Cisco Catalyst Center vs flexiWAN
Cisco Catalyst Center
cisco.com
flexiWAN
flexiwan.comSide by side
| Figure | Cisco Catalyst Center | flexiWAN |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $1.42/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 10 |
| Spec score · WAN Edge Infrastructure Software | 7.9 (#4) | 8.2 (#2) |
| Spec score · SD-WAN Software | 7.7 (#6) | 8.0 (#4) |
| Automation | It supports network discovery, zero-touch provisioning, software image management, configuration compliance checks, and remediation. | flexiWAN provides zero-touch provisioning, automatic multi-WAN failover, load balancing across multiple tunnels and AI-based network healing. |
| Integrations | Cisco documents integrations with ISE, ThousandEyes, Webex, Microsoft Teams, ServiceNow, Infoblox, and BlueCat, plus generic APIs for other ITSM and IPAM systems. | Its modular App Store supports third-party applications, including firewall and security, WAN optimization, voice and video optimization and DPI technologies. |
| Security | Catalyst Center supports FIPS 140-2-compliant cryptography modules, and Cisco recommends deploying it behind a firewall on a private internal network. | The platform includes firewall controls with application identification, port forwarding and 1:1 NAT, and supports 2FA login. |
| Support | Cisco says Catalyst and Cisco DNA software subscriptions include embedded software support and downloads; opening a support case requires a Cisco Service Contract. | During the 30-day trial, flexiWAN says support is provided and it will assist with installation and configuration as required. |
Plans
Cisco Catalyst Center
- Cisco DNA AdvantagePriced on request
- Cisco DNA EssentialsPriced on request
flexiWAN
- Enterprise SaaS — 1–5 flexiEdge InstancesFree
- Enterprise SaaS — 1,001–5,000 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Monthly$12 a month
- Enterprise SaaS — 501–1,000 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Yearly$17 a year
- Enterprise SaaS — 501–1,000 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Monthly$20 a month
- Enterprise SaaS — 101–500 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Yearly$21 a year
- Enterprise SaaS — 101–500 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Monthly$25 a month
- Enterprise SaaS — 11–100 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Yearly$25 a year
- Enterprise SaaS — 11–100 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Monthly$30 a month
- Enterprise SaaS — 1–10 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Yearly$33 a year
- Enterprise SaaS — 1–10 flexiEdge Instances, Paid Monthly$40 a month
In their own words
Cisco Catalyst Center
Cisco Catalyst Center has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
flexiWAN
flexiWAN is an open-source SD-WAN and SASE platform for managing network routing and security. Its components divide the work among flexiManage for centralized management, flexiEdge for local routing and security, and flexiAgent for synchronization and monitoring. Network options include IPSec over VxLAN tunnels, mesh and hub-and-spoke layouts, application-based path selection, internet breakout, DHCP, and static routes. Automation includes zero-touch provisioning, multi-WAN failover, tunnel load balancing, and AI-based network healing. Firewall controls include application identification, port forwarding, and 1:1 NAT; 2FA login is supported. The modular App Store accommodates third-party applications for security, optimization, voice and video, and DPI. flexiWAN runs through Linux, web, API, and self-hosted deployments, with cloud and virtual appliance options. A free plan for 1–5 instances and a trial are available. The pricing note lists plans from $33/mo (annual); the pricing page says minimum fees apply after the trial period.