Cisco Business (CBS350 switches | 240AC Access Point | RV routers) & Cisco Business Dashboard

[nicolas.steinbusch]

Hi community,

I am looking into dedicated hardware to install in some small branches. I discovered the Cisco Business model range which seems good for what I need. I've some questions regarding those hardwares, and also about the Cisco Business Dashboard.

From what I understand, CBS350 distinguish themselves from SG350 by having a wider range of products, and also the ability to integrate them into Cisco Business Dashboard (a Network Management Platform). Do you know which OS is running on CBS350? Is it still something similar to what is running on SG350 (Tesla Hybrid if I remember well), or is it closer to IOS XE?

Regarding the access points, it seems it is a Cisco Mobility Express model, where the wireless controller is embedded in the AP. Do you know how much APs you can operate with one AP playing the role of controller, and the others being lightweigth (I assume)?

Still regarding APs, you can manage them through a mobile app or a GUI via webbrowser (with the IP address of the controller). It also seems you can manage your SSIDs,...via Cisco Business Dashboard if it is deployed on LAN?

About Cisco Business Dashboard, do you have to pay for the 25 first nodes? I know that after 25, you have to pay a 1 year license per supplementary node, but it is not clear in documentation what about the 25 first nodes.

Still about Cisco Business Dashboard, can I install the OVA on a simple Desktop PC running VMWare Workstation (level 2 hypervisor)? Or does it need much power to run?

Do you know if there is a sandbow available to "play" with Cisco Business Dashboard on DevNet? As it is the case with DNA and CML for example.

Finally, if I integrate RV routers or Series 900 routers in Cisco Business Dashboard, will I be able to manage my site-to-site VPNs from there? Which could allow me to retrive all nodes' information in one central point to have a complete dashboard with all my nodes in Cisco Business Dashboard.

Thanks a lot for your help and have a nice day,

Nicolas Steinbusch.

[Georg Pauwen · Accepted solution]

Hello,

here are the answers to your questions (and supportive links):

From what I understand, CBS350 distinguish themselves from SG350 by having a wider range of products, and also the ability to integrate them into Cisco Business Dashboard (a Network Management Platform). Do you know which OS is running on CBS350? Is it still something similar to what is running on SG350 (Tesla Hybrid if I remember well), or is it closer to IOS XE?

--> They don't run a full IOS, but a Tesla Hybrid version similar to those running on the SG350

https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/csbms/CBS_250_350/CLI/CLI_CBS_350_stacking.pdf

Regarding the access points, it seems it is a Cisco Mobility Express model, where the wireless controller is embedded in the AP. Do you know how much APs you can operate with one AP playing the role of controller, and the others being lightweigtht (I assume)?

--> The 240AC can handle up to 50 access points (25 are recommended)

Still regarding APs, you can manage them through a mobile app or a GUI via webbrowser (with the IP address of the controller). It also seems you can manage your SSIDs,...via Cisco Business Dashboard if it is deployed on LAN?

--> CBS suports the CB240 series in its entirety (see link below for devices supported)

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/cloud-systems-management/network-automation-and-management/cisco-business-dashboard/technical-reference/b_CBD_Device_Support_List.html

--> the 240ACs can be managed through a browser GUI (see link below)

https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/csbap/CBW240/QSG/78-101502-01A0_Final.pdf

About Cisco Business Dashboard, do you have to pay for the 25 first nodes? I know that after 25, you have to pay a 1 year license per supplementary node, but it is not clear in documentation what about the 25 first nodes.

--> An installation of Cisco Business Dashboard includes devices licenses for up to 25 devices. Any devices in excess of 25 will require the purchase of additional device licenses.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/cloud-systems-management/business-dashboard/nb-06-bus-dashboard-ds-cte-en.html#Orderinginformation

Still about Cisco Business Dashboard, can I install the OVA on a simple Desktop PC running VMWare Workstation (level 2 hypervisor)? Or does it need much power to run?

--> Check the Dashboard System Requirements

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/cloud-systems-management/business-dashboard/nb-06-bus-dashboard-ds-cte-en.html#Specifications

--> CBD has Hypervisor support (Microsoft Hyper-V/Oracle VirtualBox/VMware ESXi, Fusion, and Workstation/Amazon Web Services (AWS))

Do you know if there is a sandbow available to "play" with Cisco Business Dashboard on DevNet? As it is the case with DNA and CML for example.

--> I checked the Sandbox labs, CBD does not seem to be in there...

https://devnetsandbox.cisco.com/RM/Topology

Finally, if I integrate RV routers or Series 900 routers in Cisco Business Dashboard, will I be able to manage my site-to-site VPNs from there? Which could allow me to retrive all nodes' information in one central point to have a complete dashboard with all my nodes in Cisco Business Dashboard.

--> It dependson the exact model you have. Some devices are only discovered, others can be fully configured and monitored (check Table 2 - Other Cisco Devices - Support Matrix

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/cloud-systems-management/network-automation-and-management/cisco-business-dashboard/technical-reference/b_CBD_Device_Support_List.html

[nicolas.steinbusch]

Hi Georg,

As usual, you provided crystal clear answers to my questions, thanks a lot ! 

Have a nice day!