Cisco FabricPath Reviews

Name: Cisco FabricPath
Brand: Cisco
Rating: 4.1 (30 reviews)

Vendor: Cisco

4.1 out of 5

30 reviews
95% willing to recommend

846 followers

What is Cisco FabricPath?

Cisco FabricPath is a Cisco NX-OS software innovation combining the plug-and-play simplicity of Ethernet with the reliability and scalability of Layer 3 routing. Using FabricPath, you can build highly scalable Layer 2 multipath networks without the Spanning Tree Protocol. Such networks are particularly suitable for large virtualization deployments, private clouds, and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. The benefits of Cisco FabricPath include: Minimal commands per switch ease configuration and operation, Autodiscovery simplifies addition of new links and switches, Provision additional network bandwidth without impacting network, Supports one-, two-, or three-tier architectures, VLAN extensibility across the data center.

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Cisco FabricPath is the #6 ranked solution in top LAN Switching solutions. PeerSpot users give Cisco FabricPath an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. Cisco FabricPath is most commonly compared to Cisco Nexus: Cisco FabricPath vs Cisco Nexus. Cisco FabricPath is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 69% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 21% of all views.

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Featured Cisco FabricPath reviews

SanjitAchary

Program Manager at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees

This solution satisfies business requirements by offering a comprehensive assessment covering pricing, cost, and technical capability aspects. Some vendors may offer equipment at a lower cost, but Cisco distinguishes itself with superior service post-procurement and robust features. Although other vendors might claim to offer many features, these features could compromise the overall quality. Cisco is the best choice in terms of cost, quality, and post-procurement services.

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OusaidAbaz

Security Network Architect at Inmac

Cisco FabricPath is very fast, stable, extendable, and scalable. It doesn't have issues with patches or problems because it's built on the stable NXOS operating system. In a scenario using FabricPath, the spin and leaf architecture is beneficial. For example, we can use two separate spine switches like 9980s and multiple leaf switches as access switches. These leaf switches are connected using VPC between them, with each switch separated and not directly connected to the spine. This setup improves data center architecture by allowing two ways to arrange destinations, connecting the first connection to the first spine and the second to the second spine. The spines are configured as a virtual chassis. In FabricPath, we can enhance VXLANs, VPNs, and integrate with Cisco ISE for user authentication. It can also be configured with WLC to manage wireless technology, depending on the client's architecture.

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EVA COLLI

Infrastructure and Telecommunications Manager at Boxito

We are customers of Cisco and I'm the infrastructure and telecommunications manager. Cisco has created a good balance for traffic with this solution. We can select a priority package for these products and give additional bandwidth if we need it. We're not using the load balance, it's the fabric…

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Cisco FabricPath mindshare

As of May 2025, the mindshare of Cisco FabricPath in the LAN Switching category stands at 2.1%, up from 1.2% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

LAN Switching

PeerResearch reports based on Cisco FabricPath reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	LAN Switching	May 12, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	May 12, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco FabricPath vs Cisco Catalyst Switches	May 12, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco FabricPath vs Cisco Nexus	May 12, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco FabricPath vs Aruba Instant On Switches	May 12, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Cisco Nexus	4.2	8.9%	96%	105 interviews Add to research
HPE ProCurve	4.3	12.5%	97%	38 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Cisco FabricPath offers reliability, stability, and scalability with features like ease of migration between data centers, minimal errors, and strong security. Users benefit from protocol flexibility, cloud management, and robust documentation. It supports VLANs, rapid deployment, and effective network management. FabricPath integrates easily into existing infrastructures, enhances network performance, and provides excellent technical support. It simplifies network architecture and ensures high availability with features such as port reliability, routing, and modular uplinks.

"Cisco is the best choice in terms of cost, quality, and post-procurement services."
"One of the most valuable features of Cisco FabricPath is its protocol freedom, which allows me to use multiple protocols at a time, such as Spanning Tree to prevent loops in the network."
"Cisco FabricPath operates with minimal errors."

Room for Improvement

Cisco FabricPath needs improved interoperability with other IT solutions and enhanced user interfaces. Pricing is a concern, and better documentation is necessary. Security features and integration with SIEM should be enhanced. The management console requires improvements, and the integration with teleconferencing applications should be seamless. The technical support could be more responsive, especially regarding parts availability in certain regions. Deployments could benefit from clearer role definitions and enhancements in fault isolation and GUI configurations.

"In Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, and in the Latin America region, delivery times can be quite lengthy. This is challenging in terms of logistics and customs."
"The main issue I face is the cost."
"Currently, there are no issues or suggestions for improvement as everything is working smoothly."

ROI

Cisco FabricPath enhances cost efficiency and network management ROI with simple setup and integration. Users benefit from stability and reduced operational costs. By upgrading equipment every three to five years, organizations find it a worthwhile investment. Planning two-year cycles for switch replacements proves cost-effective, eliminating replacement expenses within that timeframe. Network teams appreciate the network resilience and stability provided by Cisco FabricPath. Its integration with existing infrastructures, including virtualization and backup, is smooth and seamless.

Pricing

Cisco FabricPath pricing ranges from affordable to expensive, influenced by diverse licensing models, including perpetual and subscription-based options. Costs can vary due to factors like licensing terms, user count, and market region. Feedback indicates a focus on performance and features, though some users find it challenging to justify the price amid alternative options. Variability in costs is noted, with additional payments required for future enhancements, maintenance, and support.

"The pricing of Cisco FabricPath can be quite high depending on the architecture, but it's justified by the stability it offers."
"Cisco is expensive but offers good-quality features, so I would rate it high on the pricing scale."
"I rate it seven out of ten on pricing as it's a bit expensive. It would be better if the price were lower, but we prioritize quality over cost."

Popular Use Cases

Cisco FabricPath is primarily utilized for large-scale enterprise data centers, favoring environments aiming to bypass Spanning Tree Protocol while utilizing active or multiple paths. Implemented on Nexus platforms, it enhances network infrastructure in hybrid clouds, supports LAN switching, VLAN management, and scales Layer 2 networks using routing principles. FabricPath enhances data centers' reliability, connectivity, and scalability, often deployed alongside technologies like VXLAN, MPLS, and SD-WAN, addressing advanced network traffic monitoring requirements in diverse environments.

Service and Support

Cisco's customer service and support for FabricPath receive high praise. Most users express satisfaction with the quality, noting quick and efficient problem-solving. While responses can vary depending on the engineer's experience, many find the service reliable and consistently excellent. Some users highlight challenges with staffing, and others note region-specific issues. Overall, users appreciate the availability of options like switching engineers and leveraging a local partner for assistance.

Deployment

Users find Cisco FabricPath's initial setup to range from simple to complex, depending on project size and prior experience. Many net it straightforward and aided by Cisco's documentation, requiring minimal team effort. Some emphasize the need for careful planning and highlight challenges with device configuration. While most rate setup highly, deployment duration varies significantly, from hours to months, based on infrastructural demands and the specific network environment being implemented. Cisco support often provides necessary assistance.

Scalability

Cisco FabricPath is consistently praised for scaling capabilities across various organizations, from small to large setups. It supports numerous users seamlessly, with entities expanding it easily. Many describe it as highly scalable, supporting hundreds to thousands of users, and receiving high ratings. Users appreciate its ease of expansion and ability to adapt to growing demands, proving effective for network scaling and accommodating technology changes. Feedback highlights effortless user management and integration of additional centers.

Stability

Cisco FabricPath stability is consistently praised, with users citing no significant issues, strong reliability, and smooth operation. Many rate its stability highly, often between eight and ten out of ten. Users mention good performance, resilience, and no crashes or bugs. It successfully prevents network loops and offers long uptime, even in older equipment. Users do experience challenges when integrating different services or due to improper load management, not attributed to Cisco FabricPath itself.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Cisco FabricPath Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.