Azure Virtual WAN vs. Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Azure Virtual WAN
Score 8.4 out of 10
N/A
Microsoft's Azure Virtual WAN connects global branch offices, point-of-sale locations, and sites using Azure and the Microsoft global network. With it the user can plan, configure, and seamlessly deploy new connections.N/A
Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Score 9.5 out of 10
N/A
Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms deliver secure, high-performance SD-WAN built for hybrid work, multicloud access, and 5G-ready networks. Powered by Cisco IOS XE, these devices combine flexible routing, SASE integration, and cloud-native agility to support AI-driven networking and edge computing needs.N/A
Pricing
Azure Virtual WANCisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Azure Virtual WANCisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Azure Virtual WANCisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Considered Both Products
Azure Virtual WAN
Chose Azure Virtual WAN
As we were already using Azure as a cloud platform, it was easy setting up a Virtual WAN inside Azure as users/developers and DevOps engineers were familiar with the user interface and functioning as compared to going to some other portal for just the VWAN solution. The …
Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
For its function and resource requirements, it’s at the top of the list
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
We went with the 8000 series for its reliability, price point and predictable behavior.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Cisco 9000 Series Aggregation Services Routers (ASR 9000)
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Lightyears faster
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms is much more configurable and powerful, with more options available and can be deployed in more instances.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches and Cisco Catalyst Center
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Cisco Catalyst IR8300 Rugged Series Router
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
More versatile
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
In my case I haven't evaluated any similar products as this is our sole Routing solution
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Compared to the Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers, CGR2010, the Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms is more powerful in processing, and it has the capability to do the segment routing. It is easier to install physically and occupies less space in the rack, consumes less …
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
It's a great cheaper alternative with high throughput and connectivity options.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
I have no looked at other platforms, this was to replace several cisco devices and it was decided to go with the same company.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
N/A. I chose Cisco only
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Cisco has a lower price for value against the other two vendors, because they delivers more interfaces for less money and don't need subscriptions for licensing the routing features
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
8K is the prospective successor of ASR1k (fixed) and ISR 4K
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
still under evaluation
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
There isn't any other product which supports SDWAN other than legacy ISR4K.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
More Features provided and better hardware.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
The Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms are lacking the versatility of the previous ISR4k series in terms of connectivity and expansion slots, mainly on the lower tier versions (8200 vs 4321 and 4331). We had no problems with the traditional ISR 400 series and we applied them to …
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
I have to design, some things I have to use ISR4000 depending on throughput, also ISR1100, Routers RV small business, and ASR1000. If you need to use a device to SDWAN or cloud, you have to use 8000 because ASR1000 has many throughputs of data, but for security, and …
Chose Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
This evolves out of ASR1k platforms which lacked features like cloud integration and port density, Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms seem to be packed with features particularly geared towards SDWAN and intent-based networking which is the need of the day on edge platforms. This …
Best Alternatives
Azure Virtual WANCisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Small Businesses

No answers on this topic

No answers on this topic

Medium-sized Companies
Cisco Meraki MX
Cisco Meraki MX
Score 9.1 out of 10
Extreme Networks Wired Access - Switches
Extreme Networks Wired Access - Switches
Score 9.0 out of 10
Enterprises
Cisco Meraki MX
Cisco Meraki MX
Score 9.1 out of 10
Cisco Nexus Series Switches
Cisco Nexus Series Switches
Score 9.2 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Azure Virtual WANCisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Likelihood to Recommend
8.4
(0 ratings)
8.8
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
7.8
(0 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
-
(0 ratings)
7.7
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Azure Virtual WANCisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms
Likelihood to Recommend
Azure Virtual WAN provides single functional interphase for routing, monitoring, connectivity and security operations. The connection of hubs in Azure virtual WAN makes it simple for us to use Microsoft as the pillar of our spoke connectivity. The platform provides us with robust connectivity features that allow for transitive connectivity across different spokes. However, you should always ensure you have understood your total cost of ownership to avoid potential price bombshells.
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With the flexibility of sizing options, the Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms has worked to deliver solutions for our various needs. Smaller systems offer strong connectivity for office developments. Mid-range options have served our larger campuses well. Our data center deployments of the larger systems have provided up to 100G connectivity and advanced routing solutions. The Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms continues to meet our needs and exceed our expectations.
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Pros
  • It offers a seamless experience while connecting Virtual networks and Workloads via Azure Hub.
  • Lot of connectivity options present - site to site VPN/Express route etc.
  • Very easy connectivity and migration with on-premise sites and Azure Hub.
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  • Allows throughput reliable at over 200mb MPLS sites
  • Supplies reliable performance at mid-sized sites
  • Is much more quiet than an ISR4K
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Cons
  • Integrations are limited within Azure. It is difficult to carry out multi-cloud integrations.
  • If you haven't understood your monthly cost you can receive price shocks.
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  • Adding more NIM slots on motherboard
  • Adding PVDM slot for use cases where the router is used only for trans coding
  • Adding more granular tiers for DNA licensing. For example it is a big gap between 2000Mbps (400 Mbps agg) and 1Gbps (2 Gbps Agg)
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Likelihood to Renew
No answers on this topic
Because I have had no issues with this product line and have grown go really trust in it. One of the besr thing is that this has had less vulnerabilities that the past cisco router that I have dealt with. In my line of work needing to upgrade code is always something that needs to be done after hours and most likely on weekends.
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Usability
No answers on this topic
Either you deploy those routers as a standalone, or as part of the SD-WAN fabric, the amount of features and settings you can configure on them, is well beyond any other vendor or product on the market. While this may bring some configuration complexity, availability of support for variaty of different protocols and features allows you to solve almost any network challenge you may face
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Support Rating
No answers on this topic
I have always had great response time and have never been let down by cisco support. I have had issues where the person who was assisting me was not able to provide a resolution but by utilizing his team members they where able to come together to provide a answer and resplve the situation.
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Implementation Rating
No answers on this topic
the licensing is messy
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Alternatives Considered
As we were already using Azure as a cloud platform, it was easy setting up a Virtual WAN inside Azure as users/developers and DevOps engineers were familiar with the user interface and functioning as compared to going to some other portal for just the VWAN solution. The umbrella of features provided by Azure Virtual WAN made it the right choice for our infrastructure.
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Compared to the Cisco 2000 Series Connected GRID Routers, CGR2010, the Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms is more powerful in processing, and it has the capability to do the segment routing. It is easier to install physically and occupies less space in the rack, consumes less power, and saves more for the company.
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Return on Investment
  • Automatic troubleshooting solves incidents without costing our operational time.
  • We are able unify all our operational activities.
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  • Positive: It has a lot of options for the licensing level based on the scenario (SDWAN, IPSEC, Routing). There is no need for the DNA license for all the throughout for routing mode, like ISR4K models
  • Negative: There is a gap between the 200Mbps tier licence and 1Gbps tier. If a custumer needs a 500Mbps licence (1G AGG), we need to offer a doubled value
  • Positive: The platform can be used for routing mode and can be migrated to SDWAN using the same hardware.
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ScreenShots