DCS-7280QRA-C36S-F Arista 24 Ports QSFP+ 100GB Switch

The Arista DCS-7280QRA-C36S-F 24 Ports QSFP+ 100GB Switch

The Arista DCS-7280QRA-C36S-F is a high-performance data center switch designed for modern networking requirements. Equipped with 24 QSFP+ 100GB ports, this switch provides scalable, low-latency, and high-bandwidth connectivity, suitable for large-scale enterprise networks, cloud computing environments, and hyperscale data centers. Its advanced features allow seamless integration into complex network topologies, offering exceptional performance, reliability, and efficiency for demanding workloads.

High-Density QSFP+ 100GB Ports

This switch features 24 high-speed QSFP+ ports capable of supporting 100GB Ethernet connections. The high port density ensures maximum bandwidth per rack unit, reducing the need for multiple switches while maintaining low-latency communication across the network. The QSFP+ ports are compatible with breakout cables, allowing flexible deployment in multi-speed environments such as 4x25GbE or 4x10GbE configurations.

Flexible Airflow

One of the defining aspects of the DCS-7280QRA-C36S-F is its adaptable airflow configuration. Available in front-to-back or back-to-front airflow, the switch can be seamlessly integrated into different rack environments, optimizing cooling efficiency and reducing operational costs. Proper airflow management ensures the device operates within optimal thermal parameters, improving the lifespan and reliability of internal components.

High-Performance ASIC

Powered by Arista’s custom-built Extensible Operating System (EOS) and advanced switching ASICs, the DCS-7280QRA-C36S-F delivers low-latency forwarding and high throughput. The ASICs provide hardware-based features like congestion management, deep buffer support, and lossless data transport, making this switch ideal for high-performance computing (HPC) clusters and large-scale virtualization environments.

Comprehensive Layer 2 and Layer 3

The switch offers robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, including VLANs, link aggregation, and multicast support. For Layer 3 routing, it supports OSPF, BGP, and IS-IS protocols, ensuring smooth integration with existing network infrastructure. These features enhance the flexibility of network design, allowing IT teams to implement complex routing policies while maintaining high availability and resilience.

High Bandwidth and Low Latency

The 24 QSFP+ 100GB ports provide unmatched bandwidth, capable of handling massive data flows typical in modern data centers. Coupled with ultra-low latency, the DCS-7280QRA-C36S-F ensures rapid data processing and real-time application performance, making it suitable for latency-sensitive applications such as financial trading platforms, AI workloads, and big data analytics.

Scalable Network Architecture

The switch is designed to scale efficiently within large network environments. Using features such as VXLAN, EVPN, and spine-leaf topology support, organizations can expand their network without compromising performance. Multi-chassis link aggregation allows for seamless addition of switches, ensuring bandwidth grows with organizational demands.

Support for Network Virtualization

The Arista DCS-7280QRA-C36S-F fully supports virtualized network environments, enabling integration with hypervisors and software-defined networking (SDN) platforms. This makes it an ideal choice for cloud data centers and multi-tenant deployments where dynamic provisioning, traffic segmentation, and network automation are critical.

Redundant Power and Cooling

To ensure uninterrupted operation, the switch comes with redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and fans. This redundancy minimizes downtime and supports continuous operation even during maintenance or component failure. IT teams can replace modules without shutting down the network, which is essential for mission-critical environments.

High Availability

The DCS-7280QRA-C36S-F supports protocols like VRRP, MLAG, and ECMP, providing resilient network paths and failover capabilities. Multi-chassis link aggregation (MLAG) ensures traffic can reroute instantly in the event of a failure, maintaining seamless connectivity for end-users and critical applications.

Advanced Access Control

Security is a top priority for modern networks, and the DCS-7280QRA-C36S-F includes multiple layers of protection. Access control lists (ACLs), role-based access control, and secure management protocols like SSH and SNMPv3 ensure that only authorized personnel can configure or access network resources. These measures protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized network changes.

Segmentation and Isolation

The switch supports VLANs, VXLANs, and private VLANs to segment traffic and isolate critical workloads. Network segmentation reduces the risk of lateral movement by attackers, protecting key applications and sensitive information. This makes the DCS-7280QRA-C36S-F particularly suitable for financial institutions, healthcare providers, and enterprise cloud environments.

Secure Network Automation

Arista EOS integrates with automation platforms while enforcing security policies, ensuring that scripts, APIs, and configuration tools cannot inadvertently compromise the network. Secure automation reduces human error, improves compliance, and streamlines repetitive tasks without sacrificing security.

Extensible Operating System (EOS)

The Arista EOS provides a fully programmable and modular operating system for managing the DCS-7280QRA-C36S-F. Network administrators can leverage its scripting capabilities, APIs, and automation tools to simplify network operations, deploy configurations at scale, and reduce operational complexity.

Low Power Consumption

The Arista DCS-7280QRA-C36S-F is designed for energy efficiency, consuming minimal power while delivering high throughput. Efficient ASIC design and intelligent fan control reduce operational costs and minimize the environmental impact of large-scale deployments.

Optimized Cooling

Advanced airflow design, combined with intelligent fan speed management, ensures that the switch remains within optimal thermal thresholds. Cooling efficiency prevents overheating, reduces fan noise, and prolongs the lifespan of internal components, making it suitable for dense rack environments.

Use Cases

Hyperscale Data Centers

The DCS-7280QRA-C36S-F is ideal for hyperscale data centers where high bandwidth, low latency, and high-density 100GB connectivity are essential. Its support for advanced Layer 2/3 features and network virtualization enables massive scalability, supporting thousands of virtual machines and containers simultaneously.

Cloud Service Providers

Cloud providers benefit from this switch’s ability to handle dynamic workloads and multi-tenant environments. Features like VXLAN, EVPN, and automated provisioning make it easier to segment customer traffic, enforce SLAs, and maintain reliable cloud infrastructure.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

For HPC applications such as scientific research, AI, and financial modeling, low latency and high throughput are critical. The DCS-7280QRA-C36S-F delivers deterministic performance, ensuring that massive datasets can be transferred and processed quickly across compute clusters.

Enterprise Networks

Large enterprises that require high-speed interconnectivity between data centers or core network segments can leverage this switch for backbone deployment. Its combination of reliability, automation, and advanced features ensures that enterprise applications operate smoothly and without interruption.

Support for Multi-Speed Environments

The QSFP+ 100GB ports support breakout configurations, allowing deployment in mixed 10/25/40/100GB networks. This flexibility ensures compatibility with existing infrastructure and enables gradual upgrades without replacing all networking equipment.