DCS-7050SX-72-R Arista 48x 10GB SFP Switch

Arista 48x 10GB SFP Switch

The DCS-7050SX-72-R Arista 48x 10GB SFP Switch is a high-performance networking solution designed for enterprises requiring speed, scalability, and reliability.

Main Specification

• Brand Name: Arista
• Part Number: DCS-7050SX-72-R
• Product Type: Network Switch

Technical Specifications

Port Configuration

• Network Interfaces: 48x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+
• Uplink Options: 2x MXP ports supporting 3x 40GbE or 12x 10GbE
• Management Interfaces: 1x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45, 1x RS-232 Serial RJ45, 1x USB

Performance Highlights

• Processor: Quad-core x86 CPU
• Switching Capacity: 1.28 Tbps
• Forwarding Rate: 960 Mpps
• Latency: 550 ns
• MAC Address Table: 288,000 entries
• Packet Buffer: 12 MB

Memory Resources

• DRAM: Up to 8 GB
• Flash Storage: 4 GB
• VLAN IDs Supported: 4096

Cooling and Airflow

• Airflow Direction: Front-to-back
• Fan Modules: 4x FAN-7000-F (N+1 redundancy)

Power Supply Options

• Included: 2x PWR-500AC-F 500W AC units
• Alternative: PWR-500AC-R for B-F airflow

Key Advantages

High-Speed Connectivity

• Supports multiple 10GbE and 40GbE uplink configurations
• Optimized for data-intensive workloads

Scalability and Flexibility

• Large MAC address table for complex networks
• Extensive VLAN support for segmentation

Reliability and Redundancy

• Redundant fan modules ensure cooling efficiency
• Dual power supplies for uninterrupted operation

Arista DCS-7050SX-72-R 48x 10GB SFP+ MXP Switch Overview

The Arista DCS-7050SX-72-R 48x 10GB SFP+ 2x MXP Back-to-Front Airflow Switch belongs to a specialized category of fixed-configuration data center switches engineered for high-density, low-latency Ethernet environments. This category focuses on delivering predictable performance, scalable port density, and operational simplicity for modern enterprise networks, cloud data centers, and service provider infrastructures. Designed to support intensive east-west traffic patterns, this class of switches addresses the growing demand for virtualization, distributed applications, and software-defined networking frameworks that rely on consistent throughput and minimal jitter.

Within this category, emphasis is placed on deterministic forwarding behavior, non-blocking architectures, and wire-speed performance across all interfaces. The DCS-7050SX-72-R aligns with these expectations by supporting dense 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity through SFP+ interfaces while integrating modular high-speed uplink capability via MXP ports. This approach enables network architects to design flexible topologies that scale from access to aggregation layers without introducing complexity or unnecessary oversubscription.

Role of 10GbE SFP+ Switching in Modern Networks

Switches equipped with forty-eight 10GB SFP+ ports occupy a critical position in enterprise and cloud network design. This category serves as a bridge between legacy Gigabit Ethernet deployments and higher-speed 25GbE or 100GbE infrastructures. The Arista DCS-7050SX-72-R is representative of this segment, offering a balanced mix of port density and performance that supports server connectivity, storage access, and virtualized workloads.

10GbE SFP+ connectivity remains relevant due to its widespread adoption, cost efficiency, and compatibility with existing cabling and transceivers. In environments where servers, hypervisors, and storage arrays are already optimized for 10 Gigabit Ethernet, switches in this category provide a seamless upgrade path without requiring wholesale infrastructure changes. The DCS-7050SX-72-R category emphasizes consistent latency characteristics, which are essential for applications such as financial trading platforms, real-time analytics, and clustered databases.

Latency Sensitivity and East-West Traffic Optimization

One of the defining characteristics of this switching category is its focus on ultra-low latency performance. Data center traffic patterns have shifted significantly from north-south flows toward east-west communication between servers and virtual machines. Switches like the Arista DCS-7050SX-72-R are engineered to handle these patterns efficiently, ensuring that packets traverse the network with minimal delay and predictable timing.

By maintaining consistent forwarding performance across all SFP+ ports, this category supports latency-sensitive applications that depend on rapid data exchange. The architecture prioritizes cut-through switching and efficient buffer management, allowing high volumes of small packets to be processed without congestion or microbursts disrupting application performance.

MXP Uplink Integration and Scalable Network Design

The inclusion of MXP ports places the Arista DCS-7050SX-72-R within a subcategory of switches that combine fixed access-layer density with modular high-speed uplinks. MXP interfaces enable aggregation of multiple high-speed lanes, supporting flexible breakout or high-capacity connections to spine switches or core infrastructure. This design philosophy allows organizations to scale bandwidth incrementally as workload demands increase.

In practical deployments, MXP ports serve as the backbone connectivity that links racks, rows, or entire data halls. Switches in this category are often deployed in leaf roles within leaf-spine architectures, where consistent bandwidth and predictable oversubscription ratios are essential. The ability to adapt MXP connectivity to different speed requirements enhances the longevity of the platform and protects investment over multiple network refresh cycles.

Support for Leaf-Spine and Clos Topologies

The DCS-7050SX-72-R category is optimized for modern Clos-based network designs. Leaf-spine architectures depend on uniform latency and bandwidth characteristics across all paths, and switches in this segment are built to deliver those qualities. By providing dense 10GbE access ports combined with high-capacity uplinks, this category enables non-blocking designs that scale horizontally.

Network architects value this category for its ability to maintain symmetry across the fabric. Each leaf switch delivers identical performance characteristics, simplifying capacity planning and operational management. The predictable behavior of the switching silicon and forwarding plane ensures that traffic engineering policies perform as intended, even under peak load conditions.

Back-to-Front Airflow for Hot Aisle and Cold Aisle Alignment

Thermal design is a critical consideration in data center environments, and the Arista DCS-7050SX-72-R is part of a category that emphasizes airflow directionality aligned with industry-standard hot aisle and cold aisle layouts. Back-to-front airflow ensures that cool air is drawn from the cold aisle and exhausted into the hot aisle, improving cooling efficiency and reducing the risk of thermal hotspots.

This airflow orientation is particularly important in high-density racks where multiple servers and network devices operate in close proximity. Switches in this category are designed to integrate seamlessly into structured cabling and rack layouts, minimizing the need for custom cooling solutions or airflow modifications. The result is a more predictable thermal profile and improved reliability over extended operational lifespans.

Arista EOS and Advanced Network Software Capabilities

Switches in this category are tightly integrated with advanced network operating systems that emphasize programmability, automation, and visibility. The Arista DCS-7050SX-72-R is associated with a software-centric approach that allows the hardware to function as part of a broader, cohesive network ecosystem. This category supports centralized management, consistent configuration models, and deep telemetry across all deployed switches.

Modern data centers rely on automation to manage scale, and this switching category is designed with that requirement in mind. Support for open APIs, streaming telemetry, and standardized configuration frameworks enables integration with orchestration platforms and DevOps workflows. This software-driven design reduces operational overhead and accelerates deployment timelines.

Network Visibility and Telemetry

Visibility into network behavior is a defining feature of this category. Switches like the DCS-7050SX-72-R provide granular insight into traffic flows, latency metrics, and congestion points. This level of observability allows network teams to proactively identify performance issues and optimize traffic patterns before they impact applications.

By leveraging real-time telemetry, organizations can align network performance with application requirements. This capability is especially valuable in multi-tenant environments or private clouds where workloads with varying performance profiles coexist on the same infrastructure.

Automation and Zero-Touch Provisioning

The category emphasizes automation-friendly deployment models, including zero-touch provisioning and centralized configuration management. New switches can be integrated into the network fabric with minimal manual intervention, reducing the risk of configuration drift and human error. This approach supports rapid scaling and consistent policy enforcement across all devices.

Consistent Performance Under Load

Switches in this category are engineered to sustain high throughput under sustained load conditions. Buffer management, queueing mechanisms, and forwarding logic are optimized to handle bursty traffic patterns without packet loss. The DCS-7050SX-72-R category ensures that performance remains stable even during peak utilization periods.

Use Cases Across Enterprise, Cloud, and Service Provider Networks

The Arista DCS-7050SX-72-R switching category addresses a wide range of deployment scenarios. In enterprise data centers, these switches are commonly used to connect application servers, virtualization clusters, and storage systems. Their balance of port density and performance makes them suitable for both greenfield deployments and incremental upgrades.

In cloud and hosting environments, this category supports multi-tenant architectures that require isolation, scalability, and consistent performance. Service providers leverage these switches to build flexible network fabrics capable of supporting diverse customer workloads and dynamic traffic patterns.

Support for Virtualization and Containerized Workloads

Virtualized environments place unique demands on the network, including rapid provisioning, dynamic traffic flows, and high east-west bandwidth requirements. Switches in this category are designed to accommodate these demands by providing predictable performance and integration with virtualization platforms. The DCS-7050SX-72-R category enables efficient communication between virtual machines, containers, and microservices.

Storage Networking and High-Throughput Applications

High-throughput storage solutions, including distributed file systems and software-defined storage platforms, benefit from the low latency and high bandwidth characteristics of this switching category. Consistent 10GbE connectivity ensures reliable access to storage resources, while MXP uplinks provide scalable bandwidth to aggregation layers.

Consistency Across Network Layers

Consistency is a defining attribute of this switching category. From access to aggregation layers, switches share common operational models, software features, and performance characteristics. This uniformity simplifies training, reduces operational risk, and enhances overall network reliability.