Arista introduces enhanced network application platforms

Arista Networks has announced the Arista 7130L Series, the next generation ultra-low latency, high-precision network application platform, with deterministic five nanosecond switching and virtually undetectable jitter. The 7130L Series consolidates FPGA (field-programmable gate array) based network applications, notably MetaMux, which enables lower latency data aggregation and is ideal for connecting electronic trading platforms directly to exchanges and MetaWatch for tapping and aggregating time-stamped packets for data analysis or compliance.

This is the first platform Arista is launching based on the Metamako acquisition, announced in September 2018. In addition to running Arista’s own suite of network apps, Arista development kits and IP Cores enable customers to rapidly develop and deploy their own high-performance network applications on the 7130L Series leveraging the latest in FPGA technology from the Xilinx UltraScale+ family.

“We are delighted to introduce our latest FPGA-based 7130 Series,” said Martin Hull, Associate Vice President, Systems Engineering and Platforms. “These products combine ultra-low latency switching with the latest generation of highly programmable FPGAs and proven Arista network applications to address the demand for increased configurability in the network while delivering the lowest possible latencies.”

Along with the FPGA functionality the L Series combines rich Layer 1+ network functions on the same device, to reduce complexity and cost, including signal regeneration, port mirroring and media conversion.

Leveraging FPGA Technology for Demanding Network Applications

The 7130L Series platform is optimised for a range of Arista network applications including MetaMux and MetaWatch. MetaMux, has gained a performance boost with the launch of the 7130L Series. MetaMux can now perform data aggregation in an average of 39 nanoseconds. It provides a flexible range of easy to configure multiplexer (mux) modes from 48:1 down to multiple 4:1 instances. The MetaWatch application now provides timestamping at sub-nanosecond accuracy. This granularity enhances capture, in-depth monitoring and network analytics for the most demanding applications.

Enabling Custom Applications

The Arista 7130L Series makes custom applications easy to deploy. Arista development toolkits enable complete and unrestricted access to the facilities in the FPGAs. Arista provides built-in application frameworks allowing developers to wrap applications into simple packages streamlining operational processes. Arista MOS provides system monitoring, FPGA image management and other critical resources to allow developers to concentrate on their core application value.

Product Availability

The 7130L Series is available in five configurations. The 7130-48L and 96L contain a Xilinx Virtex UltraScale+ VU7P FPGA. The 7130-32LB, 48LB and 96LB variants contain a Xilinx Virtex UltraScale+ VU9P FPGA. The 7130L Series devices will be available in March 2019.

Register here for the webinar on Thursday, March 21, to learn more about Arista’s 7130L Series including Layer 1 and FPGA technology as well as Arista network applications for ultra-low latency and precision timestamping.