Introduction
As businesses continue to adopt cloud networking, there has been a rise in the demand for network management platforms. The competition between network management platforms can be fierce, but today we'll be looking at two of the most popular: Cisco DNA Center and Juniper Network Director.
User Interface
The user interface of a network management platform is crucial, as it determines how well users can navigate, manage and troubleshoot the network. Cisco DNA Center has an intuitive and user-friendly interface that provides a visual representation of the network's topology. Juniper Network Director, on the other hand, has a more traditional UI, with multiple tabs and menus, making it less user-friendly than Cisco DNA Center.
Features
Both platforms come with a variety of features, but the level of detail and functionality between the two differs. Cisco DNA Center offers automated, policy-based network provisioning that makes it easy for network administrators to set up, configure and monitor network devices. Juniper Network Director, on the other hand, offers advanced telemetry for monitoring and troubleshooting network performance.
Scalability
The ability to scale is fundamental in network management platforms, as businesses grow, so do their network demands. Cisco DNA Center is designed with scalability in mind and supports up to 100,000 devices, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes. While Juniper Network Director can scale, it does require additional resources, such as Junos Space appliances, which can significantly increase the total cost of ownership.
Pricing
Pricing can play a significant role in determining which platform to choose. Cisco DNA Center is subscription-based and priced according to the number of devices managed, starting at around $1,200 a year. Juniper Network Director, on the other hand, is priced per appliance, with costs starting at around $15,000 for the underlying Junos Space platform.
Conclusion
Both Cisco DNA Center and Juniper Network Director are excellent network management platforms, but they have a different focus. Cisco DNA Center is more geared towards network automation, while Juniper Network Director is more focused on network monitoring and troubleshooting. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your business needs.