Cisco Data Center Network Manager

Comparative Assessment Test Summary

Cisco DCNM 11
Arista CloudVision Portal

SR200116E
April 2020

Miercom

Miercom.com
Executive Summary
The modern-day data center has evolved from managing a few switches to the complex task of overseeing
data center fabrics, compounded by multi-site, multi-cloud implementations. An administrator who once
managed a handful of physical switches, now must handle a more complicated, dispersed physical network
that includes virtualized workloads and public clouds. Given that data center elements each require a high-
standard of compliance for integrity and reliable functionality, the administrator needs to have visibility into
every detail of this complex network from a single pane-of-glass.

Introduction to Cisco Data Center Network Manager

Cisco Systems, Inc. offers the Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) solution as a comprehensive way to
aid customers looking to easily deploy, manage, monitor, operate and maintain modern data center
deployments. By using automation, extensive visibility and reliable operations, DCNM offers the most
powerful data center manager Cisco has produced to date, simplifying network operations while lowering
costs. It is the recommended management solution for data center NX-OS deployments, premiering also
as a storage networking management tool.

The DCNM solution includes Cisco’s best practices and advances fabric tools to handle growing networks.
Customers look to DCNM for its unparalleled VXLAN EVPN fabric deployment and management –
discovering and connecting existing or new unprovisioned Nexus switches, help customers quickly and
easily build new VXLAN-EVPN fabrics using the DCNM fabric builder in minutes. A complicated process
such as a switch RMA and replacement, requires only a few clicks – with no manual configuration changes.

DCNM provides granular, scalable visibility for deep-dive troubleshooting, functionality and maintenance
operations that data center customers can truly benefit from. The Topology View shows not only the
network switches but also other connected entities such as virtual machines, container workloads, physical
servers, multiple fabrics, inter-fabric connectivity, switch health and search functions. Customers can view
these metrics in real-time to identify bottlenecks for optimized resource allocation for a smoother network
experience.

Deployment consistency and configuration compliance is fully supported by DCNM, which constantly
checks for proper switch-to-fabric configurations with autocorrections for any errors. The bottom line:
DCNM makes fabric management simple and reliable.

What We Tested

By engaging with Miercom, an independent, comparative analysis was performed by comparing two data
center network management packages: Cisco DCNM, with latest version 11.3(1), and an offering by Arista
Networks – the CloudVision Portal (CVP), version 2019.1.1. These solutions were assessed for functionality
regarding configuration and deployment, change control, network visibility and real-time fault
identification.

Cisco DCNM Comparative Assessment 2 SR200116E

Copyright © 2020 Miercom 20 April 2020
Summary of Brownfield Deployment Observations

What customers need is a management platform to address issues incurred by upgrading or adding to an
existing network – known as brownfield deployment, as opposed to a new, greenfield deployment. Despite
data center complexity, this management solution should intuitively accelerate deployment while ensuring
operational compliance to help continue operations without downtime or cost.

We find for brownfield deployments, Cisco DCNM excels beyond its competition:

✓ Provides intelligent configuration and resource usage inference

✓ Validates all configurations
✓ Ensures there is no resource conflict
✓ Simple, two-click process

Arista CVP did not offer the same service, showing poor brownfield deployment:

 No transparency during importing

 Lack of resource tracking
 Lacks understanding and validation of switch configurations
 No detection, or alert, of an IP address conflict between an interface or loopback of an imported
and existing switch – resulting in possibly disastrous effects on the network
 Does not “understand” the network deployment per se; it essentially just reads the running
configuration from the switches as a bunch of ASCII EOS CLIs

Key features of these packages were tested using comparable configurations of each vendor’s network
devices and respective network management package installations. Many features were fully supported by
Cisco DCNM but were either not offered or only partially available on the Arista CVP. These features truly
benefit customers looking to simplify and automate the complex processes of data center provisioning and
policing through a centralized management solution.

Key Findings of the Cisco DCNM

• Configuration & Deployment. Exceptional support of extendable web-based GUI, topology-
based provisioning, link awareness, resource visibility and management and “one touch” automated
configurations for not only devices, but the entire fabric – including physical, virtual, containers and
multi-cloud.

• Policy Templates. DCNM allows users to pre-provision internally or externally connecting physical
and logical fabric links using link policy templates supporting Cisco’s best practices for the most
common deployment scenarios. The links are automatically associated with real-time health
statistics for each interface; this data can be exported to daily or weekly reports. These policy
templates can be easily customized specifically for the data center’s needs.

• Day 0 Installation. With Cisco DCNM, this is easily done through its GUI interface and one touch
option using one of two views – the default Topology View or the List View. The Topology View
shows devices on the network, allowing for multiple, simultaneous switch deployment.

Cisco DCNM Comparative Assessment 3 SR200116E

Copyright © 2020 Miercom 20 April 2020
 • Fabric Building. The DCNM fabric builder outperforms the Arista FabricBuilder by offering the
ability to compare new and old configuration scripts to accept or correct the CLI scripts for the
deployment process. The DCNM fabric builder allows switches to be associated with specific roles
that, in turn, result in appropriate configuration generation for those specific switches. The
configuration generation process in the fabric builder employs various resources such as IP
addresses, loopback IDs, VLANs, VNIs etc. that are derived from user-defined resource pools.

• Change-Control Workflows. Cisco DCNM offers customizable change-control workflows for

operations such as VXLANs and multi-site, tenant-routed multicast services. The DCNM fabric
builder includes an embedded, integrated Configuration Compliance to validate and synchronize
all configurations within the underlay, overlay, interfaces and others driven through the DCNM
policies based on user-intent. This feature further builds on customization of Cisco’s best practices
policy templates. Configuration Compliance can be run periodically or on-demand to immediately
trigger a compliance check.

• VXLAN Management of Cloud Services. Easy management of VXLAN BGP EVPN fabric to the
public cloud was achieved with Cisco DCNM using IPSec tunneling between on-premise and Azure
cloud services with management similar to any other Nexus device. It offers discovery, visibility,
configuration control and compliance, built-in best practice templates, license management,
upgrades and more.

• Layer 4-7 Application Service Integration. DCNM also proved topology visualization, control and
integration of L4-7 service appliances attached to a VXLAN EVPN fabric, as well as defining custom
service policies for traffic redirection.

• Application Framework. The DCNM infrastructure supports an extensible microservices based

framework that readily supports scale-out. The DCNM App center offers applications, either as
default for standard functionality or for licensed download. These applications collect data for each
switch, coordinating data, to assist the customer with provisioning and visibility as a user-friendly
way to approach what would have been an overwhelming, complex infrastructure.

• Network Visibility. The Network Insights applications on DCNM actively monitor complete flows
for fabric-wide views, data correlation and diagnosis. Topology overlay and awareness provide
greater visibility and provisioning, as well as native switch-role awareness. Deep VXLAN visibility
supports operation and maintenance for virtual machines.

• Real-time Fault Identification. The device analyzer locates network endpoints related to the
underlay and overlay fabrics for useful troubleshooting, showing a green or red status for systems
that are up or down.

• Inline Controller Upgrades. Cisco DCNM inline upgrades enable customers to upgrade to the
latest release by imposing the newest version to the existing DCNM.

• In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU). Cisco DCNM allows for switch software upgrades and
patches while maintaining minimal traffic disruption.

Cisco DCNM Comparative Assessment 4 SR200116E

Copyright © 2020 Miercom 20 April 2020
 • Virtual Memory Manager. Cisco DCNM allows for native integration with Virtual Machine
Managers (VMM) to provide a correlated view of compute + network. Arista does not support this
feature.

Based on our hands-on testing of both the Cisco Data Center

Network Manager and Arista CloudVision Portal, we found Cisco’s
product offered superior capabilities and ease of use, and
automated, “one-touch” provisioning based on templates and best
practices. We estimate a trained technician can perform tasks with
the Cisco package 50 to 300 percent faster than when using Arista’s
offering. As a result, we proudly award Cisco’s Data Center Network
Manager the Miercom Performance Verified certification.

Rob Smithers, CEO

Miercom

Cisco DCNM Comparative Assessment 5 SR200116E

Copyright © 2020 Miercom 20 April 2020
Test Summary

Cisco DCNM Arista CVP

Graphical User Interface (GUI) Supported+ Partially Supported

Pre-built Configlet called Fabric Builder

interface is written in Python,
Provides extendable web-based GUI and
downloadable from github.com. It is
supplies extensions for other vendors
quicker than manually creating
(not tested). Multi-faceted and varied
management CLI files. Third-party
GUI appropriate for each management
devices are supported via CLI only.
task performed. CLI is also a supported
However, this interface is not an
option if desired.
interactive GUI, applying scripts only to
specifically building VXLAN fabric.

Topology-based Provisioning Supported Not Supported

No topology-based provisioning
Supports topology-based provisioning supported. Managed nodes are arranged
and is link-aware. in groups. CVP also lacks
link awareness.

Resource Management Supported Not Supported

No support of resource management.

Provides management and visibility of
The user is unable to check VLANs or IP
resources, including IP addresses,
addresses; for example, there is no
Loopback IDs, Port-channel IDs, subnets,
visibility of which IP addresses or VLAN
VNI and VLAN numbers.
numbers are in use.

Configuration Automation Supported+ Not Supported

Primarily CLI-based configuration; CVP’s

role in configuration automation is used
mainly to push command-string
Provides impressive “one touch”
configurations to switches.
capability for configuring new devices.
Arista offers a pre-built Configlet Builder
With little required user input, the DCNM
application downloadable from
system can apply a board range of
github.com to automatically import
templates and best practices – producing
configurations. While this Configlet
device configurations, as well as
facilitates device configuration
configuration of network links and
generation via widgets and Python
connections.
scripts, applying these configurations to
new switches still requires a fair amount
of manual intervention.

Cisco DCNM Comparative Assessment 6 SR200116E

Copyright © 2020 Miercom 20 April 2020
 Cisco DCNM Arista CVP

Virtual Machine Manager (VMM)

Supported Not Supported
Integration

Provides capable VMM facility,

organizing virtual machines (VMs) into
No facility for managing a data
appropriate domains and provides a
center’s VMs (e.g. VMware, RedHat)
correlated network and compute view.
is supported.
The Cisco package also provides high-
level visibility of virtual machines.

Brownfield Configuration Import Supported Not Supported

Provides real import of brownfield

configurations, including associated
Cannot import all the data of a previous
resources used on every device
configuration, to aid in generating a new
within that deployment. The network can
or re-worked configuration. New or
then be managed as if provisioned by the
revised configurations must be manually
DCNM in the first place. Additionally, the
re-entered or previous command strings
Cisco package handles multi-site network
must be edited.
deployments as well as multi-tenant
operations.

Customizable Change-Control
Supported Partially Supported
Workflows

Supports GUI-generated workflows for

network operations (e.g. adding VXLANs,
Offers basic change-control;
multi-site and tenant-routed multicast
it is typically necessary to disable a
services). Supports integration of L4-7
device by putting it in maintenance or
service appliances attached to a VXLAN
health-check mode before any change
EVPN fabric, as well as defining custom
can be applied. Changes cannot be
service policies for traffic redirection.
performed across multiple switches as
Supports ISSU for multiple endpoints
ISSU is not supported. Supports Smart
with minimal downtime, customizable to
System Upgrade (SSU) that allows system
the smallest number of fixes per upgrade
software upgrades in small maintenance
package. Native change control is
windows.
planned for a future DCNM release, as
well as integration with ServiceNow.

Data Plane Visibility Supported+ Partially Supported

Network Insights, an optional component

In the latest version, CVP can display
of DCNM, actively monitors complete
traffic flows. This is based on sFlow, a
network flows including per flow latency,
standard (IETF RFC 3176) that monitors
flow path, flow drops etc. It also provides
flows based on a sampling of transmitted
fabric-wide flow views, with data
data between endpoints.
correlation and diagnosis.

Cisco DCNM Comparative Assessment 7 SR200116E

Copyright © 2020 Miercom 20 April 2020
 Cisco DCNM Arista CVP

Device Analyzer Supported+ Not Supported

Offers ability to search for endpoints in

real-time; an endpoint locator is part of a
tool that provides correlated visibility for
fabric (underlay/overlay, as well as The ability to find a network device is
endpoints) to provide a useful limited to a MAC-address search.
troubleshooting starting point. While not
observed during testing, DCNM version
11.3 offers endpoint scalability.

Topology Overlay Views Supported+ Not Supported

Topology overlay views, showing high-

Supports various network topology views
level fabric connectivity, are not
– including L2VNI, VRF and L3VNI. Third-
supported in Arista’s CVP. For example,
party integration is included as of its last
CVP is unable to collect the necessary
major release of DCNM in December
information to show what Layer-2 Virtual
2019; one of the first supported vendors
Network Interface (L2VNI) is deployed on
is Arista.
which leaf node.

Third-Party Device Visibility Supported* Supported

Planned third-party device integration for

both provisioning and visibility for DCNM
11.3(1) and Network Insights Resources Pulls standard-format data from third-
(NIR) following release 2.1. party devices via SNMP.
*While not observed during testing, DCNM
version 11.3 offers this capability.

Native Switch-Role Awareness Supported Not Supported

Unaware of the role (e.g. leaf, spine) that

Fully supports switch-role awareness.
a switch performs.

Topology Awareness Supported Not Supported

Unaware of fabric or links. Changes to

Aware of both topology and switch for links or fabric members require that the
provisioning purposes. configuration on related switches be
manually added or removed.

Deep VXLAN Visibility for OAM Supported Not Supported

Supports Operations and Maintenance Does not support OAM functions. Lacks
functions via deep VXLAN visibility. deep visibility of VXLANs.

In-Service Software Upgrades

Supported Partially Supported
(ISSU)

Supports disruptive and non-disruptive Supports SSU since ISSU packages are
ISSU options for minimal downtime. unreliable – resulting in downtime.

Cisco DCNM Comparative Assessment 8 SR200116E

Copyright © 2020 Miercom 20 April 2020
About Miercom
Miercom has published hundreds of network product analyses in leading trade periodicals and other
publications. Miercom’s reputation as the leading, independent product test center is undisputed.

Private test services available from Miercom include competitive product analyses, as well as individual
product evaluations. Miercom features comprehensive certification and test programs including: Certified
Interoperable™, Certified Reliable™, Certified Secure™ and Certified Green™. Products may also be
evaluated under the Performance Verified™ program, the industry’s most thorough and trusted assessment
for product usability and performance.

Use of This Report

Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the data contained in this report, but errors and/or
oversights can occur. The information documented in this report may also rely on various test tools, the
accuracy of which is beyond our control. Furthermore, the document relies on certain representations by
the vendors that were reasonably verified by Miercom but beyond our control to verify to 100 percent
certainty.

This document is provided “as is,” by Miercom and gives no warranty, representation or undertaking,
whether express or implied, and accepts no legal responsibility, whether direct or indirect, for the accuracy,
completeness, usefulness or suitability of any information contained in this report.

All trademarks used in the document are owned by their respective owners. You agree not to use any
trademark in or as the whole or part of your own trademarks in connection with any activities, products or
services which are not ours, or in a manner which may be confusing, misleading or deceptive or in a manner
that disparages us or our information, projects or developments.

By downloading, circulating or using this report this report in any way you agree to Miercom’s Terms of
Use. For full disclosure of Miercom’s terms, visit: https://miercom.com/tou.

© 2020 Miercom. All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, photocopied, stored on a retrieval system, or transmitted without
the express written consent of the authors. Please email [email protected] for additional information.

Cisco DCNM Comparative Assessment 9 SR200116E

Copyright © 2020 Miercom 20 April 2020