Arista Networks has announced its next-generation R4 Series platforms, targeting data center, cloud, and artificial intelligence (AI) backbone deployments. According to Arista, the new R4 routers are designed for high performance, reduced AI job completion time, low power consumption, and integrated security features. The R4 lineup includes high-capacity options such as an 800 gigabits per second (Gbps) system and the introduction of 3.2 terabits per second (Tbps) HyperPorts for scale-across, multiplanar network architectures.
The R4 series features both modular and fixed configurations to address various data center use cases. The flagship 7800R4 modular platform provides up to 576 ports of 800 Gbps Ethernet in a single chassis and supports 36-port 800 Gbps linecards equipped with advanced routing features. The new HyperPort aims to enable scale-across interconnections between data center locations with a single 3.2 Tbps high-speed link, which Arista claims can deliver up to 44 percent shorter AI job completion times versus using four separate 800 Gbps ports.
Complementing the 7800R4, the 7280R4 is a fixed-form factor system offering a 32-port 800 Gbps configuration for spines or backbone routers and a 64-port 100 Gbps system with 10-port 800 Gbps capabilities for leaf deployments. Both the 7280R4 and 7800R4 run Arista EOS, ensuring feature consistency across platforms. For server access, the 7020R4 series Ethernet leaf switches support 10 Gbps copper, 25 Gbps SFP port options, and 100 Gbps uplinks, all with wirespeed TunnelSec encryption for secure data center environments.
All R4 systems include hierarchical deep packet buffering to provide predictable latency and scalable protection against congestion packet loss. The platforms support a range of networking protocols, including Ethernet VPN (EVPN), Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN), Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), and Segment Routing/Segment Routing version 6 (SR/SRv6). Security features are integrated into the 7800R4 and 7280R4 product families, with every port supporting wirespeed encryption (TunnelSec, MACsec, IPsec, and VXLANsec).
Magnite has deployed an 800G spine using the 7800R4 platform. Tim Smith, SVP Technical Infrastructure Engineering and Operations at Magnite, noted, “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,” said Tim Smith, SVP Technical Infrastructure Engineering and Operations at Magnite.
The 7800R4 modular systems, two new 7800R4 linecards, and two new 7280R4 platforms are currently available. New 7020R4 chassis and the 7800R4 with HyperPort will be available in the first quarter of 2026.
Source: Arista Networks
