Arista DCS-7280QR-C72-F 7280R 72X40GBE QSFP+ 16X100GBE QSFP Switch

Technical Specifications of ARISTA DCS-7280QR-C72-F

Port Configuration & Connectivity

The ARISTA 7280R model DCS-7280QR-C72-F is engineered for high-density networking with an impressive array of interface options:

• Features an extensive 72-port QSFP configuration, offering versatility with 56x 40GbE QSFP+ and 16x 100GbE QSFP100 connections for seamless integration into modern data center fabrics.
• Dedicated management access is provided through a trio of ports, including a USB interface, a 1GbE out-of-band management port, and an RS232 RJ45 console connection.

Performance Metrics & Hardware Resources

Designed to tackle intensive workloads, this switch delivers robust performance and scalability:

• Boasts a switching throughput of 6.4 Terabits per second (Tbps) and a forwarding capacity of 2.88 billion packets per second (Bpps).
• Handles extensive network traffic with a 16GB packet buffer, ensuring minimal packet loss and high efficiency during peak operations.
• Supports up to 768,000 MAC addresses, facilitating large-scale Layer 2 deployments without compromising speed or reliability.

Processing Power & System Memory

At its core, the ARISTA 7280R switch incorporates powerful processing and memory specifications:

• Powered by a multi-core x86 processor for optimized packet processing and intelligent network services.
• Equipped with 8GB of DRAM, expandable to 16GB for demanding environments, and backed by 4GB of flash storage for system files and configurations.

Cooling & Power Redundancy Features

Advanced Cooling Solutions

Efficient thermal management is achieved with:

• Front-to-back airflow direction, designed to align with contemporary data center cooling architectures.
• Bundled with 4x high-performance Fan-7000H-F modules, ensuring consistent airflow and maintaining optimal operating temperatures under load.

Reliable Power Supply Infrastructure

To enhance operational continuity, the switch comes pre-installed with redundant power components:

• Includes 2x PWR-1900AC-F power supplies for uninterrupted performance and failover protection in mission-critical scenarios.

Network Virtualization & Latency Optimization

Virtual Network Support

Scalable network segmentation is simplified with:

• Capability to manage up to 4,096 VLAN IDs, providing flexible network isolation and segmentation for multi-tenant environments.

Low Latency Architecture

Ensuring ultra-fast data forwarding, the ARISTA 7280R achieves:

• Latency starting from as low as 3.8 microseconds, delivering exceptional speed for time-sensitive applications such as high-frequency trading, AI clusters, and distributed storage systems.

Arista DCS-7280QR-C72-F 7280R Series Overview

The Arista DCS-7280QR-C72-F is a high-performance data center switch that belongs to the Arista 7280R series, designed for scale-out network architectures requiring a combination of high port density, robust Layer 2/3 features, and flexible deployment options. Featuring 72 ports of 40GbE QSFP+ and 16 ports of 100GbE QSFP, this switch offers unparalleled scalability and performance, catering to cloud data centers, enterprise core networks, and service provider environments. The front-to-rear airflow (denoted by the 'F' in its model name) ensures optimized cooling for high-density deployments.

High-Density 40GbE and 100GbE Connectivity

With 72 40GbE QSFP+ ports and an additional 16 100GbE QSFP ports, the DCS-7280QR-C72-F delivers exceptional port density, enabling organizations to handle growing bandwidth demands. Each 40GbE port can be broken out into four 10GbE ports using breakout cables, providing granular connectivity for aggregation and access layers. The 100GbE ports support breakout into 4x25GbE or 2x50GbE, enhancing deployment flexibility and future-proofing network investments.

Platform Performance and Throughput

Powered by advanced packet processors, the Arista 7280R platform achieves line-rate performance across all ports without packet drops, even under heavy load scenarios. The DCS-7280QR-C72-F supports up to 5.76 Tbps of switching capacity and 4.3 billion packets per second (Bpps) forwarding rate, ensuring consistent and reliable performance for mission-critical applications. This performance capability is essential for data-intensive environments such as high-frequency trading, cloud computing, and AI/ML workloads.

Advanced Features and Innovations

Deep Buffer Architecture for Congestion Management

One of the standout features of the Arista DCS-7280QR-C72-F is its deep buffer architecture, designed to mitigate network congestion and prevent packet loss in bursty traffic conditions. Equipped with up to 16GB of dynamic buffer memory, this switch ensures smooth data flow across the network, maintaining high performance during peak usage and unpredictable traffic spikes.

Comprehensive Layer 2 and Layer 3 Capabilities

The DCS-7280QR-C72-F supports a comprehensive suite of Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols, including advanced routing capabilities such as OSPF, BGP, IS-IS, and MPLS. This ensures seamless integration into existing network topologies while providing robust support for multi-tenant environments and segmented network architectures. The switch also offers hardware-based VXLAN and EVPN support, enabling scalable and efficient network virtualization.

Programmable and Automation-Friendly Architecture

Designed with network programmability in mind, the Arista DCS-7280QR-C72-F offers extensive support for automation tools and APIs. Through Arista EOS (Extensible Operating System), network administrators can leverage features like eAPI, OpenConfig, and Python scripting to streamline network management, automate repetitive tasks, and reduce operational complexity. This programmability ensures agility and adaptability in dynamic data center environments.

Deployment Use Cases and Applications

Ideal for Cloud Data Centers

The DCS-7280QR-C72-F is perfectly suited for cloud data centers that demand high-performance switching fabric, scalability, and efficient resource utilization. Its dense 40GbE and 100GbE port configurations provide the necessary infrastructure for large-scale virtualized environments, distributed applications, and hybrid cloud architectures.

Enterprise Core and Aggregation Layers

In enterprise networks, the DCS-7280QR-C72-F serves as a robust solution for core and aggregation layers, facilitating high-speed interconnectivity between data center racks, servers, and edge devices. Its advanced routing features, deep buffers, and flexible port options enable seamless scaling while maintaining low latency and high reliability.

Service Provider and Telco Networks

For service providers and telecommunications companies, the DCS-7280QR-C72-F provides the scalability and performance required to support next-generation services, including 5G backhaul, metro aggregation, and edge computing. The switch's ability to handle large volumes of traffic with minimal latency ensures optimal service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Hardware Specifications and Build Quality

Robust Hardware Design

The Arista DCS-7280QR-C72-F features a modular and robust hardware design engineered for reliability and longevity. The chassis is built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability in demanding data center environments. The switch includes redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and fan modules, providing uninterrupted operation and simplifying maintenance procedures.

Efficient Front-to-Rear Airflow

The 'F' in the model name signifies front-to-rear airflow, which is essential for maintaining optimal thermal management in dense rack deployments. This airflow direction aligns with common data center cooling strategies, enhancing overall energy efficiency and ensuring the longevity of hardware components.

Flexible Optics and Transceivers Support

The DCS-7280QR-C72-F supports a wide range of optics and transceivers, including QSFP+, QSFP28, and breakout cables. This flexibility allows organizations to tailor their connectivity options based on specific application needs and budget considerations. The switch is compatible with both Arista-branded and third-party optics, offering cost-effective deployment choices.

Arista EOS: The Power Behind the Hardware

Extensible Operating System (EOS) Overview

At the heart of the DCS-7280QR-C72-F is Arista's Extensible Operating System (EOS), a highly modular and resilient network operating system. EOS is built on a unique multi-process state-sharing architecture, providing fault isolation, in-service software upgrades (ISSU), and minimal downtime. Its open architecture facilitates integration with third-party tools, enabling seamless automation and orchestration across the network infrastructure.

Advanced Network Telemetry and Analytics

EOS includes advanced telemetry features, offering real-time visibility into network operations. With tools like CloudVision, administrators can gain actionable insights, perform proactive troubleshooting, and optimize network performance. The telemetry capabilities of EOS are critical for maintaining service-level agreements (SLAs) and ensuring a superior end-user experience.

Security and Compliance Features

Security is a top priority for the DCS-7280QR-C72-F. EOS provides a comprehensive set of security features, including role-based access control (RBAC), MACsec encryption, and advanced access control lists (ACLs). These features help organizations safeguard their network infrastructure against evolving threats while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

Power Efficiency Metrics

The Arista DCS-7280QR-C72-F is designed with energy efficiency in mind, optimizing power consumption without compromising performance. The switch employs advanced power management techniques, including dynamic fan speed adjustment and intelligent power scaling, to minimize energy usage in varying workload scenarios. These efficiency measures contribute to reduced operational costs and a lower carbon footprint.

Compliance with Green Initiatives

Arista Networks adheres to stringent environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives. The DCS-7280QR-C72-F complies with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directives, ensuring responsible manufacturing practices and promoting eco-friendly disposal and recycling of electronic equipment.

Competitive Advantages of the Arista DCS-7280QR-C72-F

Scalability and Future-Proofing

The combination of high port density, flexible breakout capabilities, and support for emerging protocols positions the DCS-7280QR-C72-F as a future-proof investment for organizations anticipating rapid growth. Its scalability ensures that businesses can expand their network infrastructure without the need for frequent hardware refreshes.

Operational Simplicity and Automation

With Arista EOS and its comprehensive automation framework, the DCS-7280QR-C72-F simplifies network operations, reducing the time and effort required for configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting. This operational efficiency translates into lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and enhanced agility in responding to business needs.

Proven Reliability and Industry Recognition

Arista Networks has established a reputation for delivering reliable, high-performance network solutions. The 7280R series, including the DCS-7280QR-C72-F, has been widely adopted across industries, receiving accolades for its innovative architecture and robust feature set. This track record of success provides confidence to organizations seeking dependable network infrastructure solutions.

Conclusion:

Optimized for Modern Network Demands

The Arista DCS-7280QR-C72-F is a strategic choice for enterprises, cloud providers, and service operators looking to build agile, scalable, and high-performance networks. Its extensive feature set, combined with advanced programmability, deep buffer architecture, and superior throughput capabilities, makes it an ideal solution for modern data center and core network deployments.

Investment Protection and Support

With comprehensive support services and a commitment to continuous innovation, Arista ensures that the DCS-7280QR-C72-F remains a valuable asset throughout its lifecycle. Its compatibility with existing and emerging network technologies provides investment protection, while Arista's global support network offers expert assistance to maximize uptime and operational efficiency.