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CX Cloud vs APIC, DNA-Center...?

bruno-teixeira
Level 1
Level 1

How is CX Cloud different from other Cisco technologies like Cisco DNA-Center, Intersight, and APIC?

2 Replies 2

Pierce Vasale
Level 1
Level 1

CX Cloud is tied to a level of Support (above standard SNTC) and can integrate with things like Catalyst Center (formerly DNA-Center). There are a number of overlaps with CX Cloud and Catalyst Center when it comes to some of the vulnerability alerts, setting a Gold Star for version standards and more - though you can tie these together so you're not duplicating work. CX Cloud also has what are called "Success Tracks" where you can be guided along your journey to implement certain technologies or features or...it's pretty granular. It provides suggested classes or webinars (many free/included) or other online training or guides related to the hardware/technology you own.

Hey to expand on this I've listed some information on CX Cloud, DNAC, and APIC below.  I hope this is helpful! 

The terms CX Cloud, DNAC (Cisco DNA Center), and APIC (Application Policy Infrastructure Controller) are related to networking and IT management, but they serve different purposes within an organization's network infrastructure. Let's break down what each one is and how they differ:

  1. CX Cloud:

    • CX Cloud refers to Cisco's Customer Experience (CX) Cloud, which is a broad term that encompasses various cloud-based services and solutions offered by Cisco to enhance customer experiences.  Customers are offered access to CX Cloud after purchasing a Success Tracks service contract with Cisco.  With CX Cloud customers can get a singular view into the assets/hardware they have purchased from Cisco. This may include analytics, insights, and tools that help businesses manage their networks more effectively, improve customer satisfaction, and drive business outcomes. It is not a specific product but rather a set of services and solutions.
  2. DNAC (Cisco DNA Center):

    • Cisco DNA Center is a centralized network control and management dashboard for Cisco's Digital Network Architecture (DNA). It provides an intuitive, graphical interface to design, provision, apply policies, and assure network performance. DNA Center simplifies network management for both wired and wireless networks, allowing for automation, easy segmentation, and assurance. It is an integral part of Cisco's intent-based networking solutions, which focus on translating business intent into network policies and ensuring that the network continuously aligns with those intentions.
  3. APIC (Application Policy Infrastructure Controller):

    • APIC is the main architectural component of Cisco's Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI). It is a centralized software controller that manages and operates a scalable and extensible architecture for software-defined networking (SDN). APIC provides a single point of automation and management for the network fabric, policy programming, and health monitoring. It operates in the data center environment and focuses on enhancing application performance and operational efficiency.

Differences:

  • Scope: CX Cloud services can cover various aspects of customer experience and network management, while DNAC is specifically focused on automating and managing a Cisco DNA-based network. APIC is centered on data center management and SDN within the ACI framework.

  • Functionality: DNAC and APIC both provide network management and automation but for different types of networks. DNAC is more focused on campus and branch networks with a broader range of network devices, while APIC is tailored for data center networks with a focus on application-centric policies.

  • Target Environment: DNAC is typically used in enterprise networks that encompass LANs, WLANs, and WANs. APIC, in contrast, is tailored for the data center space, providing a more application-centric approach to network provisioning and control.

  • Architecture: DNAC is part of Cisco's DNA architecture which is aimed at traditional networking, whereas APIC is part of the ACI architecture which is designed to take advantage of SDN capabilities for the data center.

In summary, while CX Cloud, DNAC, and APIC might all be part of an organization's network infrastructure, CX Cloud is more about customer experience services, DNAC is for enterprise network management, and APIC is for data center network orchestration within the ACI ecosystem.

Please let me know if you have any further questions. *Please "Accept as Solution" if the info provided was helpful in resolving your inquiry. Thanks!