Is Aruba the Same as Cisco?

A common question among IT professionals and network administrators is — “Is Aruba the same as Cisco?” The short answer is no, Aruba and Cisco are not the same, but they are two leading networking technology providers that serve similar purposes in the world of enterprise networking, wireless connectivity, and cybersecurity.

At Microtek Learning, we help learners and organizations understand both ecosystems — from Aruba (a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company) to Cisco Systems — through structured, vendor-certified training programs that enhance professional skills in network design, wireless infrastructure, and secure connectivity.

Understanding Aruba and Cisco

Both Aruba Networks and Cisco Systems design and deliver enterprise-grade networking solutions — but their approaches, architectures, and technologies differ.

🔹 Aruba Networks (HPE Aruba Networking)

• A subsidiary of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).

• Focuses on secure, intelligent edge networking and cloud-managed wireless solutions.

• Best known for innovations in Wi-Fi, network access control (NAC) through Aruba ClearPass, and cloud orchestration via Aruba Central.

• Integrates AI-driven analytics, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and automation to enhance network performance and security.

🔹 Cisco Systems

• A global leader in networking, security, and collaboration technologies.

• Offers a wide range of solutions, including Cisco Catalyst switches, Cisco Meraki (cloud networking), and Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for security and policy management.

• Known for its enterprise-grade routers, firewalls, and data center solutions.

• Provides robust certification programs such as CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE, which have been industry standards for decades.

Key Differences Between Aruba and Cisco

While both companies provide end-to-end networking solutions, they differ in deployment models, management tools, and pricing structures.

Both ecosystems emphasize secure connectivity, cloud management, and scalability, but Aruba takes a cloud-first, AI-driven approach, while Cisco remains hardware-centric with extensive hybrid cloud offerings.

Security and Network Access: Aruba vs. Cisco

Security is a key differentiator:

• Aruba ClearPass provides granular access control, device profiling, and policy enforcement for both wired and wireless networks — aligning with Zero Trust and NAC frameworks.

• Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) delivers centralized policy control, segmentation, and compliance enforcement, often integrated with Cisco TrustSec and AnyConnect for secure connectivity.

Both platforms support 802.1X authentication, RADIUS, TACACS+, and third-party integrations, making them robust options for enterprise-level network protection.

Which One Should You Choose — Aruba or Cisco?

Choosing between Aruba and Cisco depends on your organization’s size, goals, and IT infrastructure:

• Choose Aruba if you prefer:

  • Cloud-native, AI-powered network management (Aruba Central)

  • Simplified scalability and lower operational costs

  • Strong focus on Zero Trust security with ClearPass

  • Seamless integration with HPE servers and storage solutions

• Choose Cisco if you need:

  • Large-scale, high-performance networking infrastructure

  • Advanced routing and data center capabilities

  • Established global support and certification ecosystem

  • Broad compatibility with multi-vendor environments

Both platforms are powerful and widely used globally — and professionals trained in either (or both) are in high demand.

Aruba vs. Cisco Certification Paths

For IT professionals, certifications from both vendors can significantly boost career prospects.

Aruba Certifications (offered by HPE Aruba Networking):

• Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA)

• Aruba Certified Mobility Professional (ACMP)

• Aruba Certified ClearPass Associate (ACCA)

• Aruba Certified Network Security Associate (ACNSA)

Cisco Certifications:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

• Cisco DevNet Certifications (for automation and programmability)

At Microtek Learning, we provide vendor-approved training programs for both Aruba and Cisco certifications, helping learners build practical, job-ready networking expertise.

Global Relevance and Career Scope

Both Aruba and Cisco certifications are recognized globally and open doors to careers in:

• Network engineering and design

• Wireless infrastructure management

• Network security and Zero Trust architecture

• Cloud-managed networking solutions

Professionals who understand both ecosystems gain a competitive advantage in the IT job market, especially as organizations adopt hybrid network infrastructures combining Cisco and Aruba technologies.

Final Takeaway

Aruba is not the same as Cisco, but both are industry leaders in networking and cybersecurity with unique strengths.

• Aruba (HPE) focuses on AI-powered, cloud-managed networking and Zero Trust access control through ClearPass and Aruba Central.

• Cisco remains the global standard for enterprise networking and routing, offering powerful infrastructure and security solutions.

Both are excellent choices for organizations and professionals looking to build resilient, scalable, and secure network environments.

At Microtek Learning, we provide comprehensive Aruba and Cisco certification training to help you develop the right technical expertise — whether you’re starting your networking journey or advancing to enterprise-level roles.