Arista Networks has unveiled its latest AI-driven Edge Threat Management (ETM) solution tailored for VeloCloud SD-WAN. This new development is poised to deliver comprehensive zero trust security specifically for enterprise branch offices. The platform integrates ETM to streamline branch operations by amalgamating multiple systems into a singular secure SD-WAN edge solution.
ETM acts as a perimeter defense enhancement for the WAN edge, offering an ideal software upgrade for existing VeloCloud SD-WAN users. It provides a unified system to combine zero trust security protocols with robust SD-WAN connectivity. The platform is designed to simplify branch management through a cohesive operating system, consistent enforcement engine, and uniform security policies, all managed via the VeloCloud Orchestrator.
AI-powered policy insights
The unified interface of ETM includes advanced features such as sophisticated firewalling, threat prevention, zone-based segmentation, Geo-IP and DNS filtering, and AI-driven policy insights delivered right at the branch WAN edge. These features enable detailed policy control and strengthen the security framework across branch networks.
“The new ETM functionality allows us to offer requested security services on top of the existing SD-WAN infrastructure managed within the same GUI. This eliminates the need to deploy a separate firewall box managed from a separate GUI, especially for small branches,” stated Till Bockenheimer of T&A SYSTEME GmbH, managing a vast network of sites across 98 countries.
Complex security policies
The latest ETM solution takes advantage of Arista AVA® for intelligent policy management
Edward Fox III, Chief Technology Officer at MetTel, commented on the evolving nature of network edges, highlighting the need for smarter, more autonomous systems capable of transitioning from reactive troubleshooting to predictive management as AI-driven operations grow.
The latest ETM solution takes advantage of Arista AVA® (Autonomous Virtual Assist) for intelligent policy management. Features such as 'Policy Explainer' and 'Traffic Simulation' use the Ask AVA tool, which translates complex security protocols into easily understandable language. This facilitates security administrators in reducing errors and quickly gauging the impact of various security policies, especially in environments with seasoned input from multiple administrators.
Virtual edge platforms
John McCool, Senior Vice President at Arista Networks, remarked, “The new zero trust integrated security with ETM, developed organically by Arista, showcases the power of the combined Arista and VeloCloud teams on the anniversary of the VeloCloud acquisition. Customers can now simplify and unify the branch, extending enterprise-grade zero trust security to the branch office WAN edge.”
The rollout of Edge Threat Management for VeloCloud SD-WAN platforms marks Arista's dedication to delivering an all-encompassing secure networking framework from the client to the cloud, establishing a simpler, fortified, and AI-ready enterprise network environment.
ETM for VeloCloud SD-WAN is set to be generally available in Q4 of 2026 and will be compatible with all current VeloCloud hardware and virtual edge platforms.
