Arista DCS-7280DR3-24-F | 7280R3 24-Port 400G QSFP-DD Switch, 9.6Tbps, 16GB Buffer

Q: What breakout configurations does the DCS-7280DR3-24-F support?
A: Each 400GbE QSFP-DD port supports flexible breakout configurations including 1x400G, 2x200G, 4x100G, 8x50G, or 8x25G interfaces, allowing up to 192 total logical interfaces across the 24 ports. This flexibility enables cost-effective scaling and migration from 100G to 400G deployments.

Q: What is the purpose of the 16GB packet buffer?
A: The 16GB dynamic deep buffer provides lossless forwarding for traffic bursts and in-cast scenarios common in cloud data centers, IP storage networks, and high-performance computing environments. The Virtual Output Queue (VOQ) architecture prevents head-of-line blocking and ensures predictable low latency under heavy load.

Q: Does this switch require a software license?
A: The DCS-7280DR3-24-F includes base Arista EOS functionality. Optional licenses include FLX for advanced routing (up to 2M routes, EVPN, VXLAN, MPLS LSR/LER), FLX-K for large-scale routing (2.5M+ routes), and enhanced security licenses for MACsec and IPsec encryption. Contact your Arista representative for licensing details.

Q: What deployment scenarios is this switch best suited for?
A: The 7280DR3-24-F is ideal for data center spine and leaf architectures, data center interconnect (DCI), IP storage networks requiring lossless forwarding, internet peering with large routing tables, content delivery networks (CDNs), and high-bandwidth aggregation roles. The deep buffer and advanced routing make it suitable for both enterprise and service provider environments.

Q: Is this switch compatible with existing 100G infrastructure?
A: Yes, the QSFP-DD ports are backward compatible with QSFP28 100GbE transceivers and direct-attach cables, allowing seamless integration with existing 100G infrastructure while providing a migration path to 400G as bandwidth requirements increase.