DCS-7260CX3-64-R Arista 64-Port 100GBE QSFP 2XSFP+ Switch R-f Air

Overview of the Arista Switch

Discover the Arista DCS-7260CX3-64-R, a high-performance 64-port 100GbE QSFP switch designed for advanced network environments. Optimized for speed, reliability, and scalability, this rack-mountable device empowers modern data centers with seamless connectivity and Layer 3 routing capabilities.

General Information

• Part: DCS-7260CX3-64-R
• Brand: Arista 
• Product Type: Switch

Technical Features

• Form Factor: Standard 1U rack-mount chassis
• Port Type: QSFP for 100GbE connections
• Expansion Capability: SFP+ uplinks for 10GbE links
• Advanced Features: Supports L3 switching, VLANs, and high-speed packet forwarding
• Durability: Enterprise-grade design for continuous operation

Outstanding Attributes

• Brand: ARISTA Networks, a leader in cloud networking solutions
• Device Category: Network Switch
• Ethernet Standard: 100 Gigabit Ethernet for ultra-fast data transfer
• Installation: Rack-mountable design for flexible deployment
• Port Density: 64 high-speed QSFP 100G ports for extensive connectivity
• Routing & Switching: Full Layer 3 support for complex network topologies

Connectivity Options

• Management Interface: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 for administration
• Console Access: 1 x Serial RS-232 RJ-45 for configuration
• USB Port: 1 x USB for auxiliary management and updates
• High-Speed Links: 2 x SFP+ for 10GbE expansion
• Core Connectivity: 64 x QSFP 100GbE ports for high-throughput networks
• Designed for enterprise and hyperscale data centers
• Supports robust Layer 3 protocols for routing efficiency
• Enhances network performance with minimal latency
• Offers versatile interface options to integrate with existing infrastructure
• Ensures reliable operation under heavy traffic loads

Arista DCS-7260CX3-64-R 64-Port 100GbE QSFP Switch 

The Arista DCS-7260CX3-64-R 64-Port 100GbE QSFP 2xSFP+ Switch R-F Air is engineered to meet the growing performance, scalability, and efficiency demands of modern data centers. Designed as part of a high-performance switching family, this platform delivers wire-speed Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities across dense 100GbE interfaces, enabling cloud-scale architectures, high-performance computing clusters, enterprise core deployments, and large-scale storage networks.

Equipped with 64 QSFP 100GbE ports and 2 additional SFP+ interfaces, this switch offers unparalleled density in a compact 2RU form factor. Its R-F Air (rear-to-front airflow) configuration ensures optimized cooling for data center environments that require hot aisle/cold aisle containment strategies. With advanced programmability, low latency, and high throughput switching silicon, the DCS-7260CX3-64-R is purpose-built to support virtualization, containerization, big data analytics, AI workloads, and multi-tenant cloud environments.

High-Density 100GbE Connectivity for Modern Architectures

Network architects increasingly demand higher port densities and bandwidth consolidation to reduce complexity and improve efficiency. The 64-port QSFP 100GbE configuration provides exceptional flexibility for spine-leaf topologies, aggregation layers, and high-performance computing fabrics. Each QSFP port supports breakout capabilities, allowing conversion into multiple 25GbE or 50GbE connections where required, significantly increasing deployment flexibility.

With 100GbE becoming the standard in modern data center networking, this platform ensures future-proof connectivity. Organizations transitioning from 10GbE or 40GbE environments benefit from simplified migration paths, improved cable management, and reduced power consumption per gigabit. The additional 2 SFP+ ports provide out-of-band management or legacy connectivity options without compromising high-speed switching capacity.

Spine-Leaf Topology

In spine-leaf architectures, predictable latency and high bandwidth are critical. The DCS-7260CX3-64-R supports large-scale spine deployments with deterministic performance. As a spine switch, its 100GbE ports provide non-blocking throughput for east-west traffic, while leaf nodes benefit from low-latency uplinks. This ensures seamless scalability as workloads expand across racks and clusters.

Data Center Interconnect (DCI) Capabilities

Organizations deploying multi-site architectures require robust DCI performance. The 100GbE interfaces facilitate high-bandwidth connections between geographically separated facilities. Support for advanced routing protocols and encapsulation techniques ensures seamless workload mobility and business continuity across distributed data centers.

Performance and Switching Architecture

Built on advanced switching silicon, the Arista DCS-7260CX3-64-R delivers multi-terabit throughput with ultra-low latency. The switch supports full wire-speed forwarding across all 100GbE ports simultaneously, enabling maximum utilization without bottlenecks. High-performance buffering mechanisms help manage bursty traffic patterns common in virtualization and big data environments.

Its deep packet buffers enhance microburst absorption, making it suitable for storage traffic, converged infrastructures, and latency-sensitive applications. Combined with robust QoS capabilities, the platform ensures consistent application performance even during peak demand.

Low Latency Design

Ultra-low latency switching is critical for financial trading platforms, high-performance computing, and AI model training environments. The architecture minimizes forwarding delay while maintaining consistent throughput. Predictable latency characteristics make it ideal for latency-sensitive workloads.

Advanced Traffic Management

Intelligent traffic shaping and queue management provide granular control over network flows. Support for congestion management, ECN, and advanced QoS policies ensures balanced bandwidth allocation across tenants and applications.

Operating System and Programmability

The switch operates on a robust and extensible network operating system designed for automation and programmability. With support for open APIs, programmable interfaces, and automation frameworks, it integrates seamlessly into DevOps and NetOps workflows.

Network administrators benefit from real-time telemetry, advanced monitoring, and zero-touch provisioning capabilities. The system supports container-based services, allowing flexible integration of custom monitoring or security applications directly on the switch.

Automation and Orchestration Integration

Seamless integration with configuration management tools enables rapid provisioning and simplified lifecycle management. This reduces operational overhead and human error while accelerating deployment timelines in large-scale environments.

Streaming Telemetry and Analytics

Real-time streaming telemetry provides granular visibility into network behavior. Advanced analytics capabilities allow proactive troubleshooting, performance optimization, and capacity planning. The result is a more resilient and predictable network infrastructure.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Feature Set

The DCS-7260CX3-64-R supports a comprehensive suite of Layer 2 and Layer 3 features. VLANs, VXLAN, EVPN, OSPF, BGP, IS-IS, and multicast routing are supported to meet the demands of modern data center fabrics. These capabilities allow scalable segmentation, workload mobility, and multi-tenant isolation.

VXLAN and EVPN functionality enable flexible overlay networking, simplifying multi-tenant cloud deployments. Advanced routing features ensure high availability and optimal path selection across large distributed networks.

VXLAN and EVPN Support

Overlay networking simplifies the expansion of logical networks across physical boundaries. VXLAN encapsulation and EVPN control-plane integration provide efficient and scalable virtual network overlays, enabling seamless VM migration and container orchestration across clusters.

High Availability and Redundancy

Redundant power supplies and hot-swappable components enhance uptime and reliability. The R-F airflow configuration aligns with standardized rack cooling strategies, ensuring optimal thermal performance. Link aggregation and MLAG support further increase redundancy and load balancing capabilities.

Energy Efficiency and Thermal Design

Energy efficiency is a critical factor in large-scale data centers. The DCS-7260CX3-64-R is designed to deliver maximum performance per watt. Advanced thermal engineering ensures efficient cooling, minimizing power consumption without compromising throughput.

The rear-to-front airflow configuration makes it suitable for environments where cold air enters from the rear and hot air exhausts toward the front. This supports hot aisle containment strategies and maintains consistent cooling across equipment rows.

Power Optimization

Intelligent power management reduces operational expenses and supports sustainability initiatives. By consolidating high-bandwidth ports into a dense form factor, organizations reduce rack space, cabling complexity, and overall power draw.

Security and Network Segmentation

Security is integral to modern network infrastructure. The platform supports role-based access control, secure boot, encryption protocols, and control-plane policing to safeguard sensitive data. Segmentation through VLANs and VXLAN overlays ensures isolation of tenants and applications.

Advanced access control lists and policy-based routing allow administrators to enforce granular security policies across distributed environments. This is especially important in multi-tenant cloud and enterprise deployments where data integrity is paramount.

Control Plane Protection

Protecting the control plane from malicious or misconfigured traffic ensures consistent performance. Built-in mechanisms prevent CPU overload and unauthorized access attempts.

Scalability for Cloud and Enterprise Environments

Whether deployed in hyperscale cloud infrastructures or enterprise core networks, the Arista DCS-7260CX3-64-R offers unmatched scalability. Its high port density enables large-scale deployments with minimal hardware footprint. As network demands grow, additional switches can be seamlessly integrated into the fabric.

This scalability ensures investment protection, allowing organizations to expand capacity without overhauling existing architecture. High-speed uplinks and deep routing tables accommodate future growth and evolving application requirements.

Hyperscale Data Centers

Hyperscale operators require predictable performance at massive scale. The 100GbE density and advanced routing capabilities make this switch suitable for spine layers in multi-thousand-node environments.

Enterprise Core and Aggregation

Enterprises benefit from simplified core consolidation. By replacing multiple lower-speed switches with a single high-density 100GbE platform, organizations reduce complexity and improve manageability.

Storage and Converged Infrastructure

Storage traffic often involves bursty, high-volume transfers. Deep buffers and congestion management features provide stable throughput and prevent packet loss in demanding storage environments.

Specifications and Build Quality

The 2RU form factor maximizes port density while maintaining manageable rack space requirements. Robust chassis construction ensures durability and long-term reliability. Hot-swappable fans and power supplies reduce downtime during maintenance.

Front-panel LED indicators provide clear visibility into port status, link activity, and system health. The R-F airflow configuration aligns with structured data center cooling practices, ensuring compatibility with established rack layouts.

Investment Protection and Future-Ready Networking

As network speeds continue to evolve, organizations require platforms that offer longevity and upgrade flexibility. The 100GbE infrastructure provided by this switch lays a solid foundation for future transitions to higher-speed standards through breakout options and scalable fabric design.

By adopting a high-density 100GbE platform today, businesses ensure that their infrastructure can support increasing data volumes, cloud-native applications, and emerging technologies without frequent hardware replacements.

Arista DCS-7260CX3-64-R 100GbE Switch

This switch combines high-density connectivity, advanced programmability, robust security, and energy efficiency into a single cohesive platform. Its performance capabilities support demanding workloads, while its automation features streamline operations. The rear-to-front airflow configuration aligns with modern data center cooling strategies, making it suitable for enterprise, cloud, and colocation facilities.

Designed for scalability and operational simplicity, the Arista DCS-7260CX3-64-R empowers organizations to build resilient, high-performance networks that meet today’s bandwidth requirements while preparing for tomorrow’s innovations. Its comprehensive feature set, high port density, and reliable architecture make it a cornerstone solution for next-generation networking deployments.