What users are saying about
11 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 7.8 out of 100
Based on 11 reviews and ratings
12 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8.5 out of 100
Based on 12 reviews and ratings
Attribute Ratings
- Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR 2000) is rated higher in 1 area: Likelihood to Recommend
- Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500) is rated higher in 1 area: Support Rating
Likelihood to Recommend
8.1
Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR 2000)
81%
2 Ratings
8.0
Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500)
80%
5 Ratings
Support Rating
7.3
Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR 2000)
73%
2 Ratings
8.0
Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500)
80%
2 Ratings
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR 2000)
These may not be the fastest or latest [technology] when it comes to routers, but for their class, they are great. If you were you put a similarly priced router out in the places these things can run it would be dead within a year. Also, you don't need to have an elaborate networking closet to get these into. They work well in small, hot, or potentially dusty places with ease.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Government Administration Company, 501-1000 employeesCisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500)
The Cisco 5500 Series NCS appears to be well suited as a fairly simple core network device that doesn't require a lot of one-off configuration setup. It may have some restrictions if used as a peering and/or edge device due to control-plane protection design and QoS/TCAM memory and Forwarding capacity. The 5501 is well suited as a switch due to mature code and hardware capability.

Verified User
Contributor in Information Technology
Information Technology and Services Company, 10,001+ employeesPros
Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR 2000)
- Rugged construction
- No special heating or cooling requirements
- Part of the Cisco ecosystem, so no special maintenance

Verified User
Director in Information Technology
Insurance Company, 501-1000 employeesCisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500)
- Large bandwidth per blade at 36x100Gb.
- IOS-XR for full functionality of automation and service provider experience.
- Great price per port when looking at the scaling opportunity.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Computer Software Company, 10,001+ employeesCons
Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR 2000)
- Cisco has some troubles with licensing hardware still unless you're on smart licensing
- Price with Cisco equipment is usually high
- Bugs found in the interface

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Government Administration Company, 501-1000 employeesCisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500)
- When upgrading components of the NCS 5500 it can take a particularly long time and many steps to confirm additional components. Have all updates on the need basis instead of a one-step process.
Technical Operations Engineer I
Cox CommunicationsBroadcast Media, 10,001+ employees
Pricing Details
Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR 2000)
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
—Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500)
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
Yes
Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
—Support Rating
Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR 2000)
Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR 2000) 7.3
Based on 2 answers
Have not had to use support yet but would follow our current Cisco process.

Verified User
Director in Information Technology
Insurance Company, 501-1000 employeesCisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500)
Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500) 8.0
Based on 2 answers
Cisco support is always informative and reliable. Depending on the level of support you subscribe to, the techs and Cisco TAC are well versed in hardware and operating system of the NCS series routers. You can receive 24x7 support and either Next Business Day or 4-hour part replacement from Cisco if required.

Verified User
Contributor in Information Technology
Information Technology and Services Company, 10,001+ employeesAlternatives Considered
Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR 2000)
We didn't look outside of the Cisco branded routers since we wanted to manage it as part of the enterprise and not have a "one-off" router.

Verified User
Director in Information Technology
Insurance Company, 501-1000 employeesCisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500)
We've always used Cisco, but from time to time we've interfaced with Juniper and Aerohive. Cisco has always performed better than Juniper, and seems on-par with Aerohive's most innovative features.
Telecommunications Engineer
Carrilho EngineeringTelecommunications, 11-50 employees
Return on Investment
Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR 2000)
- Saved money on replacing standard routers that die in those environments
- Saved time with the easy linking and connection options
- Given us peace of mind that the device will continue to run without intervention

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Government Administration Company, 501-1000 employeesCisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500)
- Allows us to offer free WiFi for our visitors, patients, families, and staff on an equal performance plane.
- Allows us to scale access and traffic based on usage, helping our staff maintain efficiency
- This acts a major component to our mobile expansion strategy allowing development anytime anywhere

Verified User
Professional in Information Technology
Hospital & Health Care Company, 1001-5000 employees