Likelihood to Recommend Core and data center applications are the strengths of Arista products. The distribution layer is also a good fit. For the access layer, it would be more of a niche product.
Read full review Cisco Routers are well suited when it comes to create a meshed VPN infrastructure with all your branch offices worldwide. You can easily configure the Cisco Routers with static VPN, DMVPN or SD-WAN, which is great. You can also use a Cisco Routers as a CUBE to establish a direct routing (voice) for MS Teams.
Read full review Pros The 7304's along side our core network design has provided 100% uptime during the 5 years of deployment. The multi-chassis LAG has provided near 100% connectivity to the distribution and access switches. Very low maintenance attention is needed. Read full review Helps to separate routing information for different networks for different customers. Helps peers with service providers and Customer Networks and starts the exchange of information between them. Helps facilitate internet connectivity for enterprise networks. Helps transferring Internet or Private Data from one place to another. Read full review Cons The 7304's lack a graceful non-intrusive upgrade method even though they are dual supervisor. I would like to see more integration with Aruba's ClearPass and Airwave products. Read full review Software-defined radios could be used so that both the radios could be converted into 5 GHz model to provide enhanced connectivity in network congestion scenarios. Support for low power IoT devices. Should provide more details about devices connected to the access points such as the risk score of the devices. Enhanced encryption algorithms and quick firmware upgrades. Read full review Likelihood to Renew We are extremely likely to renew, as we have been very happy with our Cisco Routers for over 10 years. Their uptime as well as stable nature makes them ideal for us, as we are an industry that cannot afford downtime. We trust our partner to recommend our next model Cisco, when the time comes.
Read full review Alternatives Considered I have used the Catalyst 6500 series in the past. From my point of view, the Arista surpasses the Catalyst on just about every front. Originally we were planning on implementing the Nexus 7000/7700 series switches for our core. Though a little more feature rich, it did not provide features we needed that the Arista did. The Nexus also was a confusing and complex platform to work with. Also, the Nexus was a significantly more expensive solution. Although very happy with the Arista switches we may evaluate the Aruba HPE 8400 chassis-based switches along with Arista switches in the future.
Read full review The main reason to go with Cisco Routers is reliability. Other than that most engineers are certified to operate these routers. Other reasons are good technical support, quality community and familiarity/experience within the industry of networking. It is by default product to go with in many situations.
Read full review Return on Investment The Arista 7000 series met or exceed our data center switching and routing needs. It provided a more cost effective alternative to other products we were considering. Implementation was quick and easy due to the simple standards-based configuration. Read full review Experience tells us that using Cisco products is always positive since the quality/price is very well distributed. They reduce energy costs and the consumption of resources, optimizing efficiency to the maximum The equipment is prepared so that all kinds of people can use them. They have higher levels of access and service. Its functionality is one of the best on the market, its unmatched response. Cisco routers provide fast access and hassle-free connectivity and are renowned for their performance. TAC's service is by far the best accessible configuration manuals Read full review ScreenShots