Managing a large enterprise network that spans across eight states is no small feat—especially when that network must remain secure and isolated due to operational or regulatory constraints. Recently, I had the opportunity to implement a virtual instance of Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center) within an air-gapped environment.
This experience provided valuable insight into how this platform can streamline operations, improve visibility, and modernize network management—even when isolated from external connectivity.
To add even more value, I also configured Catalyst Center to track health and performance telemetry for Palo Alto firewalls and Cisco Nexus switches—extending visibility across the security and data center layers of the enterprise infrastructure.
Why Cisco Catalyst Center?
Cisco Catalyst Center offers centralized automation, assurance, and analytics for enterprise networks. Its powerful AI-driven insights, policy-based segmentation, and deep integration with Cisco hardware made it a go-to solution for my large environment where visibility and efficiency were critical.
In an air-gapped environment—one without direct internet access—deploying such a system brings both unique challenges and advantages.
Benefits of Implementing Catalyst Center in an Air-Gapped Network
1. Centralized Control & Simplified Operations
Catalyst Center provided a single pane of glass to monitor and manage all network devices across our 8-state footprint. Configuration consistency, software compliance checks, and real-time troubleshooting were significantly improved.
Additionally, by integrating Palo Alto firewall logging into the Catalyst Center dashboard, I was able to extend monitoring to our security perimeter—enabling early detection of abnormal behavior and rule violations.
2. Automated Configuration and Assurance
The automation capabilities made routine tasks—like updating configurations or pushing compliance templates—much faster and more accurate. It reduced human error and improved change control.
3. AI-Driven Insights Without Cloud Dependence
Even without internet access, Catalyst Center generated actionable insights by analyzing internal telemetry data. This helped proactively detect anomalies, address performance issues, and plan for growth.
Using SNMP and Syslog integration, we included Cisco Nexus switches into our monitoring scope—providing visibility into our data center fabric operations and top-of-rack infrastructure from the same console.
4. Enhanced Security Posture
Operating in an air-gapped environment inherently reduces external attack vectors. Catalyst Center complemented this by enabling macro- and micro-segmentation policies, limiting lateral movement within the network.
Challenges We Encountered
1. Initial Installation and Licensing
Standing up the virtual Catalyst Center required careful planning around offline licensing, image provisioning, and software updates. Cisco does support air-gapped installs, but the process is more manual and time-consuming compared to cloud-connected deployments. It required us opening a case with cisco and working with the Cisco TAC Representative to complete and series of tasks to register our instance of cisco Catalyst Center as an Air Gapped deployment.
2. Telemetry and Update Limitations
While most functionality remained intact, certain advanced telemetry and machine learning features (such as cloud-based threat intelligence) were unavailable. We addressed this by integrating internal tools and local SIEM platforms to supplement the missing feeds.
3. Resource Requirements
The virtual instance is resource-intensive. I had to work with members of my Virtualization team to ensure proper compute, storage, and network bandwidth within the data center was critical to achieving expected performance—especially with Nexus backbone traffic and Palo Alto session metrics involved.
Final Thoughts
Despite the hurdles, the deployment of Cisco Catalyst Center in this air-gapped environment was a resounding success. It has revolutionized how we operate and maintain our distributed enterprise network—while enabling deeper insight into firewalls and data center infrastructure. Most importantly, it keeps cybersecurity and compliance at the forefront.
Ready to Upgrade Your Enterprise Network?
At Vinson Technical Solutions, we specialize in advanced enterprise networking solutions—including Cisco Catalyst Center deployments in both connected and air-gapped environments.
If you’re looking to modernize your infrastructure and take advantage of the operational efficiency and centralized intelligence that Catalyst Center can offer—we’re here to help.
📞 Call us at (410) 231-3330
🌐 Visit www.vinsontechnical.com
📅 Or schedule a consultation
Let’s transform your network—securely, smartly, and strategically.
