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Versa Networks

At a Glance

The Versa Cloud Services Switch (CSX) 8000 series appliances are next-generation software-defined LAN (SD-LAN) aggregation and core layer Ethernet switching appliances that combine the latest campus switching chipset from leading switch silicon vendors and that couple high performance with x86-based processor subsystem.

CSX8000 series appliances deliver carrier-grade reliability, line-rate Ethernet switching, and built-in x86-based compute for enterprise-grade routing, SD-LAN services, ZTNA on-premises and integrated security.

CSX8000 series appliances run the Versa Operating System™ (VOS™) software to provide comprehensive integrated security, including the following:

  • NGFW, UTM, ZTNA
  • On-premises ZTNA
  • Next-generation software-defined access
  • Fully secure software-defined perimeter
  • Application intelligence and application policy–based forwarding capabilities
  • Line-rate Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding and switching
  • Scalable advanced routing
  • Genuine multitenancy
  • Big-data–based analytics

The CSX8000 series appliances with VOS software are ideal for enterprise campus and data center deployments, offering natively built-in security and connectivity capabilities. The appliances enable secure, scalable, and reliable enterprise-wide LAN networking solutions.

Versa Networks management and control software, including Versa Director and Versa Analytics, support CSX8000 series appliances. Versa Director supports configuration, monitoring, and provisioning of CSX8000 series appliances, and Versa Analytics provides device, network, and security analytics. Managed service providers (MSPs) and enterprises of all sizes can deploy CSX8000 series appliances for scalable managed services.

CSX8000 series appliances deliver carrier-grade reliability, high performance, line-rate switching, and high compute capacity for enterprise-grade routing, SD-WAN, next-generation security, and uCPE scenarios. They are designed for deployment in large enterprise branches, campus sites, and data centers that require advanced secure SD-WAN along with comprehensive advanced application and cloud-intelligent SD-WAN services on premises.

CSX8000 series appliances offer LAN aggregation and core deployment options with high-speed downlink and uplink ports and a nonblocking, high-performance LAN solution.

CSX8000 series appliances have x86 processor compute capacity and high-capacity memory and storage that allow you to run VOS stateful functions in highly scalable forms. You can use the built-in compute capacity to host third-party virtual machines (VMs) and simplify network deployments, thus eliminating the need for consolidating multiple appliances and functions, such as additional compute blades, other standalone hardware platforms, and separate firewalls.

CSX8000 series appliances integrate a TPM chip to ensure the integrity and security of data, such as encryption and authentication keys. CSX8000 series appliances have a secure BIOS and secure boot capabilities.

CSX8000 series appliances provide the following features:

  • Networking interfaces
    • Ethernet switching for CSX8300
      • 48 SFP28 25/10-Gigabit Ethernet ports for switch interfaces.
      • Eight QSFP28 100-Gigabit Ethernet ports for switch interfaces. You can use direct attach cable (DAC) breakout cables to configure each QSFP port as four 25-Gigabit Ethernet ports, one 40-Gigabit Ethernet port, or four 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports.
      • Switching capability of 2 Tbps in each direction (4 Tbps full-duplex).
    • Ethernet switching for CSX8500
      • 32 QSFP28 100-Gigabit Ethernet ports for switch interfaces. You can use DAC breakout cables to configure each QSFP port as two 50-Gigabit Ethernet ports, four 25-Gigabit Ethernet ports, one 40-Gigabit Ethernet port, or four 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports.
      • Switching capability of up to 3.2 Tbps in each direction (6.4 Tbps full-duplex)
  • Management interfaces
    • One Gigabit Ethernet-over-copper dedicated management port.
    • One RJ45 RS232 console port.
    • One USB port.
  • Fully redundant and field replaceable 1+1 AC power supplies.
  • Fully redundant and field replaceable n+1 fans.
  • Fixed chassis with no field-replaceable parts.
  • Desktop mount or rack-mountable in a 19-inch rack.

CSX8000 Appliance Models

The CSX8000 series appliances are available in the following models:

  • CSX8300—Powerful appliance for deployment in campus or large enterprise sites that require aggregation layer switches to interconnect LAN edge switches. The CSX8300 appliance provides advanced switching and routing, secure SD-LAN, and ZTNA on-premises functions. Alternatively, the CSX8300 appliance can be deployed as LAN edge switch for high-performance applications or as data center top-of-rack (TOR) switch to connect to servers with 25-GB Ethernet ports.
  • CSX8500—Higher-performance appliance for deployment in campus aggregation and core, or in data center locations, for networks that require advanced switching and routing, secure SD-LAN, and ZTNA on-premises functions.

Chassis Views

The front panel of the CSX8000 appliances is the side of the appliance with LEDs for status and power, a soft reset button, and ports. It also has integrated rack-mount ears for installation in standard 19-inch racks. This is the side that is visible when you install the appliance in an office environment or in a rack. The rear panel has the power supply units, ground contact, and cooling fans. This is the rear side when you mount the appliance in a 19-inch rack.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the front and rear panels of the CSX8300 appliance.

Figure 1: Front Panel of the CSX8300 Appliance

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Figure 2: Rear Panel of the CSX8300 Appliance

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Figure 3 and Figure 4 show the front and rear panels of the CSX8500 appliance.

Figure 3: Front Panel of the CSX8500 Appliance

CSX8500_front-view.png


Figure 4: Rear Panel of the CSX8500 Appliance

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