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Enterprise LAN (local area network) providers are a critical part of any business infrastructure. Compare the top LAN providers to discover which is best for you.
Enterprise LAN is a local area network designed for use in a corporate setting. They are typically much larger and more complex than home or small office LANs, and they often feature a wide range of advanced features such as voice over IP (VoIP) and videoconferencing.
Enterprise LAN providers and solutions are a critical part of any business infrastructure. The best providers offer the reliability, security, and scalability businesses need to keep their operations running smoothly.
Enterprise LANs are also typically built using high-end networking equipment designed to provide reliability and performance. In many cases, enterprise LANs are also connected to wide area networks (WANs), allowing employees to access resources outside of the office. They usually come with redundant network infrastructure in place to ensure clients always have access to a reliable connection.
Here are our top ten enterprise LAN providers and solutions for 2023:
Below is a comparison table to help you quickly assess the top ten enterprise LAN providers and solutions based on various criteria.
| Proven scalability | AI/ML functionality | Customer and partner support | Comprehensive product portfolio | Global presence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme Networks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Juniper Networks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cisco | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HPE/Aruba | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Huawei | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Arista | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fortinet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TP-Link | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE) | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Jump to:
Best for highly scalable infrastructure components and network applications.
Extreme Networks is a renowned player in the enterprise LAN solutions market. With over 25 years of experience, the company offers a wide array of products, including switches, routers, wireless LAN, and security solutions.
Recognized by Gartner for 5 years in a row as a Magic Quadrant leader in Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure Magic Quadrant, Extreme Networks stands out for its highly scalable solutions that can adapt to future growth needs without compromising security or performance. Extreme Networks has a global presence on five continents and over 20 countries.
Best for simplifying the full stack of IT networking requirements.
Juniper Networks is a frontrunner in the enterprise LAN infrastructure landscape, offering a diverse range of products and services. These include cloud services, data center networking, switches, Junos network operating system, Paragon automation, routers, SDN, security, software, and wireless access points.
Recognized by Gartner for several years in a row as a Magic Quadrant leader in Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure Magic Quadrant, Juniper Networks is known for its innovative and scalable solutions. The company has over 10,400 employees and operates in more than 50 countries.
Best for combining networking capabilities with unified communications.
Cisco, one of the largest networking companies globally, is renowned for its wide range of products and services, including the popular Cisco Meraki, a leader in Enterprise LAN.
Recognized by Gartner as one of the top supply chain companies for three consecutive years, Cisco’s robust features and commitment to customer satisfaction position it for continued growth in the enterprise market. The company has over 79,500 employees and more than 200 corporate offices in over 80 countries.
Best for a comprehensive portfolio of CX switches, Wi-Fi 6/6e access points, unified automation and security platform.
HPE (Aruba), also Leader in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant, offers a wide range of products managed through Aruba Central. With investments in AI and ML functionality, HPE (Aruba) focuses on feature parity between cloud and on-premises offerings and NaaS as a core aspect of its strategy.
HPE was spun off of HP in 2015 and is headquartered in San Jose, California. It acquired Aruba Networks in the same year in a $3 billion deal that boosted its share of the wireless networking business. The company has over 13,600 employees and operates in over 45 countries.
The provider offers customized pricing based on specific product selection and deployment model.
Best for a comprehensive wired and wireless product portfolio with competitive pricing, AI and ML enabled network management.
Huawei, is also a Leader in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure. The company offers CloudEngine S series switches, AirEngine wireless APs, and iMaster NCE-Campus network management platform.
Despite geopolitical challenges, Huawei remains the third-largest provider in the market, focusing on AI and ML functionality and automation. The company’s products are used by over three billion people in 170 countries, and its LAN products are available in over 50 markets. Huawei has partnerships with over 500 carriers and 400,000 enterprises worldwide.
Best for unified network operations tools with advanced AI and ML capabilities and integrated network management and security.
Arista Networks was named a Visionary in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure. The company offers enterprise switching and Cognitive Wi-Fi products managed through CloudVision.
With a focus on North America and APAC, Arista emphasizes network automation, integrated security, and AI and ML capabilities. Arista was founded in 2004 and has over 2,900 employees. The company has an office presence in over seven countries.
As with most Enterprise LAN providers and solutions, Arista’s pricing varies based on specific products and configurations.
Best for tightly integrated LAN, WLAN, and security architecture with a unified operating system and cloud management platform.
Fortinet, recognized as a Visionary in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant, offers FortiAP and FortiSwitch products that focus on tight integration with network security capabilities.
Leveraging FortiGate security appliances and FortiCloud, Fortinet provides a unified architecture across security, wired, and wireless networks. Founded in 2000, the company has over 11,500 employees, and operates in over 190 countries.
Through a series of strategic acquisitions, the company has established itself as a leader in the network threat management market. In addition, the company has over 1,279 issued patents with another 247 pending.
Fortinet does not publish pricing information on its website. Contact Fortinet or an authorized distributor for detailed pricing information.
Best for midsized enterprises looking for cost-effective solutions with basic network connectivity needs.
TP-Link, a Niche Player in the Gartner Magic Quadrant, focuses on the needs of midsized enterprises with products like Omada WLAN, T series wired switches, and associated network software products. The company was founded in 1996.
TP-Link does not provide specific pricing information for most of its producst on the official website, and it may vary depending on the region and retailer. However, the Gartner 2022 Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure suggests that TP-Link’s pricing is among the lowest of its competitors, aligning with the needs of most midsized enterprises.
Best for midsize enterprises in healthcare, government, education, and transportation sectors looking for intelligent network deployment and pervasive management.
ALE, a Niche Player in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for this technology category, offers OmniSwitch switches, OmniAccess Stellar wireless access points, and associated network software products, focusing on midsize enterprises.
When it comes to top enterprise LAN providers, there are a few key criteria to consider: market entrenchment, scalability, innovation, support, product portfolio, and global presence.
Look for providers with a strong presence and reputation in the market. This ensures stability and reliability in their offerings.
Choose providers that offer scalable solutions to accommodate future growth without compromising performance.
Consider providers that invest in cutting-edge technologies like AI and ML to enhance network efficiency and security.
Opt for providers with robust customer support and a wide partner network to ensure seamless implementation and ongoing support.
A wide range of products ensures that you can find solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Providers with operations in multiple countries can offer better support and have a broader understanding of market dynamics.
Choosing the right enterprise LAN provider or solution is a vital decision for enterprises of all sizes, as it can significantly impact the organization’s efficiency, scalability, security, and global reach. Here’s a summary of key considerations, along with examples of how specific providers on our list might align with the needs of your company:
By considering these factors and aligning them with the unique needs and goals of your enterprise, you can make an informed decision. Consulting with network experts or authorized distributors and evaluating the specific offerings of providers on our list can further ensure that you choose the solution that best fits your requirements.
Enterprise LAN is a network that connects computers and devices within a specific geographic area such as an office building or campus. It enables efficient communication and resource sharing within an organization.
LAN is used for various purposes, including file sharing, collaboration, internet access, and connecting to peripheral devices like printers. It’s essential for seamless communication within an organization.
Companies typically use both LAN and WAN. LAN is used for internal networking within a specific location, while WAN connects different locations or branches of a company. LAN provides high-speed connectivity within a confined area, while WAN enables broader connectivity across regions.
In compiling this review of the top enterprise LAN providers, we employed a rigorous and multifaceted approach to ensure accuracy and relevance. Our analysis was deeply rooted in several industry reports, most notably Gartner’s 2022 Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure.
We evaluated each provider based on several key aspects, including product portfolio, scalability, innovation, global presence, and customer support.
Primary data about each provider was gathered directly from the vendor’s website, ensuring firsthand information. Further, we considered the provider’s reputation in the industry and analyzed user feedback on various review websites to gain a holistic view of customer satisfaction and real-world performance.
Selecting the right enterprise LAN provider is a critical decision that can shape the efficiency and growth trajectory of enterprises of all sizes. This review, grounded in extensive research and analysis, serves as a valuable guide for enterprises seeking to invest in robust and future-ready LAN solutions.
Looking to expand past LAN? Here are the best 5G business network providers for reliable, lightning-fast connectivity.
Kihara Kimachia is a writer and digital marketing consultant with over a decade of experience covering issues in emerging technology and innovation. In addition to appearing regularly in Enterprise Networking Planet, his work has been published in many leading technology publications, including TechRepublic, eSecurity Planet, Server Watch, Channel Insider, IT Business Edge, and Enterprise Storage Forum.
Enterprise Networking Planet aims to educate and assist IT administrators in building strong network infrastructures for their enterprise companies. Enterprise Networking Planet contributors write about relevant and useful topics on the cutting edge of enterprise networking based on years of personal experience in the field.
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