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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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.
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.
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."
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."
Both Arista Networks and Fortinet compete in the following:
Arista Networks:
Fortinet:
When comparing Fortinet's FortiGate NGFW with Arista's next-generation firewall offerings, several key points emerge:
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:
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.