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Cisco DNA Center VS Fping (open source)

Compare Cisco DNA Center VS Fping (open source) and see what are their differences

Cisco DNA Center logo Cisco DNA Center

Find and resolve network issues with Cisco DNA Center. Provides software-based network automation and assurance. Control and manage intent-based networks.

Fping (open source) logo Fping (open source)

fping is a program to send ICMP echo probes to network hosts, similar to ping, but much better performing when pinging multiple hosts.
  • Cisco DNA Center Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-17
  • Fping (open source) Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-02-14

Cisco DNA Center features and specs

  • Centralized Network Management
    DNA Center offers a single pane of glass for managing the entire network, which simplifies operations and reduces administrative overhead.
  • Automation and AI-Driven Insights
    It uses AI and machine learning to provide predictive insights and automate routine tasks, improving efficiency and reducing human error.
  • Enhanced Security
    Integrates security features like Cisco ISE, providing network visibility and segmentation, which help in identifying and mitigating threats swiftly.
  • Scalability
    Designed to scale with your network, it supports a wide range of network sizes and can evolve as your network grows.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Offers extensive integration with third-party systems and other Cisco solutions, allowing for a more cohesive IT ecosystem.

Possible disadvantages of Cisco DNA Center

  • Cost
    The initial investment and ongoing licensing fees can be high, which may be a barrier for smaller organizations.
  • Complexity
    The wide array of features and capabilities can lead to a steep learning curve for IT staff who are not already familiar with Cisco products.
  • Hardware Dependence
    Some features and functionalities require specific Cisco hardware, which can limit flexibility and increase costs.
  • Vendor Lock-In
    Using Cisco-exclusive solutions may limit options for integrating non-Cisco hardware and software in the future.
  • Implementation Time
    Deploying Cisco DNA Center can be time-consuming and may require substantial planning and resources to implement effectively.

Fping (open source) features and specs

  • Speed
    Fping is designed to send out multiple ICMP Echo Requests in parallel, allowing it to quickly scan large numbers of hosts compared to traditional ping commands.
  • Scripting Friendly
    Fping is suitable for use in shell scripts due to its output format, making it useful for automated network monitoring and management tasks.
  • IPv4 and IPv6 Support
    Fping supports both IPv4 and IPv6, providing flexibility for various network environments.
  • Customizable Options
    It offers a wide range of options for setting the number of pings, intervals, and timing, allowing users to tailor the tool to suit specific needs.
  • Resource Efficiency
    Fping consumes fewer system resources compared to some GUI-based network tools, making it ideal for running on servers and low-power devices.

Possible disadvantages of Fping (open source)

  • Command-Line Interface Only
    Fping does not have a graphical user interface, which may make it less accessible to users who are not familiar with command-line operations.
  • Advanced Configuration Complexity
    While it is highly configurable, the range of options and parameters can be overwhelming for new users who may not have a deep understanding of networking.
  • Limited To Echo Requests
    Fping is designed specifically for ICMP Echo Requests, limiting its usefulness for scenarios that require more in-depth network diagnostics.
  • Lack of Built-In Analysis
    Unlike some more comprehensive network monitoring tools, Fping does not include features for detailed analysis and visualization of network data.
  • Potential Security Restrictions
    Some networks may have security policies that restrict the use of ICMP packets, which could limit Fping's effectiveness or even prevent it from functioning.

Analysis of Cisco DNA Center

Overall verdict

  • Cisco DNA Center is generally considered a robust and comprehensive network management solution designed for enterprise environments.

Why this product is good

  • It offers a wide range of features, including network automation, policy-based segmentation, assurance, and analytics. These capabilities help improve network performance, enhance security, and simplify management tasks. Additionally, its ability to provide deep insights and automate complex processes makes it a valuable tool for IT teams managing large and sophisticated networks.

Recommended for

    Cisco DNA Center is particularly recommended for large enterprises and organizations with complex network infrastructures that require automated solutions, centralized management, and advanced troubleshooting tools. It is also suitable for those looking to enhance network security and performance through segmentation and analytics.

Cisco DNA Center videos

Overview of Cisco DNA Center

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to use Cisco DNA Center Appliance for Assurance and SD-Access
  • Review - Overview of Cisco DNA Center Assurance

Fping (open source) videos

No Fping (open source) videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Cisco DNA Center and Fping (open source))
Monitoring Tools
65 65%
35% 35
Log Management
79 79%
21% 21
OS & Utilities
0 0%
100% 100
Security
53 53%
47% 47

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Cisco DNA Center and Fping (open source), you can also consider the following products

Nmap - Nmap Free Security Scanner, Port Scanner, & Network Exploration Tool. Download open source software for Linux, Windows, UNIX, FreeBSD, etc.

Ping Meter Gadget - Customizable, graphical, semi-transparent ping (latency) meter.

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager - SolarWinds is a leading provider of powerful and affordable IT infrastructure management software. Make IT look easy.

PingInfoView - PingInfoView is a small utility that allows you to easily ping multiple host names and IP addresses, and watch the result in one table.

Cisco Network Assistant - Cisco Network Assistant simplifies wired and wireless network management, and provides critical product information using Cisco Active Advisor.

Open Nettest - Open Nettest is a platform for collecting, processing and visualizing data related QoS and QoE.