Arista Networks has introduced its next-generation R4 Series routing platforms, targeting large-scale data center, artificial intelligence (AI), and routed backbone deployments. The R4 portfolio is designed to lower total cost of ownership while maintaining high performance, reduced AI job completion time, improved power efficiency, and integrated network security, according to the company.
The R4 series features a dense 800 gigabits per second (Gbps) system, highlighted by the new 3.2 terabits per second (Tbps) HyperPorts. These enable distributed scale-across and multiplanar networking, supporting distributed AI workloads that demand ultra-capacity. The R4 routers, which include both fixed and modular models, use two-tier leaf-and-spine architectures and support advanced Layer 3 features in Arista’s Extensible Operating System (EOS) such as Ethernet Virtual Private Network (EVPN), Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN), Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), and segment routing (SR/SRv6). Hierarchical deep packet buffering is built in to ensure latency is predictable and to provide robust protection against packet loss during network congestion.
For data center environments, the modular 7800R4 series delivers up to 576 ports of 800 GbE within a single chassis, with selectable options for four, eight, 12, and 16-slot configurations. The platform introduces HyperPort, a 3.2 Tbps high-speed interface, which Arista claims can reduce AI bandwidth flow job completion time by 44 percent compared to using four separate 800 Gbps ports. The 7800R4 also includes linecards supporting both AI-optimized and high-scale multiservice routing.
Complementing the modular systems, the 7280R4 fixed platform is available in a compact form factor, offering a 32-port 800 GbE configuration optimized as an AI/data center spine or backbone router, and a 64-port 100 GbE plus 10-port 800 GbE system ideal for AI or data center leaf deployments. Both 7800R4 and 7280R4 models use the same EOS and consistent data plane forwarding capabilities.
Security capabilities in the 7800R4 and 7280R4 platforms include simultaneous, wirespeed encryption on all ports with TunnelSec, supporting Media Access Control Security (MACsec), Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), and VXLANsec to protect data in transit.
Additionally, the new 7020R4 Ethernet leaf switches target high-speed connectivity at the server level. The 7020R4 line includes 10 GbE copper, 25 GbE SFP options, and 100 GbE uplinks, with wirespeed encryption and deep packet buffering for workload diversity and congestion control in data center environments.
Arista reports that the 7800R4 modular systems, two new 7800R4 linecards, and two new 7280R4 platforms are currently shipping. The new 7020R4 chassis and 7800R4 with HyperPort are expected in the first quarter of 2026.
Tim Smith, SVP Technical Infrastructure Engineering and Operations at Magnite, stated, “When Magnite needed to build our next-generation data center solution for AI and other advanced computing needs, Arista was the clear choice given their high quality offering. We’ve deployed a dense 800G spine using the modular Arista 7800R4 platform with both AI-optimized and high-scale multiservice routing linecards, providing an ideal foundation for the future.”
Source: Arista Networks
