Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System - Why it makes sense
November 20, 2023
Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System - Why it makes sense
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Modules Used
- NCS 5501-SE
Overall Satisfaction with Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500)
The Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System scales to 400 GbE, and in my experience, it is utilized at various large service providers where critical bandwidth is necessary. The Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System also provides Software Defined Networking, which is a major plus in applying networking in a virtualized manner. In any managed service provider, you are responsible for handling a very large number of clients in an enterprise solution, and scales down for mid-tier MSP's. Segment routing is also enhanced with cloud enhanced IOS XR, which is Cisco's operating system. This aids in creating unique networking experiences that can be tailored to specific needs/wants.
- Provides functionality to both Top of Rack (TOR) and Spine and Leaf role models
- High Port densities
- Deep packet buffering
- Ultra low power consumption
- Learning Curve for employees not versed on Cisco Technology
- Expensive
- Port Upgrades can become very pricey based on the number of ports being added
- Maintenance costs can be very expensive, especially when renewals come up
- Integrated Interface – 1GE/10GE/25GE/40GE/100 Gigabit Ethernet support
- Industry leading carrier-class Cisco IOS XR Software
- Flexible platform along with packaging components
- Upgrade flexibility, if you move up to the 5700 you only need to replace the line cards and the fabric card
- Positive experience moving from standard routers to SDN routers, simplistic in nature
- Maintenance and port upgrade/additions are expensive
In my experience, and I have worked with Cisco and Juniper for many years, cost is the largest factor. Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System can be very complicated to use from a configuration standpoint, it takes time, and effort to master the IOS. Cisco has very good education classes to obtain certifications specifically geared by platform and level of expertise.
Juniper has very good products, their OS is not as complex as Cisco's, but it is not something you can sit down and just start working with, takes time.
Juniper has very good products, their OS is not as complex as Cisco's, but it is not something you can sit down and just start working with, takes time.
Do you think Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500) delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500)'s feature set?
Yes
Did Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500) live up to sales and marketing promises?
Yes
Did implementation of Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500) go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy Cisco 5500 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 5500) again?
Yes