Juniper Networks QFX5120-32C-DC-AFO

The Juniper QFX5120-32C-DC-AFO is a high-performance fixed-configuration Ethernet switch in Juniper’s QFX5120 family, optimised for demanding data centre and campus network deployments. Engineered to support modern spine, leaf, and aggregation architectures, this 1 U platform delivers 32 native 100 GbE (QSFP28) ports for dense high-speed connectivity and can be deployed in both collapsed spine and top-of-rack roles as part of EVPN-VXLAN fabric designs.

Built to provide wire-speed Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching and routing, the QFX5120-32C-DC-AFO offers very high throughput and low latency suitable for hyperscale and enterprise cloud environments. It supports automation, programmability, and telemetry features via Junos OS, enabling simplified operations and integration into modern network workflows. With efficient front-to-back airflow (AFO) and DC-capable power options, the switch is suitable for data centre deployments where directed airflow and DC power infrastructure are required.

This combination of high-density 100 GbE connectivity, advanced software capabilities, and robust hardware design makes the QFX5120-32C-DC-AFO a compelling choice for service provider, enterprise, and cloud data centre applications requiring scalable performance and predictable network behaviour.

High-Density 100 GbE Connectivity
• 32 × QSFP28 100 GbE ports providing native high-speed interfaces ideal for spine/leaf and aggregation deployments.
• Flexible support for breakout configurations (e.g., 4×25 GbE per QSFP28), enabling granular port usage and bandwidth optimisation.

High Performance & Scalability
• Wire-speed Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding with low latency suitable for modern data centre fabrics.
• Robust throughput and forwarding capacity designed for demanding multi-tenant, cloud and enterprise environments.

Advanced Junos OS Capabilities
• Full Junos OS feature set including rich routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, VXLAN/EVPN), policy control, QoS, and security features.
• Extensive automation, programmability, and telemetry support (e.g., gRPC, NETCONF, YANG, streaming telemetry) for modern network operations.

Fabric-Ready Architecture
• Support for scalable data centre fabrics including EVPN/VXLAN, MC-LAG, and large-scale Layer 2/Layer 3 topologies.
• Integration with automation tooling and orchestration platforms for streamlined provisioning.

Optimised for Data Centre Environments
• Front-to-back airflow (AFO) design suitable for rack cooling strategies in dense data centre deployments.
• DC-capable power options compliant with data centre power infrastructures.

Resilient and Flexible Deployment
• High availability with robust hardware design including efficient cooling and power systems.
• Support for industry-standard optics and cabling options (e.g., QSFP28 SR/LR/ER, DAC, AOC) for diverse connectivity scenarios.

Chassis & Physical
• Form factor: 1 RU fixed-configuration switch designed for data centre and campus deployments.
• Airflow: Front-to-back airflow (AFO) suitable for hot-aisle/cold-aisle cooling designs.
• Operating conditions: Typical temperature range 0 °C to 40 °C, humidity 5 %–95 % non-condensing.

Ports & Interfaces
• 32 × 100 GbE QSFP28 ports providing high-density 100 GbE connectivity.
• Breakout support: QSFP28 ports can be channelized into multiple 25 GbE or 10 GbE interfaces using breakout cables for flexible connectivity (model-dependent).
• Management: Standard management interfaces include out-of-band Ethernet and console connectivity (via Junos OS features).

Performance & Capacity
• Switching capacity (max): ~6.4 Tbps (bidirectional).
• Forwarding performance: ~2 Billion packets per second (Bpps) at wire speed.
• Latency: Sub-microsecond latency, typically ~750 ns.
• MAC addresses: ~288,000 system MAC table size.
• VLANs supported: Up to ~4,094.
• Jumbo frames: Up to 9,216 bytes supported.

Routing & Capacity
• IPv4 routes: Typically up to ~128,000 routes supported (varies by Junos OS configuration).
• IPv6 routes: ~64,000 routes.
• Multicast groups: ~8,000.

Buffer & Memory
• Buffer size: ~22 MB (shared packet buffer memory).
• CPU & system memory: Platform typically features a multicore control CPU with sufficient RAM and flash storage for Junos OS and feature modules (based on QFX5120 family architecture).

Power & Cooling
• Power: Designed for DC power environments (–48 VDC –60 VDC input); exact consumption varies based on optics and load.
• Cooling: AFO cooling optimised for data centre rack airflow paths.

Software & Feature Support
• Operating system: Junos OS with full Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocol support and advanced features including EVPN/VXLAN, BGP, OSPF, QoS, ACLs, and automation tools.
• Virtualization: Support for Virtual Chassis and scale-out fabric designs.

Standards & Compliance
• Supports industry networking standards for Ethernet and IP forwarding, along with Juniper-supported management and security protocols.