Traditional stacking has long been the go-to solution for unified switch management. Yet, proprietary hardware, restrictive topologies and vendor lock-in have hindered its flexibility and scalability. This archaic approach often leads to operational overhead and limits network evolution.

Traditional stacking methods often require complex configurations and maintenance, which lead to increased operational overhead. These methods also limit network scalability and flexibility by restricting topologies and hardware choices. As network needs evolve, these limitations hinder the ability to adapt to changing requirements, which then hinders network innovation and progress.

Enter Arista Networks, a provider of cloud and AI networking solutions.

The early pioneer in link-level aggregation groups with Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation Groups, or MLAG, (which, by the way, brought resilience to data center networking) recently announced innovations that will enable customers to build scalable and resilient campus networks.

Arista introduced the Switch Aggregation Group (SWAG) capability in Arista EOS that uses industry-standard Ethernet to group and manage individual switches via a single IP address.

Arista expanded on its MLAG experience with SWAG, which addresses the challenge of managing a group of campus switches using a single IP address. This key innovation extends Arista EOS’ modular chassis software architecture to manage a group of individual switches via a single IP address. The approach also supports flexible network topologies, including Arista's universal leaf spine design and the more traditional ring or chain, enabling easy migration from existing campus stacking environments.

Because SWAG avoids proprietary stacking cables and relies on standard Ethernet cabling and optics, customers benefit from a consistent, open, modern operating model. SWAG will be an EOS feature on Arista campus switches.

In addition, Arista introduced Arista CloudVision Leaf Spine Stack Management, which allows operators to collectively manage a logical stack of switches within a single networking closet or across the entire campus.

Arista's CloudVision Leaf LSS Management reimagines the concept of stacking by providing a single, unified management plane for a logical group of switches. This software-defined approach transcends the physical limitations of traditional stacking, enabling customers to deploy switches in a variety of topologies, including modern leaf-spine architectures. Decoupling management from physical proximity means that this solution offers unprecedented flexibility and scalability.

This logical stacking allows operators to extend beyond a single access pod and organize the switches in a hierarchical model representing any real-world construct – two switches, a wiring closet, a floor of switches, a building or even an entire campus. Thus, LSS brings the broad set of CloudVision capabilities, from provisioning, telemetry and compliance to hitless upgrades, configuration management and segmentation, along with AI-driven insights, to any and all layers of the hierarchy.

More importantly, CloudVision allows customers to design the network with any topology they need, including standalone switches, classic Arista MLAG design, modular chassis, or SWAG.

The trio, Arista EOS, SWAG and CloudVision LSS, free customers from proprietary stacking protocols and design limitations while delivering extensive flexibility for network topologies and operations. Additionally, the combination of Arista CloudVision LSS Management and EOS SWAG delivers the broader multi-domain modern operating stacking approach that simplifies operations, eliminates downtime and reduces costs.