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Head-to-head · Data Center Networking Solutions

Huawei iMaster NCE-Fabric vs Cisco Catalyst Center

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
Higher score Huawei iMaster NCE-Fabric #2 in Data Center Networking Solutions 9.2/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 4 features Contact Huawei
Cisco Catalyst Center #4 in Data Center Networking Solutions 9.0/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Cisco

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreHuawei iMaster NCE-Fabric · 9.2/10

Huawei iMaster NCE-Fabric scores higher on our rubric for data center networking solutions: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

Huawei iMaster NCE-Fabric is the better fit for large data centers needing centralized fabric control. Cisco Catalyst Center is the better fit for cisco-centric campus and data-center networks.

  • Huawei iMaster NCE-Fabric fits best

    Large data centers needing centralized fabric control

  • Cisco Catalyst Center fits best

    Cisco-centric campus and data-center networks

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Huawei iMaster NCE-Fabric 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Cisco Catalyst Center 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.0
Ranking #2 in Data Center Networking Solutions #4 in Data Center Networking Solutions
Best for Large data centers needing centralized fabric control Cisco-centric campus and data-center networks
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Pricing on request Pricing on request
Free plan Not checked yet Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Self-hosted Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Linux Web
Integrations 7 integrations 11 integrations
Features Huawei iMaster NCE-Fabric 0/4 · Cisco Catalyst Center 0/4
Network automation Not checked yet Not checked yet
Topology visualization Not checked yet Not checked yet
Multi-vendor support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Configuration compliance Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment model Not checked yet Hybrid
Supported device limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Telemetry protocols Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Automates service provisioning, orchestration, and device onboarding.
  • Supports centralized, distributed, and hybrid VXLAN overlays.
  • Integrates with OpenStack, Kubernetes, VMware vCenter, and other platforms.
  • Maps network topology and keeps device inventory updated.
  • Automates provisioning, configuration, compliance, and image management.
  • Offers REST APIs, webhooks, SDKs, Terraform, and Ansible integrations.
Cons
  • Pricing is available by contacting sales rather than through published plans.
  • Requires on-premises, self-hosted deployment.
  • Centralized control and broad network capabilities may exceed simpler environments' needs.
  • Requires a Catalyst software subscription for managed Cisco devices.
  • Appliance and virtual-appliance licensing is ordered through Cisco Smart Accounts.
  • Pricing is handled through sales rather than shown as a public product price.
Our verdict

Huawei iMaster NCE-Fabric is a software-defined management and control system for data-center networks. It is aimed at mid-market and enterprise organizations, including financial-sector environments, that need centralized control across…

Read the review →

Cisco Catalyst Center centralizes management of Cisco wired and wireless infrastructure across enterprise campus and branch environments. Its scope runs from discovering devices and mapping topology to provisioning, configuration…

Read the review →
  1. Huawei iMaster NCE-FabricData Center Networking Solutions 9.2Pricing on request
  2. Cisco Catalyst CenterData Center Networking Solutions 9.0Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Huawei iMaster NCE-Fabric — where it wins

    • Automates service provisioning, orchestration, and device onboarding.
    • Supports centralized, distributed, and hybrid VXLAN overlays.
    • Integrates with OpenStack, Kubernetes, VMware vCenter, and other platforms.

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing is available by contacting sales rather than through published plans.
    • Requires on-premises, self-hosted deployment.
    • Centralized control and broad network capabilities may exceed simpler environments' needs.

  • Cisco Catalyst Center — where it wins

    • Maps network topology and keeps device inventory updated.
    • Automates provisioning, configuration, compliance, and image management.
    • Offers REST APIs, webhooks, SDKs, Terraform, and Ansible integrations.

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires a Catalyst software subscription for managed Cisco devices.
    • Appliance and virtual-appliance licensing is ordered through Cisco Smart Accounts.
    • Pricing is handled through sales rather than shown as a public product price.
  • Huawei iMaster NCE-Fabric9.2/10 · Pricing on request

    Centralized fabric control with automated provisioning, VXLAN overlays, and topology visibility.

    Contact HuaweiFull verdict →
  • Cisco Catalyst Center9.0/10 · Pricing on request

    Centralized Cisco network management with discovery, provisioning, compliance, and assurance.

    Visit CiscoFull verdict →

More comparisons

All data center networking solutions comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update