QFX3500 Node devices and QFX3008-I or QFX3600-I Interconnect devices form a multistage, nonblocking
switch fabric that provides a high-performance, low-latency, unified interconnect solution for
next-generation data centers.
The QFX3500 Node devices and Interconnect devices are connected to Juniper Networks QFX3100
Director devices in an out-of-band management network through Juniper Networks EX4200 Ethernet
Switches. The QFX3100 Director devices present the QFabric system devices as a single network entity,
which enables simplified management of your data center using the Junos OS command-line interface
(CLI).
In a QFX Virtual Chassis, the QFX3500 device can participate with other QFX3500 devices and QFX3600
devices in a ring topology with up to 10 members.
In a QFX5100 Virtual Chassis Fabric, the QFX3500 device can participate as a leaf device. Up to a total
of 20 devices can participate in the QFX5100 Virtual Chassis Fabric.
Software
QFX Series devices use the Junos operating system (OS), which provides Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching,
routing, and security services. Junos OS is installed on the QFX3500 device’s 8-gigabyte (GB) internal flash
drive. The same Junos OS code base that runs on QFX3500 devices also runs on all Juniper Networks EX
Series switches, and J Series, M Series, MX Series, and T Series routers.
For more information about which features are supported on QFX Series devices, see Feature Explorer.
When the QFX3500 device is operating as a standalone switch, you manage the switch using the Junos
OS command-line interface (CLI), accessible through the console and out-of-band management ports on
the device.
When a QFX Series device operates as part of a QFabric system, all the devices in the data center fabric
are managed through the Administrator software installed on the QFX3100 Director devices. Each device
in a QFabric system is interconnected in a single control plane and management network, using the
redundant management ports on each device.
Hardware
The compact QFX3500 device is 1 rack unit (1 U) in size and designed to fit in industry-standard 19-inch
rack-mount enclosures. See Figure 24 on page 53 and Figure 25 on page 53 and Chassis Physical
Specifications for a QFX3500 Chassis.
NOTE: The standard mounting configuration for the QFX3500 device uses a two rail mounting
system. The QFX3500-RB-ACRB device model uses a four rail mounting system for installations
that need to recess the switch or need to mount the port (rear) end of the switch forward.
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