DCS-7280SE-72-F Arista 48x 10GB SFP+ 2x 100GB MXP Front To Back Airflow Switch

Arista 48x 10GB SFP+ 2x 100GB Switch

The Arista DCS-7280SE-72-F is a high-performance enterprise-grade network switch engineered for modern data centers and cloud environments. With advanced connectivity options and robust architecture, it ensures seamless traffic management and reliable scalability.

General Information

• Brand: Arista
• Model Number: DCS-7280SE-72-F
• Category: Network Switch

Technical Highlights

Port Configuration

• 48x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ interfaces
• 2x 100 Gigabit Ethernet MXP uplink connections
• 1x RJ45 console port
• 1x Gigabit Ethernet management port
• 1x USB port for flexible management

Processing Power

• Quad-Core x86 CPU for efficient operations
• Supports up to 4096 VLAN IDs
• 9GB packet buffer for optimized traffic handling

Cooling and Airflow

• Front-to-Back airflow design for effective cooling
• 4x FAN-7000-F modules included (N+1 redundancy)

Power Supply

• 2x PWR-500AC-F AC power supplies included
• Redundant design for uninterrupted performance

Performance Metrics

Switching and Forwarding

• Switching capacity: 1.44 Tbps
• Forwarding rate: 900 Mpps
• Latency: 3.8 microseconds

Memory and Storage

• MAC address table size: 256,000 entries
• 4GB DRAM for smooth operations
• 4GB Flash storage for system reliability

DCS-7280SE-72-F 48x 10GB MXP Front Switch Overview

The Arista DCS-7280SE-72-F 48x 10GB SFP+ 2x 100GB MXP Front To Back Airflow Switch is engineered to deliver high-density 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity combined with ultra-fast 100 Gigabit uplinks in a compact, energy-efficient form factor. Built on the advanced switching architecture of the Arista 7280SE Series, this platform addresses the evolving needs of modern data centers, cloud infrastructures, high-performance computing environments, and enterprise core networks. Designed for front-to-back airflow, the DCS-7280SE-72-F ensures optimal cooling efficiency in hot aisle/cold aisle deployments, making it ideal for structured data center layouts where thermal management is critical.

High-Density 10GbE Access with 100GbE Uplinks

The DCS-7280SE-72-F provides 48 SFP+ ports supporting 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, enabling extensive server aggregation and top-of-rack switching capabilities. Complementing these are 2 MXP ports capable of delivering up to 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, offering flexible uplink options to spine switches or core aggregation layers. This configuration ensures seamless scalability while maintaining high throughput and minimal latency across the network fabric.

Front-to-Back Airflow Efficiency

The front-to-back airflow configuration ensures that cool air is drawn in from the front of the chassis and expelled through the rear. This airflow direction is aligned with standard hot aisle/cold aisle containment systems in enterprise and hyperscale data centers. By maintaining consistent airflow patterns, the switch reduces thermal hotspots, enhances component longevity, and contributes to overall energy efficiency within rack deployments.

Advanced Architecture and Performance Capabilities

The Arista DCS-7280SE-72-F leverages a high-performance switching ASIC designed for deep packet buffering and sustained throughput under demanding workloads. This architecture supports non-blocking performance across all ports, enabling line-rate forwarding even during traffic spikes. Its deep buffers are particularly beneficial for environments with bursty traffic patterns, such as financial trading platforms, content delivery networks, and large-scale storage networks.

Low Latency Switching

Low latency is a defining feature of the 7280SE series. The DCS-7280SE-72-F delivers microsecond-level latency, making it suitable for latency-sensitive applications. Real-time analytics, high-frequency trading, and distributed databases benefit from predictable packet processing times and consistent throughput performance.

High Throughput and Non-Blocking Fabric

The switching fabric is engineered to handle multiple terabits of aggregate bandwidth. With 48x 10GbE ports and 2x 100GbE uplinks, the DCS-7280SE-72-F ensures that bandwidth remains abundant across both access and aggregation layers. The non-blocking architecture prevents congestion within the switch, ensuring traffic flows smoothly even during peak operational periods.

Arista EOS Extensible Operating System

The DCS-7280SE-72-F runs on Arista’s Extensible Operating System (EOS), a Linux-based network operating system that provides programmability, resilience, and operational consistency. EOS is built on a modular architecture, separating state from processing to enhance reliability. This design ensures that individual processes can be restarted without impacting the overall system, significantly improving uptime.

Programmability and Automation

Arista EOS supports open standards and APIs, allowing seamless integration with automation tools such as Ansible, Puppet, and Chef. Network administrators can leverage Python scripting, RESTful APIs, and advanced telemetry features to automate configuration management, monitoring, and troubleshooting. The switch’s programmability reduces manual intervention and accelerates deployment cycles in dynamic IT environments.

Scalable Data Center Deployment

The Arista DCS-7280SE-72-F is ideal for leaf layer deployments within spine-leaf topologies. Its high-density 10GbE access ports connect servers and storage devices, while the 100GbE uplinks integrate seamlessly with spine switches to form a highly scalable fabric. This design supports linear scaling, enabling organizations to add capacity incrementally without redesigning the entire network architecture.

Large Routing Table Capacity

The switch supports extensive routing table entries, making it suitable for data centers with significant route scale requirements. Enterprises transitioning to private cloud architectures benefit from the platform’s ability to handle growing routing demands without compromising performance.

Flexible Connectivity and Interface Options

The 48 SFP+ ports offer flexible transceiver compatibility, supporting various 10GbE optical modules and direct attach copper cables. This flexibility allows organizations to tailor connectivity based on distance requirements and budget constraints. The MXP ports provide scalable uplink capabilities, enabling aggregation at 40GbE or 100GbE depending on configuration.

Power Supply Redundancy

Redundant, hot-swappable power supplies provide continuous operation in the event of a power module failure. This redundancy ensures mission-critical applications remain online, even during hardware servicing or unexpected disruptions.

Financial Services and High-Performance Environments

Industries requiring low latency and deterministic performance benefit from the 7280SE architecture. Financial trading floors, research institutions, and media production facilities leverage the switch’s performance capabilities to maintain uninterrupted data flows.

Form Factor and Rack Integration

The 1U rack-mountable design optimizes space utilization in high-density data centers. Its compact footprint enables deployment in standard 19-inch racks, aligning with industry-standard infrastructure layouts.