Key Takeaways:
- Arista Networks acquires VeloCloud’s SD-WAN portfolio from Broadcom to enhance its client-to-cloud strategy.
- New AI-driven switches, Wi-Fi 7 access points, and WAN routers target campus, branch, and retail deployments.
- CloudVision AGNI now supports on-premises deployments for zero-trust access control in regulated environments.
- Arista positions the move as a full-scale SD-WAN reboot tailored for AI workloads and distributed data centers.
- The company was placed highest in “Ability to Execute” in the Visionaries Quadrant of Gartner’s 2025 Magic Quadrant for enterprise LAN infrastructure.
Arista Networks is deepening its footprint in enterprise networking with the acquisition of VeloCloud from Broadcom and the rollout of new AI-powered hardware and software designed for the modern campus and branch. The move reflects a larger push by Arista to unify and modernize wide-area and edge networking in the era of AI-driven workloads.
In the company’s words, this is not just expansion—it’s a reboot.
From SD-WAN to AI-Era WAN
VeloCloud was once considered a trailblazer in SD-WAN, offering cloud-delivered WAN services with integrated security features. With the acquisition, Arista now brings VeloCloud’s edge hardware, secure firewalling, application-optimized routing, and optional 5G/Wi-Fi connectivity into its existing portfolio. These offerings complement Arista’s CloudEOS routing and 7000-series WAN routers, creating a more complete edge-to-cloud networking stack.
“We have been using Arista and VeloCloud in production environments,” said Alan Davidson, CIO at Broadcom. “The addition of the VeloCloud edge strengthens and scales the enterprise WAN network.”
This acquisition comes amid rising demand for WAN infrastructure that can keep up with distributed AI processing and hybrid data centers. As enterprises push models and data across campuses, branches, and remote locations, SD-WAN must evolve beyond basic traffic steering and MPLS replacement.
New Hardware for Modern Deployments
In tandem with the VeloCloud acquisition, Arista introduced a suite of new hardware designed for compact, distributed sites—many driven by emerging AI and IoT use cases:
- AWE-7220R WAN Router: Extends Arista’s micro-edge WAN topology, joining previously announced 7230R and 7250R models.
- Fanless 12-Port PoE Switch (710XP): 60W capable and optimized for quiet, small-footprint deployments in remote offices.
- C-400 Wi-Fi 7 Indoor Access Point: Entry-level, tri-radio unit designed for MSPs and high-volume distributed environments such as SMBs and MDUs.
- O-435 Wi-Fi 7 Outdoor Access Point: Ruggedized, tri-radio system for industrial and environmental extremes.
These additions make Arista’s solution more attractive for sectors like retail, healthcare, education, and logistics where network resiliency, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness are top priorities.
Dean Penebacker, IT Director at Pan Pacific Retail Management Hawaii, highlighted Arista’s seamless integration with ESLs (Electronic Shelf Labels):
“This means we can manage pricing dynamically and reduce labor costs, all while ensuring accuracy at the shelf edge. It’s the innovative technology we need to stay competitive in today’s retail landscape.”
Zero-Trust Networking at the Edge
Arista also announced a major update to its CloudVision AGNI platform, which now supports full on-premises deployment. This allows institutions with stringent regulatory or data privacy mandates—such as public schools, hospitals, and government agencies—to adopt Arista’s AI-based access control without relying on public cloud services.
New virtual ZTX appliances (1G and 10G) extend Arista’s microsegmentation capabilities to remote sites, enforcing identity-based policy across client devices and IoT endpoints.
“For years, we searched for a solution to secure our network… without adding complexity,” said Najeeb Qasimi, Director of IT at Oak Grove School District. “AGNI allows us to effortlessly implement and maintain policies… It has revolutionized how we safeguard and operate our network.”
Strategic Direction and Industry Impact
The VeloCloud acquisition and product refresh come as AI shifts the nature of network traffic, architecture, and monitoring. Enterprises increasingly require intelligent, always-on infrastructure that can manage large volumes of data flowing between data centers and distributed compute nodes.
Arista is positioning itself as a full-stack, AI-native alternative to legacy networking vendors. This strategic expansion helps Arista reach beyond core data centers into campus, branch, and remote office spaces—key battlegrounds for vendors like Cisco, Fortinet, and HPE Aruba.
According to the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure, Arista was recognized in the Visionaries Quadrant and ranked highest in Ability to Execute among those peers. While this is not an endorsement, it reflects Arista’s growing stature as a challenger in the enterprise campus space.
Neil Dearman, CTO EMEA at High Point Solutions, summed up the opportunity:
“Arista’s new switch platform and Wi-Fi 7 access point are a perfect fit for our clients with small distributed offices. It’s enterprise-grade technology that’s easy to deploy and manage—all while keeping costs in check.”
Conclusion
Arista’s move to acquire VeloCloud and launch new edge products marks a decisive step into the AI-native enterprise. The combination of SD-WAN, zero-trust controls, compact switches, and modern Wi-Fi gives Arista a broader portfolio to serve the needs of hybrid enterprises grappling with AI workloads and edge complexity.
Rather than treating SD-WAN as an add-on, Arista is folding it into a unified cloud operating model—one designed for performance, security, and automation from client to cloud.
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Aside from his role as CEO of TMC and chairman of ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW Feb 10-12, 2026, Rich Tehrani is CEO of RT Advisors and a Registered Representative (investment banker) with and offering securities through Four Points Capital Partners LLC (Four Points) (Member FINRA/SIPC). He handles capital/debt raises as well as M&A. RT Advisors is not owned by Four Points.
The above is not an endorsement or recommendation to buy/sell any security or sector mentioned. No companies mentioned above are current or past clients of RT Advisors.
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the participants. While believed to be reliable, the information has not been independently verified for accuracy. Any broad, general statements made herein are provided for context only and should not be construed as exhaustive or universally applicable.
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