Cisco AI Network Analytics Review

by Cisco Systems • Enterprise AI-Powered Networking

★★★★★4.7/5
Updated: November 2024
12 min read
Enterprise Focus

Visão Geral

Cisco AI Network Analytics is the premier choice for enterprises with significant Cisco infrastructure. The predictive analytics, automated remediation, and wireless optimization are industry-leading. However, the high cost and Cisco-centric nature mean it's not suitable for multi-vendor environments or smaller organizations. If you're a Cisco shop, it's worth the investment.

The platform analyzes data from across your Cisco infrastructure — switches, routers, wireless controllers, and endpoints — to provide predictive insights, detect anomalies before they cause outages, and automate troubleshooting. For organizations running Cisco Catalyst or Meraki infrastructure, it's the natural choice for AI-powered network operations.

What sets Cisco AI apart is its deep integration with Cisco hardware and software. Unlike third-party monitoring tools, Cisco AI understands the specific capabilities of Cisco devices and can take automated remediation actions through DNA Center's policy engine.

Intent-Based Networking

Define your business intent (e.g., "prioritize video conferencing traffic"), and Cisco AI translates it into network configurations across your entire infrastructure automatically.

Recursos Principais

Predictive Analytics

Machine learning models predict network issues before they impact users. Identifies capacity constraints, device failures, and performance degradation trends.

Anomaly Detection

Automatically detects unusual patterns in network behavior. Identifies security threats, misconfigurations, and performance issues in real-time.

Auto Remediation

Automatically fixes common issues without human intervention. Can reboot access points, adjust QoS policies, and reconfigure switches based on detected problems.

Wireless Optimization

AI-driven wireless network optimization. Automatically adjusts channel assignments, power levels, and roaming parameters for optimal client experience.

Client 360

Complete visibility into client behavior and experience. Track individual devices across wired and wireless networks with health scores and issue history.

Assurance Dashboard

Single-pane-of-glass view of network health. Color-coded dashboards show issues at a glance with drill-down capabilities for root cause analysis.

Meraki Integration

Extends AI analytics to Meraki cloud-managed networks. Unified view across Catalyst and Meraki infrastructure with consistent AI insights.

ThousandEyes Integration

Combines internal network insights with internet and SaaS monitoring. End-to-end visibility from user to cloud application.

Prós e Contras

Vantagens

  • Deep integration with Cisco infrastructure
  • Powerful predictive analytics
  • Automated remediation capabilities
  • Excellent wireless optimization
  • Intent-based networking features
  • Comprehensive API for automation
  • Strong security analytics
  • Meraki and ThousandEyes integration
  • Industry-leading support ecosystem
  • Regular feature updates

Desvantagens

  • Expensive — enterprise pricing only
  • Cisco-centric — limited multi-vendor support
  • Complex deployment and configuration
  • Requires DNA Center infrastructure
  • Steep learning curve
  • Licensing can be confusing
  • On-premise DNA Center needed
  • Limited value for non-Cisco shops

Preços

Cisco AI Network Analytics is the premier choice for enterprises with significant Cisco infrastructure. The predictive analytics, automated remediation, and wireless optimization are industry-leading. However, the high cost and Cisco-centric nature mean it's not suitable for multi-vendor environments or smaller organizations. If you're a Cisco shop, it's worth the investment.

License Tiers

  • DNA Essentials: Basic assurance and automation (~$30-50/device/year)
  • DNA Advantage: Full AI analytics and advanced automation (~$60-100/device/year)
  • DNA Premier: Everything + Stealthwatch security (~$100-150/device/year)

Actual pricing varies significantly based on volume, existing agreements, and sales negotiations. Contact Cisco or a partner for quotes.

Melhores Casos de Uso

Large Enterprises

1000+ device Cisco deployments

Wireless Networks

High-density Wi-Fi environments

Healthcare

Critical clinical network uptime

Education

Campus-wide network management

Manufacturing

OT/IT network convergence

Financial Services

Compliance and security focus

Recommended Certifications

To maximize the value of Cisco AI Network Analytics and DNA Center, professionals should pursue these industry-recognized certifications. Each certification validates specific skills required for implementing, managing, and optimizing Cisco's AI-powered networking solutions.

Certification Path Recommendation

For DNA Center administrators, we recommend starting with CCNA for networking fundamentals, followed by DevNet Associate for automation skills. Network engineers should pursue CCNP Enterprise with wireless or advanced infrastructure concentration exams. For enterprise architects designing large-scale DNA Center deployments, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure provides the comprehensive expertise needed.

All certifications are available through Pearson VUE testing centers and include digital badges through Credly. Cisco offers official training courses, learning labs, and practice exams through the Cisco Learning Network.

Veredicto Final

4.7/5
Excellent

Cisco AI Network Analytics is the premier choice for enterprises with significant Cisco infrastructure. The predictive analytics, automated remediation, and wireless optimization are industry-leading. However, the high cost and Cisco-centric nature mean it's not suitable for multi-vendor environments or smaller organizations. If you're a Cisco shop, it's worth the investment.

AI Capabilities
9.2
Integration
9.5
Facilidade de Uso
7.5
Value for Money
7.0
Multi-Vendor
5.0

Capturas de tela & Interface

Explore Cisco DNA Center's Intent-Based Networking:

Perguntas Frequentes

Do I need DNA Center for Cisco AI Analytics? +
Yes, Cisco AI Network Analytics runs as part of DNA Center (now Catalyst Center). You need to deploy the DNA Center appliance on-premise to use these features.
Does it work with non-Cisco devices? +
Limited. While DNA Center can discover and monitor some third-party devices, the AI analytics features work best with Cisco Catalyst and Meraki hardware. For multi-vendor environments, consider alternatives like Datadog or Splunk.
What's the difference from Meraki AI? +
Meraki has its own cloud-based AI features. DNA Center/Catalyst Center provides similar capabilities for on-premise Catalyst equipment. The two can integrate through the DNA-Meraki integration for unified visibility.
How long does deployment take? +
Initial DNA Center deployment typically takes 2-4 weeks for a large enterprise. Getting full value from AI analytics requires historical data collection, so expect 1-3 months before predictive features are fully trained.