Head-to-head · Data Center Networking Solutions
Dell Fabric Manager vs HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer
Dell Fabric Manager leads on 4 checks, HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreDell Fabric Manager · 6.8/10
- Most featuresDell Fabric Manager · 4 of 4
Dell Fabric Manager scores higher on our rubric for data center networking solutions: 6.8 against 6.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.
Dell Fabric Manager offers network automation; HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer doesn't publish it. Dell Fabric Manager offers topology visualization; HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer doesn't publish it. Dell Fabric Manager offers multi-vendor support; HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer doesn't publish it. Dell Fabric Manager offers configuration compliance; HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer doesn't publish it.
Dell Fabric Manager is the better fit for SONiC-based data-center fabric operations. HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer is the better fit for HPE Aruba leaf-spine fabric deployments.
- Dell Fabric Manager fits best
SONiC-based data-center fabric operations
- HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer fits best
HPE Aruba leaf-spine fabric deployments
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Side by side
| Feature | Dell Fabric Manager 6.8/10 Visit ↗ | HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer 6.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 6.8 | 6.7 |
| Ranking | #6 in Data Center Networking Solutions | #7 in Data Center Networking Solutions |
| Best for | SONiC-based data-center fabric operations | HPE Aruba leaf-spine fabric deployments |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | Not published | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise | Enterprise, Mid-market |
| Features Dell Fabric Manager 4/4 · HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer 0/4 | ||
| Network automation | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Topology visualization | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Multi-vendor support | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Configuration compliance | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment model | Not published | Not published |
| Supported device limit | Not published | Not published |
| Telemetry protocols | gNMI, OpenConfig, REST APIs | Not published |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Dell Fabric Manager is an intent-based networking automation and orchestration platform for organizations that design and maintain network fabrics. Its scope spans enterprise campus, edge, data center, and AI environments, with a… Read the review → |
HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer coordinates the provisioning, configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of data-center fabrics built with HPE Aruba Networking AOS-CX switches. Its scope spans leaf-spine orchestration, routing and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Dell Fabric Manager — where it wins
- Combines intent-based design with zero-touch provisioning and cable validation
- Adds SONiC lifecycle updates, maintenance mode, backup, and auto-recovery
- Pairs topology-aware telemetry with configuration and compliance monitoring
Where it doesn't
- Pricing is available through contact with sales
- The listed platform is web-based
- Its focus is network-fabric operations, not individual consumer use
HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer — where it wins
- Orchestrates BGP/OSPF underlays and EVPN/VXLAN overlays
- Combines topology visibility, telemetry, alerts, and troubleshooting
- Integrates with VMware, Nutanix, HPE tools, and Pensando PSM
Where it doesn't
- Paid subscriptions are required; there is no free plan
- Management subscriptions are priced per managed switch
- Focused on HPE Aruba Networking AOS-CX fabric environments
- Dell Fabric Manager6.8/10 · Pricing on request
Fabric design, automation, and SONiC lifecycle operations for data-center teams.
Visit DellFull verdict → - HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer6.7/10 · Paid
Centralized leaf-spine orchestration for teams managing HPE Aruba AOS-CX fabrics.
Visit HPE ArubaFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update