Cisco Routers just work
Updated March 13, 2025

Cisco Routers just work

Thomas Carter | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Routers

  • Cisco ISR 1000 Series
  • Cisco ISR 4000 Series
  • Other
We use Cisco routers across the entire company. 64+ sites connecting everything from main offices, to branch offices, to OT sites.

Pros

  • They just work and continue to work.
  • Even the non-industrial routers have high environmental thresholds.
  • Easily deployable.
  • Long lifespan.

Cons

  • Cost.
  • Less cumbersome centralized management.
  • More modular options.
  • Uptime is key for our business. Cisco routers positively deliver on that note.
  • There are some hardware restrictions we were unaware of regard SPAN ports that have negatively impacted our business.
Compatibility with other devices was not an important factor. However, compatibility with other Cisco router configurations regarding IPsec and GRE tunnels was. Keeping them uniform across the enterprise makes managing them easier.
Outside of normal access-list rules, we are unaware of threat protection and security options within the routers themselves.
As mentioned before, the main selling point for us on Cisco routers is availability and uptime. After configuring and installing the routers, they just work and they work for a long time without downtime. Being continuously connected is key for our business, so the investment in the hardware has proven to be worth it.
It wasn't even close. Fortinet seemed so cheap and clunky.

Do you think Cisco Routers delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Cisco Routers's feature set?

Yes

Did Cisco Routers live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Cisco Routers go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Cisco Routers again?

Yes

There are so many different models that there is absolutely one to fit every need. Running IOS-XE across the board makes management easy as you don't have to remember different syntax per device. I can't think of a scenario where they're less appropriate, unless it's a mom and pop shop. Enterprise-quality routers with SLA's to match.

Cisco Routers Additional Questions

  • Main office connectivity
  • Branch office connectivity
  • Remote OT site connectivity
  • Scalability
  • Ease of Use
We needed a router that could scale well and withstand industrial environments. We have over 60 remote OT sites that are being ran using a single Cisco Industrial Router.
Follow the industry standards. When deploying, use the latest recommended firmware. Ensure telnet isn't enabled.
Cisco continues to push DNA Center on everyone. We don't have a need for it, but they force you to buy at least a 1 year license one every device. It's very frustrating to be forced to buy a license for a product you have 0 intention of using.
Ongoing support is great.
No.
TAC has always been great for us. Once we enter a ticket, we escalate it to get someone on the phone. The issues is normally resolved within that first call.

Using Cisco Routers

500 - Everyone in our organization uses network connectivity, thus they unknowingly use the routers.
2 - We have one Network Systems Analyst and one Infrastructure and Operations Analyst. Both manage the routers.
  • ISR's in non-temperature controlled boxes outdoors.
  • Site connectivity.
They're resilient and just work.

Evaluating Cisco Routers and Competitors

Cisco Routers Support

ProsCons
Quick Resolution
Good followup
Knowledgeable team
Problems get solved
Kept well informed
Immediate help available
Quick Initial Response
Escalation required
Yes. We purchase 4 hour TAC support for our core infrastructure, including routers. Knowing that if a failure occurs, we could have a replacement in-hand within four hours is comforting and efficient.
They've helped with configuration outside their scope to finish a project numerous times just because they were already on the phone and had the knowledge.

Using Cisco Routers

ProsCons
Like to use
Relatively simple
Easy to use
Technical support not required
Well integrated
Consistent
Convenient
Feel confident using
Lots to learn
  • Basic connectivity
  • IPsec tunnelling
  • OSPF routing
Their systems work and continue to work.

Comments

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