Cisco 5000 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5000) vs. Cisco 900 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISR)

The best scenario for us was to use the NCS 5000 for video conferencing. With several remote branches, we required reliable bandwidth for remotely connecting with employees. The NCS 5000 delivered the bandwidth we needed and provided the quality even with some low bandwidth sites.

Incentivized

No problems with any of the Cisco 900 Series [Integrated Services Routers] (ISR) platform features within the enterprise environment. Because these devices are running a version of IOS-XE as opposed to traditional IOS, some of the more 'basic' configurations can become more complex. In the end, the 900 Series is still able to provide the required functionality, but there is a learning curve.

Incentivized

• Higher port density allows for both higher bandwidth ports to the customer network as well as sufficient uplink capacity to the core.
• Small rack space, smarter design, smaller footprint allows for more hardware the fit in the same amount of rack space.
• Lower power consumption, less heat output results in savings within the data center environment.

Incentivized

• [It] works great full-featured, but [I recommend a] small router for remote sites.
• [It] can handle more traffic than it even advertises!
• [It has a] well-priced option for smaller or less critical sites.

Incentivized

• Bugs
• Transport components stability
• Tac response time in some xases

Incentivized

• [It has a] pay as you grow model of licensing, but, [in my opinion, is] a pain to implement.
• [The] service impacting license application [could be improved].
• Configuration complexity [could be improved].

Incentivized

CAPEX and OPEX are less for NCS routers.

Incentivized

I have similar feelings about the NCS 5500 Series Router. IOS-XR is great, but the need to upgrade components to support newer features seems like a planning oversight. 400G Linecards are great and needed.... but they need all new power supplies? Really? Also, the ability to use lags across multiple linecards would be nice. I'm pretty sure that's not available, but that is more understandable.

Incentivized

• Communication among remote employees and branches has increased.
• Quality of service from cloud and video applications.

Incentivized

• Lots of money saved in downgrading from less useful and older full-sized routers at small sites
• Time saved having to learn new commands (web GUI works great)
• Saves time training staff to manage them

Incentivized