Arista 720XP Series Switches: Cognitive Campus PoE Leaf Architecture & Deployment Guide (2026)

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction: What the Arista 720XP Is Built For
• 2. Where the 720XP Fits in Arista’s Campus Portfolio
• 3. Complete SKU Breakdown and Port Configurations
• 4. Power over Ethernet: Budgets, Standards, and Planning
• 5. Silicon Architecture and Forwarding Performance
• 6. Uplink Options and Campus Fabric Design
• 7. MACsec and Zero-Trust Security Features
• 8. Cognitive Campus: Segmentation, Telemetry, and CloudVision
• 9. Campus Deployment Patterns and Design Examples
• 10. 720XP vs Cisco Catalyst 9300: Architectural Comparison
• 11. 720XP vs Juniper EX4400: Architectural Comparison
• 12. When the 720XP Is the Right Choice (and When It Isn’t)
• 13. Buying Refurbished Arista 720XP Switches
• 14. Full SKU Comparison Table
• 15. Why Engineers Source 720XP Hardware from BrightStar Systems
• 16. Related Resources and Internal Links

1. Introduction: What the Arista 720XP Is Built For

The Arista 720XP Series is a family of Cognitive Campus PoE leaf switches purpose-built for enterprise campus access layers. These are not data-center switches repurposed for campus duty — they are designed from the ground up for the specific demands of wiring closets, office floors, and edge connectivity.

The 720XP platform delivers:

• High-density copper PoE ports (24 to 96 ports per switch) for connecting access points, IP cameras, IoT sensors, VoIP phones, and workstations
• Full PoE++ support (IEEE 802.3bt) with per-port power up to 90W on select models, enabling Wi-Fi 6E access points and high-power endpoints
• 25G SFP28 and 100G QSFP28 uplinks for non-blocking connectivity to campus distribution or spine switches
• Arista EOS — the same operating system used across Arista’s data-center portfolio, providing consistent CLI, automation, and API behavior
• CloudVision integration for zero-touch provisioning, real-time telemetry, and unified management across campus and data-center domains

The 720XP family spans 1GbE, 2.5GbE, 5GbE, and 10GbE access port speeds in 1RU and 2RU form factors, covering everything from basic office floor connectivity to high-power, high-density IoT aggregation.

For current inventory and pricing, see the BrightStar Systems Arista 720XP Series catalog.

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2. Where the 720XP Fits in Arista’s Campus Portfolio

Arista’s Cognitive Campus portfolio includes several switch families, each addressing a different layer of the campus network:

The 720XP sits at the access layer — it is the switch that connects end devices (APs, cameras, phones, workstations) to the campus network. It is not a spine switch, a distribution switch, or a data-center platform. Understanding this positioning is essential when evaluating SKUs and planning deployments.

Organizations requiring MACsec encryption at the access layer should evaluate the 720XP-M (720XPM) variant, which adds hardware-accelerated MACsec at line rate. The standard 720XP does not include MACsec on access ports.

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3. Complete SKU Breakdown and Port Configurations

The 720XP family currently includes six base platforms. Each is available in multiple configurations depending on power supply count, airflow direction, and regional power cord type.

3.1 CCS-720XP-48Y6 — 48-Port 1GbE PoE with 25G Uplinks (1RU)

The workhorse of the 720XP family. The 48Y6 provides 48 RJ-45 copper ports running at 10/100/1000 Mbps with PoE (802.3af/at) support up to 30W per port, plus 6 × SFP28 (25G) uplinks. This is the most commonly deployed 720XP for standard office floors, conference rooms, and general-purpose campus access.

Common configurations: CCS-720XP-48Y6-F (single PSU), CCS-720XP-48Y6-2F (dual PSU for redundancy)

3.2 CCS-720XP-24Y6 — 24-Port 1GbE PoE with 25G Uplinks (1RU)

A lower-density version of the 48Y6, providing 24 × 1GbE PoE ports and 6 × SFP28 (25G) uplinks. Ideal for smaller wiring closets, branch offices, or environments where port density requirements don’t justify a 48-port switch.

Common configurations: CCS-720XP-24Y6-F (single PSU), CCS-720XP-24Y6-2F (dual PSU)

3.3 CCS-720XP-48ZC2 — 48-Port Multi-Gig PoE with 25G + 100G Uplinks (1RU)

The multi-gig flagship of the 720XP line. The 48ZC2 provides 40 × 2.5GbE PoE ports (up to 30W) plus 8 × 5GbE PoE ports (up to 60W), along with 4 × SFP28 (25G) + 2 × QSFP28 (100G) uplinks. This model is designed for environments with Wi-Fi 6/6E access points and high-bandwidth IoT devices that exceed 1GbE.

The 100G QSFP28 uplinks provide non-blocking aggregation capacity for the multi-gig access ports — a critical consideration when deploying dense wireless campuses.

Common configurations: CCS-720XP-48ZC2-F, CCS-720XP-48ZC2-2F

3.4 CCS-720XP-24ZY4 — 24-Port Multi-Gig PoE with 25G Uplinks (1RU)

A compact multi-gig option providing 16 × 2.5GbE PoE (up to 30W) plus 8 × 5GbE PoE (up to 60W), with 4 × SFP28 (25G) uplinks. Suited for smaller multi-gig deployments or wiring closets where the full 48-port density of the 48ZC2 is not required.

Common configurations: CCS-720XP-24ZY4-F, CCS-720XP-24ZY4-2F

3.5 CCS-720XP-48TXH-2C-S — 48-Port 10GbE PoE++ with 25G + 100G Uplinks (1RU)

The highest-performance access model in the 720XP line. The 48TXH provides 48 × 10GBASE-T PoE++ ports with up to 90W per port (full IEEE 802.3bt Type 4 support), along with 4 × SFP28 (25G) + 2 × QSFP28 (100G) uplinks.

This model targets environments with the most demanding endpoint power requirements: next-generation Wi-Fi 6E/7 access points, PTZ cameras, digital signage, thin clients, and building automation controllers that require both high bandwidth and high power simultaneously.

3.6 CCS-720XP-96ZC2 — 96-Port Multi-Gig PoE with 25G + 100G Uplinks (2RU)

The highest-density 720XP platform. A 2RU chassis providing 80 × 2.5GbE PoE (up to 60W) plus 16 × 5GbE PoE (up to 60W), with 4 × SFP28 (25G) + 2 × QSFP28 (100G) uplinks and support for up to four power supplies.

The 96ZC2 is designed for large wiring closets, convention centers, stadiums, and campus environments where consolidating port density into fewer rack units reduces cabling complexity and management overhead. With up to four PSUs, the total PoE budget can exceed 3,000W.

Common configurations: CCS-720XP-96ZC2-2F, CCS-720XP-96ZC2-4F

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4. Power over Ethernet: Budgets, Standards, and Planning

PoE capacity is often the primary design constraint in campus access networks — more so than switching throughput. The 720XP family supports three IEEE PoE standards:

4.1 PoE Budget by Model and Power Supply Configuration

The actual PoE power budget depends on which power supplies are installed. This is one of the most important considerations when specifying a 720XP — the switch model determines port capabilities, but the PSU configuration determines how much total power is available.

Design tip: Always calculate your worst-case PoE draw before selecting a PSU configuration. If you plan to power 48 Wi-Fi 6E access points drawing 25W each (1,200W total), a single 650W PSU on a 48Y6 won’t cut it — you’ll need dual 1050W supplies. When buying refurbished, confirm exactly which PSUs are included.

4.2 Continuous PoE During Maintenance

The 720XP supports continuous PoE — meaning PoE power is maintained to connected devices during EOS software upgrades and certain maintenance operations. This is critical in campus environments where IP cameras and access points cannot tolerate power interruptions.

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5. Silicon Architecture and Forwarding Performance

The 720XP uses merchant silicon ASICs — industry-standard forwarding chips rather than custom Arista-designed silicon. This is typical for campus access switches and aligns with Arista’s strategy of leveraging best-available merchant silicon for each product tier.

Forwarding performance varies significantly across the 720XP family:

For campus access workloads, the switching capacity of even the entry-level 48Y6 (198 Gbps) is more than sufficient — campus access traffic patterns rarely saturate the switching fabric. The more critical design factor is PoE budget (covered above) and uplink bandwidth to the distribution layer.

MAC address table: All 720XP models support approximately 112,000 MAC addresses, which is well above what campus access deployments typically require.

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6. Uplink Options and Campus Fabric Design

Uplink design is where the 720XP family separates from commodity campus switches. All models provide SFP28 (25G) uplinks, and the multi-gig models add QSFP28 (100G) uplinks — both of which are well ahead of the 1G/10G uplinks still common on many competing campus platforms.

6.1 Leaf-Spine Campus Fabrics

Unlike traditional collapsed-core campus designs, the 720XP integrates cleanly into EVPN-VXLAN leaf-spine campus fabrics. In this model:

• 720XP switches serve as leaf nodes at the access layer
• 720D or 7050-class switches serve as spine/distribution nodes
• VXLAN provides Layer 2 extension across the fabric without STP dependencies
• EVPN provides control-plane learning for MAC and IP addresses

This architecture eliminates spanning tree at the campus edge, provides equal-cost multipathing across uplinks, and enables workload segmentation through VXLAN network identifiers (VNIs) rather than VLANs alone.

6.2 Airflow Considerations

All 1RU 720XP models support both front-to-back and back-to-front airflow via interchangeable PSU and fan modules (denoted by color — blue for front-to-back, red for back-to-front). The 2RU 96ZC2 supports front-to-back airflow only. When deploying in wiring closets, confirm airflow direction matches your cooling layout.

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7. MACsec and Zero-Trust Security Features

7.1 Standard 720XP Security Features

All 720XP models include:

• 802.1X port-based authentication with RADIUS integration
• Dynamic VLAN assignment based on authentication results
• Device fingerprinting via LLDP for automated device identification
• Access control lists (ACLs) — up to 8,000 ingress and 4,000 egress entries
• DHCP snooping, DAI, and IP source guard for Layer 2 security
• MacroSegmentation Services for Groups (MSS-G) for workgroup-level micro-segmentation

7.2 MACsec on the 720XP-M Variant

For organizations requiring IEEE 802.1AE MACsec encryption at the campus access layer, Arista offers the 720XP-M (720XPM) variant. This is a distinct hardware SKU — MACsec cannot be added to a standard 720XP via software upgrade.

The 720XPM provides:

• Hardware-accelerated 128-bit and 256-bit GCM-AES-XPN encryption
• Line-rate MACsec on both downlink and uplink ports
• Key management via static pre-shared keys or RADIUS-derived session keys

If your security policy requires encrypted links between the access switch and the distribution layer (or between the switch and endpoints), the 720XPM is the correct choice. Standard 720XP models do not support MACsec on access ports.

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8. Cognitive Campus: Segmentation, Telemetry, and CloudVision

The 720XP is a core component of Arista’s Cognitive Campus architecture, which is built around three principles: high availability, zero-touch operations, and zero-trust security.

8.1 Network Segmentation

The 720XP supports multiple segmentation technologies simultaneously:

• 802.1Q VLANs — up to 4,096 VLANs per switch
• VRF-based Layer 3 segmentation — hardware-accelerated IPv4/IPv6 VRF forwarding
• VXLAN — up to 16.7 million network segments for campus-wide micro-segmentation
• EVPN Type 2/5 — control-plane-based MAC and IP route distribution
• MSS-G (MacroSegmentation Services for Groups) — dynamic workgroup-level segmentation that applies policy based on device identity rather than port or VLAN

8.2 CloudVision and Telemetry

CloudVision provides the management plane for the 720XP and the broader Cognitive Campus:

• Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) — new switches are automatically configured when connected to the network
• CloudVision Studios — templated provisioning workflows for consistent, repeatable deployments
• Streaming telemetry — real-time gRPC/gNMI-based data export (OpenConfig compatible)
• FlowTracker — hardware-based per-flow telemetry monitoring 1,000+ flows per switch (expandable to 32,000), providing application, user, and device flow visibility without performance impact
• Change control and rollback — all configuration changes are tracked with the ability to snapshot and roll back
• Automated upgrades — EOS upgrades can be staged and rolled out across the campus from CloudVision

8.3 Open APIs

The 720XP exposes the same eAPI (JSON-RPC), gRPC/gNMI, and OpenConfig interfaces available across all EOS platforms. This means automation scripts, Ansible playbooks, and monitoring tools built for Arista data-center switches work without modification on 720XP campus switches — a significant operational advantage for organizations already standardized on Arista.

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9. Campus Deployment Patterns and Design Examples

9.1 Standard Office Floor

Scenario: A typical 200-seat office floor with 60 Wi-Fi 6 access points, 200 VoIP phones, and 40 IP cameras.

Recommended SKU: 3× CCS-720XP-48Y6-2F with dual 1050W PSUs

Each switch handles ~20 APs (at 25W each = 500W), ~65 phones (at 7W each = 455W), and ~13 cameras (at 15W each = 195W), totaling approximately 1,150W PoE per switch — well within the ~1,850W budget of dual 1050W supplies.

9.2 Wireless-First Campus with Wi-Fi 6E

Scenario: A university building deploying dense Wi-Fi 6E access points requiring 2.5G uplinks and higher power.

Recommended SKU: CCS-720XP-48ZC2-2F with dual 1050W PSUs

The 48ZC2 provides the multi-gig access ports (2.5G and 5G) needed for Wi-Fi 6E APs that exceed 1GbE, plus 100G uplinks to prevent bottlenecks at the distribution layer. The 8× 5GbE ports at 60W each can power even the most demanding APs.

9.3 High-Density Convention or Event Space

Scenario: A convention center requiring 80+ PoE ports in a single wiring closet.

Recommended SKU: CCS-720XP-96ZC2-4F with four 1050W PSUs

The 2RU 96ZC2 consolidates 96 PoE ports into a single platform, reducing cabling and management complexity. With four PSUs, the total PoE budget exceeds 3,000W.

9.4 High-Power IoT / Building Automation

Scenario: A smart building with PTZ cameras, LED lighting systems, and building automation controllers requiring 60–90W per port.

Recommended SKU: CCS-720XP-48TXH-2C-S

The 48TXH is the only 720XP model supporting full 802.3bt Type 4 (90W per port) and 10GbE access. This is the correct choice when endpoints require more than 60W or when 10G copper connectivity is needed at the edge.

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10. 720XP vs Cisco Catalyst 9300: Architectural Comparison

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 is the most common campus access switch the 720XP competes against. Both are enterprise-grade PoE access platforms, but they differ in architecture and operational philosophy.

Key takeaway: The Cisco 9300 offers a broader security ecosystem (ISE, TrustSec, Encrypted Traffic Analytics) and mature stacking technology. The Arista 720XP offers operational consistency with data-center EOS deployments, faster uplinks (25G/100G standard vs modular), and a simpler licensing model. Organizations already running Arista in the data center often prefer the 720XP for operational uniformity across campus and DC.

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11. 720XP vs Juniper EX4400: Architectural Comparison

The Juniper EX4400 is another common alternative for campus access deployments. Like the 720XP, it targets enterprise wiring-closet environments with PoE and multi-gig capabilities.

Key takeaway: The Juniper EX4400 includes MACsec on the base platform (no separate SKU required) and offers Mist AI for AI-driven operations. The Arista 720XP offers higher single-chassis density (96 ports in 2RU), 10GbE PoE++ options (48TXH), and operational parity with Arista data-center platforms. Budget-sensitive organizations may find the EX4400 more competitive on list price, while EOS-standardized environments will benefit from the 720XP’s cross-domain consistency.

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12. When the 720XP Is the Right Choice (and When It Isn’t)

12.1 The 720XP Is the Right Choice When:

• You need a campus access switch with enterprise-grade PoE (up to 90W per port)
• Your organization is already running Arista EOS in the data center and wants operational consistency
• You are deploying a leaf-spine campus fabric with EVPN-VXLAN instead of traditional STP-based designs
• You need 25G or 100G uplinks to the distribution layer
• You want CloudVision-based management for both campus and data-center switches from a single pane
• You need multi-gig access ports (2.5G / 5G / 10G) for Wi-Fi 6E access points or high-bandwidth IoT

12.2 The 720XP Is NOT the Right Choice When:

• You need a data-center leaf or spine switch — use the 7050, 7060, or 7280 Series instead
• You need deep packet buffers for storage or high-burst workloads — the 720XP’s 6–16 MB buffers are designed for campus traffic, not data-center microbursts
• You need MACsec on every port and want it on the base SKU — evaluate the 720XPM or Juniper EX4400
• Your campus is heavily invested in Cisco ISE/TrustSec and you need deep integration with that security ecosystem
• You need traditional switch stacking — the 720XP does not support physical stacking like StackWise or Virtual Chassis

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13. Buying Refurbished Arista 720XP Switches

The 720XP is increasingly available on the secondary market as organizations upgrade or consolidate campus deployments. Refurbished units represent significant savings over list pricing while delivering identical forwarding performance, PoE capability, and EOS compatibility.

13.1 What to Verify Before Purchasing

When sourcing refurbished 720XP hardware, confirm:

• Exact SKU and variant — CCS-720XP-48Y6-2F is not the same as CCS-720XP-48Y6-F. The suffix indicates PSU count, airflow, and region. Ensure the full part number matches your requirements.
• Power supply configuration — Confirm which PSUs are included and calculate whether the total PoE budget meets your deployment needs. A switch sold with a single 650W PSU will deliver far less PoE than one with dual 1050W supplies.
• Airflow direction — Front-to-back and back-to-front configurations use different fan and PSU modules. Mismatched airflow will cause thermal issues.
• EOS version compatibility — Verify the unit can run a supported EOS release and is compatible with your CloudVision deployment.
• MACsec requirement — If you need MACsec, you must source a 720XPM variant. MACsec cannot be retrofit to standard 720XP hardware.
• Power cord and region — Regional suffix (-NA, -JPN, -C14) indicates the power cord type. Confirm compatibility with your facility.

13.2 Warranty and Support Considerations

Arista’s standard support contracts are not transferable to secondary-market hardware, but reputable refurbished equipment providers offer their own warranty and testing programs. BrightStar Systems tests all 720XP units before shipment and provides warranty coverage on every refurbished switch.

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14. Full SKU Comparison Table

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15. Why Engineers Source 720XP Hardware from BrightStar Systems

BrightStar Systems supplies tested and validated enterprise networking hardware, including campus-focused platforms like the Arista 720XP series. When sourcing 720XP switches from BrightStar:

• Every unit is tested — PoE output, port functionality, EOS boot, and fan/thermal operation are verified before shipment
• Correct SKU matching — our team helps ensure the exact model, PSU configuration, and airflow direction match your deployment requirements
• PoE budget alignment — we verify that the power supplies included with each unit deliver the PoE budget your campus design requires
• Warranty coverage — all refurbished switches include BrightStar’s warranty program
• Volume availability — we maintain inventory of multiple 720XP SKUs for campus rollout projects

Browse our Arista 720XP inventory or contact our team for SKU selection assistance.

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16. Related Resources and Internal Links

• Used & Refurbished Arista 720XP Series Switches: https://brightstarsystems.com/product-information/arista-720xp-series-switches/
• Arista 7050 vs 7060 vs 7280 Comparison Guide: https://brightstarsystems.com/product-information/arista-7050-vs-7060-vs-7280-comparison/
• Arista 7060 Series Architecture & Deployment Guide: https://brightstarsystems.com/product-information/in-depth-look-arista-7060/
• Arista 7280 Series Architecture & Deployment Guide: https://brightstarsystems.com/product-information/in-depth-look-arista-7280r/
• Arista vs Cisco Networking Hardware: https://brightstarsystems.com/product-information/arista-vs-cisco-networking-hardware/
• All Arista Switches: https://brightstarsystems.com/product-category/arista/switches/

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