We performed a comparison between Arista Networks Platform and Cisco Catalyst Switches based on our users’ reviews in five categories. After reading all of the collected data, you can find our conclusion below.
Comparison Results: Arista comes out on top in this comparison. According to reviews, it is easier to set up and has better support than Cisco.
"The solution is very stable."
"The most valuable aspect of Arista Networks products is their ease of configuration, especially when compared to Cisco products. When we implement advanced features for data centers such as BGP EVPN and VXLAN, Arista's configuration process is similar to that of Cisco's process, but at the same time it is simply much easier, clearer, and more understandable."
"The product's initial setup phase was straightforward."
"Arista Networks Platform has a feature that helps with monitoring and management."
"It is very stable. It has good hardware and very stable code. It provides good value for its price. They are a very lean type of organization, so they are very responsive, and they're able to focus more on their platform versus having multiple products out there."
"Stability-wise, I rate the solution a ten out of ten."
"We find the CloudVision switching feature of this solution really useful."
"It provides telemetry and visibility for many metrics that are not supported by most of the other vendors. Out of the box, no third party solutions are needed."
"It helps keep our network connections in a healthy state."
"The solution is reliable."
"Configuring the solution is very easy. It's quite a straightforward process, and it's not difficult at all."
"Cisco Catalyst Switches are highly reliable and stable."
"The product is reliable."
"These are a proven technology and I haven't had any problem with them."
"Scalable product."
"In terms of technology, Cisco is the leader in everything. I'd rather buy a second-hand Cisco switch than a brand new switch from a competitor. They're that reliable and resilient."
"The solution’s pricing could be better."
"The stability of this solution needs to be improved as part of the next upgrade."
"An area for improvement in Arista Networks Platform is its integration, e.g. it needs to have more integration with its new products. Incorporating more security and cloud is also another area for improvement in the platform."
"The solution is quite expensive. One of the negative aspects of it is the pricing."
"The community is good but is not good enough. It still needs to grow more."
"Arista Networks Platform should focus on improving the compatibility or integration with Cisco solutions."
"The intent-based networking management, together with the provider of these solutions that are already free, would be beneficial."
"A smoother transition between ISPs during failover would improve the user experience by reducing unnecessary notifications and interruptions."
"The product could be more user-friendly."
"When you compare it with HPE and Aruba, it should be fancier."
"There are multiple operating systems across Cisco's portfolio, which is problematic."
"Cisco applies restrictions in relation to renewals on a yearly basis. Many other brands don't have restrictions. If Cisco lifted them, they wouldn't lose so many clients to competitors."
"We need to rely on other devices to provide management features."
"An area for improvement would be the documentation and training on configuring this product."
"Catalyst Switches could be more secure."
"Cisco is a bit complex."
Arista Networks Platform is ranked 2nd in Data Center Networking with 21 reviews while Cisco Catalyst Switches is ranked 1st in Data Center Networking with 171 reviews. Arista Networks Platform is rated 8.6, while Cisco Catalyst Switches is rated 8.6. The top reviewer of Arista Networks Platform writes "Affordable for enterprise-sized companies". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Cisco Catalyst Switches writes "Reliable and stable catalyst switch; can be easily installed". Arista Networks Platform is most compared with Cisco Nexus, Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches, Aruba Switches, Cisco Ethernet Switches and Meraki MS Switches, whereas Cisco Catalyst Switches is most compared with Dell PowerConnect Switches, Cisco Nexus, HPE ProCurve, ExtremeSwitching and Aruba Instant On Switches. See our Arista Networks Platform vs. Cisco Catalyst Switches report.
See our list of best Data Center Networking vendors.
We monitor all Data Center Networking reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.
