TrustRadius: an HG Insights company

Cisco Meraki MS vs. Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)

Save this comparison

Save this comparison

Add Product

Recommended Comparisons

    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Cisco Meraki MS

    Score9 out of 10
    N/ACisco offers the Meraki brand of Ethernet switches.N/A

    Cisco SD-Access

    Score9 out of 10
    N/ACisco's Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) provides automated end-to-end segmentation to separate user, device and application traffic without redesigning the network. Cisco SD-Access automates user access policy so organizations can make sure the right policies are established for any user or device with any application across the network.N/A
    Pricing
    Cisco Meraki MSCisco SD-Access
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    Cisco Meraki MSCisco SD-Access
    Free Trial
    YesNo
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional Details
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    Cisco Meraki MSCisco SD-Access
    Considered Both Products
    Cisco
    No answer on this topic
    Cisco
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    98%
    Would buy again
    111 Answers
    75%
    Would buy again
    6 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    96%
    Delivers good value for the price
    101 Answers
    86%
    Delivers good value for the price
    6 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    96%
    Happy with the feature set
    108 Answers
    88%
    Happy with the feature set
    7 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    98%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    93 Answers
    75%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    6 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    98%
    Implementation went as expected
    107 Answers
    50%
    Implementation went as expected
    4 Answers
    Features
    Cisco Meraki MSCisco SD-Access
    Ethernet Switches
    Comparison of Ethernet Switches features of Cisco Meraki MS and Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)
    Feature
    Cisco Meraki MS
    8.4
    16 Ratings
    2% below category average
    Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)
    -
    Ratings
    Management Interface8.016 Ratings00 Ratings
    Quality of Service (QoS)8.215 Ratings00 Ratings
    Switch Scalability8.616 Ratings00 Ratings
    Switch Redundancy8.813 Ratings00 Ratings
    Link Aggregation (LACP)8.512 Ratings00 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    Cisco Meraki MSCisco SD-Access
    Small Businesses
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Medium-sized Companies
    RUCKUS Ethernet Switches
    Score1 out of 10
    Cisco ACI
    Score8.5 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Cisco Ethernet Switches
    Score9.1 out of 10
    Cisco ACI
    Score8.5 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Cisco Meraki MSCisco SD-Access
    Likelihood to Recommend
    9.1
    (126 ratings)
    7.3
    (8 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    9.7
    (9 ratings)
    1.0
    (1 ratings)
    Usability
    9.6
    (5 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Availability
    9.6
    (3 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Performance
    8.4
    (3 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Support Rating
    9.5
    (16 ratings)
    6.2
    (8 ratings)
    In-Person Training
    8.6
    (3 ratings)
    6.4
    (1 ratings)
    Online Training
    9.0
    (2 ratings)
    7.3
    (1 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    8.4
    (3 ratings)
    2.7
    (1 ratings)
    Configurability
    9.5
    (3 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Ease of integration
    8.5
    (2 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    9.1
    (108 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    8.7
    (3 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    8.7
    (3 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Cisco Meraki MSCisco SD-Access
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Cisco
    A Cisco Meraki solution should always be in the toolbox for a small-medium office. Especially for a project team that moves around a bit. It is very easy to deploy and if after 6 months the project moves to another location, re-deployment times are much faster than traditional kit. Whilst it could do the job. It is not at the point of replacing a large corporate office of Catalyst Switches but we feel it does not need to do that necessarily.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    It's well suited in our corporate offices, where all our business users resides and where we can control all their accesses. What doesn't really fit well is when we have our branch fronts, where all the software domain access features aren't utilized to its fullest, due to the fact that customers and users don't really need to have all the security features that SDA provides.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    Cisco
    • I think when it comes to the Meraki products, it's just the ease of use and ease of troubleshooting because it's all cloud-based, easy to access from anywhere I can literally get on now and troubleshoot. So I think it's just the ease of use, which is great.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    • Automation, pushing template-based configuration to multiple devices in one push saves time and manpower.
    • Assurance [helps trace] issues related to devices, clients, and provide the troubleshoot as [the] best practices.
    • Segmentation, with the use of the SGT tags, we are able to achieve segmentation and micro-segmentation securely.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    Cisco
    • So compared to the Cisco Catalyst series, there isn't that many dolls you can turn and just optimize stuff. So particularly I'm not quite sure around how stuff like MACsec would work on the MS. It's something that I've really got to look into more and the documentation isn't really that obvious for that feature.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    • Documentation: Working in this solution I realized there were missing information details about the fusion device support for nexus.
    • Fusion router: This roll in the fabric should be already integrated in the solution, right now it is configured manually.
    • Bugs: Unfortunately the solution still present a lot of bugs, mainly in the controller.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    Cisco
    At the time I am writing this, Meraki MS has conver all of the required needs. Is really easy to implement, the dashboard helps a lot with the implementation and troubleshooting process, the devices are very robust and you can count with the meraki support in case you face a physical or logical issue with them.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    No answers on this topic
    Usability
    Cisco
    The Meraki dashboard is one of the most intuitive and user-friendly network management interfaces available. It simplifies many traditionally complex tasks, such as VLAN configuration, port management, and firmware updates, making it easy to deploy and manage networks without extensive CLI work. Features like zero-touch provisioning, remote troubleshooting, and real-time monitoring significantly reduce the time and effort needed for network administration. The reason it’s not a perfect 10 is that while Meraki is great for most standard networking tasks, it can feel somewhat limiting for advanced configurations. Additionally, the reliance on the cloud dashboard means there’s very little local management option, which could be a drawback in environments with strict compliance requirements. Overall, it’s one of the easiest networking solutions to work with, but power users might find certain advanced features lacking.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    It is difficult to start using the product due to its unfamiliar name and acronyms. ,The task should be accomplished in a specific order to ensure success
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    Cisco
    Cisco Meraki MS switches are quite reliable, robust, and incredibly rare to experience failures. Most of the time, as with all equipment, problems arise from incorrect configurations, not from poor performance of the equipment itself. In any case, when a hardware or software issue arises, Meraki support responds promptly, and if equipment replacement is required, the service is dispatched quickly and efficiently.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    No answers on this topic
    Performance
    Cisco
    In deployments using Cisco Meraki switches, no issues with performance, slowness, or loss have been reported; overall, performance is quite good. Communication and integration with other devices and brands is quite good, and the devices rarely fail.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    No answers on this topic
    Support Rating
    Cisco
    Meraki support is excellent. They are also highly proactive. They literally replaced all of a particular model of our MS switches when it was discovered that they were not sure about the longevity of a particular chassis fan inside those switches. Without us having to do anything other than ask, they shipped us all new replacements (with a better fan in them) for the 10 or so of the switches that were in the affected model group, and we shipped the defective ones back to them int he same packaging, prepaid. None of the recalled switches had ever experienced a fan failure, but they were not willing to let them run in a production environment. I like that. Meraki MS support staff are also quick to get back to you and very knowledgeable about their product. I actually contact our Meraki rep to instigate a support case (although i could call support directly), and he gets the details from me first, then opens the ticket for us and explains it to support. This means that I only even need to talk to one person, and I like that, too. Meraki MS switches are designed to be essentially "plug and play", so support is generally not needed unless the end user is not following the deployment and operation guides
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    As far as my experience with SD-Access -I'd say things that can be improved are - better functionality with ISE, ease to understand licensing and better documentation for configuration (add-ons, etc), and licensing.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    In-Person Training
    Cisco
    The trainers provided during the sessions are highly knowledgeable and well-prepared. They possess a strong understanding of both the technical aspects of Cisco products and the practical applications, which greatly enhances the learning experience. Their ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and understandable manner helps participants grasp the material more effectively. Additionally, their expertise allows them to address questions confidently and provide real-world insights, making the training sessions more engaging and valuable. Overall, their professionalism and depth of knowledge significantly contribute to a positive and productive learning environment.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    No answers on this topic
    Online Training
    Cisco
    The trainers provided during the sessions are highly knowledgeable and well-prepared. They possess a strong understanding of both the technical aspects of Cisco products and the practical applications, which greatly enhances the learning experience. Their ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and understandable manner helps participants grasp the material more effectively. Additionally, their expertise allows them to address questions confidently and provide real-world insights, making the training sessions more engaging and valuable. Overall, their professionalism and depth of knowledge significantly contribute to a positive and productive learning environment.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    I rated the training an 8 because overall, it was well-structured, and the instructor was highly knowledgeable on the subject matter. The content was relevant, and I appreciated the clear explanations of complex topics. However, I felt that some sections were covered too quickly, making it difficult to fully absorb the information before moving on. Additionally, I would have liked more time dedicated to Q&A, as there were moments when I had questions but didn’t get the opportunity to ask them due to time constraints. Adding more interactive discussions or hands-on exercises could further enhance the learning experience and make it even more engaging
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Implementation Rating
    Cisco
    In general, the implementation process was relatively simple, given that we already have a relationship with the partners and experience in other implementations, from the acquisition of licenses, purchase of equipment, configuration of switches and support from the Meraki team, everything has been easy to manage and the support from both the partner and the Meraki team has been excellent.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    At the beginning, we had to open a TAC case for every single step during the implementation phase.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Alternatives Considered
    Cisco
    Cisco Meraki MS is the clear leader for technical proficiency and he ease of cloud integration with the rest of the network devices. Prospects often balk at the cost of MS Switches, or they might already have competitor switches. The Cisco Meraki MS Switch is preferable, but the budget may not exist.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    Automation, pushing template-based configuration to multiple devices in one push saves time and manpower. Assurance helps trace issues related to devices, clients, and provide the troubleshoot as the best practices. Segmentation, with the use of the SGT tags, we are able to achieve segmentation and micro-segmentation securely.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Scalability
    Cisco
    Cisco Meraki MS is super easy to scale up. The dashboard neatly arranges all your devices. You can have a change of requirements, such as adding a new comms room in a site, and easily deploy and add new Meraki MS switches into it, and copy a lot of the configuration across. The SFP's also work very well and reliably in my experience
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    No answers on this topic
    Return on Investment
    Cisco
    • I can't think of any negatives. Positive, well, I had nothing but positive things to say about it. Like I said, multiple times. Of course it does give us so much visibility, which is important to us. As far as on a daily basis, I mean the dashboard daily of course, and the use of the phone. It's just also they keep innovating and adding new features to it, which help us lower our troubleshooting times and uptime. And just the overall use of the product itself.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    • Integration with other platforms in a single platform is a great advantage for the user.
    • Saves time in configuring devices on the network
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    ScreenShots