High-Density 10GbE Access with 100GbE Uplinks: Juniper QFX5110-48S-AFI
The Juniper QFX5110-48S-AFI is a powerful 1U top-of-rack (ToR) and leaf switch designed for modern data center fabrics, cloud deployments, and high-performance enterprise environments. Equipped with 48 SFP+ 10GbE access ports and 4 QSFP28 uplinks for 40GbE or 100GbE, it delivers wire-speed forwarding, low latency, advanced automation, and full EVPN-VXLAN support.
This AFI variant uses front-to-back airflow, aligning with standard hot-aisle/cold-aisle designs and ensuring compatibility with common server airflow patterns. The QFX5110-48S-AFI is ideal for high-density leaf deployments, and its Trident II+ ASIC provides predictable, high-performance switching for east–west traffic.
At a Glance: QFX5110-48S-AFI Highlights
- 48 × SFP+ 10GbE ports for server, storage, or access connectivity
- 4 × QSFP28 uplinks supporting 40GbE or 100GbE
- Powered by Broadcom Trident II+ for predictable L2/L3 performance
- EVPN-VXLAN L2/L3 gateway for scalable, modern data center fabrics
- Full MPLS support for WAN and metro-edge convergence
- Low latency and deep buffers for mixed workload environments
- ZTP, Python, automation, telemetry for operational efficiency
- Front-to-back airflow (AFI) to match data center cooling standards
- Runs Junos OS for consistency across QFX, EX, and MX platforms
Hardware Architecture & System Capabilities
- ASIC: Broadcom Trident II+
- Ports: 48 × SFP+ (10GbE) + 4 × QSFP28 (40/100GbE)
- Airflow Direction: AFI (front-to-back)
- Breakout Options: QSFP28 → 4×10GbE or 4×25GbE
- Form Factor: 1U fixed-configuration switch
- Ideal Roles: Leaf, ToR, EVPN gateway, campus distribution
Port Architecture: 48 × 10GbE + 4 × 40/100GbE
The QFX5110-48S-AFI supports dense server connectivity while offering flexible high-speed uplinks.
- 48 SFP+ ports for 10GbE servers, storage, or downstream switches
- 4 QSFP28 uplinks for 40GbE or 100GbE to spines or aggregation tiers
- Breakout options for additional 10GbE or 25GbE fan-out
Advanced Fabric & Routing Features
- EVPN-VXLAN L2/L3 gateway for multi-tenant and scalable leaf–spine designs
- MPLS & L3VPN for hybrid data center / metro architectures
- OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, ECMP for resilient Layer 3 underlay routing
- Low-latency switching with deep buffers for storage, VM, and DCI workloads
Automation, Telemetry & Operations
- Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) for rapid deployment
- Junos automation + Python scripting for programmable workflows
- Streaming telemetry for real-time visibility
- Integration with Juniper SDN and fabric controllers
Deployment Scenarios
Data Center Top-of-Rack (ToR)
High-density 10GbE access with 100GbE uplinks to spines.
Leaf Switch in Leaf–Spine Fabrics
Ideal for EVPN-VXLAN-based multi-tenant fabrics.
Enterprise and Campus Distribution
10GbE access with high-speed 100GbE uplinks into EVPN-based campus cores.
Metro/MPLS Edge
Suitable for converged metro/data center topologies with MPLS.
Optics & Cable Compatibility
- 10GbE SFP+: SR, LR, ER, ZR
- 100GbE QSFP28: SR4, LR4, ER4
- DAC/AOC for short-reach low-latency links
Related QFX5110 Switch Models
- QFX5110-48S-AFO – Same port layout as AFI with reverse airflow (AFO).
- QFX5110-32Q-AFI – High-density 40/100GbE variant for spine/aggregation with front-to-back airflow.
- QFX5110-32Q-AFO – Same QSFP+ / QSFP28 aggregation model with AFO airflow.
Comparison: Juniper QFX5110-48S-AFI vs Arista DCS-7050SX2-72Q-F
Both switches use the Broadcom Trident II+ ASIC, ensuring similar latency, buffer behavior, and forwarding performance. However, they target different roles in a leaf–spine design.
Hardware & Port Density
- QFX5110-48S-AFI: 48 × 10GbE SFP+ + 4 × 40/100GbE QSFP28
- Arista 7050SX2-72Q-F: 72 × 40GbE QSFP+ ports (with breakout support)
Deployment Focus
- Juniper QFX5110-48S-AFI: Optimized for 10GbE access/leaf with flexible 100GbE uplinks.
- Arista 7050SX2-72Q-F: Optimized for high-density 40GbE aggregation or spine layers.
Fabric & Overlay Functions
- QFX5110: EVPN-VXLAN L2/L3 gateway + MPLS + carrier-grade routing.
- 7050SX2-72Q-F: VXLAN support via Arista EOS, no MPLS capabilities.
Airflow Comparison
- QFX5110-48S-AFI: Front-to-back airflow
- 7050SX2-72Q-F: Front-to-back airflow
This makes the two platforms safe to deploy together in mixed-vendor racks without airflow conflicts.
Which Model Fits Your Use Case?
- Choose QFX5110-48S-AFI if you need dense 10GbE access with 100GbE uplinks and EVPN/MPLS integration.
- Choose 7050SX2-72Q-F if you need extremely high 40GbE density in aggregation/spine roles.
Juniper QFX Resources & Technical Guides
Our engineering team can help you compare the QFX5110-48S-AFI with other QFX5110 variants and Arista DCS-7050SX2 models to design a scalable, efficient data center or enterprise fabric.Q: What is the port configuration of the QFX5110-48S-AFI switch?
A: The switch features 48 x 10GbE SFP+ ports and 4 x 100GbE QSFP28 uplink ports, providing a balance of dense connectivity and high-speed uplinks.
Q: How does the Airflow In (AFI) system work?
A: The Airflow In design pulls air from the front of the switch to the back, ideal for cooling in rack-mounted environments where front-to-back airflow is required.
Q: What makes this switch suitable for data centers?
A: With its high port density, low latency, and airflow-optimized design, this switch is ideal for data centers that need scalable, efficient, and high-performance networking solutions.
Q: What automation capabilities does the QFX5110-48S-AFI offer?
A: The switch supports various automation tools, including Junos OS, Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP), and Python scripting, simplifying network management and deployment.
Q: Is the switch scalable?
A: Yes, it supports Virtual Chassis technology, allowing up to 10 interconnected switches to function as a single logical unit, enabling easy scalability and network expansion.
