Skip to content

1.8 Cisco Network Assurance Platforms

Select a Cisco network assurance platform based on business requirements, such as application communication, user experience, web, and events

To be prepared for this section of the exam, you need to identify the right platform based on a business need. This requires knowing the capabilities, use cases, and focus of each network assurance platform. Below is a high-level overview of the main platforms and their key features.

The network assurance platforms you must know for this section are:

  1. ThousandEyes
  2. Meraki Insights
  3. AppDynamics
  4. Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center)
  5. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager (formerly vManage)

Platform Comparison

ThousandEyes

  • Main Features: Network Intelligence, End-to-End Visibility, Internet and WAN Monitoring, Cloud and SaaS Performance Analysis, VoIP and Video Monitoring, BGP and Route Visualization.
  • Primary Use Cases: Monitoring network performance and issues across the internet, cloud, and enterprise WANs.
  • Unique Focus: Digital experience monitoring with visibility into every network layer and service.

Meraki Insights

  • Main Features: Network Health Scores, WAN and LAN Monitoring, Application Health Scores, Remote Worker Connectivity, Meraki Device Integration.
  • Primary Use Cases: Ensuring optimal performance of WAN, LAN, and cloud applications within Meraki-based networks.
  • Unique Focus: Simplifying the monitoring and management of Meraki networks.

AppDynamics

  • Main Features: Application Performance Monitoring (APM), Business Performance Monitoring, End-User Monitoring, Infrastructure Visibility, Network Performance Monitoring, Machine Learning and Analytics.
  • Primary Use Cases: Monitoring and optimizing application performance across cloud and on-premises environments.
  • Unique Focus: Application performance management and monitoring.

Catalyst Center

  • Main Features: Centralized Management, Automated Troubleshooting, Security and Policy Enforcement, AI/ML Insights, Integration with Cisco Platforms.
  • Primary Use Cases: Managing and automating Cisco Catalyst switches, routers, and wireless networks.
  • Unique Focus: Comprehensive network management for Cisco Catalyst infrastructure.

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager

  • Main Features: SD-WAN Network Management, Policy Administration, Zero Touch Provisioning, Historical Performance Monitoring, Security Management, Cloud OnRamp.
  • Primary Use Cases: Managing and optimizing SD-WAN deployments.
  • Unique Focus: Centralized management and optimization of SD-WAN infrastructure.

Resources

For more detailed information on each platform, please refer to the following resources:

Sample Questions

1.8 Question 1

You are a network engineer at a multinational corporation responsible for ensuring optimal performance and security across various environments, including remote hybrid workers, branch offices, and cloud services. Select a SaaS-based Network Assurance platform that enables comprehensive monitoring and visibility into hybrid worker activities, internet traffic, and branch office connectivity.

  • A) Meraki Insights
  • B) AppDynamics
  • C) ThousandEyes
  • D) Catalyst Center

1.8 Question 2

As a network engineer, you need to select a network assurance platform that provides end-to-end visibility and metrics for remote workers accessing SaaS applications. The solution should monitor the user experience from the endpoint device, through the VPN, across the internet, and to the SaaS provider. Which platform is best suited for this use case?

  • A) Catalyst Center
  • B) AppDynamics
  • C) Meraki Insights
  • D) ThousandEyes

1.8 Question 3

Which network assurance platform is best for providing network visibility and performance across any network, where metrics can be correlated with application-level metrics, including for services in multi-cloud deployments?

  • A) Catalyst Center
  • B) AppDynamics
  • C) Meraki Insights
  • D) ThousandEyes