Cisco Catalyst Center
6.2#5 in microsegmentation softwareWebAPILinuxmacOS
VisitCisco Catalyst Center vs OpenDaylight
OpenDaylight
6.3#2 in data center fabric softwareFree planFree planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | Cisco Catalyst Center | OpenDaylight |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1984 | 2013 |
| Purpose | Cisco Catalyst Center is a centralized network controller and management dashboard for enterprise network operations. | OpenDaylight is an open source SDN controller for centralized, programmable network control and monitoring. |
| Release support | Cisco states that Catalyst Center 2.3.7.x follows a 24-month support timeline, with support for that release listed through June 17, 2027. | The downloads page lists Chromium-SR0, Vanadium-SR1, and Titanium-SR3 under supported releases. |
| Security | Catalyst Center supports FIPS 140-2-compliant cryptography modules, and Cisco recommends deploying it behind a firewall on a private internal network. | The AAA project provides authentication, authorization, accounting, and role-based access control for OpenDaylight northbound interfaces. |
Cisco Catalyst Center plans
- Cisco DNA AdvantagePriced on request
- Cisco DNA EssentialsPriced on request
OpenDaylight plans
- OpenDaylightFree
Pick Cisco Catalyst Center if…
It suits enterprise network teams that need centralized operations, automation, and assurance across managed devices. Teams should be prepared for substantial virtual-appliance requirements and subscription-based licensing.
Pick OpenDaylight if…
OpenDaylight suits network teams that need programmable control across supported network protocols and hardware. Its described use cases include service-provider WAN automation, data center SDN, and enterprise network control.