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Cisco DNA Center VS Ubiquiti Network Management System

Compare Cisco DNA Center VS Ubiquiti Network Management System 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.

Ubiquiti Network Management System logo Ubiquiti Network Management System

Ubiquiti Network Management System manages all the EdgeMAX, EdgeSwitch, airMAX and UFiber devices.
  • Cisco DNA Center Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-17
  • Ubiquiti Network Management System Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-17

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.

Ubiquiti Network Management System features and specs

  • Comprehensive Network Management
    Ubiquiti's Network Management System (NMS) provides a centralized interface for monitoring and managing all your network devices, simplifying network management.
  • Scalability
    Ubiquiti NMS is highly scalable, suitable for small to large enterprise networks, accommodating growth without significant infrastructure changes.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The system features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which is accessible even for users with limited technical expertise.
  • Cost-Effective
    Compared to other enterprise-level network management solutions, Ubiquiti offers a cost-effective alternative with no licensing fees.
  • Multi-Site Management
    It supports the management of multiple sites from a single interface, beneficial for organizations with geographically distributed networks.

Possible disadvantages of Ubiquiti Network Management System

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While adequate for many uses, some advanced enterprise features available in other systems might be limited or absent.
  • Dependence on Ubiquiti Ecosystem
    To fully leverage the NMS, users generally need to use Ubiquiti hardware, which may not integrate seamlessly with third-party devices.
  • Cloud Reliance
    Some management capabilities necessitate cloud connectivity, which could be a concern for users with stringent privacy or security requirements.
  • Potential for Software Bugs
    Users occasionally report software bugs or glitches, which might require troubleshooting and delay optimal utilization.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, mastering some advanced configurations can take time and experience.

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

Ubiquiti Network Management System videos

Installing UNMS - Ubiquiti Network Management System

More videos:

  • Review - Ubiquiti Network Management System (UNMS Beta)
  • Review - Installing UNMS - Ubiquiti Network Management System

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Cisco DNA Center and Ubiquiti Network Management System)
Monitoring Tools
65 65%
35% 35
Log Management
60 60%
40% 40
Network Scanning
60 60%
40% 40
Security
72 72%
28% 28

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Ubiquiti Network Management System seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 2 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Cisco DNA Center mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Cisco DNA Center yet. Tracking of Cisco DNA Center recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Ubiquiti Network Management System mentions (2)

  • Ubiquiti XG6-POE
    UniFi Network Application v5.8.x (or newer), available at: https://ui.com/download/unifi. Source: over 2 years ago
  • UXG-Pro-US vs UDM-SE
    FWIW: You can run the network application on a linux/macOS/windows machine as well. Free download at https://ui.com/download/unifi (scroll down to "software"). Source: over 2 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Cisco DNA Center and Ubiquiti Network Management System, 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.

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

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

Auvik - Auvikโ€™s network infrastructure RMM gives IT service providers better visibility, documentation, and...

BackBox - BackBox is a Linux distribution based on ...

F5 Advanced Firewall Manager - Stop even the most massive and complex DDoS attacks with BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager: advanced data center protection against layer 3โ€“4 threats.