experience that not everyone prefers it. Unfortunately, Cisco promotes only to use CLI.

    I am teaching Cisco up to CCNP level to my students, but up until today, I haven't been able to take the Cisco exams because we are banned from doing so in our country due to sanctions. We cannot even take the Cisco exams out of the country. I wanted to travel to Turkey to try, however, I was told I wouldn't be recognized even if I pass the exam.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been implementing, designing, troubleshooting, and teaching Cisco for ten years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    Cisco has the best stability I have ever seen. There aren't bugs or glitches, freeze, or crashes. It's very reliable.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The solution is very scalable. It's another feature that's great. You can add as many Cisco devices as you want to your project or your scenario if your initial design is correct. This can be done without any side effects and without any big changes.

    How are customer service and technical support?

    We're based in Iran. We suffer from a lot of sanctions, so we don't have access to Cisco specialists or Cisco support. It's not allowed.

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    Cisco is somehow expensive in comparison to other vendors. Hence, we have switched to other brands only to satisfy the financial needs of our customers. Our only suggestion to customers is Cisco.

    How was the initial setup?

    In my opinion, the initial set up is useless for a person (a specialist or a technician) who wants to run a full scenario. If I were Cisco, I would eliminate that initial setup.

    What about the implementation team?

    Due to the sanctions on our country, we can't get outside help directly from Cisco. We need to handle the implementation ourselves.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    The initial costs of using a full Cisco scenario like purchasing gears and licenses may be a little bit high. However, with accurate design and implementation, you should make sure you are good to go for years.

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    Cisco is the definition of computer networks in the industry. I have experience and knowledge in other brands like Mikrotik. However, Cisco is the best on the market.

    What other advice do I have?

    You can't compare Cisco to any other gadget or any other solution. They're the best in the market, hands down. I have no choice other than giving them full marks of ten out of ten. I'd recommend Cisco to everyone.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    reviewer1083318 - PeerSpot reviewer
    Network Infrastructure Program Manager at a non-profit with 1,001-5,000 employees
    Real User
    Good routing, flexible configuration and an easy deployment process
    Pros and Cons
    • "The routing feature is the solution's most valuable aspect."
    • "The solution needs to offer some security features in a future release."

    What is our primary use case?

    We primarily use the routers for internet and wire connection.

    What is most valuable?

    The routing feature is the solution's most valuable aspect. 

    The solution is more flexible in configuration and in deployment. The deployment is very easy.

    What needs improvement?

    Currently, we use the 4000 series of the solution, however, there were issues with the 1900 series.

    The solution needs to offer some security features in a future release.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've been using the solution for 15 years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The solution is very stable.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The solution is very scalable. In our company, we have about 10,000 users. We don't plan to increase usage right now.

    How are customer service and technical support?

    Technical support is excellent. I'd rate them ten out of ten.

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    We previously used, and still use Juniper. We use both Juniper and Cisco within our organization; we haven't replaced one with the other.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup was straightforward. Deployment takes about two hours.

    Our strategy was to have both high and low-level information in regard to the configuration. We usually have it in our script and we can use this information to assist us with deployment.

    You require about two people for deployment and maintenance of the solution.

    What about the implementation team?

    In most cases, I handle the implementation myself. However, in some cases, we used system integrators due to the nature of the contract involved.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    There's a yearly licensing agreement. You can add more features at an additional cost if you need to.

    What other advice do I have?

    We're mostly using the 4000 series of the solution.

    In terms of advice, I'd say users need to be clear about customer requirements to avoid overpaying for features they don't need. They should take care to select the proper router type and use the proper license. For deployment, they need a high level of understanding, for the implementation and configuration. They need to be prepared for all scenarios to be network ready. Something might turn off, for example, so they need to be prepared for those instances in order to properly handle them.

    I'd rate the solution nine out of ten.

    Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller.
    PeerSpot user
    IT network engineer at CONCEPSYS
    Real User
    Top 10
    Has good capabilities and provides good performance
    Pros and Cons
    • "Provides good capabilities and performance."
    • "It's an expensive product."

    What is our primary use case?

    This product gives us connection to providers in the international network. We are customers of Cisco. 

    What is most valuable?

    In general, I like Cisco products. I've had a lot of training on their solutions. This product has good capabilities and provides good performance. 

    What needs improvement?

    For our company and for our customers, this solution is very expensive. 

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've been using this product for several years. 

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The solution is stable. 

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The solution is scalable.

    How are customer service and support?

    Our license doesn't include technical support and it's not essential for us. We use the documentation that Cisco provides. 

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup is not too complex and we have around 20,000 end users. We have engineers and IT technicians who are able to provide us with maintenance services. 

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    Licensing costs are expensive for us. 

    What other advice do I have?

    I rate this solution eight out of 10. 

    Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
    PeerSpot user
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