Arista CloudVision - Detailed Review
Networking Tools
Arista CloudVision - Product Overview
Overview of Arista CloudVision
Arista CloudVision is a modern, multi-domain management platform that revolutionizes network operations by leveraging cloud networking principles. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
CloudVision is Arista’s platform for Network as-a-Service, aimed at simplifying network operations across various domains. It automates the entire network lifecycle, from design and operations to support and maintenance, ensuring OpEx efficiency and consistent operations enterprise-wide.
Target Audience
The target audience for CloudVision includes network operators, IT administrators, and engineers in enterprises that manage large-scale networks. This includes those responsible for data centers, campus networks, wide area networks (WAN), and multi-cloud environments. CloudVision is particularly beneficial for organizations seeking to adopt cloud-class automation and telemetry without significant internal development.
Key Features
Multi-Domain Scope
CloudVision manages networks across data centers, campus, WAN, and multi-cloud environments, ensuring consistent network operations.
Cloud-Native Architecture
Available as both a cloud service (SaaS) and on-premises virtual or physical appliance, CloudVision leverages cloud-native technologies like Kubernetes and Hadoop.
Real-Time State Streaming
This feature replaces legacy polling with real-time state streaming for network telemetry and analytics, providing a comprehensive view of the network state.
Network Data Lake (NetDL)
NetDL aggregates data from the entire enterprise, enabling advanced automation, analytics, and predictive insights through AI/ML models.
Automation and Orchestration
CloudVision includes turn-key automation with CloudVision Studios, zero-touch provisioning, configuration management, and network-wide change control. It also supports automated upgrades, rollbacks, and network snapshots.
Compliance and Security
The platform offers risk and compliance management, including real-time views of bug and security vulnerability exposure, patch management, and lifecycle management.
Observability and Analytics
CloudVision provides holistic observability through its Universal Network Observability (CV UNO) feature, which integrates application and third-party data for faster issue detection and resolution.
API Integrations
It includes a centralized API gateway supporting OpenConfig, gRPC, and REST APIs for both northbound and southbound integrations.
By integrating these features, CloudVision simplifies network operations, enhances visibility, and improves the overall efficiency and reliability of enterprise networks.
Arista CloudVision - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Arista CloudVision is crafted to provide a streamlined and intuitive experience for network operators, particularly in the context of multi-domain network management.
Unified Interface
CloudVision offers a common user interface (UI) that spans multiple network domains, including campus and Wi-Fi, branch, data center, WAN, and private cloud. This unified UI ensures consistency across different network environments, making it easier for operators to manage and monitor their networks.
Domain-Specific Views
The interface is optimized with domain-specific dashboards that provide relevant inventory, client information, health metrics, and guided quick action workflows. These dashboards are customized for different types of operators, ensuring they have the necessary information and tools at their fingertips to manage their specific domain effectively.
Real-Time Telemetry and Analytics
CloudVision’s UI leverages real-time state streaming from devices, which is stored in a Network Data Lake (NetDL). This allows operators to view the current and historical state of the network in real-time, enabling advanced telemetry and analytics. The interface includes telemetry views and a backend state repository, which facilitate detailed monitoring and forensic troubleshooting.
Automation and Configuration
The CloudVision Portal (CVP) provides a web-based GUI that automates network operations, including network device provisioning, compliance, change management, and network monitoring. CloudVision Studios within the platform offer an intuitive configuration design, verification, and documentation capability, making zero-touch operations possible. This includes automated upgrades, network rollback, and network snapshots.
Security and Compliance
The UI incorporates strong security features such as local and TACACS/RADIUS authentication, role-based access control (RBAC), one-time passwords, and multi-factor authentication. It also integrates with various single sign-on providers and SAML providers. Compliance features include configuration and image compliance checks, bug exposure assessments, and PSIRT notifications, all presented through the interface in a clear and actionable manner.
Ease of Use
The interface is designed to be user-friendly, with guided workflows and clear dashboards that reduce the learning curve for operators. The ability to reuse common actions through change control templates and automated scripts further simplifies network management tasks. This ease of use is enhanced by the centralized API gateway that supports open standard APIs, facilitating integration with other management suites.
Overall User Experience
The overall user experience with Arista CloudVision is characterized by its simplicity, consistency, and comprehensive visibility. Operators can manage their networks end-to-end with a common set of tools, regardless of the network domain. The real-time telemetry, automated workflows, and integrated security and compliance features all contribute to a seamless and efficient network management experience.
Conclusion
In summary, Arista CloudVision’s user interface is engineered to be intuitive, consistent, and highly functional, making it easier for network operators to manage complex networks across various domains.
Arista CloudVision - Key Features and Functionality
Arista CloudVision Overview
Arista CloudVision is a comprehensive network management platform that integrates several key features and functionalities, particularly leveraging AI and cloud principles to simplify and automate network operations. Here are the main features and how they work:
Multi-Domain Management
CloudVision serves as a multi-domain management platform, eliminating the need for different network operating models across various domains such as data center, campus, WAN, and cloud. This unified approach ensures consistent operations enterprise-wide, reducing operational expenses by removing traditional network operational silos.
Network Data Lake (NetDL)
At the heart of CloudVision is the Network Data Lake (NetDL) architecture, which aggregates real-time state data from all network devices and third-party services. NetDL leverages cloud-native technologies like Kubernetes and Hadoop, providing a centralized repository for network state streaming, analytics, and cognitive analytics. This allows for advanced automation, real-time monitoring, and historical network state analysis for forensic troubleshooting.
Real-Time Telemetry
CloudVision features real-time state streaming from wired and wireless devices across the entire enterprise. This telemetry enables a full view of the network state, including devices, protocols, and services, maintained in a time-series manner. This capability significantly shortens the time to resolution by allowing operators to review historical network states to identify root cause anomalies.
Zero-Touch Operations
CloudVision Studios provide an intuitive configuration design, verification, and documentation capability. This includes Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) as-a-Service, automated upgrades, network rollback, and network snapshots. These features simplify network operations and reduce the need for manual intervention.
Multi-Domain Workflows
CloudVision delivers a common UI and set of capabilities applied to multiple network domains. It provides domain-specific dashboards with relevant inventory, client information, health metrics, and guided quick action workflows. This ensures end-to-end visibility and troubleshooting across different network domains using a common set of tools and services.
Cognitive Analytics and AI Integration
CloudVision leverages the rich data from NetDL to train AI and machine learning models. These models generate better recommendations and insights for operators, helping to identify real anomalies and correlate them with network events. This integration with AI technologies, such as Arista Autonomous Virtual Assist (Arista AVA), enables predictive insights and automated network configuration and troubleshooting.
Security and Compliance
CloudVision includes features for risk and compliance management, such as configuration and image compliance for managed devices, bug exposure assessment, and PSIRT assessments for security compliance. It also manages hardware and software lifecycle events for product compliance, ensuring the network remains secure and compliant.
Centralized API Gateway
CloudVision offers a centralized API gateway for both northbound and southbound integrations, leveraging OpenConfig, gRPC, and REST APIs. This facilitates seamless integration with other systems and services, enhancing the overall network management experience.
Cloud-Native Architecture
CloudVision can be deployed as a traditional on-premises virtual or physical appliance or consumed as a SaaS-based service. The cloud service takes full advantage of CloudVision’s cloud-native architecture, providing faster time-to-value, elastic scaling, and continuous network assurance in a secure environment.
Universal Network Observability (CV UNO)
CloudVision Universal Network Observability (CV UNO) enhances issue detection and resolution by providing real-time visibility into network operations. This feature, combined with machine learning for event correlations, ensures faster and more accurate troubleshooting.
Conclusion
By integrating these features, Arista CloudVision offers a modern network operating model that simplifies operations, enhances security, and reduces operational expenses, making it a powerful tool for managing complex enterprise networks.
Arista CloudVision - Performance and Accuracy
Arista CloudVision Overview
Arista CloudVision, particularly with its Universal Network Observability (CV UNO) feature, demonstrates strong performance and accuracy in the networking tools AI-driven product category. Here are some key points to consider:
Performance
Cloud-Native Architecture
- CloudVision is built on a cloud-native architecture, offering real-time state streaming for network telemetry and analytics. This approach replaces legacy polling methods, providing a more efficient and real-time monitoring experience.
Multi-Domain Support
- The platform supports multi-domain scope, covering data centers, campus networks, WAN, and multi-cloud environments. This ensures consistent network operations across various domains.
Comprehensive Visibility
- CV UNO integrates network infrastructure performance with data from compute and server systems, enabling comprehensive visibility into application and workload performance. This integration is facilitated through advanced packet processing functions and DPI-based application identification and classification.
Accuracy
Latency ANalyZer (LANZ)
- CloudVision’s Latency ANalyZer (LANZ) feature provides nanosecond-accurate reporting for flows by source, destination, traffic-class, or duration. This precision is crucial for identifying impacted applications and users, especially in congested traffic scenarios.
Precision Timing Services
- The platform includes precision timing services and deep buffer capabilities, which enhance the aggregation of multiple TAPs and tool ports. This ensures accurate drop counts and correlation of potential buffer overruns, contributing to high-fidelity visibility into network performance.
Machine Intelligence
- CV UNO leverages machine intelligence to analyze enriched data, identifying application and topology-aware correlations, event patterns, behavior changes, and flow anomalies. This capability accelerates impact analysis and issue resolution.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
CloudVision Studios Limitations
- CloudVision Studios, a tool for managing network configurations, has several known limitations. For instance, configuration reconciliation is handled by the Network Provisioning UI, and studios cannot be applied to devices in an undefined container. Additionally, users should only have one Workspace open at a time to avoid conflicts, and workspaces should not be created on clusters managing more than 100 devices.
Script Support and RBAC
- The current version of CloudVision Studios lacks support for scripts that automatically complete studio inputs on behalf of the user, such as integrating with IPAM tools. Also, per-studio or per-device Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is not yet fully implemented.
Premium Feature Licensing
- While CV UNO offers advanced features, it is available as a premium feature license, which might be a cost consideration for some users.
Conclusion
In summary, Arista CloudVision, especially with CV UNO, offers high performance and accuracy in network observability and management. However, there are specific limitations and areas where further development is needed, particularly in the configuration management and access control aspects of CloudVision Studios.
Arista CloudVision - Pricing and Plans
Arista CloudVision Overview
Arista CloudVision is offered through a term-based software subscription model, which includes several tiers and plans to cater to different needs and scales of network management. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing structure and the features associated with each tier:CloudVision and CloudVision Lite Tiers
Arista CloudVision comes in two primary tiers: CloudVision and CloudVision Lite.CloudVision
- This tier includes the full feature set, which encompasses comprehensive analytics, telemetry, and provisioning capabilities. It provides advanced network management, automation, security, and integration with existing analytics and security systems.
- Pricing varies widely depending on the scale and specific requirements.
- For example, a CloudVision SW Subscription Enterprise License for 1 month can range from $29,995 for up to 150 switches to $999,995 for an unlimited number of devices.
CloudVision Lite
- This is an entry-level subset of the CloudVision capabilities, offering a functional graphical user interface (GUI) for base visibility and network management.
- It is less feature-rich compared to the full CloudVision tier but still provides essential network management tools.
- Pricing for CloudVision Lite is generally lower.
- For instance, a CloudVision Lite SW Subscription License for 1 month can cost $25,000 for 1G platforms for small to medium companies, or as low as $45 for a single switch on 1G platforms.
Subscription Plans
Arista offers various subscription plans based on the number of devices and the duration of the subscription.Device Count-Based Plans
- Plans are available for different device counts, such as up to 10 switches, up to 150 switches, up to 500 switches, and up to 1000 switches. Each plan has a corresponding monthly subscription fee.
- For example, a CloudVision SW Subscription License for 1 month for up to 150 switches costs $29,995, while for up to 500 switches it costs $74,995.
Platform-Based Plans
- There are also plans differentiated by the platform type (1G vs. 10G ).
- For instance, a CloudVision Lite SW Subscription License for 1 month for 1G platforms can cost $25,000 for small to medium companies, while the 10G platform version costs similarly but with different feature sets.
Additional Services and Options
- Arista also offers additional services such as on-site installation services for CloudVision VM instances, which can cost $9,995 for one day.
- There are specific licenses for lab use or for CloudEOS Router software, which include dynamic routing features and other specific functionalities at lower costs, such as $21 for a single CloudEOS instance.
Cloud-Based Version
Arista offers CloudVision as a service, which is a cloud-based version of the on-premises software. This version eliminates the need for managing in-house servers and comes with a slight premium due to the reduced administrative tasks and enhanced analytics capabilities. In summary, Arista CloudVision’s pricing is highly flexible and scalable, with various tiers and plans to suit different network sizes and requirements. However, there are no free options available; all plans require a subscription fee based on the chosen tier and device count. Arista CloudVision - Integration and Compatibility
Arista CloudVision Overview
Arista CloudVision is a versatile and integrated network management platform that offers extensive compatibility and integration capabilities across various tools, platforms, and devices. Here are some key aspects of its integration and compatibility:
Multi-Domain Support
CloudVision supports multi-domain operations, enabling consistent network management across data centers, campus networks, WANs, and multi-cloud environments. This uniform approach simplifies network operations and reduces the need for domain-specific management solutions.
Third-Party Integrations
CloudVision integrates seamlessly with several third-party systems and tools. For example, it supports integrations with ServiceNow, Ansible, Terraform, and Macro Segmentation Service, among others. These integrations enable centralized management, configuration, and orchestration across different network domains.
Cloud and Virtualization Support
CloudVision can be deployed as an on-premises appliance, a virtual appliance on supported hypervisors like VMware ESX and Linux KVM, or as a hosted cloud service operated by Arista’s SRE team. This flexibility allows it to adapt to various deployment scenarios.
VMware NSX Integration
CloudVision supports OVSDB-based integration with VMware NSX for vSphere, enabling the coexistence and interoperation of virtualized and physical network domains. This integration allows for the synchronization of topology information, MAC-to-VXLAN endpoint mapping, and VNI bindings, ensuring high availability and scalability.
Authentication and Authorization
CloudVision offers comprehensive authentication and authorization features, including local and TACACS/RADIUS authentication, role-based access control (RBAC), one-time passwords, multi-factor authentication, and single sign-on integration with OAUTH and SAML providers like Microsoft, Google, Okta, and OneLogin.
API and Protocol Support
The platform supports JSON-based REST and streaming APIs (gRPC), which facilitate both northbound and southbound integrations. This includes support for OpenConfig, allowing for standardized configuration and management across different devices.
Network Data Lake (NetDL)
CloudVision leverages a Network Data Lake (NetDL) architecture, which collects and aggregates real-time network state data. This data lake supports multiple data modalities and integrates with other Arista and third-party datasets, providing a unified view for network-wide operational tasks and analytics.
Hardware and Software Compatibility
CloudVision is compatible with Arista’s Extensible Operating System (EOS) and supports various Arista devices, including EOS devices and Arista wireless access points. It also provides compliance management for hardware and software lifecycle events, ensuring that the network remains compliant with operational and security standards.
Conclusion
In summary, Arista CloudVision offers a highly integrated and compatible solution that can be adapted to a wide range of network environments and tools, making it a versatile choice for modern network management needs.
Arista CloudVision - Customer Support and Resources
Arista CloudVision Support Overview
Arista CloudVision offers a comprehensive suite of customer support options and additional resources to ensure users can effectively manage and optimize their network operations.Customer Support
Arista provides 24x7x365 support through several channels:Phone Support
For urgent issues or network outages, you can contact Arista Support via telephone using country-specific numbers.
Email Support
For non-urgent issues, you can send emails to specific addresses depending on the product category, such as Data Center Products, Cognitive Wi-Fi & Campus Products, or Awake Security Products.
Support Portal
You can also open cases, view case history, upload documents, and access asset information through the Arista Support Portal after registering for an Arista account.
Global Technical Assistance Center (TAC)
Arista’s Global TAC is available 24x7x365 and is staffed by highly skilled engineers with extensive networking experience. These engineers can help resolve problems quickly and maximize network uptime. They often have access to a database of previous customer cases, which can expedite the resolution process.Online Resources
Arista offers a wealth of online resources:Software Downloads
Unlimited access to software maintenance releases and new feature releases for EOS, vEOS, and CloudVision software.
Notification Service
Proactive notifications for known software and hardware issues, including security vulnerabilities, to help you take preventive action.
Release Recommendations
Guidance on selecting the most appropriate software version for your environment.
Bug Portal Access
Access to the Arista Bug Portal to review known caveats and associated details.
Online Case Management
The ability to create new cases, provide updates, and upload necessary files securely through the customer portal.
CloudVision Specific Resources
For CloudVision, additional resources include:CloudVision as-a-Service Onboarding Guide
A detailed guide that walks you through the onboarding process, including configuring authentication providers, onboarding users, and onboarding EOS devices.
CloudVision Web-Based Portal
This portal combines common operational tasks into a dashboard view, allowing for workflow automation, Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP), and ongoing change controls over the device’s operational life cycle.
Community Forums
Access to Arista Community Central where you can post questions, read knowledge articles, watch troubleshooting videos, and engage with other community members.
Automation and Workflow Tools
CloudVision integrates with various automation tools to simplify network operations:Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) and Zero Touch Replacement (ZTR)
Simplified provisioning for new and replacement switches.
Advanced Event Management
Automated responses to network and application events.
Integration with Automation Tools
Compatibility with tools like Puppet, Chef, and Ansible to extend automation across network systems and applications.
By leveraging these support options and resources, users of Arista CloudVision can ensure optimal network performance, reliability, and efficient troubleshooting.
Arista CloudVision - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Arista CloudVision
Arista CloudVision offers several significant advantages that make it a valuable tool for network management:Unified Network Management
CloudVision unifies network management across various domains, including data centers, campus networks, WAN, and cloud environments. This unified approach eliminates the silos often found in traditional network management systems, providing a single platform for all network operations.Real-Time Telemetry and Analytics
CloudVision leverages a centralized Network Data Lake (NetDL) to collect and consolidate real-time data from across the network. This allows for advanced analytics, predictive insights, and the ability to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.Feature Parity with EOS
CloudVision maintains feature parity with Arista’s Extensible Operating System (EOS), ensuring that any new feature added to EOS is automatically supported by CloudVision. This eliminates the typical 18-24 month lag seen in traditional network management systems.AI-Driven Automation
CloudVision incorporates AI-driven tools, such as the Ask AVA autonomous virtual assistant, which uses natural language to help operators interact with the platform. This makes it easier for non-expert users to manage the network.Zero-Trust Security
CloudVision supports zero-trust policies with microsegmentation, providing dedicated security dashboards to manage the end-to-end microsegmentation lifecycle across the enterprise. This enhances security by enforcing rules based on micro-perimeters.Multi-Domain Workflows
The platform offers a common UI and set of capabilities applied to multiple network domains, including campus, Wi-Fi, branch, data center, WAN, and private cloud. This provides end-to-end visibility and troubleshooting with a consistent set of tools.Simplified Operations
CloudVision simplifies network operations through automation, observability, and zero-trust security capabilities. It reduces operational expenses by removing traditional network operational silos and provides faster issue resolution.Integration and Scalability
CloudVision can be deployed as a traditional on-premises solution or as a SaaS-based service, offering flexibility and scalability. It integrates with various third-party systems, including Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services.Disadvantages of Arista CloudVision
While Arista CloudVision offers numerous benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:Learning Curve
Despite the use of AI-driven tools like Ask AVA, there may still be a learning curve for some users, especially those who are not familiar with cloud-based network management systems. The platform’s extensive features and capabilities can require some time to fully master.Dependency on EOS
The full functionality of CloudVision is closely tied to Arista’s EOS. While this ensures feature parity, it also means that users must be invested in the EOS ecosystem to fully benefit from CloudVision.Cost
Implementing and maintaining a comprehensive network management platform like CloudVision can be costly. The investment includes not only the software but also potential hardware and support requirements.Integration Challenges
While CloudVision integrates with various third-party systems, integrating it with existing legacy systems or other non-Arista products might pose some challenges. This could require additional resources and time to ensure seamless integration. In summary, Arista CloudVision is a powerful tool that simplifies and enhances network management through its unified approach, real-time telemetry, and AI-driven automation. However, it may require a significant investment and some time to learn and integrate fully. Arista CloudVision - Comparison with Competitors
When comparing Arista CloudVision with other AI-driven networking tools, several key features and differences stand out.
Arista CloudVision
Arista CloudVision is a multi-domain management platform that leverages cloud networking principles to simplify network operations. Here are some of its unique features:
- Multi-Domain Scope: CloudVision manages networks across data centers, campuses, WAN, and multi-cloud environments, providing consistent operations enterprise-wide.
- Cloud-Native Architecture: It offers the same feature set whether deployed as a cloud service (SaaS) or on-premises (virtual or physical appliance), ensuring elastic scaling and continuous network assurance.
- Real-Time State Streaming: CloudVision uses real-time state streaming for network telemetry and analytics, replacing legacy polling methods. This data is stored in a Network Data Lake (NetDL) for advanced analytics and cognitive insights.
- Cognitive Analytics: It leverages NetDL data to train AI/ML models, providing better recommendations and insights for network operators.
- Zero-Touch Automation: CloudVision Studios enable turn-key automation for provisioning, configuration management, and network-wide change control, including automated upgrades and rollbacks.
- Universal Network Observability (CV UNO): This feature integrates application visibility with network telemetry, offering a comprehensive view of application and network performance. It includes proactive diagnostics, prescriptive recommendations, and real-time impact analysis.
Juniper Networks AI-Native Networking Platform
Juniper’s platform stands out with its unified AI engine and the Mist Marvis Virtual Network Assistant (VNA). Key features include:
- Unified AI Engine: Manages campus, branch, and data center networking operations, ensuring reliable, measurable, and secure connections for all devices and applications.
- Significant Operational Savings: Claims up to 90% fewer trouble tickets, 85% reduction in OpEx, and 50% less time for incident resolution.
Nile AI Services Platform
Nile’s platform focuses on automating network design, configuration, and management:
- AI-Based Network Design: Includes the Nile Services Cloud for integrated security and cloud-native service delivery.
- Automated Deployment: Nile Service Blocks automate network deployment, including access point configuration. Nile Copilot and Autopilot applications handle AI-based network monitoring and operations.
LogicMonitor, Auvik, and NinjaOne
These tools are more specialized in AI-driven network monitoring and management:
LogicMonitor
- Predictive Analytics: Predicts potential network failures and performance degradations. It also automates anomaly detection and provides intelligent troubleshooting.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Offers real-time network monitoring with AI-driven automation and intelligence.
Auvik
- Network Mapping and Discovery: Automates tasks such as network mapping, device discovery, and configuration backups using AI.
- Anomaly Detection: Identifies unusual patterns in network behavior, enabling proactive maintenance and optimization.
NinjaOne
- Automated Anomaly Detection: Uses AI for automated anomaly detection and alerts. It also supports predictive analytics for proactive issue resolution.
- Automation of Routine Tasks: Automates network discovery, device monitoring, and patch management to reduce downtime and improve network reliability.
Unique Features and Alternatives
- Arista CloudVision’s multi-domain management and cloud-native architecture make it a strong choice for enterprises needing consistent operations across various network environments. Its Universal Network Observability (CV UNO) feature is particularly unique in integrating application and network visibility.
- Juniper’s AI-Native Networking Platform is a good alternative if you are looking for a unified AI engine that significantly reduces operational costs and trouble tickets.
- Nile AI Services Platform is ideal for those focusing on automated network design and deployment, especially with its integrated security and cloud-native services.
- LogicMonitor, Auvik, and NinjaOne are better suited for organizations that need robust AI-driven network monitoring and management capabilities, with a focus on predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and automation of routine network tasks.
Each of these tools has its strengths, and the choice depends on the specific needs of your network environment and the level of automation and analytics you require.
Arista CloudVision - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Arista CloudVision
What is Arista CloudVision?
Arista CloudVision is a modern, multi-domain management platform that leverages cloud networking principles to simplify network operations. It provides a unified approach to managing networks across data centers, campus, WAN, and multi-cloud environments, ensuring consistent operations and reducing operational silos.
What are the key features of Arista CloudVision?
CloudVision offers several key features, including real-time state streaming for network telemetry and analytics, a Network Data Lake (NetDL) for storing and analyzing network state, cognitive analytics using AI/ML models, turn-key automation with CloudVision Studios, and centralized API gateways for integrations. It also includes zero-touch network operations, risk and compliance management, and holistic 360-degree observability through CV UNO.
How does CloudVision simplify network operations?
CloudVision simplifies network operations by automating tasks across the entire network lifecycle, from design to ongoing maintenance. It uses automation workflows, real-time telemetry, and advanced analytics to streamline operations, reduce manual errors, and speed up issue resolution. This approach helps eliminate traditional network operational silos and provides a consistent operating model across different network domains.
What is the Network Data Lake (NetDL) in CloudVision?
The Network Data Lake (NetDL) is a central component of CloudVision, built on a cloud-native architecture using technologies like Kubernetes and Hadoop. NetDL aggregates real-time state data from all network devices, providing a comprehensive view of the network state. This data is used for advanced analytics, cognitive insights, and historical review, enabling better network management and troubleshooting.
How does CloudVision support multi-domain networking?
CloudVision supports multi-domain networking by providing a common UI and set of capabilities across various network domains such as data centers, campus networks, WAN, and multi-cloud environments. It offers domain-specific dashboards and workflows, ensuring end-to-end visibility and troubleshooting with a unified set of tools and services.
What is CloudVision Universal Network Observability (CV UNO)?
CV UNO is a premium feature of CloudVision that enhances network observability. It deploys CV UNO Sensor VMs to collect and normalize flow and SNMP data from diverse sources, integrating this data with CloudVision’s network state insights. CV UNO uses advanced machine intelligence to analyze this data, identifying correlations, event patterns, and anomalies, which accelerates issue detection and resolution.
Can CloudVision be deployed as a service or on-premises?
Yes, CloudVision can be deployed in multiple ways. It can be consumed as a SaaS-based service (CloudVision as-a-Service) or deployed on-premises as a virtual or physical appliance. Both deployment options offer the same feature set, providing flexibility based on the customer’s needs.
How does CloudVision handle security and compliance?
CloudVision includes features for risk and compliance management, such as real-time views of bug and security vulnerability exposure, patch and lifecycle management, and configuration compliance for managed devices. It also supports zero-trust networking with multi-domain orchestration and monitoring of zero-trust policies.
What kind of integrations does CloudVision support?
CloudVision supports a wide range of integrations, including OpenConfig, gRPC, and REST APIs. It integrates with third-party services such as VMware vCenter, ServiceNow, InfloBlox, and Palo Alto Networks, among others. This allows for seamless interaction with various network overlay controllers, DevOps platforms, and other network services.
How does CloudVision improve troubleshooting and issue resolution?
CloudVision improves troubleshooting and issue resolution through real-time state streaming, advanced analytics, and cognitive insights. It provides historical network state data for forensic troubleshooting and uses machine learning to identify application and topology-aware correlations, event patterns, and anomalies. This significantly shortens the mean time to resolution for network issues.
What kind of automation capabilities does CloudVision offer?
CloudVision offers extensive automation capabilities through CloudVision Studios, which include configuration design, verification, and documentation. It supports zero-touch provisioning (ZTP), automated upgrades, network rollback, and network snapshots. Additionally, it provides guided workflows for day-zero pre-provisioning, day-one onboarding, and day-two operations.
Arista CloudVision - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Arista CloudVision
Arista CloudVision is a comprehensive, multi-domain management platform that revolutionizes network operations by integrating cloud-class automation, real-time telemetry, and advanced analytics. Here’s a detailed assessment of its benefits and who would most benefit from using it.Key Features and Benefits
- Multi-Domain Management: CloudVision simplifies network operations across various domains, including data centers, campus networks, WAN, and multi-cloud environments. This uniform approach helps in reducing operational silos and enhancing overall network efficiency.
- Real-Time Telemetry and Analytics: The platform leverages a Network Data Lake (NetDL) architecture to stream real-time state from all network devices, providing a detailed view of the network state. This enables advanced features like historical review, root cause analysis, and predictive insights.
- Zero-Touch Operations: CloudVision Studios offer intuitive configuration, verification, and documentation capabilities, supporting zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) and zero-touch replacement (ZTR). This automates complex IT workflows, simplifying network operations significantly.
- Cognitive Analytics and AI/ML: CloudVision uses the rich NetDL data to train AI/ML models, generating better recommendations and insights for network operators. The CloudVision Universal Network Observability (CV UNO) feature enhances this with advanced machine learning for event correlations and issue resolution.
- Risk and Compliance Management: The platform provides real-time views of bug and security vulnerabilities, along with patch and lifecycle management. This ensures operational resilience and stability by rigorously evaluating potential network changes before deployment.
- Integration and Interoperability: CloudVision supports broad ecosystem integration with partners like VMware, F5, Microsoft, and others. It also offers APIs and a centralized API gateway for both northbound and southbound integrations, enhancing native capabilities with tools like Puppet, Chef, and Ansible.
Who Would Benefit Most
- Enterprise Network Administrators: Those managing large, complex networks across multiple domains will greatly benefit from CloudVision’s unified management approach, automation capabilities, and real-time telemetry. This simplifies operations, reduces training efforts, and enhances control over potential security risks.
- Data Center Operators: CloudVision’s origins in data center management make it an ideal solution for data center engineers. It provides unmatched visibility, automated compliance reporting, and DevOps pipeline integrations, which are crucial for mission-critical data center environments.
- Multi-Cloud Environments: Organizations with investments in multiple public and private clouds can leverage CloudVision’s cloud-native architecture and multi-cloud support. This ensures consistent network design, automation, and visibility across all cloud environments.
Overall Recommendation
Arista CloudVision is highly recommended for any organization seeking to modernize their network operations. Its ability to simplify complex tasks, provide real-time visibility, and automate workflows makes it an invaluable tool for maintaining efficient, secure, and resilient networks.- Cost Efficiency: By automating many network operations tasks, CloudVision helps reduce operational expenses and improve network uptime, making it a cost-effective solution in the long run.
- Scalability and Flexibility: The platform can be deployed as a traditional on-premises solution or as a SaaS-based service, offering flexibility that aligns with various organizational needs and infrastructure setups.
- Enhanced Security and Compliance: CloudVision’s robust security features, including real-time vulnerability assessment and compliance management, ensure that networks remain secure and compliant with industry standards.