Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500) vs. Cisco Catalyst IR1800 Rugged Series Routers

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

My company is not so big to test the router on its highest limits. I can tell only that it works great and does not ask us for unexpected maintenance, service or unpleasant surprises. It works perfect and makes it's job the best.

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

• Partakes minimal disruptions under mobility while in use by technicians.
• Has high bandwidths
• The routers are secure from multiple network attacks.

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

• Programming can be complicated for new users
• An easier VPN setup would be a good value add to this product
• PoE for IP Phones requires an add-on daughter card
• The daughter card add expense and requires that the 800 series unit be opened to install card

Incentivized

We are already looking at more purchases

Incentivized

My experience is that there is always something that proves to be just a bit tedious to get figured out but once you do it is easily duplicated

Incentivized

Cisco routers can be configure and forgotten unless you are adding to the configuration or on the rare troubleshooting event.

Incentivized

Cisco routers can be configure and forgotten unless you are adding to the configuration or on the rare troubleshooting event.

Incentivized

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

People have bad days and some things are deemed not critical enough to fix.

Incentivized

My training was through a third party that had good knowledge but wasn't able to answer all of my questions.

Incentivized

The more you can plan in advance the easier the deployment will be.

Incentivized

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.

The Cisco 800 Series Industrial ISR routers have proven to be more reliable than the standard ISR routers within moving vehicles.

Incentivized

Not every router can handle all situations and so you have to purchase the upgrade to do handle the new requirements.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

• 800 Series units are a great value for very small sites
• The 800 series have allowed us to be agile in the opening of sites quickly in under-served rural areas.
• The only downside is having to renew the support every few years.

Incentivized