DCS-7050SX-64-R Arista 48x 10GB SFP Switch

Highlights of Arista DCS-7050SX-64-R 48x Switch 

The Arista DCS-7050SX-64-F is a high-performance enterprise-grade network switch designed to deliver reliable connectivity, scalability, and efficiency for modern data centers.

Product Specification

• Manufacturer: Arista Networks
• Part Number: DCS-7050SX-64-R
• Product Type: Advanced Network Switch

Technical Specifications

Port Configuration

• 48x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ interfaces
• 4x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ uplink ports
• Management Ports: 1x Gigabit RJ45 LAN, 1x RS-232 RJ45, 1x USB
• SFP Modules: Not included

Performance Metrics

• Switching Capacity: 1.28 Tbps
• Forwarding Rate: 960 Mpps
• Latency: 550 ns
• MAC Address Table: 32K Base Mode, 288K UFT Modes

Memory and Processing

• CPU: High-performance x86 architecture
• DRAM: Up to 8GB
• Flash Storage: 4GB

Cooling and Power

Airflow Management

• Front-to-Back Airflow for efficient cooling
• 4x FAN-7000-F modules included (N+1 redundancy)

Power Supply Options

• 2x PWR-500AC-F 500W AC power supplies included
• Alternative Option: PWR-500AC-R with B-F airflow

Advanced Features

Network Capabilities

• Supports up to 4096 VLAN IDs
• Packet Buffer: 12MB for optimized traffic handling

Scalability and Reliability

• Designed for enterprise-level workloads
• Redundant fan and power modules ensure uptime
• High-speed uplinks for seamless expansion

High-Performance Data Center Switching Category Overview

The Arista DCS-7050SX-64-R belongs to a specialized category of high-density, low-latency Ethernet switches designed for modern data center, cloud, and enterprise aggregation environments. This category focuses on delivering deterministic performance, scalable bandwidth, and operational simplicity for networks that must support east-west traffic patterns, virtualization, and high-performance computing workloads. Switches in this class are typically deployed at the leaf or spine layers of a data center fabric, where consistent throughput and predictable latency are critical for application performance.

Within this category, the emphasis is placed on compact form factors, energy efficiency, and flexible port configurations that allow seamless integration with existing 10 Gigabit and 40 Gigabit Ethernet infrastructures. Devices like the Arista DCS-7050SX-64-R are engineered to meet the demands of environments where downtime is unacceptable and where network scalability must keep pace with rapid business growth.

Role of 10GbE and 40GbE Switching in Modern Networks

Ethernet switching categories that combine 10GbE SFP+ access ports with 40GbE QSFP+ uplinks are designed to bridge the gap between legacy network architectures and next-generation high-speed fabrics. This hybrid port configuration enables organizations to aggregate multiple 10 Gigabit server or access connections while providing high-capacity uplinks to the core or spine layer. The Arista DCS-7050SX-64-R fits squarely into this category by offering a balanced mix of connectivity options that support both current and future networking requirements.

As data centers evolve toward software-defined architectures, the ability to support high bandwidth with minimal latency becomes a defining factor of this switching category. The inclusion of 40GbE uplinks allows for efficient traffic consolidation, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall network efficiency. This makes the category particularly suitable for virtualization clusters, private cloud deployments, and high-frequency trading environments where microseconds matter.

Low-Latency Architecture and Predictable Performance

A defining characteristic of this switching category is the focus on ultra-low latency forwarding. The Arista DCS-7050SX-64-R is built on a hardware architecture optimized for cut-through switching, enabling packets to be forwarded with minimal delay. This approach ensures consistent latency across varying packet sizes, which is essential for latency-sensitive applications such as real-time analytics, financial trading platforms, and distributed databases.

Predictable performance is further enhanced by non-blocking switching fabrics that can handle full line-rate traffic on all ports simultaneously. In this category, the emphasis is not only on raw throughput but also on maintaining performance under sustained load, making these switches reliable building blocks for mission-critical network designs.

Port Density and Scalability Considerations

High port density is a cornerstone of this switch category. The Arista DCS-7050SX-64-R offers forty-eight 10GbE SFP+ ports, enabling dense server connectivity within a single rack unit. This density allows network architects to reduce the number of switches required in the access layer, simplifying cabling and reducing operational overhead.

Scalability is achieved through the inclusion of four 40GbE QSFP+ ports, which can be used for uplinks or inter-switch connections. This design supports scalable leaf-spine architectures, where multiple leaf switches connect to a set of spine switches using high-speed links. As demand grows, additional switches can be added to the fabric without disrupting existing services.

Flexible Deployment Scenarios

This category supports a wide range of deployment scenarios, from small enterprise data centers to large-scale cloud environments. The flexibility of mixed-speed ports allows organizations to gradually migrate from 10GbE to higher speeds without requiring a complete network overhaul. The Arista DCS-7050SX-64-R exemplifies this adaptability by accommodating diverse cabling and transceiver options.

In addition to traditional data center roles, switches in this category are often used in high-performance computing clusters, content delivery networks, and research environments where bandwidth aggregation and low latency are equally important.

Front-to-Back Airflow Design and Thermal Efficiency

Thermal management is a critical consideration in modern data centers, and this category of switches places strong emphasis on airflow optimization. The Arista DCS-7050SX-64-R features a front-to-back airflow design, aligning with standard hot aisle and cold aisle containment strategies. This airflow pattern ensures that cool air is drawn in from the front of the rack and exhausted out the back, improving cooling efficiency and reducing hotspots.

By conforming to data center airflow best practices, switches in this category help operators maintain consistent operating temperatures, which can extend hardware lifespan and reduce energy costs. This design consideration is particularly important in high-density deployments where thermal load can quickly become a limiting factor.

Energy Efficiency and Operational Cost Reduction

Energy efficiency is another defining attribute of this category. The hardware platforms are designed to deliver high performance per watt, enabling organizations to scale their networks without proportionally increasing power consumption. Efficient power supplies and intelligent cooling mechanisms contribute to lower total cost of ownership over the lifecycle of the switch.

The Arista DCS-7050SX-64-R aligns with these goals by combining performance and efficiency, making it suitable for data centers seeking to balance operational excellence with sustainability objectives.

Enterprise-Grade Reliability and Redundancy

Reliability is a non-negotiable requirement in this switching category. Devices are engineered with redundant components, including power supplies and cooling fans, to ensure continuous operation even in the event of hardware failures. The Arista DCS-7050SX-64-R reflects this focus by supporting redundant, hot-swappable power and cooling modules.

This redundancy allows maintenance activities to be performed without network downtime, which is essential for enterprises that operate around the clock. The category is therefore well suited for environments where service availability directly impacts business outcomes.

Advanced Network Operating System Capabilities

A key differentiator of this switching category is the integration of advanced network operating systems that provide visibility, automation, and programmability. The Arista DCS-7050SX-64-R runs a robust operating system designed for modern data center environments, offering features such as real-time state monitoring, extensible APIs, and consistent configuration management.

This software-centric approach enables network teams to automate routine tasks, reduce configuration errors, and gain deeper insights into network behavior. As networks become more complex, these capabilities are essential for maintaining agility and reliability.

Automation and Programmability

Automation is a core requirement in this category, driven by the need to manage large-scale deployments efficiently. Switches are designed to integrate with orchestration frameworks and support programmable interfaces that allow network behavior to be customized and optimized. This makes the Arista DCS-7050SX-64-R particularly attractive for environments adopting DevOps and NetOps methodologies.

By enabling programmatic control, this category supports rapid provisioning, consistent policy enforcement, and faster response to changing application demands.

Support for Virtualized and Cloud-Native Environments

Virtualization and cloud-native applications generate significant east-west traffic within data centers, placing new demands on network infrastructure. This category of switches is optimized to handle such traffic patterns by providing consistent performance and scalable bandwidth. The Arista DCS-7050SX-64-R supports these requirements by delivering a balanced combination of port density, speed, and low latency.

As organizations continue to adopt containerization and microservices architectures, the importance of a reliable, high-performance switching fabric becomes even more pronounced.