Aruba Central vs Cisco AnyConnect

Struggling to choose between Aruba Central and Cisco AnyConnect? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Aruba Central is a Network & Admin solution with tags like networking, infrastructure-management, analytics, automation, cloudnative.

It boasts features such as Unified cloud-based management for wired, wireless and SD-WAN infrastructure, AI-powered analytics and insights for network optimization and user experience, Automated workflows and remediation for simplified operations, Integrated security features for securing the network edge, Scalable and flexible deployment options for small to large enterprises, Mobile app for remote monitoring and management and pros including Centralized management of network infrastructure, Improved visibility and control over the network, Reduced operational overhead and IT resource requirements, Enhanced user experience through AI-driven optimization, Scalable and flexible deployment options.

On the other hand, Cisco AnyConnect is a Network & Admin product tagged with vpn, remote-access, cisco, secure-connection.

Its standout features include Secure remote access VPN, Multiple VPN protocols (SSL, IPSec, IKEv2), Pre-deployment via Active Directory, SMS, etc, Centralized management via Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Integrated posture and compliance checks, Per-app VPN for secure access to specific resources, Clientless VPN via web browser, Network Access Manager for NAC, and it shines with pros like Secure and flexible remote access, Broad platform and OS support, Integrates with other Cisco security products, Granular access controls and compliance enforcement, Centralized deployment and management, Per-app VPN increases security.

Feature	Aruba Central	Cisco AnyConnect
Overall Score	N/A	1
Primary Category	Network & Admin	Network & Admin

Product Overview

Aruba Central

Description: Aruba Central is a cloud-native platform for managing wired, wireless and SD-WAN infrastructure. It provides a unified dashboard with AI-powered analytics and automation to simplify operations, optimize users' experiences and secure the network edge.

Cisco AnyConnect

Description: Cisco AnyConnect is a VPN client that provides secure VPN connections to Cisco VPN headends and cloud services. It enables remote users to securely access corporate resources and applications over the internet.

Key Features Comparison

Aruba Central Features

• Unified cloud-based management for wired, wireless and SD-WAN infrastructure
• AI-powered analytics and insights for network optimization and user experience
• Automated workflows and remediation for simplified operations
• Integrated security features for securing the network edge
• Scalable and flexible deployment options for small to large enterprises
• Mobile app for remote monitoring and management

Cisco AnyConnect Features

• Secure remote access VPN
• Multiple VPN protocols (SSL, IPSec, IKEv2)
• Pre-deployment via Active Directory, SMS, etc
• Centralized management via Cisco Prime Infrastructure
• Integrated posture and compliance checks
• Per-app VPN for secure access to specific resources
• Clientless VPN via web browser
• Network Access Manager for NAC

Pros & Cons Analysis

Aruba Central

Pros

• Centralized management of network infrastructure
• Improved visibility and control over the network
• Reduced operational overhead and IT resource requirements
• Enhanced user experience through AI-driven optimization
• Scalable and flexible deployment options

Cons

• Potential vendor lock-in with Aruba hardware and software
• Ongoing subscription costs for cloud-based management
• Limited customization options compared to on-premises solutions
• Dependency on stable internet connectivity for cloud-based management

Cisco AnyConnect

Pros

• Secure and flexible remote access
• Broad platform and OS support
• Integrates with other Cisco security products
• Granular access controls and compliance enforcement
• Centralized deployment and management
• Per-app VPN increases security

Cons

• Complex setup and management
• License costs can get expensive for large deployments
• Interoperability limited to Cisco products
• Requires supporting Cisco infrastructure

Pricing Comparison

Aruba Central

• Subscription-Based

Cisco AnyConnect

• Subscription-Based
• Pay-As-You-Go