Arista Extensible Operating System (EOS) is a network operating system.
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Cisco IOS XR7
Score 8.9 out of 10
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Cisco IOS XR7 is a network operating system which the vendor states delivers greater modularity, a simplified networking stack, and cloud-enhanced automation for improved network programmability.
It is well suited in environments that have a low change rate. Once configured, the Arista Extensible Operating System (EOS) is rock solid but changes can be a little cumbersome. The good news is that the learning curve of the Arista Extensible Operating System (EOS) commands is relative short. Many of the commands are similar to other vendors and so expertise in one command set should easily translate to Arista Extensible Operating System (EOS). Our network admins had no problem making the adjustment.
Before we moved to Cisco IOS XR7, we did not have the opportunity to automate the network configuration. Recently with new rollouts we have used the network orchestration modules within the new IOS to enhance zero-touch config, even though there can be additional features. We have saved a lot of repetitive work with this product.
Manage - Arista Extensible Operating System (EOS) is comprehensive enough that all of the commands are present to manage the device and take advantage of all of the unique features.
Scale - A single command set across multiple pieces of hardware allow us to script changes and deploy hardware easily.
Update - Arista Extensible Operating System (EOS) updates happen seamlessly and often don't require rebooting the underlying hardware thanks to it's module-by-module approach.
There are "assumptions" for lack of a better word that are baked into the Arista Extensible Operating System (EOS). While many would be considered best practice, there are others that require a great deal of workarounds for specific environments.
Some details about hardware state are hard to get inside the command structure. There aren't summarized views for many of the more routine queries.
Logging - It is difficult to output logging to a SIEM collector and also let logs remain on the device.
Many of the commands mimic or are identical to vendor commands. This makes the software incredibly easy to learn and use. My one complaint is that sometimes the details and summaries don't include a lot of details so it takes multiple commands to get all the information. Detailed output doesn't always include data included in the summary. This is relatively minor and may just be a personal preference
Cisco IOS is probably a universal standard and one that people usually use in basic network classes. Arista Extensible Operating System (EOS) is so similar to Cisco IOS that the commands to do basic configuration are nearly identical. Arista Extensible Operating System (EOS) includes a lot more detail on reporting but you do have to dig for it. Arista Extensible Operating System (EOS) also allows for much more granular configuration.
Cisco's routers running Cisco IOS XR7 are rock solid, have years of proven performance, and the maintainers base for its CLI-based interface for set up and maintenance. Even though it is pretty high on initial purchase costs, this year of rock-solid performance is what a few of our customers very much needed and this is the very reason a few of our customers, and we did suggest Cisco IOS XR7 running routers for them.
No Training Budget Needed - Command set is similar to other vendors and it required no specialized training.
Reduced Downtime - Many Arista Extensible Operating System (EOS) updates can happen without rebooting the underlying hardware meaning that downtime is reduced. This makes EVERYONE happy.
Few Bugs - There are very few bugs in the Arista Extensible Operating System (EOS) production code thanks to great Q/A work by Arista.
