Arista DCS-7260CX3-64-R 64 Ports Managed Rack-mountable Switch.

Overview of the Arista DCS-7260CX3-64-R Layer 3 Switch

The Arista DCS-7260CX3-64-R is a high-performance, Layer 3 switch engineered to meet the demanding requirements of modern enterprise and data center networks. Offering both 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 100 Gigabit Ethernet capabilities, it is a versatile and scalable solution designed for efficiency, low latency, and robust manageability. Built with 100GBase-X technology, this switch ensures seamless data transfer across high-speed network environments, making it a cornerstone for next-generation networking infrastructures.

Key Features and Specifications

The DCS-7260CX3-64-R switch delivers an impressive array of features that enhance its performance, reliability, and flexibility. Key specifications include:

• High Port Density: 64 ports, supporting both 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 100 Gigabit Ethernet, ensure ample connectivity for diverse networking needs.
• Layer 3 Functionality: Advanced routing capabilities with full support for IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, ideal for enterprise-scale deployments.
• 100GBase-X Support: Reliable and efficient data transmission across high-speed optical networks.
• Energy Efficiency: Designed to minimize power consumption without compromising performance.
• Advanced Management: Comprehensive tools for configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting through an intuitive interface.

Performance Highlights

The Arista 7260CX3-64 is optimized for high-throughput environments, delivering line-rate performance across all ports. With non-blocking architecture, it ensures consistent data flow without bottlenecks, even during peak usage. This switch supports a maximum bandwidth capacity of over 12.8 Tbps, making it suitable for high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, cloud data centers, and large-scale enterprise networks.

Advanced Routing Capabilities

The switch excels in Layer 3 routing, enabling efficient handling of complex network traffic. It supports:

• Dynamic Routing Protocols: Full support for BGP, OSPF, and IS-IS.
• Static Routing: Easy configuration for predictable network paths.
• Multicast Routing: Advanced capabilities for delivering multimedia content seamlessly.

Applications and Use Cases

The DCS-7260CX3-64-R is versatile, catering to various industries and networking environments. Some prominent use cases include:

Enterprise Networks

Its robust Layer 3 features and high port density make it ideal for enterprise-level deployments. It supports mission-critical applications, ensuring minimal downtime and consistent performance for corporate operations.

Data Centers

The switch's scalable architecture and support for 100GBase-X make it a top choice for data center interconnectivity. Its low-latency design is essential for applications like virtualization, big data analytics, and storage networking.

Cloud Computing

In cloud environments, the switch provides the scalability and performance needed for dynamic workloads. Its advanced routing ensures seamless integration across distributed cloud architectures.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

The non-blocking, high-throughput design is tailored for HPC clusters, enabling efficient data processing and communication between nodes.

Benefits of the Arista DCS-7260CX3-64-R

Reliability and Redundancy

The switch is engineered with hardware and software redundancies to ensure uninterrupted operation. Dual power supplies, redundant fans, and advanced failover protocols contribute to its resilience in critical environments.

Scalability for Growing Networks

The modular design and high port density allow for seamless scaling as network demands increase. The switch can accommodate expanding infrastructure without significant changes to the core architecture.

Ease of Management

Comprehensive management tools, including command-line interface (CLI) support, web-based management, and integration with third-party platforms, simplify network operations. Administrators benefit from real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and detailed analytics.

Energy Efficiency

With power-efficient hardware and intelligent resource management, the switch reduces operational costs while maintaining peak performance. It aligns with green IT initiatives, minimizing the environmental footprint of large-scale deployments.

Technical Specifications in Detail

Connectivity Options

The Arista 7260CX3-64 supports a wide range of transceivers and cables, ensuring compatibility with existing network infrastructure. Its QSFP28 ports offer flexibility for both 40G and 100G connections, while backward compatibility supports 10G networks as well.

Operating System

The switch runs on Arista’s Extensible Operating System (EOS), known for its stability, modularity, and rich feature set. EOS supports advanced automation, Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP), and seamless integration with DevOps workflows.

Security Features

Security is a critical aspect of the 7260CX3-64-R, with features such as:

• Access Control Lists (ACLs): Granular control over data flow and permissions.
• Encryption Support: Secure communication channels to protect sensitive information.
• Port Security: Prevention of unauthorized access and attacks.

Support and Maintenance

Arista offers extensive support and maintenance services for the DCS-7260CX3-64-R, including:

• 24/7 technical support from certified engineers.
• Access to firmware updates and patches to enhance functionality and security.
• Comprehensive documentation and online resources for troubleshooting and training.

Warranty Options

The switch comes with a standard warranty, with options to extend coverage through premium service agreements. These plans ensure priority support and expedited parts replacement to minimize downtime.

Comparison with Competitors

When compared to similar switches in the market, the 7260CX3-64-R offers superior port density, better power efficiency, and a more intuitive management platform. Its support for both 10G and 100G connections provides unmatched versatility.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Organizations across various industries have praised the switch for its reliability, ease of deployment, and excellent performance in demanding environments. Many customers highlight its seamless integration with existing networks and strong support ecosystem.