DCS-7050TX2-128-R Arista 8x 40GB QSFP+ Copper 96x 10GB B-F Air Switch

Arista 96 Port QSFP+ Ethernet Network Switch

The Arista DCS-7050TX2-128-R is a high-performance enterprise-grade network switch engineered to deliver superior connectivity, scalability, and reliability. With advanced features and robust architecture, it is ideal for data centers and demanding IT infrastructures.

General Information

• Brand: Arista
• Model Number: DCS-7050TX2-128-R
• Category: Network Switch

Technical Specifications

Port Configuration

• 96x 10 Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 interfaces
• 8x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ uplink connectors
• 2x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 management ports
• 1x RS-232 RJ45 console port
• 1x USB Type-A interface

Performance Metrics

• Switching Throughput: 2.56 Tbps
• Forwarding Rate: 1440 Mpps
• MAC Address Table Capacity: 288,000 entries
• Latency: 3 microseconds
• Packet Buffer: 16 MB

System Architecture

• Processor: Quad-core x86 CPU
• Memory: 8 GB DRAM
• Storage: 4 GB Flash
• Operating System: Arista EOS

Power Supply Options

• Included: 2x PWR-745AC-R (Back-to-front airflow)
• Optional: PWR-745AC-F (Front-to-back airflow)

Advanced Features

Network Capabilities

• Supports up to 4096 VLAN IDs
• Optimized for copper-based 10G Ethernet connections
• High-density port design for scalability

DCS-7050TX2-128-R QSFP+ Ethernet Network Switch Overview

The Arista DCS-7050TX2-128-R belongs to a specialized category of high-performance data center switches designed to meet the demands of modern enterprise, cloud, and service provider environments. This category focuses on ultra-low latency, high port density, and advanced traffic handling capabilities for large-scale Layer 2 and Layer 3 network architectures. Positioned within Arista’s renowned 7050X and 7050TX family, this switch category emphasizes copper-based 10GbE connectivity combined with high-speed 40GbE uplinks, making it suitable for leaf-layer deployments in spine-leaf topologies. The defining characteristic of this category is its ability to deliver predictable performance, scalability, and operational simplicity while supporting mission-critical workloads such as virtualization, big data analytics, and high-frequency trading.

Purpose-Built Category for Modern Data Center Architectures

This category of switches is engineered to serve as a core component within scalable data center network designs. The Arista DCS-7050TX2-128-R exemplifies the requirements of environments that rely heavily on east-west traffic patterns, where server-to-server communication is as critical as north-south traffic. By offering 96 ports of 10GbE copper connectivity alongside 8 QSFP+ 40GbE uplink ports, this category supports dense server aggregation while maintaining high-speed connections to upstream switches. The architecture aligns with leaf-layer roles, enabling efficient interconnection between compute, storage, and virtualization clusters.

Switches in this category are often selected for environments that prioritize deterministic latency and consistent throughput. The hardware design focuses on deep buffers, advanced packet processing pipelines, and non-blocking switching fabrics. This allows network architects to build predictable infrastructures that scale linearly as demand grows, without introducing congestion or performance degradation.

Port Density and Interface Versatility

The defining feature of this category is its exceptional port density optimized for copper-based 10GbE connections. With 96 RJ45 10GBASE-T ports, the Arista DCS-7050TX2-128-R category addresses scenarios where copper cabling is preferred due to cost, flexibility, or existing infrastructure. These ports are complemented by 8 QSFP+ 40GbE interfaces that provide high-speed uplinks or inter-switch links. This combination allows organizations to maximize server connections at the access layer while maintaining fast aggregation and spine connectivity.

10GBASE-T Copper Connectivity Focus

Switches in this category are specifically designed to support large-scale 10GBASE-T deployments. Copper connectivity offers advantages in environments where servers are equipped with 10GBASE-T network interface cards or where retrofitting fiber infrastructure is impractical. The category emphasizes efficient power management and thermal design to mitigate the traditionally higher power consumption associated with copper interfaces. By optimizing PHY design and airflow, these switches deliver reliable copper performance suitable for dense racks and high ambient temperature data centers.

40GbE QSFP+ Uplink Capabilities

The inclusion of QSFP+ uplinks places this category firmly within high-performance data center networking. The 40GbE interfaces enable aggregation of multiple 10GbE connections into high-bandwidth links toward the spine layer. This design supports oversubscription models commonly used in leaf-spine architectures while ensuring sufficient bandwidth for bursty workloads. The QSFP+ ports can also be configured for breakout modes in certain scenarios, further enhancing flexibility within the category.

Low Latency and High Throughput Performance

Performance characteristics define the value of this category. The Arista DCS-7050TX2-128-R is representative of switches engineered for ultra-low latency and wire-speed throughput across all ports. This category leverages custom switching silicon and optimized software pipelines to minimize packet processing delays. Such capabilities are essential for latency-sensitive applications, including financial trading platforms, real-time analytics, and distributed databases.

Non-Blocking Architecture

Switches in this category typically feature a non-blocking architecture, ensuring that all ports can operate at line rate simultaneously. This design eliminates internal bottlenecks and supports predictable performance under peak loads. For organizations building large-scale clusters, non-blocking behavior is critical to maintaining application responsiveness and service-level agreements.

Consistent Latency Profiles

Beyond raw throughput, this category emphasizes consistency in latency. Predictable latency profiles enable network engineers to design and tune applications with confidence. By reducing jitter and buffering delays, these switches support high-performance computing and real-time workloads that are sensitive to microsecond-level variations.

Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Features

This category encompasses a rich set of Layer 2 and Layer 3 features that support complex network designs. The Arista DCS-7050TX2-128-R category is well-suited for environments that require extensive VLAN segmentation, routing protocols, and multicast support. These features enable seamless integration into both enterprise and cloud-scale networks.

Scalable VLAN and Bridging Capabilities

Layer 2 functionality within this category supports large numbers of VLANs and advanced bridging features. This is particularly important in multi-tenant environments where network segmentation is used to isolate workloads. The switches are designed to handle high MAC address counts and rapid convergence, ensuring stable connectivity as the network scales.

Arista EOS and Operational Simplicity

A defining aspect of this category is the use of Arista EOS, a modular and programmable network operating system. EOS provides a consistent software experience across the entire Arista product line, allowing organizations to standardize operations and reduce complexity. The Arista DCS-7050TX2-128-R category benefits from this unified software approach, offering advanced automation and visibility features.

Programmability and Automation

Switches in this category are designed with automation in mind. EOS supports open APIs, scripting, and integration with orchestration tools, enabling network teams to automate provisioning, configuration, and monitoring tasks. This capability is essential for modern data centers that prioritize agility and rapid deployment of services.

Operational Visibility and Telemetry

Real-time visibility into network performance is a key requirement addressed by this category. Advanced telemetry and monitoring features provide granular insights into traffic patterns, latency, and congestion. This data empowers operators to proactively manage the network and quickly troubleshoot issues, reducing mean time to resolution.

Enterprise Data Centers

In enterprise environments, this category supports virtualization platforms, storage networks, and business-critical applications. The reliable performance and advanced feature set allow organizations to consolidate network infrastructure while maintaining high availability and security.

Cloud and Service Provider Environments

Cloud providers and service operators benefit from the scalability and automation capabilities inherent in this category. The ability to rapidly provision ports and integrate with orchestration systems supports dynamic workloads and multi-tenant architectures. High port density reduces rack space requirements, contributing to lower operational costs.