Cisco Catalyst Center vs Cisco Meraki Dashboard
Cisco Catalyst Center
cisco.comCisco Meraki Dashboard
meraki.cisco.comSide by side
| Figure | Cisco Catalyst Center | Cisco Meraki Dashboard |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Network Provisioning Software | 7.8 (#6) | 8.0 (#4) |
| Spec score · Network Management Software | 7.8 (#12) | 8.0 (#11) |
| Spec score · Wireless Network Management Software | 7.8 (#10) | 8.1 (#7) |
| Deployment | Cisco describes hardware and virtual appliance deployments, including current guides for VMware ESXi and Ubuntu KVM. | Cisco says the platform uses zero-touch provisioning so new sites can be deployed in minutes. |
| Headquarters | San Jose, California, United States | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Integrations | Cisco documents integrations with ISE, ThousandEyes, Webex, Microsoft Teams, ServiceNow, Infoblox, and BlueCat, plus generic APIs for other ITSM and IPAM systems. | Cisco describes an API-first platform and Networking App Marketplace with more than 350 applications. |
| Support | Cisco says Catalyst and Cisco DNA software subscriptions include embedded software support and downloads; opening a support case requires a Cisco Service Contract. | Meraki advertises 24-hour support for its cloud-managed IT solutions. |
Plans
Cisco Catalyst Center
- Cisco DNA AdvantagePriced on request
- Cisco DNA EssentialsPriced on request
In their own words
Cisco Catalyst Center
Cisco Catalyst Center has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Cisco Meraki Dashboard
Cisco Meraki Dashboard is a cloud platform for provisioning, configuring and troubleshooting networking and IoT deployments. From one dashboard it manages wireless, switching, routing, cellular gateways, cameras, sensors and industrial Ethernet switching. Cisco describes use across networks from small sites to distributed deployments with thousands of sites, and says zero-touch provisioning can deploy new sites in minutes. Integrated tools include ping, traceroute, throughput checks and live packet capture. The platform is API-first and includes a Networking App Marketplace with more than 350 applications, alongside partner apps, APIs and built-in integrations. Access is listed through web, API, Android and iOS; the mobile app manages organization and network administrators. Cisco states that its architecture keeps end-user traffic from traversing Meraki datacenters, while management data uses secure connections. The platform uses a PCI- and HIPAA-compliant architecture and has a stated 99.99% uptime SLA. Meraki products require valid licensing; there is no free plan, though a free trial is available.