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Arista 7000 series vs. Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches

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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Arista 7000 series

    Score7 out of 10
    N/AThe Arista 7000 series is a line of networking switches, from Arista in Santa Clara, California.N/A

    Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches

    Score8 out of 10
    N/ACisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches include capabilities and management options needed to support applications today and in the future, such as security, advanced QoS, comprehensive IPv6 support, and Layer 3 dynamic routing.N/A
    Pricing
    Arista 7000 seriesCisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
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    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    Arista 7000 seriesCisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches
    Free Trial
    NoNo
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional Details
    More Pricing Information
    Best Alternatives
    Arista 7000 seriesCisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches
    Small Businesses
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Medium-sized Companies
    Cisco Nexus Series Switches
    Score9.1 out of 10
    RUCKUS Ethernet Switches
    Score10 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Cisco Nexus Series Switches
    Score9.1 out of 10
    Cisco Ethernet Switches
    Score9.1 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Arista 7000 seriesCisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches
    Likelihood to Recommend
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Arista 7000 seriesCisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Arista Networks
    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.
    Incentivized
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    Cisco
    It works very well as stack of core switches in small/medium company with 4x 10Gbit SFP+ interfaces. Native stacking is simple and in ring topology every switch has 2 redundant connections. They support maximum of 8 units per stack. You could use Cisco SG500X in hybrid stack with other series of switches, but make sure if other switch is compatible with hybrid mode stacking. Hybrid stack mode lower the number of units in stack. You should consider other model of switches if you need more then four SFP+ ports to connect more access switches using fiber cables.
    Incentivized
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    Pros
    Arista Networks
    • 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.
    Incentivized
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    Cisco
    • Easy to create stacking
    • Easy to configure using web interface or command line
    • Similar command line to Cisco IOS
    Incentivized
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    Cons
    Arista Networks
    • 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.
    Incentivized
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    Cisco
    • Missing command line options like show running-config "| include, exlude"
    • Possibility to connect to switch using usb console cable or usb dongle
    • Missing vtp protocol support, only gvrp available
    Incentivized
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    Alternatives Considered
    Arista Networks
    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.
    Incentivized
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    Cisco
    Cisco 550X switches stack using 10Gbit SFP+ ports on the front, while Dell N Series has dedicated ports (with cables) on the back of the unit. On the other hand dell N switches has number on small digital display showing stack member number, which is easier to identify. The cisco switches has dot beside the number of the switch member. I think Cisco devices are more reliable and stable than dell switches.
    Incentivized
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    Return on Investment
    Arista Networks
    • 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.
    Incentivized
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    Cisco
    • Money savings as they are cheaper than competative Cisco IOS switches
    • Cisco Business Switches has limited lifetime warranty
    • Good switching capacity, and reliability
    Incentivized
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    ScreenShots