Arista NG Firewall

Overview

Arista NG Firewall is a hybrid network-security platform for organizations protecting traffic across wired and wireless environments. It suits teams that want firewall, VPN and access controls alongside centralized appliance management. The free tier is useful for basic security and connectivity, but its feature and management limits make it a narrow fit for broader network oversight.

Key features

The software packages include firewall, intrusion prevention, web filtering, VPN and reporting apps. VPN options include IPsec, OpenVPN, Tunnel VPN and WireGuard, while SSL Inspector provides SSL inspection. Combining these capabilities is a practical advantage for teams seeking several network protections in one platform; the free tier’s limited Virus Blocker, Application Control, Spam Blocker and Reports capabilities reduce that advantage for organizations needing fuller coverage.

ETM Dashboard centrally manages network appliances and can remotely deploy hardware appliances. Complete adds control and visibility into network traffic and events, while Configuration Backup and Directory Connector address configuration and directory needs. Other capabilities include application rules, wired and wireless access control, 802.1X support, network discovery, policy automation, API access, application-aware routing, zero-touch provisioning, integrated security and cloud on-ramps. The breadth should appeal to teams managing varied network environments, though buyers should confirm that the specific capabilities match their required workflows.

Central management is where the free tier is particularly constrained: it cannot use policies, alerts, reports or Networks through centralized management. That makes Free better suited to basic security and connectivity needs than to teams seeking consolidated oversight. Support is available through documentation, forums, partners and distributors.

Pricing

NG Firewall Free: free. It provides basic security and connectivity, but has limited Virus Blocker, Application Control, Spam Blocker and Reports capabilities. It also lacks policies, alerts, reports and Networks through centralized management. This is the sensible starting point for modest needs, not a substitute for the broader management and visibility in Complete.

NG Firewall Complete: $270 a year for a 12-month term, with usage limited to 12 devices. The plan is billed monthly as a licensed-term option; the configurator offers licensed-device limits from 12 through unlimited. Choose Complete when network traffic visibility and the wider capability set matter, and check the device limit against the environment before committing. Monthly billing is available, while annual billing advertises 10% savings and the three-year option advertises 20% savings. The pricing model also includes a 30-day trial. Special programs cover public sector, nonprofit, Hardware as a Service and hardware upgrade discounts.

Platforms

Arista NG Firewall is available on the web. Its delivery model is hybrid, and the management offering can remotely deploy hardware appliances.

Who it's for

NG Firewall is best suited to organizations that want network security functions and appliance management in one platform, especially when access controls, VPN options and visibility into traffic are priorities. Free can suit basic security and connectivity requirements. Teams that depend on centralized policies, alerts, reports or Networks, or need more than 12 licensed devices, should assess Complete’s terms and device options before choosing.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Broad security coverage combines firewall, intrusion prevention, filtering, reporting and four named VPN options.
• Pros: ETM Dashboard centralizes appliance management and supports remote hardware deployment.
• Pros: Complete includes network traffic and event visibility, configuration backup and directory integration.
• Cons: Free has limited capabilities in several named apps and cannot use key centralized-management functions.
• Cons: The Complete plan’s 12-device limit matters for larger deployments, even though the configurator offers higher licensed-device limits.

Alternatives

For a network-access-control comparison, browse Network Access Control Software. For firewall-focused options, see Network Firewall Software. Teams evaluating broader secure access, software-defined WAN or network administration can also compare Secure Access Service Edge Software, SD-WAN Software, Network Management Software and Network Provisioning Software.

PacketFence is worth considering when open-source self-hosting is important: its self-hosted edition is GPL v2+, with unlimited devices and full source code. SecureW2 Cloud NAC is an alternative for buyers prepared to request a quote based on solution type, organization type and device count. Ivanti Neurons for Zero Trust Access uses named-user licensing and is a paid option without a free plan. Portnox NAC is another option to compare; its plan describes continuous risk assessment and remediation alongside passwordless authentication and certificate services. ExtremeControl is a paid alternative with separately priced licensing. Genian NAC offers cloud-managed or AWS-hosted options. HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer uses per-switch device-management subscriptions. Belden NAC combines core NAC features in packages, with individually available add-ons and special tiers for smaller companies.

Verdict

Choose Arista NG Firewall if your organization wants a broad set of network protections with centralized appliance management and can match Complete’s licensing to its device count. Its main draw is the combination of security apps, VPN choices and network visibility; the main reason to look elsewhere is the free tier’s management restrictions or a deployment that exceeds the relevant licensed-device limit.