Cisco DNA Center
June 09, 2023
Cisco DNA Center
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Cisco DNA Center
Today we utilize Cisco DNA Center for Network Gear inventory. Some of the features such as port visibility and system health are helpful in maintaining the gear across the organization. The SWIM function also assists with after-hours software upgrades as downtimes are hard to find in the healthcare industry. The Wireless heat maps and client integration with DNA Spaces also assist with client troubleshooting and client issues.
- SWIM or software updates
- System health dashboards
- Security alert reports
- The configuration template (Cisco Prime User created templates were much easier)
- The Location based scheme (not all industries can go based on location for buildout)
- An easier home dashboard to add a new device, instead of having to search through the menus
- Switch Upgrade Process
- More Centralized Management for both Access and Data Center gear
- Better visibility into security reports
- NetBrain and SolarWinds Access Rights Manager (ARM)
The software upgrades and ability to integrate with the wireless telemetry data set Cisco DNA Center ahead. However the automation with Change Control, Intent and better path mapping (even across MPLS and WAN Circuits) make NetBrain a needed tool to get that gives you that visibility and flexibility. Solarwinds has the ablity to view Netflow which would be an interesting add to DNA Center or an easier path to get or integrate with Stealthwatch.
Do you think Cisco Catalyst Center delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with Cisco Catalyst Center's feature set?
Yes
Did Cisco Catalyst Center live up to sales and marketing promises?
Yes
Did implementation of Cisco Catalyst Center go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy Cisco Catalyst Center again?
Yes
- Cisco Meraki MX
- Cisco Meraki Z3 Teleworker
- Cisco AnyConnect
The main challenge for us was having the capacity to be able to provide access to resources while still maintaining the security requirements around HIPAA data. The overhead of the number of AnyConnect Clients for the organization required us to deploy more of a load-balanced solution. We also were not set up to do separation via Cisco ISE Policies, or DAP Policies.
We eventually moved our Network team and some of our End User Support staff to the Meraki MX with Meraki Z3s for easier access. The ability to take the Z3 anywhere and be like I am at home is a game changer. It allows you to more easily work, even if not working from the home office.