Arista Networks vs Fortinet: A Comprehensive Comparison

In the fast-changing world of network security and data center solutions, two firms consistently rise to the top: Arista Networks and Fortinet. As organizations place ever more emphasis on rock-solid cybersecurity and high-performance networking, the option to choose between these two powerhouses can affect a company's digital backbone in a significant way. In this article, we closely examine Arista Networks and Fortinet. We inspect their ins and outs and see if one is better than the other for one reason or another regarding network security and infrastructure.

Company Overviews

Arista Networks

Founded in 2004, Arista Networks has rapidly emerged as a leading force in the networking industry. While it is a relative newcomer, Arista has asserted itself in a big way, staking out critical positions in the high-performance, scalable networking solutions market. In this market, Arista competes directly with such well-known incumbents as Cisco. Arista excels in cloud computing and enterprise environments and disrupts the new wave of software-defined networking.

Fortinet

Founded in 2000, Fortinet has earned a solid reputation as a provider of complete cybersecurity solutions. Fortinet's prestigious lineup of security products and services includes its hallmark FortiGate next-generation firewall (NGFW). Its underlying philosophy sets Fortinet apart: to create an integrated security fabric that can cover the entire network infrastructure, from endpoints to the cloud.

Highlighted Reviews

FAVORABLE REVIEW

Reliable Hardware and Excellent TAC Support: Quick and Easy Changes

Arista Networks has garnered praise for its robust hardware and exceptional Technical Assistance support. Users consistently highlight the platform's reliability and the ease with which they can implement changes. One reviewer noted, "Arista's hardware has been rock-solid in our high-traffic environment, and their TAC team is always quick to respond and knowledgeable about resolving issues. Making network changes is surprisingly straightforward, which has significantly reduced our maintenance windows."

CRITICAL REVIEW

Service - Good for Basic Enterprise Network

While Arista excels in many areas, some users find its offerings more suited to primary enterprise network needs. A critical review stated, "Arista's solutions work well for our standard networking requirements, but we've found limitations when trying to implement more advanced security features or integrate with some of our specialized applications. We've had to look at supplementary solutions for complex, multi-layered security architectures."

FAVORABLE REVIEW

FortiSwitch Provides Unmatched Configuration Ease and Regular Updates

Fortinet's FortiSwitch has received high praise from users for its ease of configuration and consistent update cycle. One satisfied customer reported, "The FortiSwitch integration with our FortiGate firewall has been a game-changer. The configuration process is intuitive, and Fortinet's regular updates ensure we're always protected against the latest threats. The seamless management through FortiOS has significantly reduced our administrative overhead."

CRITICAL REVIEW

Understanding Product Affection and Aversions among Consumers

A more critical perspective on Fortinet highlighted some areas for improvement: "While Fortinet's security features are comprehensive, the learning curve for fully utilizing the FortiOS can be steep. We've also encountered challenges with complex multi-vendor integrations, which required more effort than anticipated. The licensing model can be confusing for newcomers to the Fortinet ecosystem."

Ratings Breakdown

Overall Capability Score

Arista and Fortinet boast high overall capability scores, reflecting their competence in delivering comprehensive network security solutions. Arista typically scores higher in pure networking performance and scalability, while Fortinet edges ahead in security-specific capabilities.

Evaluation & Contracting

Users report positive experiences with both companies during the evaluation and contracting phases, citing clear communication and flexibility. Arista is often praised for its straightforward licensing model, while Fortinet receives high marks for its customizable security bundles.

Integration & Deployment

Arista's CloudVision platform and Fortinet's FortiGate NGFW receive high marks for ease of integration and deployment, with users praising their intuitive interfaces and robust documentation.

Arista's strength lies in its API-first approach, making it highly adaptable to various network environments. One user noted, "Integrating Arista switches into our existing infrastructure was surprisingly smooth. The extensive API documentation allowed our team to automate many aspects of the deployment process."

Fortinet's integrated security fabric is a significant advantage for those seeking a comprehensive security solution. A system administrator commented, "Deploying FortiGate firewalls alongside other Fortinet products created a seamless security environment. The centralized management through FortiManager made configuration and policy enforcement across our distributed network much more manageable."

Service & Support

While both companies offer strong support, Fortinet's technical support team is often highlighted for its responsiveness and expertise, particularly in complex cybersecurity scenarios.

An IT director shared, "Fortinet's support team has been invaluable in helping us navigate complex security implementations. Their expertise in cybersecurity trends and threat landscapes has helped us avoid potential vulnerabilities."

While generally well-regarded, Arista sometimes receives feedback indicating room for improvement in supporting more specialized use cases. A network engineer noted, "Arista's support is generally good, but we've occasionally had to escalate issues when dealing with our more unique network configurations."

Likes and Dislikes

What Users Like About Arista Networks

• High-performance networking solutions capable of handling massive data flows
• Excellent scalability for growing enterprises, particularly in data center environments
• Advanced automation capabilities through EOS (Extensible Operating System)
• Robust API for customization and integration with third-party tools
• Lower power consumption compared to some competitors, leading to better energy efficiency
• Strong support for open standards, facilitating interoperability

What Users Do Not Like About Arista Networks

• The learning curve for some advanced features, particularly for teams transitioning from traditional networking vendors
• Limited options for smaller businesses, as Arista's solutions are often geared toward larger enterprises
• Less comprehensive security features compared to security-focused vendors like Fortinet
• Smaller market share can sometimes lead to challenges in finding experienced personnel

What Users Like About Fortinet

• Comprehensive security features, including firewall, VPN, and intrusion prevention systems
• FortiSwitch provides easy configuration and regular updates, enhancing the network security posture
• Strong performance in next-generation firewall (NGFW) capabilities, consistently ranking high in industry evaluations
• Integrated security fabric for cohesive protection across various network segments
• Excellent threat intelligence and rapid response to emerging security threats
• Cost-effective solutions, especially when considering the range of included security services

What Users Do Not Like About Fortinet

• Some users find the licensing model complex, especially when dealing with multiple products and services
• Occasional challenges with complex multi-vendor integrations requiring additional configuration effort
• The user interface, while improved, can still be overwhelming for newcomers due to the breadth of features
• Performance can be impacted when multiple security services are enabled simultaneously on lower-end models

Categories

Shared Markets

Both Arista Networks and Fortinet compete in the following:

• Enterprise networking: Providing solutions for large-scale corporate networks
• Data center infrastructure: Offering high-performance switches and security appliances
• Network security solutions: Addressing the growing need for robust cybersecurity measures
• Cloud and hybrid environments: Supporting the transition to cloud-based and hybrid network architectures

Unique Markets

Arista Networks:

• High-frequency trading environments: Leveraging ultra-low latency networking capabilities
• Large-scale cloud service providers: Offering solutions designed for hyperscale data centers
• Software-defined networking (SDN): Providing programmable network infrastructures for advanced use cases

Fortinet:

• Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) security solutions: Offering scaled-down versions of enterprise-grade security
• Managed security service providers (MSSPs): Providing tools and platforms for delivering managed security services
• Operational Technology (OT) security: Addressing the unique security needs of industrial control systems and SCADA networks

FortiGate vs Arista NG Firewall

When comparing Fortinet's FortiGate NGFW with Arista's next-generation firewall offerings, several key points emerge:

1. Security Features: FortiGate's comprehensive security service makes it widely known for its threats and protections. In particular, FortiGate provides advanced threat protection at an almost unprecedented level in the world of firewalls. With the FortiGuard Labs backend always working, you are guaranteed vigilantly up-to-date protection.
2. Performance: Both offer high-performance solutions, but Arista's roots in data center switching often give it an edge in pure throughput scenarios. Arista's firewalls are designed to handle extremely high traffic volumes with minimal latency, making them suitable for critical network performance environments.
3. Integration: FortiGate integrates seamlessly with other Fortinet products, creating a unified security fabric. This integration extends to threat intelligence sharing, centralized management, and coordinated security incident response. Arista's firewalls are designed to work harmoniously within their network ecosystem, focusing on network visibility and control.
4. Use Cases: FortiGate is frequently chosen for its strong security focus, particularly in environments requiring deep packet inspection and advanced threat prevention. It's well-suited for organizations that prioritize a security-first approach. Arista's solutions are often preferred in high-speed, low-latency environments where network performance is paramount, such as financial services or high-performance computing.
5. Scalability: Both platforms offer excellent scalability, but Arista's background in large-scale networking often gives it an advantage in massive data center deployments. Arista's approach to network segmentation and micro-segmentation is particularly well-regarded in large, complex network environments.
6. Management and Automation: Fortinet offers FortiManager for centralized management of multiple FortiGate devices, simplifying policy deployment and configuration across large networks. Arista leverages its CloudVision platform for network-wide management and automation, including firewall management, as part of a broader network orchestration strategy.
7. Cost Considerations: When evaluating the total cost of ownership (TCO), organizations need to consider not just the initial hardware costs but also ongoing licensing, support, and operational expenses. Fortinet often provides a competitive TCO for organizations prioritizing security features, while Arista may offer advantages for those focusing on high-performance networking with security as a component.

Conclusion

Choosing between Arista Networks and Fortinet depends on your specific use case, existing infrastructure, and security requirements. Both companies offer robust solutions in their respective focus areas, and the right choice will align with your organization's priorities and technical needs.

Arista Networks shines in high-performance networking scenarios and offers robust APIs for automation and customization. Its solutions are particularly well-suited for organizations that:

• Require extremely high network throughput and low latency
• Have large-scale data center or cloud infrastructure
• Prioritize network programmability and automation.
• Need flexible networking solutions that can adapt to evolving technologies

With its FortiGate NGFW and comprehensive security fabric, Fortinet provides a more security-centric approach with strong integration across its product line. It's an excellent choice for organizations that:

• Place a premium on comprehensive, integrated security solutions
• Require advanced threat protection and real-time threat intelligence
• Need a unified management platform for various security products
• Want a balance of performance and security features in a single solution

As the networking and security landscapes evolve, Arista and Fortinet are likely to adapt and expand their offerings. Arista may continue to enhance its security capabilities, while Fortinet could further improve its high-performance networking features.

For organizations prioritizing network performance and scalability with a need for security features, Arista might be the preferred choice. Those seeking a comprehensive, security-first approach with strong NGFW capabilities and integrated threat protection may find Fortinet more suitable.

As always, it's recommended to evaluate both solutions, considering factors such as thoroughly

• Total cost of ownership
• Compatibility with existing systems
• Long-term scalability
• Security requirements
• Performance needs
• Available in-house expertise

By carefully assessing these factors against your organization's specific needs and future growth plans, you can decide to provide a robust, secure, and efficient network infrastructure for years to come.

Fortinet vs Arista Q&A

Why is Arista better than Cisco?

Arista is frequently touted as superior to Cisco in software-driven, cloud-networking performance. Their EOS (Extensible Operating System) offers greater flexibility and programmability—a commendable feat, given that cloud networking performance already seems a solved problem. This makes Arista's EOS a more compelling choice for a large-scale cloud or data center, notwithstanding Cisco's commanding presence in the overall network.

Where does Fortinet rank?

Fortinet consistently ranks among the top cybersecurity companies globally. As of 2024, Fortinet is often placed in the top 5 vendors for network security appliances and is a leader in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Network Firewalls.

Can Arista AP C360 replace Fortinet Wireless?

The Arista AP C360 can potentially replace Fortinet Wireless solutions in specific environments, particularly those prioritizing integration with Arista's networking ecosystem. However, the suitability of replacement depends on specific use cases and requirements, as Fortinet Wireless may offer tighter integration with Fortinet's security fabric.

Which is better, Arista AP C360 or Fortinet Wireless?

The choice between Arista AP C360 and Fortinet Wireless depends on the existing network infrastructure and specific needs. Arista AP C360 may be better for environments already using Arista networking solutions, while Fortinet Wireless might be preferable for organizations prioritizing integrated security features within the Fortinet ecosystem.

What are the top countries that use Arista NG Firewall?

Data on using Arista NG Firewall on a country-by-country basis is private. However, Arista's networking solutions are very popular in large tech sectors worldwide. Given that the United States, Japan, and several European countries are home to large technology sectors, they are likely among the top users of Arista's networking and security solutions.

Who are the top Arista NG Firewall competitors?

The top competitors to Arista NG Firewall include Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Netgate, Fortinet, and Check Point Software Technologies. These companies offer comparable next-generation firewall solutions and compete in similar enterprise and data center markets.