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.
"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."
"The most valuable feature is the Linux shell, which is useful for troubleshooting or capturing traffic."
"They support open standard features."
"The solution is scalable."
"The solution is very stable."
"The best part is the single operating system that they have. Regardless of your model, it's the same operating system functioning across the board, which means you don't have to worry about backward compatibilities between your older switches and the new ones that you deploy."
"Arista Networks Platform is comfortable, easy to deploy, and easy to manage, with non-blocking technology. Additionally, it has a useful CloudVision platform and automation capabilities."
"I like the spine as a leaf model and low latency. The hardware is robust and meets expected latency in all environments, mainly if you belong to the media or trading industry. For multicast-based solutions, Arista is number one."
"Catalyst switches are easy to use and simple to work with."
"The configuration and command set are user-friendly."
"Cisco Catalyst Switches are the best overall."
"The best feature is the technical support."
"I like the management of streaming both audio and video."
"The most valuable feature of this solution is managed switching."
"These switches are stable."
"The Cisco software ties all the hardware together better than the competition."
"The stability of this solution needs to be improved as part of the next upgrade."
"They should have a more stable code."
"Its price can be better."
"They need to enhance their code and their EOS. They need to improve some security features, and there are quite a number of bugs in their system. So, they need to work on that piece. In the next release, we need to have a modular feature. Instead of providing an integrated solution, they should go for something modular. They need to come up with modular highly scalable models. Even at the chassis layer, I want to see some improvement."
"The product fails to offer functions related to cloud orchestration, making it in areas where improvements are required."
"A smoother transition between ISPs during failover would improve the user experience by reducing unnecessary notifications and interruptions."
"My company does face issues in terms of interoperability when it comes to the product, making it an area that needs to be fixed."
"The solution needs to improve their product range."
"The product could always be more secure."
"Cisco is a bit complex."
"The price can definitely be lower."
"The user interface needs improvement. Meraki has a much nicer UI. Cisco could learn a lot by looking at them. It might make them a bit more user friendly."
"All other modules have comparatively many more functions or power than regular Catalyst switches."
"The general price of the solution could be cheaper."
"We need to rely on other devices to provide management features."
"The only improvement I would like to see with Cisco Catalyst Switches is the pricing."
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.