Cisco Meraki vs NordLayer

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Our analysts compared Cisco Meraki vs NordLayer based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Network Security Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Cisco Meraki Software Tool

Product Basics

Cisco Meraki offers a comprehensive cloud-based platform for managing network security, wireless, switching, and mobile device management. It is particularly well-suited for businesses and organizations in industries such as education, retail, healthcare, and hospitality, where robust and scalable network solutions are essential. The platform's unique benefits include centralized management, real-time visibility, and simplified deployment, which streamline IT operations and enhance security.

Popular features of Cisco Meraki include advanced security analytics, automated network provisioning, and seamless integration with other IT systems. Users appreciate the intuitive dashboard, which provides a holistic view of network performance and security status. Compared to similar products, Cisco Meraki is often praised for its ease of use and reliability, making it a preferred choice for IT administrators seeking efficient network management solutions.

Pricing for Cisco Meraki varies based on the specific products and services required, typically involving a combination of hardware costs and subscription fees. For precise pricing tailored to individual needs, it is recommended to contact SelectHub for a detailed quote.

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NordLayer, a robust software solution from Nord Security, specializes in managing tasks such as Business VPN. It is particularly well-suited for organizations seeking to enhance their network security and ensure secure remote access for their employees. Industries like finance, healthcare, and technology, which handle sensitive data, find NordLayer especially beneficial. NordLayer offers unique benefits, including seamless integration with existing infrastructure, high scalability, and advanced security features like AES-256 encryption and two-factor authentication. Its powerful features include centralized control, user management, and activity monitoring, which provide comprehensive oversight and security. Compared to similar products, NordLayer is praised for its user-friendly interface and reliable performance. Pricing details can vary based on specific needs, so it's recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Overall, NordLayer stands out for its combination of security, ease of use, and adaptability to various business environments.
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Product Insights

  • Centralized Management: Manage all network devices from a single, intuitive dashboard, reducing the need for multiple management tools.
  • Scalability: Easily scale your network infrastructure as your organization grows without significant additional investments in hardware or software.
  • Enhanced Security: Benefit from built-in security features like intrusion detection, malware protection, and automatic firmware updates to keep your network secure.
  • Reduced Downtime: Proactive monitoring and automated alerts help identify and resolve issues before they impact network performance.
  • Cost Efficiency: Lower operational costs through simplified management and reduced need for on-site IT staff.
  • Remote Troubleshooting: Diagnose and fix network issues remotely, minimizing the need for physical presence and speeding up resolution times.
  • Real-Time Analytics: Access detailed analytics and reporting to make informed decisions about network performance and capacity planning.
  • Seamless Integration: Integrate easily with existing IT infrastructure and third-party applications, enhancing overall system functionality.
  • Automated Updates: Ensure your network devices are always up-to-date with the latest security patches and features through automatic firmware updates.
  • Improved User Experience: Provide a better user experience with optimized network performance and reliable connectivity.
  • Compliance Support: Simplify compliance with industry standards and regulations through built-in security and reporting features.
  • Energy Efficiency: Reduce energy consumption with power-efficient devices and intelligent power management features.
  • Customizable Policies: Implement and enforce custom network policies to meet specific organizational needs and security requirements.
  • Guest Access Management: Easily manage guest access to your network with customizable splash pages and access controls.
  • Mobile Device Management: Secure and manage mobile devices accessing your network, ensuring data protection and compliance.
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  • Enhanced Security: NordLayer provides robust encryption to protect sensitive business data from cyber threats, ensuring secure communication channels.
  • Scalable Solutions: Easily adjust the number of users and resources as your business grows, without the need for complex infrastructure changes.
  • Remote Access: Employees can securely access company resources from anywhere, facilitating remote work and improving productivity.
  • Compliance Support: Helps businesses meet regulatory requirements such as GDPR and HIPAA by providing secure data handling and storage solutions.
  • Centralized Management: Simplifies the administration of network security with a single dashboard to manage user access, permissions, and settings.
  • Cost Efficiency: Reduces the need for expensive hardware and maintenance, offering a cost-effective solution for secure business operations.
  • Improved Performance: Optimizes network traffic and reduces latency, ensuring faster and more reliable connections for business applications.
  • Customizable Access Controls: Allows businesses to set specific access permissions for different users and groups, enhancing security and operational efficiency.
  • Seamless Integration: Easily integrates with existing business tools and platforms, minimizing disruption and maximizing utility.
  • 24/7 Support: Provides round-the-clock customer support to address any issues promptly, ensuring minimal downtime and continuous operation.
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  • Cloud-Based Management: Centralized control and visibility of the entire network through a web-based dashboard.
  • Layer 7 Application Visibility: Detailed insights into application usage, allowing for more granular traffic management and policy enforcement.
  • Auto VPN: Simplified VPN setup that automates site-to-site VPN configuration, reducing the complexity of secure connectivity.
  • Zero-Touch Provisioning: Devices can be pre-configured before they are shipped, enabling quick and easy deployment without on-site IT intervention.
  • Integrated Security Features: Built-in firewall, intrusion detection and prevention, and advanced malware protection to safeguard the network.
  • High Availability: Redundant hardware and seamless failover capabilities ensure continuous network uptime.
  • Scalable Architecture: Easily expand the network by adding new devices without significant reconfiguration or downtime.
  • Traffic Shaping: Prioritize critical applications and manage bandwidth usage to optimize network performance.
  • Location Analytics: Utilize Wi-Fi and Bluetooth data to gain insights into user behavior and foot traffic patterns.
  • Automatic Firmware Updates: Regular updates are pushed automatically to ensure devices are always running the latest security patches and features.
  • Role-Based Administration: Granular access controls allow different levels of administrative privileges, enhancing security and management efficiency.
  • API Integration: Extensive APIs enable integration with third-party applications and custom solutions for enhanced functionality.
  • Client VPN: Secure remote access for users, allowing them to connect to the network from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Network Topology: Visual representation of the network layout, making it easier to identify and troubleshoot issues.
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM): Manage and secure mobile devices, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
  • Content Filtering: Block inappropriate or harmful content based on customizable policies, enhancing network security and productivity.
  • SSID Tagging: Create multiple SSIDs with different policies and settings to segment and manage network access effectively.
  • Real-Time Diagnostics: Tools for live troubleshooting and performance monitoring, helping to quickly resolve network issues.
  • Customizable Alerts: Set up notifications for various network events, ensuring prompt response to potential issues.
  • Guest Access: Secure and easy-to-manage guest Wi-Fi with customizable splash pages and access controls.
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  • Centralized Control Panel: Manage user access, permissions, and network settings from a single, intuitive dashboard.
  • Dedicated IP Addresses: Obtain static IP addresses for secure and consistent access to company resources.
  • Site-to-Site VPN: Connect multiple office locations securely, ensuring seamless data flow between branches.
  • Network Segmentation: Create isolated network segments to enhance security and control over sensitive data.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO): Integrate with existing SSO providers like Okta and Azure AD for streamlined user authentication.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification for user access.
  • Custom DNS: Configure DNS settings to ensure secure and efficient domain name resolution.
  • Automatic Kill Switch: Prevent data leaks by automatically disconnecting devices from the internet if the VPN connection drops.
  • 24/7 Customer Support: Access round-the-clock assistance from knowledgeable support staff via chat, email, or phone.
  • Compliance Management: Ensure adherence to industry standards and regulations with built-in compliance tools.
  • Activity Monitoring: Track and log user activity to maintain oversight and detect potential security threats.
  • Global Server Network: Connect to a vast array of servers worldwide to optimize speed and performance.
  • Customizable Security Policies: Define and enforce security policies tailored to your organization's needs.
  • Easy Deployment: Quickly set up and deploy the VPN across various devices and platforms with minimal effort.
  • Scalability: Easily scale the service to accommodate growing business needs without compromising performance.
  • Integration with Existing Infrastructure: Seamlessly integrate NordLayer with your current IT infrastructure and tools.
  • Data Encryption: Protect sensitive information with robust encryption protocols, ensuring data privacy and security.
  • Remote Access: Enable secure remote access for employees working from home or on the go.
  • Threat Protection: Safeguard your network from malware, phishing, and other cyber threats with advanced security features.
  • Bandwidth Management: Optimize network performance by managing and allocating bandwidth effectively.
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Product Ranking

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Firewall
Platform Security
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Network Monitoring
Integrations
Cloud Security
Firewall
Integrations
Network Monitoring
Platform Security

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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NordLayer
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Cloud Security Firewall Network Detection And Response Network Monitoring Virtual Private Network (VPN) Vulnerability Management Web Security 57 100 92 96 100 90 84 100 100 99 100 100 100 100 0 25 50 75 100
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Awards

No awards.

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated NordLayer and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Network Security Software available today and earns best-in-class honors for Network Monitoring and Vulnerability Management.

Analysts' Pick Award
Network Monitoring Award
Vulnerability Management Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Streamlined Security Management: The intuitive, cloud-based interface simplifies network security tasks, making it easy for administrators to manage security policies and respond to threats efficiently.
Comprehensive Threat Protection: Features like IDS/IPS, antivirus, anti-phishing, and geo-based firewalls provide robust protection against a wide range of cyberthreats.
Simplified Network Visibility: The centralized dashboard offers a clear view of network activity, allowing administrators to quickly identify and address potential security issues.
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Robust Security: NordLayer safeguards sensitive data through AES-256 encryption and multi-factor authentication, ensuring only authorized users access the network.
Streamlined Deployment: Integration with platforms like Okta and Azure AD allows for easy user provisioning and network segmentation, simplifying IT administration.
Strong Performance: With fast connection speeds averaging 382 Mbps, NordLayer enables employees to work efficiently, even with bandwidth-heavy applications.
Enhanced Threat Protection: Features like ThreatBlock proactively identify and block malicious domains, while Device Posture Security enforces device compliance for an extra layer of protection.
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Cost: Licensing fees can be a significant financial hurdle, especially for smaller businesses or those with limited budgets.
Internet Dependency: Management functions rely entirely on internet connectivity. An outage can disrupt access to the management interface, potentially impacting network security operations.
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Limited Geo-Flexibility: NordLayer is not operational in China and lacks IPv6 support, potentially hindering businesses with operations or employees in those locations.
Tiered Pricing Model: Some advanced features are exclusive to higher-priced plans, potentially impacting affordability for smaller businesses or teams with limited budgets.
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Is Cisco Meraki the network security key to unlocking peak IT performance? Users praise Cisco Meraki for its intuitive design and ease of use, particularly highlighting its cloud-based management and user-friendly graphical interface. These features simplify network administration, making it a breeze to manage WiFi, switches, and firewalls from any location. The platform's intuitive troubleshooting tools and support for multiple connection types further enhance its appeal. Users also appreciate the adaptive traffic management, which optimizes network performance by dynamically adjusting to changing conditions. However, the biggest drawback consistently reported by users is the high cost of licensing, which can be prohibitive, especially for smaller organizations. Another concern is its reliance on a stable internet connection, as losing internet access disrupts management capabilities. Some users also point out that the platform's simplicity comes at the expense of advanced features, leaving them wanting more customization and control. Overall, Cisco Meraki emerges as a robust and user-friendly network security solution best suited for organizations that prioritize simplicity and efficiency over granular control. Its intuitive interface and cloud-based management make it particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses with limited IT resources, provided they can accommodate the higher licensing costs.

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Is NordLayer really the north star of business VPNs, or does it get lost in the clouds? User reviews from the last year paint a largely positive picture of NordLayer, highlighting its robust security features and user-friendliness as key strengths. Users particularly appreciate the advanced security features like AES-256 encryption and multi-factor authentication, which provide peace of mind in today's threat landscape. The software's intuitive interface and seamless integration with platforms like Okta and Azure AD make it easy for both administrators and employees to use, a significant advantage over more complex solutions. However, some weaknesses have been noted. The lack of IPv6 support is a notable drawback for businesses utilizing this protocol. Additionally, certain advanced features are locked behind higher-tier plans, potentially pricing out smaller businesses. Despite these limitations, NordLayer's strengths in security, usability, and scalability make it a compelling choice for businesses, particularly those with hybrid environments or BYOD policies. Its ability to effectively manage remote employee access and secure site-to-site connections, coupled with its cloud-based infrastructure, positions it as a valuable tool for modern businesses seeking to enhance their network security without overwhelming their IT teams.

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