Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500) vs. Cisco 800 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISR 800)

Cloud based solutions, these need the necessary bandwidth going from point A to point B. Automate as much as possible from a WAN Core edge standpoint, take away the always on maintaining of the routers/switches on the network. Automation is extremely important in today's world. The Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System would not be a very viable solution for a small company, especially from a budgetary standpoint.

Incentivized

More suited is where we need more flexibility in terms of diagnosing the issues and also troubleshooting, which makes it easier for us because we have a more transparent way of diagnosing faults and fixing the issues. So that's a good one. I'm not too sure what is the less appropriate areas, but I could see less appropriate, probably not in places where it's a quick deployment on the cloud side. So probably that's right, I think. And all the security solutions as well

Incentivized

• It is versatile due to the diversity in models and form factors.
• Low power consumption compared to similar models
• Mature operating system code allowing for quick production installation and configuration.

Incentivized

• [Cisco 800 Series Integrated] Routers can form tunnels over a cellular network via the SIM inserted into it.
• With an external antenna attached to it, their coverage is very good, making them suitable for remote sites where network coverage from ISPs is a concern.
• They function as a switch and router in one device.

Incentivized

• Horizontal blade designs are rare these days because if the gear is shipped in a rack, the blade can bend. The NCS5500's blades are horizontal.
• Not a NCS5500 specific issue, but XR has a ways to go, but will continue to grow with customer input.

Incentivized

• Being one of the most versatile routing/switching platforms available, it fulfills most functions one would need in a compact appliance.
• I have not experienced lack of functionality in any areas we use the appliance for.
• One small feature I would like to have is 19" rack mount.

Incentivized

Cisco has provided a real diverse router in a small package that meets the needs of our current environment. I highly recommend this product and should feel the to consider this type of solution, you would have made the right decision

This router is easy to use and manage. It provides the features, most important the security our organization requires to function properly. There is also cohesion between the HQ router we are currently using.

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.

Incentivized

I think Cisco is a good product that offers a huge list of options where you can get support from. I find that forums, blogs and communities really assist wit resolving any issues that you might come across.

Implementation of this router is relatively easy. What i can say is plan your implementation and consider the the environment you are going to use it for.

Ultimately other Arista and Juniper choices were tested but design and testing did not give much detail as to why these are better overall or in comparison. We are already using Cisco in this level of the topology so that was most likely the strongest reason and fit the application we are using it for.

We looked into setting up Site to Site VPN with either Cisco ASAs or [Fortinet] FortiGate Firewalls. We were unable to find a product that didn't also require us to set up an LTE modem separately. It would have forced us to have a mess of cables and multiple devices. Our kit for the field with the Cisco 800 [Series Integrated Services Router] is simple: router, power cables, and wireless access point. Everything is labeled and attached plugs into one device. Any field user can follow the instructions [to] get up and running quickly.

Incentivized

• 100% uptime for 5 years.
• No successful intrusion attempts in 5 years.
• Very high throughput has allowed for constant and reliable connectivity.

Incentivized

• The long-term stability is great, we have very few problems, resulting in low maintenance costs.
• Configuration for almost all routers in the basics is the same, so there's a very short learning curve per model.
• Running some models of Router for more than 10 years of stability, so the ROI with the devices is greater than expected on starting.

Incentivized