DCS-7050QX-32-F Arista 7050QX 32-Port 40Gbe QSFP+ Networking Switch

Overview of Arista DCS-7050QX-32-F 7050QX 32-Port Switch

The ARISTA DCS-7050QX-32-F is a robust, enterprise-grade Ethernet switching platform engineered for modern data center and high-throughput network environments. Built on Arista Networks’ proven 7050QX Series architecture, this 32-port 40GbE QSFP+ switch delivers exceptional bandwidth density, low latency, and operational reliability. It is purpose-designed to support scalable cloud infrastructures, virtualization, big data workloads, and performance-driven enterprise networks.

General Information

• Brand: Arista 
• Part Number: DCS-7050QX-32-F
• Product Type: Networking Switch

Technical Specifications

• 1x ARISTA DCS-7050QX-32-F Ethernet Switch
• 2x Hot-swappable AC Power Supply Units (PWR-460AC-F)
• 4x High-efficiency Cooling Fans (FAN-7000-F)
• 1x Rack Mount Rail Kit (KIT-7000 – rack ears only, no sliders)
• 2x Standard Power Cords
• 1x Console Management Cable

Redundant Power Supply Features

• Dual hot-swappable AC power modules for high availability
• Consistent power delivery during maintenance or component failure
• Energy-efficient design to reduce operational costs

The Arista DCS-7050QX-32-F 7050QX 32-Port 40Gbe Switch

The Arista DCS-7050QX-32-F 7050QX 32-Port 40GbE QSFP+ Networking Switch belongs to a performance-driven category of fixed-configuration data center switches designed to deliver ultra-low latency, high throughput, and scalable bandwidth. This category addresses the growing demand for east-west traffic optimization, virtualization-heavy workloads, cloud computing fabrics, and high-performance computing environments. By integrating thirty-two 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ ports in a compact form factor, this class of switch supports dense connectivity while maintaining energy efficiency and operational simplicity.Switches in the 40GbE QSFP+ category are engineered to handle massive data flows across spine-leaf architectures, collapsed core designs, and aggregation layers. The Arista 7050QX series stands out within this segment by combining advanced hardware forwarding, a robust network operating system, and flexible airflow options that adapt to diverse rack layouts. These characteristics make this category ideal for enterprises, service providers, and hyperscale operators seeking predictable performance and simplified network automation.

32-Port QSFP+ Configuration Switches

The category of 32-port QSFP+ Ethernet switches represents a strategic balance between port density and cost efficiency. With each QSFP+ port capable of delivering up to 40GbE, or being broken out into multiple 10GbE connections, this category enables flexible deployment models. Network architects leverage these switches to reduce the number of devices required at aggregation or spine layers, minimizing latency and operational overhead.Within this category, the Arista DCS-7050QX-32-F provides a consistent forwarding architecture that supports wire-speed Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching. This allows the device to function effectively as a top-of-rack switch, spine switch, or high-speed aggregation node. The inclusion of redundant power cords and a dedicated console cable further emphasizes reliability and manageability, which are essential attributes of enterprise-grade networking equipment.

Role in Leaf-Spine Architectures

Leaf-spine network designs rely on predictable latency and non-blocking bandwidth. The 32-port QSFP+ switch category is optimized for this topology by offering uniform port speeds and high switching capacity. When deployed as a spine switch, each QSFP+ port can connect to a leaf switch at 40GbE, ensuring consistent performance across the fabric. When deployed at the leaf layer, breakout configurations allow connection to multiple servers or access switches.This category supports scalable designs that grow horizontally. Instead of upgrading to larger chassis-based systems, organizations can add more fixed switches to expand capacity. This modular approach aligns with modern data center principles that emphasize agility, fault isolation, and incremental investment.

Reliable Power and Cooling Architecture

To ensure continuous network operation, the ARISTA 7050QX-32-F incorporates redundant power and cooling subsystems. Dual AC power supply units provide failover protection, while multiple high-performance fans maintain optimal thermal conditions under sustained workloads.

Enterprise-Class Hardware Design

The DCS-7050QX-32-F switch is engineered with reliability and serviceability in mind. Its fixed-form-factor chassis is designed for rack-mount installations and supports front-to-back airflow, making it suitable for hot-aisle and cold-aisle data center layouts. The hardware components are modular and field-replaceable, ensuring minimal downtime during maintenance.

Hardware Architecture and Performance Capabilities

Switches in this category are built on purpose-designed silicon optimized for high-throughput packet forwarding. The Arista 7050QX platform leverages a non-blocking switching fabric that ensures all ports can operate at line rate simultaneously. This hardware-centric approach reduces jitter and latency, making the category suitable for performance-sensitive applications.The fixed 1U form factor contributes to high rack density, allowing data centers to maximize available space. Despite its compact size, the category delivers substantial aggregate bandwidth, making it a practical alternative to larger modular systems in many scenarios.

40GbE QSFP+ Port Flexibility

Each QSFP+ interface in this category supports multiple connectivity options. Native 40GbE connections provide high-speed links between switches or to servers equipped with compatible network adapters. Additionally, breakout cables enable a single QSFP+ port to connect to multiple 10GbE endpoints, enhancing flexibility and port utilization.This adaptability allows network operators to tailor deployments based on current needs while preserving the option to reconfigure ports as requirements evolve. The category therefore supports both current workloads and future expansion without hardware replacement.

Network Operating System and Software Capabilities

A defining characteristic of this switch category is the integration of an advanced network operating system that abstracts hardware complexity. The Arista EOS platform, commonly associated with the 7050QX series, provides a single image architecture that simplifies upgrades and maintenance. This consistency across devices reduces operational risk and accelerates troubleshooting.Software-driven features in this category enable automation, telemetry, and programmability. Network engineers can manage large-scale deployments using standardized tools and APIs, aligning network operations with modern DevOps practices.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Feature Support

The 32-port QSFP+ switch category supports a comprehensive set of Layer 2 features, including VLANs, link aggregation, and spanning tree enhancements. These capabilities ensure compatibility with existing network designs while providing the performance required for dense 40GbE environments.At Layer 3, this category delivers robust routing protocols and forwarding capabilities. Support for dynamic routing enables seamless integration into complex network topologies, while high route scale ensures long-term viability as networks grow.

Power, Cooling, and Reliability

Reliability is a cornerstone of the Arista DCS-7050QX-32-F category. Redundant power cords provide resilience against power supply failures, ensuring continuous operation in mission-critical environments. Hot-swappable components minimize downtime during maintenance activities.Efficient cooling designs contribute to lower operational costs. Airflow options allow alignment with hot-aisle and cold-aisle configurations, optimizing thermal management within the rack.

Future-Ready Networking Design

As workloads continue to evolve, network infrastructure must adapt. The Arista DCS-7050QX-32-F category supports this evolution by providing a flexible platform that can accommodate changing traffic patterns and application requirements.Support for advanced network architectures, including software-defined networking and cloud-native designs, ensures relevance in future deployments.

Consistency Across Network Infrastructure

Consistency in hardware and software simplifies network design and management. Deploying multiple switches from the same category ensures uniform behavior, predictable performance, and streamlined support processes.This uniformity reduces training requirements and accelerates onboarding for network operations teams.