Cisco Catalyst Center GO
Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Catalyst Center
Our organization leverages Cisco DNA licensing to enable comprehensive wireless support capabilities and advanced network automation functionality. This platform serves as the foundation for managing wireless access point infrastructure, conducting systematic troubleshooting procedures, performing thorough deployment evaluations, and implementing corrective measures to optimize network performance.
The system facilitates automated daily scheduling of access point reboots to maintain optimal device performance and prevent connectivity issues. Additionally, integrated map aggregation features provide enhanced visibility across the wireless infrastructure, enabling all team members to efficiently execute their assigned responsibilities while conducting comprehensive health assessments of field-deployed access points. This unified approach ensures consistent monitoring, proactive maintenance, and collaborative problem resolution across the entire wireless network environment.
The system facilitates automated daily scheduling of access point reboots to maintain optimal device performance and prevent connectivity issues. Additionally, integrated map aggregation features provide enhanced visibility across the wireless infrastructure, enabling all team members to efficiently execute their assigned responsibilities while conducting comprehensive health assessments of field-deployed access points. This unified approach ensures consistent monitoring, proactive maintenance, and collaborative problem resolution across the entire wireless network environment.
Pros
- Scheduling AP reboots
- Map visibility
- Building view
- Monitoring
- Troubleshooting
Cons
- Scheduled task window blocking other buttons
- Double click to expand building view
- I have noticed that connectivity logs are not always show up in event view, but I have to export that to view the logs
- AP deployment
- Troubeshooting
- Visibility
- Webex Meetings
- Cisco DNA Center
- Cisco Catalyst Switches
- Cisco AnyConnect
- Cisco Secure Access by Duo
Network implementation and deployment initiatives become highly manageable and streamlined when supported by experienced, qualified personnel and state-of-the-art equipment specifically designed to ensure maximum operational efficiency and guaranteed successful project completion. The combination of skilled technical resources and advanced infrastructure tools creates a robust foundation for tackling complex networking challenges with confidence and precision.
We eagerly anticipate the innovative solutions currently in development within Cisco's comprehensive product pipeline, which promise to significantly enhance field troubleshooting capabilities, expand remote diagnostic procedures, and introduce cutting-edge methodologies for network optimization. These forthcoming technologies are expected to revolutionize how network professionals approach problem resolution, offering more sophisticated tools for both on-site and remote network management scenarios. The integration of these advanced solutions will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to deliver superior service quality and maintain optimal network performance across diverse enterprise environments.
We eagerly anticipate the innovative solutions currently in development within Cisco's comprehensive product pipeline, which promise to significantly enhance field troubleshooting capabilities, expand remote diagnostic procedures, and introduce cutting-edge methodologies for network optimization. These forthcoming technologies are expected to revolutionize how network professionals approach problem resolution, offering more sophisticated tools for both on-site and remote network management scenarios. The integration of these advanced solutions will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to deliver superior service quality and maintain optimal network performance across diverse enterprise environments.
Cisco's hybrid work solutions have significantly addressed our organizational connectivity and collaboration challenges. The integration of Webex platforms with our network infrastructure has streamlined remote access capabilities, enabling seamless connectivity for distributed teams regardless of location.
The most notable impact has been improved network visibility and management efficiency. Cisco's unified communications tools have reduced the complexity of supporting remote workers by providing centralized monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities. This has decreased our IT support ticket volume by approximately 30% and improved response times for connectivity issues.
Security posture has been enhanced through integrated zero-trust network access controls, ensuring consistent policy enforcement whether employees work from corporate offices or remote locations. The automated provisioning and management features have reduced manual configuration tasks, allowing our team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine maintenance.
Additionally, the analytics and reporting capabilities provide valuable insights into network utilization patterns and user experience metrics. This data-driven approach has enabled proactive capacity planning and optimization of our wireless infrastructure to better support hybrid work models.
Overall, Cisco's hybrid work solutions have transformed our ability to maintain high-quality network services while supporting flexible work arrangements, resulting in improved operational efficiency and enhanced user satisfaction across the organization.
The most notable impact has been improved network visibility and management efficiency. Cisco's unified communications tools have reduced the complexity of supporting remote workers by providing centralized monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities. This has decreased our IT support ticket volume by approximately 30% and improved response times for connectivity issues.
Security posture has been enhanced through integrated zero-trust network access controls, ensuring consistent policy enforcement whether employees work from corporate offices or remote locations. The automated provisioning and management features have reduced manual configuration tasks, allowing our team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine maintenance.
Additionally, the analytics and reporting capabilities provide valuable insights into network utilization patterns and user experience metrics. This data-driven approach has enabled proactive capacity planning and optimization of our wireless infrastructure to better support hybrid work models.
Overall, Cisco's hybrid work solutions have transformed our ability to maintain high-quality network services while supporting flexible work arrangements, resulting in improved operational efficiency and enhanced user satisfaction across the organization.
Our transition to a hybrid work model has created both opportunities and challenges across all stakeholder groups. Employees have reported increased flexibility and improved work-life balance, with many expressing higher job satisfaction due to reduced commute times and the ability to work from optimal environments.
From a technical perspective, we've observed increased demands on network infrastructure and connectivity solutions. Remote workers initially experienced connectivity issues and collaboration tool learning curves, but these challenges diminished as we implemented robust wireless management and troubleshooting protocols.
Customers have benefited from expanded service availability, as our distributed team model enables extended support hours and faster response times across different time zones. However, some customers initially preferred in-person interactions and required adjustment periods to embrace virtual engagement methods.
Our IT team faced significant challenges in maintaining network visibility and providing consistent support across diverse environments. The implementation of centralized management tools and automated monitoring systems has been crucial in addressing these operational complexities.
Coworkers have adapted well to virtual collaboration platforms, though some report missing spontaneous interactions and team building opportunities. Overall, the hybrid model has improved operational flexibility while requiring investments in technology infrastructure and process optimization to maintain service quality and team cohesion.
From a technical perspective, we've observed increased demands on network infrastructure and connectivity solutions. Remote workers initially experienced connectivity issues and collaboration tool learning curves, but these challenges diminished as we implemented robust wireless management and troubleshooting protocols.
Customers have benefited from expanded service availability, as our distributed team model enables extended support hours and faster response times across different time zones. However, some customers initially preferred in-person interactions and required adjustment periods to embrace virtual engagement methods.
Our IT team faced significant challenges in maintaining network visibility and providing consistent support across diverse environments. The implementation of centralized management tools and automated monitoring systems has been crucial in addressing these operational complexities.
Coworkers have adapted well to virtual collaboration platforms, though some report missing spontaneous interactions and team building opportunities. Overall, the hybrid model has improved operational flexibility while requiring investments in technology infrastructure and process optimization to maintain service quality and team cohesion.
Cisco Catalyst Center was selected based on its superior technical capabilities, proven enterprise scalability, comprehensive feature set, and strategic alignment with long-term organizational technology objectives. The platform's competitive advantages in AI-driven analytics, unified management, and ecosystem integration provide substantial value over alternative solutions in the market. The platform's ability to proactively identify and resolve connectivity issues before they impact end users has significantly improved overall network reliability and user satisfaction metrics.
Do you think Cisco Catalyst Center delivers good value for the price?
Not sure
Are you happy with Cisco Catalyst Center's feature set?
Yes
Did Cisco Catalyst Center live up to sales and marketing promises?
I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process
Did implementation of Cisco Catalyst Center go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy Cisco Catalyst Center again?
Yes
Configuring Cisco Catalyst Center
Cisco Catalyst Center configuration best practices begin with comprehensive network discovery and accurate site hierarchy establishment. Start by defining clear organizational boundaries, geographic locations, and device groupings to ensure logical management structure.
Implement standardized naming conventions for sites, buildings, and network devices to maintain consistency across the infrastructure. Establish baseline configurations and leverage template-based provisioning to ensure uniform policy deployment and reduce configuration errors.
Prioritize network segmentation through proper VLAN design and policy definition before device onboarding. Configure monitoring thresholds and alerting parameters early to establish proactive network visibility.
Utilize staged deployment approaches, beginning with pilot sites before full-scale implementation. Document all configuration decisions and maintain change management procedures throughout the process.
Enable DNA licensing features incrementally, validating functionality at each stage. Integrate existing network management tools and security systems systematically to avoid operational disruptions.
Regular backup procedures and configuration validation checks ensure system reliability and facilitate rapid recovery from potential issues during implementation phases.
Implement standardized naming conventions for sites, buildings, and network devices to maintain consistency across the infrastructure. Establish baseline configurations and leverage template-based provisioning to ensure uniform policy deployment and reduce configuration errors.
Prioritize network segmentation through proper VLAN design and policy definition before device onboarding. Configure monitoring thresholds and alerting parameters early to establish proactive network visibility.
Utilize staged deployment approaches, beginning with pilot sites before full-scale implementation. Document all configuration decisions and maintain change management procedures throughout the process.
Enable DNA licensing features incrementally, validating functionality at each stage. Integrate existing network management tools and security systems systematically to avoid operational disruptions.
Regular backup procedures and configuration validation checks ensure system reliability and facilitate rapid recovery from potential issues during implementation phases.
Some - we have done small customizations to the interface - Cisco Catalyst Center offers moderate customization capabilities for the user interface, though options are somewhat limited compared to fully customizable platforms. The dashboard provides basic personalization features including widget arrangement, metric selection, and view preferences that can be tailored to specific operational requirements.
Role-based access controls enable customized user experiences by restricting interface elements based on administrative privileges and job functions. Custom reporting dashboards can be configured to display relevant network metrics and performance indicators for different team roles.
However, extensive visual customization options like themes, color schemes, or layout modifications are limited. The interface maintains Cisco's standard design framework with minimal branding customization capabilities.
Map integration and topology views offer some personalization through custom backgrounds and labeling options. Overall, while basic customization meets most operational needs, organizations requiring extensive UI modifications may find the options restrictive. The focus remains on functional customization rather than aesthetic personalization, prioritizing operational efficiency over visual flexibility.
Role-based access controls enable customized user experiences by restricting interface elements based on administrative privileges and job functions. Custom reporting dashboards can be configured to display relevant network metrics and performance indicators for different team roles.
However, extensive visual customization options like themes, color schemes, or layout modifications are limited. The interface maintains Cisco's standard design framework with minimal branding customization capabilities.
Map integration and topology views offer some personalization through custom backgrounds and labeling options. Overall, while basic customization meets most operational needs, organizations requiring extensive UI modifications may find the options restrictive. The focus remains on functional customization rather than aesthetic personalization, prioritizing operational efficiency over visual flexibility.
Some - we have added small pieces of custom code - Cisco Catalyst Center provides limited custom code capabilities through its API framework and webhook integrations. The platform supports RESTful APIs that enable custom application development and third-party system integrations for specialized automation requirements.
Python scripting is supported through the platform's automation features, allowing custom workflow development and integration with external systems. However, direct code injection into the user interface is not permitted for security and stability reasons.
Custom applications can be developed using the Intent API to extend platform functionality beyond standard features. Network programmability through APIs enables integration with existing enterprise systems and custom monitoring solutions.
While the platform supports automation scripting and API-based customization, extensive custom code development is constrained by Cisco's architectural framework. Organizations requiring significant custom development typically implement external applications that interface with Catalyst Center through supported API endpoints rather than embedded custom code solutions.
Python scripting is supported through the platform's automation features, allowing custom workflow development and integration with external systems. However, direct code injection into the user interface is not permitted for security and stability reasons.
Custom applications can be developed using the Intent API to extend platform functionality beyond standard features. Network programmability through APIs enables integration with existing enterprise systems and custom monitoring solutions.
While the platform supports automation scripting and API-based customization, extensive custom code development is constrained by Cisco's architectural framework. Organizations requiring significant custom development typically implement external applications that interface with Catalyst Center through supported API endpoints rather than embedded custom code solutions.
Our organization implemented several key customizations beyond standard Catalyst Center deployment. We developed custom SNMP monitoring integrations with existing network management systems to maintain unified alerting across legacy infrastructure components.
Custom API workflows were created to automate bulk device provisioning and configuration updates, significantly reducing manual deployment time. We integrated Active Directory authentication with role-based access controls tailored to our organizational structure and security requirements.
Custom reporting templates were configured to generate compliance reports matching our internal audit requirements and regulatory standards. Geographic mapping customizations included facility-specific floor plans and asset tracking integration.
We also implemented custom webhook notifications to our ticketing system, enabling automated incident creation for critical network events. These customizations enhanced operational efficiency while maintaining compatibility with existing enterprise systems and processes throughout our network infrastructure management workflow.
Custom API workflows were created to automate bulk device provisioning and configuration updates, significantly reducing manual deployment time. We integrated Active Directory authentication with role-based access controls tailored to our organizational structure and security requirements.
Custom reporting templates were configured to generate compliance reports matching our internal audit requirements and regulatory standards. Geographic mapping customizations included facility-specific floor plans and asset tracking integration.
We also implemented custom webhook notifications to our ticketing system, enabling automated incident creation for critical network events. These customizations enhanced operational efficiency while maintaining compatibility with existing enterprise systems and processes throughout our network infrastructure management workflow.


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