Arista Networks has acquired the VeloCloud SD-WAN portfolio from Broadcom in a strategic move to enhance its AI-driven networking solutions for campus and branch deployments. The acquisition strengthens Arista’s WAN capabilities by integrating VeloCloud’s edge platforms, which feature application-optimized SD-WAN, integrated firewalls, and optional Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity. These capabilities will extend Arista’s reach from data centers to distributed enterprise edges, complementing its CloudEOS routing stack and high-end WAN routers.
In parallel, Arista introduced a range of new campus and branch networking products, including the AWE-7220R regional WAN router, compact PoE access switches, and cost-effective Wi-Fi 7 access points for indoor and outdoor deployments. The O-435 outdoor AP is built for harsh environments, while the C-400 indoor AP targets high-volume service provider and SMB use cases. These platforms are designed to meet growing enterprise demand for reliable, scalable, and secure networking that supports distributed AI workloads, IoT, and automation.
Arista also expanded its Zero Trust capabilities with an on-premises version of CloudVision AGNI and new virtual ZTX appliances, enabling secure, identity-based access control across campuses and remote sites. With simplified policy enforcement and AI-driven threat containment, Arista aims to deliver enterprise-grade security without complexity for highly regulated or distributed environments.
- Arista acquires VeloCloud SD-WAN from Broadcom, adding secure WAN edge to its portfolio
- New AWE-7220R router and compact 710XP PoE switch expand branch networking offerings
- Wi-Fi 7 access points include rugged outdoor O-435 and cost-effective indoor C-400 models
- CloudVision AGNI now supports on-prem deployment for regulatory-compliant zero trust
- Virtual ZTX appliances extend identity-based segmentation to branches and remote offices
VeloCloud, founded in 2012 by Sanjay Uppal, Steve Woo, and Ajit Mayya, emerged as a pioneer in Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN). Its cloud-delivered architecture, combining edge appliances, a cloud-based orchestrator, and gateways, simplified branch networking by enabling enterprise-grade performance, reliability, and security over private and broadband connections. The company’s innovations, including dynamic multipath optimization, zero-touch deployment, and application-aware routing, attracted early investment from NEA, Venrock, March Capital, and Cisco Investments. VeloCloud quickly gained traction with service providers like AT&T and Fortune 500 enterprises, establishing itself as a leader in the SD-WAN market.
In November 2017, VMware acquired VeloCloud for an undisclosed sum, estimated at around $450 million, integrating it into its NSX portfolio as the foundation for VMware SD-WAN. Under VMware, VeloCloud expanded its reach in enterprise, telco, and managed service provider markets. Following Broadcom’s $61 billion acquisition of VMware in November 2023, VeloCloud operated as a separate business unit but faced challenges, including disrupted channel relationships due to Broadcom’s licensing changes.
