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Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] comparison

Cisco and Citrix are both solutions in the Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions category. Additionally, 92% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 90% of Citrix users who would recommend it.
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN
Read 92 Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN reviews
  • 10,768 Views
  • 6,540 Comparison Views
92% willing to recommend
Citrix SD-WAN [EOL]
Read 22 Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] reviews
    90% willing to recommend
     

    Comparison Buyer's Guide

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    Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 29, 2024

    Citrix SD-WAN and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN compete in the software-defined networking market. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN generally seems to have the upper hand in terms of comprehensive security features and scalability.

    Features: Citrix SD-WAN offers HDX WAN Optimization, application acceleration, and robust load balancing. It also provides reliable connectivity and cloud management. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is known for its extensive application routing, centralized management tools, and strong security capabilities.

    Room for Improvement: Citrix SD-WAN users report high costs and a complex licensing model, along with a need for enhanced security and better reporting/documentation. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is criticized for its high costs and complicated licensing. Users seek improved security integration, better integration capabilities, and a simpler management interface.

    Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Citrix SD-WAN supports on-premises setups with cloud management, although customer service quality varies. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN offers support for hybrid and cloud deployment environments, providing simplified deployment for complex infrastructures. Generally reliable technical support is noted, but both products could improve first-line support and deployment processes.

    Pricing and ROI: Citrix SD-WAN is pricey but offers flexible licensing models with a potential for long-term savings. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is also perceived as expensive, with a complex subscription-based pricing structure. While both are considered good investments for their feature sets, there's room for cost optimization to attract budget-conscious organizations.

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    Review summaries and opinions

    We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
     

    Categories and Ranking

    Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN
    Average Rating
    8.0
    Reviews Sentiment
    7.0
    Number of Reviews
    92
    Ranking in other categories
    Network Management Applications (5th), Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions (2nd), WAN Edge (2nd)
    Citrix SD-WAN [EOL]
    Average Rating
    8.2
    Reviews Sentiment
    7.4
    Number of Reviews
    22
    Ranking in other categories
    No ranking in other categories
     

    Q&A Highlights

    OT
    May 08, 2020
    What is the biggest difference between Cisco SD-WAN and Citrix SD-WAN?
    Cisco is a traditional networking play and has successfully transformed from pure hardware to now software defined products. Many network engineers already use the product and makes a lot of sense for a company with Cisco history to go towards Cisco just like a company which uses citrix desktops will go for the Citrix ADC. Therefore, configuration of Cisco, while not being difficult, is more "formatted" for Engineers who have used the solution and already have deep understanding of the protocols As a relatively new comer, Citrix seems to have put more effort to make the implementation process easier in terms of GUI Now, citrix has one fourth the market share of cisco and this is crucial in terms of competency - as it is 4 times easier to get Cisco competency However, in terms of costs, I like Citrix Netscaler pooled licensing arrangement, It is a flexible licensing framework whereby there is a common pool of license regardless whether the customer performs the deployment as a physical hardware, virtual device or even a containerized solution already use the product. Therefore, Cisco has higher costs As for used cases, I have seen NetScalers used for Load Balancing, for external users to internal services and resources like XenDesktop and XenApp Finally, both Cisco and Citrix have resilient solutions and provide good support - also some dependency where you are located. As for recommendation, it depends on your specific scenario in light of above points.
    See all answers
     

    Featured Reviews

    Igor Van Den Ouden - PeerSpot reviewer
    Enables secure and flexible branch connectivity with application-aware routing
    The valuable features of Cisco SD-WAN include its security policies and zone-based firewall that are applied to every site, as well as application-aware routing. Security is standard compliant, eliminating config drift that was prevalent before manual configurations. Application-aware routing offers flexibility in using different lines for traffic, depending on the policy implemented.
    Read full review
    Rohit Ghorpade - PeerSpot reviewer
    A scalable solution for MCN controller but lacks technical supports, upgrades
    There are a few things that can be improved, are domain-based routing and the slowness of virtual parts, and it may be due to the wrong configuration, which we have been unable to find out. Previously, we faced some issues with the slowness part. Apart from that, feature like end gateway level antivirus. We are currently using a NetFlow proxy to establish a virtual position for the NetFlow. Our current environment has many use cases, but we are not using them on the Citrix SD-WAN. When I navigate the NCL part, it involves configuration. I want to highlight this disadvantage. Sometimes, when we push the configuration, it tries to push it to all branch locations. This process takes a lot of time, nearly 30 minutes, to push a single change from the NCL. Overall, I don't think Citrix meets our use cases what we have. This is based on my feedback after using it for the past year and working on this Citrix SD-WAN. However, from my experience, it is the worst solution I have seen. There's no domain-based routing, which is horrible. That's why we are moving to other products. We have checked our use case requirements with Fortinet, Palo Alto, and they meet them. I will consider the PoC or another OEM. There are many things in the area you need to be prompt, like the automation part. If any link or device goes down, alerting notification, etc. We need to perform and highlight so many things to your management. This should be improved.
    Read full review

    Quotes from Members

    We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
     

    Pros

    "The regular net routing is a good feature."
    "Cisco SD-WAN is a highly stable solution."
    "It's a scalable solution."
    "The solution has great scalability."
    "It is very simple and easy to manage, compared to other methods."
    "The most valuable feature of Cisco SD-WAN is its compatibility and integration with the rest of the infrastructure."
    "Using SD-WAN to combine services can result in better up time, higher speeds, and much lower costs."
    "SD-WAN provides a range of common benefits, including cost reduction, increased visibility, and scalability"
    More Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN pros
    "The most valuable feature of Citrix SD-WAN is customization. You are able to customize the solution to your needs."
    "The SD-WAN solution as it is already is quite feature-rich and the upgrade process is very simple."
    "The most valuable feature is security, as it gives me the port bindings that cannot be accomplished using other solutions."
    "The reliability of connectivity is most valuable."
    "They have a zero downtime failover mechanism, where, when there's a link failure or a link weakness, or bad link conditions, they provide the ability to fail back seamlessly."
    "It allows you to combine two asymmetrical connections."
    "The zero-touch deployment is most valuable for us."
    "It lowered our Internet costs and gave me the flexibility to choose providers based on each location's connectivity."
    More Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] pros
     

    Cons

    "We have had some problems with the licensing model, and it is something that should be improved."
    "This solution could be improved with a simpler implementation process and licensing model."
    "The price could be better. From a technical side, and everything's working smoothly. Cisco SD-WAN could be cheaper."
    "Some configurations or procedures could be more user-friendly. Adding a bandwidth management feature would make Cisco SD-WAN more scalable and less resource-intensive."
    "Technical support could be more helpful and responsive."
    "The cost is too high for certain countries, for example, those in Africa. The solution needs to be more cost-effective."
    "The security features could be improved."
    "The platform needs to be updated to be more stable and simple."
    More Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN cons
    "Citrix should continue to offer a perpetual licensing model because it is very important to us."
    "The initial setup could be a bit easier."
    "I would like to either see the price reduced or have it packaged with other products to give better value for the money."
    "I would like to see more customization to adjust for the WAN lock-out due to our unexpected power outages."
    "There are a few things that can be improved, are domain-based routing and the slowness of virtual parts, and it may be due to the wrong configuration, which we have been unable to find out."
    "Citrix SD-WAN's knowledge base has a few missing things, so you may need to seek help from support."
    "I would like to see support for additional reporting."
    "The price could be improved, it's an expensive solution."
    More Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] cons
     

    Pricing and Cost Advice

    "The product's license is expensive."
    "The pricing is fair, and it's on par with the market vendors. But based on the competition, Cisco could work on the pricing, go deep on discounts and provide more commercially viable solutions to customers."
    "There is no license required for this solution."
    "We can only buy three-year licenses, not monthly. The cost seems high for us, especially since we're in Vietnam, which isn't a rich country. But we still like the product because it is good."
    "The Cisco SD-WAN licensing model needs to be simplified. There are currently three types of licenses: enterprise agreements, individual licenses, and DNA subscriptions. This can confuse customers, requiring a dedicated person to determine which type of license is right for their organization."
    "80 percent reduction in WAN costs. There are no MPLS or P2P circuits left in the organization."
    "There is a monthly subscription to use this solution."
    "I give the price a seven out of ten."
    More Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN pricing and cost advice
    "It's a little bit on the high side compared to the other products."
    "I'm not quite sure of the price ranges. Roughly, the hidden devices can scale up to $20K for one appliance. However, the branch CPs are USD $1,000 to $2,500."
    "It would be helpful to have a demo license available for customers who want to prove the concept and conduct a proof of concept (POC) before committing to the solution. This is particularly important for customers in Egypt who often require a demonstration of the solution's features and compatibility with their needs before making any investment or incurring costs. Providing a demo license would allow customers to assess whether the solution would meet their needs or not."
    "The license was a one-time purchase. It's expensive."
    "It is a bit expensive. A cheaper product would be good, but everybody likes things to be cheaper. We bought the devices up front, and then we pay for the annual support."
    "The price is relatively expensive."
    "The price of the subscription should be cheaper."
    "I believe that Citrix SD-WAN is a good investment, but I do not have the information to be more specific."
    More Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] pricing and cost advice
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    Top Industries

    By visitors reading reviews
    Educational Organization
    45%
    Computer Software Company
    12%
    Financial Services Firm
    7%
    Manufacturing Company
    4%
    Computer Software Company
    25%
    Real Estate/Law Firm
    9%
    Financial Services Firm
    8%
    Energy/Utilities Company
    5%
     

    Company Size

    By reviewers
    Large Enterprise
    Midsize Enterprise
    Small Business
     

    Questions from the Community

    What do you like most about Cisco SD-WAN?
    When considering the most valuable features of Cisco SD-WAN, the decoupling of self-monitoring stands out significantly.
    See all answers
    What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco SD-WAN?
    The pricing for Cisco SD-WAN is rated eight out of ten, with some variability depending on the reseller discounts and the size of the enterprise. It is also relatively cost-effective for smaller bu...
    See all answers
    What needs improvement with Cisco SD-WAN?
    The main area for improvement in Cisco SD-WAN is the lack of documentation, which often lags behind the software releases. This is especially notable since Cisco acquired the solution and is still ...
    See all answers
    What do you like most about Citrix SD-WAN?
    It lowered our Internet costs and gave me the flexibility to choose providers based on each location's connectivity.
    See all answers
    What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Citrix SD-WAN?
    It is on the expensive side. I would give it an eight out of ten in terms of costliness. In my region, the approximate cost for the Citrix SD-WAN license is around $150 per user per year. However, ...
    See all answers
    What needs improvement with Citrix SD-WAN?
    The solution's licensing model could be improved. Citrix SD-WAN is a good product from a technical point of view. However, when you compare its licensing with the prices of competitors, you will se...
    See all answers
     

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    Peplink SpeedFusion vs Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN
    Compared 8% of the time
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    Fortinet FortiGate vs Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] Logo
    Fortinet FortiGate vs Citrix SD-WAN [EOL]
    Compared 55% of the time
    More Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] Competitors
     

    Product Reports

    Buyer's Guide
    Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN
    March 2025
    Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN reportDownload Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN product report
    Buyer's Guide
    Citrix SD-WAN [EOL]
    March 2025
    Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] reportDownload Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] product report
     

    Also Known As

    Cisco SD-WAN
    Citrix CloudBridge, WOC, NetScaler SD-WAN
     

    Overview

    Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN serves to connect remote offices, reduce MPLS costs, and facilitate cloud and internet access while providing secure connectivity and centralized management for hybrid networks.

    Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is leveraged for secure connectivity, load balancing, VPN, centralized network management, and migrating from traditional networks to SD-WAN. It supports hybrid networks, enabling centralized management across branches and data centers, improving security, and optimizing bandwidth usage. Industries such as banking and retail benefit from its capabilities for secure and efficient network management.

    What are the main features of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN?

    • Centralized Management: Simplifies network operations and administration.
    • Application-Level Routing: Enhances performance for critical applications.
    • Segmentation: Provides robust network segmentation for security.
    • Policy Configuration: Customizable policies for traffic management.
    • Real-Time Traffic Visibility: Enables monitoring for better insights.
    • Load Balancing: Distributes network traffic efficiently.
    • Hybrid Cloud Connectivity: Seamless integration with cloud services.
    • Deep Packet Inspection: Detailed traffic analysis for security.
    • High Security: Offers strong security protocols to protect the network.
    • Ease of Deployment: Features like zero-touch provisioning simplify setup.

    What benefits should be considered in reviews?

    • Cost Savings: Reduces operational expenses through efficient network management.
    • Reliability: Proven performance and uptime for critical operations.
    • Scalability: Grows with the organization's needs.
    • Integrated Health Monitoring: Proactively identifies and resolves issues.
    • Industry Trust: Cisco's reputation for quality and support.

    Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN's implementation in banking enhances secure transaction communication between branches and data centers. Retailers utilize it to ensure steady connectivity for point-of-sale systems and inventory management. Organizations benefit from centralized management, making it easier to handle networks across multiple locations.

    Cisco

    Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] enhances network stability, redundancy, and reliability, supporting connectivity between branches, optimizing internet access, and enabling secure, redundant networks, both on-premises and cloud-based.

    Corporations utilize Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] to improve network performance, minimize downtime, and ensure high availability. Combining communication methods and supporting interbranch internet routing, it assists businesses in transitioning from MPLS, centralizing monitoring, and optimizing bandwidth use. Its functionality includes secure connections, cost reductions, and effective management of internet access. The support for multiple communication methods, application reliability, and ease of implementation make it a valuable tool for modern network management.

    What key features does Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] offer?
    • Security: Enhanced protection to safeguard network data
    • IPv6 layering over IPv4: Ensures compatibility and future-proofing
    • Active-Active bandwidth use: Maximizes bandwidth utilization
    • Zero downtime failover: Maintains continuous operation during failures
    • Zero-touch deployment: Simplifies the installation process
    • Application reliability: Ensures high performance for critical applications
    • Cost-effectiveness: Reduces overall networking expenses
    • Central deployment: Facilitates easy configuration updates and management
    What benefits should users look for in Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] reviews?
    • Enhanced performance: Improved application and connectivity speed
    • Increased reliability: Minimized network downtime and interruptions
    • Centralized monitoring: Streamlined network oversight and control
    • Scalable security: Adaptable protection for evolving network needs
    • Cost savings: Lower operational costs compared to traditional MPLS
    • Flexibility: Ability to handle multiple network functions effectively

    Industries implement Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] to replace costly MPLS setups with more flexible VPN and NetScaler options, benefiting sectors like finance, healthcare, and retail that require robust, secure, and scalable network solutions. Organizations achieve better device management and efficient connectivity across multiple branches, enhancing their operational effectiveness.

    Citrix
     

    Sample Customers

    Doyle Research, Ashton Metzler & Associates
    AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Cornerstone Home Lending Inc., Dallara, ecVision, Essar, Eurofred, Groupe Promutuel, HMSHost Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Ltd, Royal Caribbean International
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