Arista DCS-7280CR3AK-48D6-FLX-R | 7280R3A 48-Port 100G Switch, 6x 400G QSFP-DD

Q: What is the difference between the FLX license on this switch and the base model?
A: The FLX license enables advanced routing capabilities including support for over 256K routes (expandable to 2M), full MPLS LER/LSR functionality, EVPN, VXLAN, SR (Segment Routing), algorithmic ACLs with over 24K entries, and TunnelSec encryption. Base models typically support standard Layer 2/3 features with more limited routing table sizes.

Q: What does the R suffix in the model number indicate?
A: The R suffix indicates rear-to-front airflow direction (also called reverse airflow), where cool air is drawn from the fan side and exhausted through the port side. This is identified by blue-colored components and is designed to match specific data center hot aisle/cold aisle configurations.

Q: Can this switch support 400G-ZR optics for long-distance connectivity?
A: Yes, the 7280CR3A-48D6 includes 1 OSFP-LS port specifically designed to support dense 400G-ZR DWDM deployments for long-distance data center interconnect applications, complementing the standard QSFP-DD ports.

Q: What is TunnelSec and how does it differ from standard MACsec?
A: TunnelSec is Arista's advanced encryption technology available on the R3AK series that provides standards-based AES-256-GCM encryption for Layer 2 and Layer 3 traffic at line rate. It extends beyond IEEE 802.1AE MACsec to offer flexible encryption for VXLAN tunnels and IP flows, enabling secure data center interconnect and cloud connectivity.

Q: Is this switch suitable for AI/ML workloads and spine-leaf architectures?
A: Yes, the 7280R3A series is specifically designed for high-performance AI/ML environments with features including ultra-deep packet buffers to handle bursty traffic, sub-microsecond latency, non-blocking architecture, advanced telemetry with accelerated sFlow and IPFIX, and flexible 100G/400G connectivity ideal for leaf-spine topologies supporting up to 500K hosts.