# Cisco DNA Center vs Riverbed Network Observability Comparison

| | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 52 | 14 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Enterprise (48.4% of reviews) | Mid-Market (42.9% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Cisco DNA Center

Pros:
- Ease of Use (2 reviews)
- Productivity Improvement (2 reviews)

Cons:
- Compatibility Issues (1 reviews)
- Complex Implementation (1 reviews)

### Riverbed Network Observability

Pros:
- Analytics (1 reviews)
- Detailed Analysis (1 reviews)

Cons:
- Device Limitations (1 reviews)
- Expensive (1 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.6 (37 reviews) | 9.0 (14 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.5 (24 reviews) | 8.1 (14 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.3 (18 reviews) | 8.0 (5 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.2 (16 reviews) | 8.3 (5 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.9 (27 reviews) | 9.0 (13 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.8 (20 reviews) | 9.7 (5 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.4 (36 reviews) | 10.0 (14 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Cisco DNA Center

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### Riverbed Network Observability

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### WAN Optimization

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco DNA Center** | N/A | N/A |
| **Riverbed Network Observability** | N/A | N/A |

#### Network

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Traffic Overview** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cost** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **ROI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Bandwidth** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Application Performance

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Response Times** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Traffic Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Application Issues** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Increase Productivity** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Improved Performance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Network Security Policy Management (NSPM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco DNA Center** | 8.6/10 | 8 |
| **Riverbed Network Observability** | N/A | N/A |

#### Network Maintenance

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Policy Optimization** | 8.1 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Risk Analysis** | 8.8 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Auditing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Network Management

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Network Mapping** | 8.9 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance** | 7.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting** | 9.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Console** | 8.9 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Network Monitoring

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Network Monitoring** | 9.2 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Configuration Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Change Management** | 8.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Network Monitoring

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco DNA Center** | N/A | N/A |
| **Riverbed Network Observability** | N/A | N/A |

#### Functionality

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Performance Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Alerting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Improvement Suggestions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-Network Capability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Monitoring - Network Monitoring

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **360-Degree Network Visibility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Automated Network Discovery** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Management

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Performance Baseline** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Path Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Analytics - Network Monitoring

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Predictive Performance Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Packet & Flow Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Security - Network Monitoring

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Encrypted Data Transmission** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Zero Trust and Identity Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Integrated Network Security** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Network Performance - Network Monitoring

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Dynamic Network Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Automated Tasks Routing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### AI Automation - Network Monitoring

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Machine Learning-Based Anomaly Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Self-Healing Networks** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Predictive Network Maintenance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Network Monitoring

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco DNA Center** | N/A | N/A |
| **Riverbed Network Observability** | N/A | N/A |

#### Monitoring

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Usage Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Database Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **API Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Monitoring - Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Security and Compliance Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Administration

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Activity Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-Cloud Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Automation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Auto-Scaling & Resource Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Analysis

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Reporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Dashboards and Visualizations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Spend Forecasting and Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### AI Automation - Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI-Powered Anomaly Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI-Driven Insight Recommendations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco DNA Center** | N/A | N/A |
| **Riverbed Network Observability** | N/A | N/A |

#### Administration

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Network Segmentation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Scalability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Global Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Protection

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Policy Enforcement** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Security Audit** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **User Authentication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Monitoring

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Compliance Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Vulnerability Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Configuration Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Observability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### ServiceNow Store Apps

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco DNA Center** | N/A | N/A |
| **Riverbed Network Observability** | N/A | N/A |

#### ServiceNow Apps

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **ServiceNow Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Value** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - ServiceNow Store Apps

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Network Management Tools

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco DNA Center** | 8.6/10 | 7 |
| **Riverbed Network Observability** | N/A | N/A |

#### Management

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Network Automation** | 8.9 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Network Traffic Analyzer** | 8.3 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **User Provisioning** | 8.3 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Network Analytics** | 8.9 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Resource Maintenance** | 8.3 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Monitoring

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Network Monitoring** | 8.6 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Network Discovery** | 9.2 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Network Asset Mapping** | 9.2 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Support

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Real-time alerting** | 8.3 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Hybrid Infrastructure Support** | 8.3 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **API Integration** | 8.1 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Network Management Tools

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Enterprise IT Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco DNA Center** | N/A | N/A |
| **Riverbed Network Observability** | N/A | N/A |

#### Analysis

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Threat Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Unified Communications Platform** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Remote Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **ITIL Policy Compliance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Asset Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **IT Knowledge Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Security

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Endpoint Protection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Patch Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Disaster Recovery** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Service Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Workflow Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Enterprise IT Management

| Feature | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Network Management Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/network-management-tools)

**Unique to Cisco DNA Center (3):** [Network Security Policy Management (NSPM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/network-security-policy-management-nspm), [ServiceNow Marketplace Apps](https://www.g2.com/categories/servicenow-store-apps), [Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/software-defined-perimeter-sdp)

**Unique to Riverbed Network Observability (4):** [WAN Optimization Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/wan-optimization), [Enterprise IT Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/enterprise-it-management), [Network Monitoring Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/network-monitoring), [Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring  Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cloud-infrastructure-monitoring)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Cisco DNA Center | Riverbed Network Observability | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 19.4% | 14.3% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 32.3% | 42.9% | 
| **Enterprise** | 48.4% | 42.9% | 

### By Industry

#### Cisco DNA Center

- **Computer & Network Security:** 14.9%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 14.9%
- **Telecommunications:** 12.8%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 6.4%
- **Higher Education:** 6.4%
- **Government Administration:** 6.4%
- **Oil & Energy:** 4.3%
- **Animation:** 2.1%
- **Automotive:** 2.1%
- **Banking:** 2.1%
- **Other:** 27.7%

#### Riverbed Network Observability

- **Retail:** 14.3%
- **Computer Software:** 14.3%
- **Telecommunications:** 7.1%
- **Medical Devices:** 7.1%
- **Media Production:** 7.1%
- **Insurance:** 7.1%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 7.1%
- **Health, Wellness and Fitness:** 7.1%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 7.1%
- **Education Management:** 7.1%
- **Other:** 14.3%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Cisco DNA Center

- [Progress WhatsUp Gold](https://www.g2.com/products/progress-whatsup-gold/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (386 reviews)
- [Auvik](https://www.g2.com/products/auvik-networks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (380 reviews)
- [HPE Aruba Networking Management](https://www.g2.com/products/hpe-aruba-networking-management/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (26 reviews)
- [Aruba ESP](https://www.g2.com/products/aruba-esp/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (13 reviews)
- [SolarWinds Observability](https://www.g2.com/products/solarwinds-worldwide-llc-solarwinds-observability/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (836 reviews)
- [Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (583 reviews)
- [Site24x7](https://www.g2.com/products/site24x7/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (433 reviews)
- [Check Point Cloud Firewall (formerly CloudGuard Network Security)](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-cloud-firewall-formerly-cloudguard-network-security/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (286 reviews)
- [ManageEngine OpManager](https://www.g2.com/products/manageengine-opmanager/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (190 reviews)
- [Palo Alto Networks Panorama](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-panorama/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (47 reviews)

### Alternatives to Riverbed Network Observability

- [Dynatrace](https://www.g2.com/products/dynatrace/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1363 reviews)
- [Nexthink](https://www.g2.com/products/nexthink/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (384 reviews)
- [Splunk AppDynamics](https://www.g2.com/products/splunk-appdynamics/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (375 reviews)
- [SolarWinds Observability](https://www.g2.com/products/solarwinds-worldwide-llc-solarwinds-observability/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (836 reviews)
- [Datadog](https://www.g2.com/products/datadog/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (705 reviews)
- [LogicMonitor](https://www.g2.com/products/logicmonitor/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (636 reviews)
- [IBM Instana](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-instana/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (478 reviews)
- [Progress WhatsUp Gold](https://www.g2.com/products/progress-whatsup-gold/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (386 reviews)
- [New Relic](https://www.g2.com/products/new-relic/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (583 reviews)
- [Site24x7](https://www.g2.com/products/site24x7/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (433 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Cisco DNA Center

- Title: [Is Cisco DNA Center Free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-cisco-dna-center-free) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Cisco DNA Center itself isn't entirely free, but there are ways to access its functionalities without full purchase like 30 days free trial.

"

### Riverbed Network Observability

No discussions available for this product.

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/cisco-cisco-dna-center-vs-riverbed-network-observability)