DCS-7280QRA-C36SM-R Arista 40GbE QSFP+ 18x 40GbE 12x 100GbE 36 Ports Managed Switch

Arista DCS-7280QRA-C36SM-R Layer 3 Managed Switch

The Arista DCS-7280QRA-C36SM-R is a high-density Layer 3 managed Ethernet switch engineered for modern cloud networking, enterprise aggregation, hyperscale infrastructure, and ultra-low latency environments. Designed within the advanced 7280RA switching family, this platform delivers exceptional throughput, deep buffer architecture, scalable routing intelligence, and flexible 40GbE and 100GbE connectivity for demanding data center deployments. The switch integrates advanced packet processing capabilities with programmable telemetry, enabling network operators to maintain visibility, consistency, and high operational efficiency across large-scale infrastructures.

Advanced 7280RA Series Switching Architecture

The Arista 7280RA architecture is optimized for ultra-scalable data center operations where network reliability, predictable latency, and high throughput are essential. The platform is built around advanced merchant silicon and Arista EOS software integration, enabling intelligent traffic management and consistent operational workflows across distributed environments. The switching fabric is designed to support high-capacity packet forwarding without introducing bottlenecks during peak traffic periods. This architecture is especially valuable for virtualization clusters, cloud-native workloads, software-defined networking frameworks, and large-scale storage replication operations where sustained throughput and packet consistency are critical.

High-Capacity Throughput

The DCS-7280QRA-C36SM-R provides high aggregate bandwidth capacity capable of supporting simultaneous east-west and north-south traffic flows within enterprise and cloud data centers. The architecture minimizes congestion while maintaining wire-speed forwarding performance across all active ports. Its non-blocking switching design helps ensure that traffic patterns remain predictable even during bursts of high utilization. This capability is beneficial in environments running distributed databases, AI workloads, virtualization hosts, and real-time analytics applications.

Optimized for Spine-Leaf Deployments

Modern data center architectures commonly rely on spine-leaf topologies to improve scalability and reduce network bottlenecks. The Arista DCS-7280QRA-C36SM-R is particularly suitable for spine or aggregation roles due to its high port density, low latency forwarding, and advanced routing support. Leaf switches can connect to the 40GbE interfaces for server aggregation, while the 100GbE uplinks support high-speed interconnects between spine layers and core infrastructure. This flexibility allows network designers to build highly scalable fabrics that support thousands of servers and workloads.

40GbE and 100GbE Connectivity Flexibility

The Arista DCS-7280QRA-C36SM-R offers versatile interface options that accommodate evolving network requirements. The combination of 40GbE QSFP+ and 100GbE QSFP28 interfaces enables seamless migration paths from legacy high-speed Ethernet environments to next-generation ultra-high-bandwidth deployments.

18x 40GbE QSFP+ Interfaces

The integrated 40GbE QSFP+ interfaces provide substantial bandwidth for aggregation layers, virtualization clusters, storage networking, and high-performance computing environments. These interfaces support efficient transport of large-scale traffic loads while maintaining low-latency communication between connected systems. Organizations migrating from 10GbE infrastructures can use breakout cable configurations to maximize deployment flexibility. This enables cost-effective scaling strategies while extending the useful lifecycle of existing network equipment.

Support for High-Density Virtualization

Virtualized infrastructures generate substantial east-west traffic due to VM mobility, distributed storage communication, and application clustering. The 40GbE interfaces support these demanding traffic flows with high efficiency and reduced congestion risks. Data centers operating VMware, Hyper-V, Kubernetes, or OpenStack environments can benefit from the switch’s ability to deliver consistent throughput and rapid packet forwarding across multiple virtualization hosts.

12x 100GbE High-Speed Uplinks

The integrated 100GbE QSFP28 interfaces deliver exceptional bandwidth capacity for modern cloud networking and hyperscale applications. These ports support ultra-fast interconnects between core switches, storage systems, and distributed compute environments. High-capacity 100GbE uplinks reduce oversubscription risks while supporting large-scale traffic aggregation. This is especially beneficial for enterprises deploying AI clusters, machine learning workloads, and high-frequency transaction processing systems.

Layer 3 Routing Intelligence

The Arista DCS-7280QRA-C36SM-R integrates comprehensive Layer 3 routing capabilities that enable efficient traffic distribution across enterprise and cloud infrastructures. Advanced routing functions help optimize traffic paths, improve resiliency, and support large-scale multi-tenant environments.

Dynamic Routing Protocol

The switch supports a broad range of routing protocols required for modern enterprise and service provider environments. These include BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, and static routing configurations for scalable traffic management and route optimization. Dynamic routing support enables rapid convergence during topology changes, minimizing downtime and improving overall network stability. This capability is essential for mission-critical environments that require continuous application availability.

BGP EVPN Integration

BGP EVPN support enables scalable Layer 2 and Layer 3 virtualization within modern data center fabrics. This technology simplifies multi-tenant networking while improving automation and workload mobility across distributed environments. Organizations deploying VXLAN overlays benefit from seamless traffic segmentation and improved scalability using EVPN-based control plane functionality.

VXLAN Overlay Networking

The DCS-7280QRA-C36SM-R supports VXLAN-based overlay networking to extend Layer 2 segments across Layer 3 infrastructures. This capability enables scalable virtualized networking for cloud platforms and software-defined environments. VXLAN implementation helps simplify network expansion while improving workload mobility and tenant isolation across geographically distributed data centers.

Low Latency and High Buffer Efficiency

The Arista DCS-7280QRA-C36SM-R is engineered to deliver low latency packet forwarding while maintaining intelligent buffer management. This combination supports high-performance applications requiring consistent and predictable traffic handling.

Ultra-Low Latency Switching

Latency-sensitive applications such as financial trading platforms, HPC clusters, and distributed analytics systems require rapid packet processing. The switch minimizes forwarding delays to support real-time communications and performance-critical workloads. Low latency behavior helps maintain application responsiveness while reducing performance variability during periods of heavy traffic utilization.

Consistent Processing

The switching platform maintains deterministic packet handling across multiple traffic conditions. This consistency is essential for environments where jitter and packet delays can negatively affect application performance. Predictable forwarding behavior supports voice, video, analytics, and transactional workloads requiring stable network characteristics.

Deep Buffer Architecture

Deep buffering capabilities help absorb traffic bursts without introducing excessive packet loss. This feature is especially beneficial in mixed-speed environments where temporary congestion can occur during traffic aggregation. The deep buffer design supports storage replication, backup operations, and high-volume data transfers commonly found in enterprise and cloud infrastructures.

Data Center Reliability and Redundancy

Enterprise and cloud data centers require continuous network availability to support mission-critical applications and services. The Arista DCS-7280QRA-C36SM-R incorporates multiple redundancy and resiliency features that improve operational continuity.

Redundant Power Supply

The switch supports redundant power configurations that improve infrastructure resilience during power failures or maintenance operations. Redundant power supplies reduce downtime risks while supporting continuous network availability. Hot-swappable power modules enable maintenance without requiring complete system shutdowns, improving service continuity in production environments.

Front-to-Rear Airflow

The front-to-rear airflow configuration improves cooling efficiency in structured rack deployments. Optimized airflow management supports consistent thermal performance while reducing cooling-related operational challenges. Efficient thermal control contributes to improved hardware reliability and long-term operational stability within high-density data center environments.

High Availability Features

The DCS-7280QRA-C36SM-R supports high availability technologies that reduce service interruptions and improve failover performance. Rapid convergence and resilient forwarding mechanisms help maintain network continuity during failures. Features such as MLAG and ECMP contribute to improved redundancy while enabling active-active traffic forwarding across multiple paths.

Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation

MLAG functionality allows connected devices to establish redundant active-active connections across separate switches. This configuration improves bandwidth utilization while reducing single points of failure. Active-active architectures improve application availability while supporting scalable network expansion.

Security and Network Segmentation

Modern enterprise infrastructures require advanced security controls to protect sensitive applications and maintain traffic isolation. The Arista DCS-7280QRA-C36SM-R supports multiple security and segmentation technologies designed for large-scale deployments.

Access Control and Policy Enforcement

Comprehensive access control mechanisms help administrators regulate traffic flows and enforce organizational security policies. The switch supports ACLs and policy-based forwarding for granular traffic management. These features improve network security while enabling efficient segmentation of workloads and user groups.

Secure Multi-Tenant Environments

Multi-tenant cloud and enterprise infrastructures require strong traffic isolation between applications and customer environments. VXLAN and VRF technologies support secure segmentation while maintaining operational scalability. Traffic isolation capabilities help organizations comply with security standards and internal governance requirements.

Network Visibility and Telemetry

Operational visibility is essential and performance optimization in modern data centers. The switch supports advanced telemetry and monitoring capabilities that provide deep insight into traffic behavior and infrastructure health.

Streaming Telemetry

Streaming telemetry capabilities provide real-time visibility into network operations without introducing excessive management overhead. Continuous monitoring helps administrators identify anomalies and optimize traffic patterns proactively. Detailed telemetry data improves efficiency while supporting predictive operational strategies.

Advanced Analytics Integration

The platform integrates with analytics systems that provide centralized visibility across distributed infrastructures. Administrators can monitor application performance, bandwidth utilization, and traffic trends from unified management platforms. Comprehensive analytics improve operational decision-making while supporting capacity planning initiatives.

Enterprise and Cloud Deployment Scenarios

The Arista DCS-7280QRA-C36SM-R is suitable for a broad range of enterprise, cloud, and service provider deployments. Its high-density connectivity and advanced Layer 3 capabilities enable flexible integration into diverse infrastructure architectures.

Cloud Data Center Aggregation

Cloud environments require scalable aggregation layers capable of handling massive east-west traffic flows. The switch provides high-capacity interconnects for distributed compute and storage infrastructures. Its combination of 40GbE and 100GbE interfaces enables efficient traffic aggregation while supporting rapid workload scaling.

Private Cloud Networking

Private cloud deployments benefit from the platform’s automation support, virtualization compatibility, and scalable routing architecture. These features simplify infrastructure management while improving operational agility. Organizations deploying software-defined data centers can use the switch to build highly scalable and resilient network fabrics.

High-Performance Computing Environments

HPC infrastructures require low latency communication and high bandwidth interconnects to support distributed computing workloads. The DCS-7280QRA-C36SM-R delivers the performance characteristics necessary for parallel processing and data-intensive applications. Its deep buffering and high-speed uplink capabilities help maintain performance consistency during demanding computational operations.