DCS-7050SX-128-F Arista 96-Port SFP+ QSFP+ 2x Power Cords console Cable Switch

Overview Arista DCS-7050SX-128-F 96-Port QSFP+ Switch

The ARISTA DCS-7050SX-128-F is a high-performance data center Ethernet switch engineered for environments that demand ultra-low latency, massive port density, and reliable front-to-rear airflow. Built on Arista’s proven 7050 Series architecture, this model delivers exceptional scalability for cloud networks, enterprise cores, and high-speed aggregation layers.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Arista
• Part Number: DCS-7050SX-128-F
• Product Type: Networking Switch

Technical Specifications

• 2 x hot-swappable AC power supplies
• 4 x front-to-rear fan modules 
• 2-post rack mount ears 
• 2 x power cords 
• Console cable 
• Series: Arista 7050SX
• Ports: 96 x SFP+ 10GbE, 8 x QSFP+ 40GbE
• Airflow: Front-to-rear
• Included: Power supplies, fans, rack ears, power cords, console cable

The Arista DCS-7050SX-128-F 96-Port QSFP+ Switch

The Arista DCS-7050SX-128-F belongs to a performance-driven category of fixed-form-factor data center switches engineered for high-density 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) and flexible 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE) uplinks. This class of networking hardware is designed to support large-scale cloud infrastructures, enterprise core and aggregation layers, high-performance computing environments, and latency-sensitive workloads that demand consistent throughput and predictable performance. With a focus on front-to-rear airflow, rack efficiency, and operational reliability, switches in this category are optimized for hot-aisle/cold-aisle data center designs and scalable network architectures.

Role of the Arista 7050 Series

The Arista 7050 Series is widely recognized for combining merchant silicon innovation with a robust network operating system, making it suitable for spine-leaf topologies and collapsed core designs. The DCS-7050SX-128-F model exemplifies this category by delivering a balance of port density, power efficiency, and forwarding performance. Category-level solutions like this are often deployed as top-of-rack (ToR), end-of-row (EoR), or aggregation switches where deterministic latency and line-rate forwarding are essential.

Fixed Configuration Switching Advantages

Fixed configuration switches in this category eliminate the complexity associated with modular chassis systems while still offering enterprise-grade scalability. By integrating a high number of SFP+ and QSFP+ ports into a compact 1U form factor, the category supports rapid deployment, simplified cabling, and lower total cost of ownership. The Arista DCS-7050SX-128-F exemplifies how fixed switches can meet or exceed the performance expectations traditionally associated with modular platforms.

Port Density and Interface Flexibility

One of the defining characteristics of this category is its emphasis on dense 10GbE connectivity combined with high-speed uplink options. The DCS-7050SX-128-F offers an extensive array of SFP+ ports designed for 10GbE server connections, along with QSFP+ interfaces that can be used for 40GbE uplinks or broken out into multiple 10GbE connections. This flexibility allows network architects to tailor port usage according to evolving infrastructure requirements without replacing core hardware.

96-Port SFP+ Connectivity for Server Access

Switches in this category are optimized for environments with a high concentration of virtualized servers, storage arrays, and hyper-converged infrastructure nodes. The 96 SFP+ ports provide ample capacity for connecting racks of compute resources while maintaining consistent low latency. This density reduces the number of switches required per rack, streamlining network design and simplifying management.

QSFP+ Uplink Capabilities

QSFP+ ports within this category serve as high-bandwidth aggregation points, enabling efficient connectivity to spine switches or core network layers. These interfaces support multiple operational modes, including native 40GbE and breakout configurations. This adaptability makes the category suitable for phased network upgrades, where existing 10GbE environments gradually transition toward higher-speed backbones.

High Switching Capacity and Forwarding Rates

The overall switching fabric capacity in this category supports simultaneous full-bandwidth traffic on all ports. High packet-per-second (pps) rates ensure that both large data transfers and small, latency-sensitive packets are handled efficiently. This capability is essential for mixed-workload environments where storage, compute, and application traffic coexist.

Front-to-Rear Airflow and Thermal Optimization

Data center compatibility is a defining feature of the Arista DCS-7050SX-128-F category. Front-to-rear airflow aligns with industry-standard hot-aisle/cold-aisle designs, promoting efficient cooling and reducing operational costs. This airflow direction ensures that cool air is drawn in from the front of the rack and expelled as hot air at the rear, maintaining thermal stability across dense deployments.

Rack Mounting and Physical Design

Physical form factor and ease of installation are important attributes of this switch category. The DCS-7050SX-128-F is designed for standard 19-inch racks and includes 2-post rack mount ears, making it suitable for a wide range of data center and telecom environments. Its compact 1U height maximizes rack space utilization while still accommodating high port density.

Optimized for 2-Post and 4-Post Racks

The inclusion of rack mount ears allows for flexible installation options. This versatility is particularly valuable in mixed infrastructure environments where rack configurations may vary across facilities.

Network Operating System and Management Capabilities

Beyond hardware specifications, the category is defined by advanced network operating system capabilities. The Arista DCS-7050SX-128-F runs a modern, extensible operating system designed for automation, programmability, and high availability. These features enable organizations to manage large-scale networks with greater efficiency and consistency.

High-Performance Computing and Storage Networks

Low latency and high throughput make this category well-suited for HPC clusters and storage networks. Applications such as distributed file systems, data analytics platforms, and AI workloads benefit from the deterministic performance characteristics of these switches.

Scalability and Future-Proof Networking

Scalability is a core attribute of this switch category. By supporting a mix of 10GbE and 40GbE interfaces, the Arista DCS-7050SX-128-F enables organizations to scale bandwidth incrementally. This approach aligns with evolving application demands and emerging technologies without requiring wholesale infrastructure replacement.