Difference between Cisco FindIT and Cisco Smart Network Application

[akhasfarooq]

Hi, 

What is the difference between Cisco FindIT and Cisco Smart Network Application? From what I've read, it seems like both kind of do the same thing. 

Regards 

Akhas

[David Harper]

Hi Akhas,

At a high level they are similar in what they are trying to achieve, but there are a few key differences that will affect which application you choose.  SNA is a very lightweight web application embedded in the switch firmware that provides a realtime view only of the network and only manages the Cisco Small Business switch platforms.  FindIT also manages routers and access points, runs even when you are not actively using the application, and gives you the ability to view historical data.  As a result though, it is a bit more heavyweight than SNA, and generally requires software to be installed on a PC or server somewhere in the network.

Hope that helps a bit.

Cheers,

Dave.

[akhasfarooq]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the clarification.

When you say FindIT also manages routers and access points, are these small business series of routers and access points or can it also manage enterprise-level routers, switches and access points?

Also, I was reading the documentation on Cisco SG350X-28P which states that it has an embedded FindIT Network probe which eliminates the need to setup a separate hardware or VM on site as you can see from the below screenshot at the following URL:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/350x-series-stackable-managed-switches/datasheet-c78-735986.html#Cisco350XSeriesStackableManagedSwitches

[cid:image003.png@01D61C39.8256AB80]

Does this mean if I deploy SG350X-28P switch I will not need to setup FindIT on a separate server and instead its already built into the switch and that I can access it via the switch?

Regards

Akhas

[David Harper]

FindIT is only for the Small Business range of products.  There are other tools better suited for the enterprise products such as DNA or Prime Infrastructure.

You are correct in observing that a number of the Small Business switches include the embedded probe software.  However, this really needs to be used in conjunction with FindIT Network Manager to get full functionality.  This will become even more important when the switch firmware is updated to support a version 2.x probe, as all of the user interface has moved from the probe to the manager from release 2.0 onwards.

Cheers,

Dave.

[akhasfarooq]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for clarifying.

What is the cost of purchasing the FIndIT Network Manager software? How does the license work? Is it based on the number of Cisco Small Business devices you have? Can it also monitor devices in branch offices?

Can you please provide a link to FindIT Network Manager documentation (technical and installation documentation) so I can have a better understanding?

Many Thanks

Akhas

[David Harper · Accepted solution]

FindIT Network Manager is licensed based on the number of devices in the network.  You can download the software freely and run in evaluation mode indefinitely with up to ten network devices - routers, switches and wireless access points - in the network.  Support in evaluation mode is best effort through this community, but as a consultant, that might still be the best model for you as it allows you to get to know the application and work with it with only a minimal investment.  Have a look at the following links:

https://www.cisco.com/go/findit

https://www.cisco.com/go/findit-docs

https://www.cisco.com/go/findit-sw

Cheers,

Dave. 

[akhasfarooq]

Many thanks!