QFX5100-24Q-3AFO vs. EX3400-24P: Technical Comparison for Network Solutions

May 15 , 2025 51

1. Product Overview

QFX5100-24Q-3AFO

• Type: High-performance data center switch

• Ports: 24x 40G QSFP+ ports, upgradable to 96x 10G via breakout cables

• Performance: 1.28 Tbps switching capacity, 960 Mpps forwarding rate

• Hardware: 8GB RAM, 16GB flash storage, Broadcom Trident II ASIC

• Key Features: VXLAN, EVPN, MLAG, hardware-based telemetry

• Power: 300W typical, redundant PSU support

EX3400-24P

• Type: Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cable for short-range connectivity

• Specs: 7-meter SFP+ passive copper cable, 10G/25G/40G speeds

• Compatibility: Works with QFX5100, QFX5200, and other Juniper SFP+ ports

• Design: Slim, flexible, and hot-swappable

2. Performance & Technical Specifications

3. Functional Differences

QFX5100-24Q-3AFO:

• Supports advanced Layer 3 routing, automation via Junos OS, and scalable virtualization.

• Ideal for spine-leaf architectures, AI/ML workloads, and high-density 10G/40G deployments.

EX3400-24P:

• Simplifies rack-level connectivity between switches/servers.

• Zero configuration; plug-and-play for cost-effective, low-latency links.

4. Design & Build

• QFX5100: 1U rack-mountable, metal chassis with front-facing ports and dual PSU slots.

• DAC Cable: Slim, lightweight copper cable with SFP+ connectors; 7m length suits intra-rack use.

5. User Experience

• QFX5100: Requires CLI/Pro GUI expertise for configuration. Suits enterprise IT teams.

• DAC Cable: Effortless deployment; no setup or software needed.

6. Pricing

• QFX5100-24Q-3AFO: ~$15,000 (used market, varies by seller).

• EX3400-24P: ~$120 per cable (bulk discounts available).

7. Compatibility & Use Cases

QFX5100:

• Software: Junos OS (upgradable to latest EVO releases).

• Integration: Works with Juniper Mist, Ansible, and Kubernetes.

• Scenarios: Core data center switching, hyperconverged infrastructure.

DAC Cable:

• Devices: Compatible with Juniper QFX/EX switches, NVIDIA/Mellanox NICs, and servers.

• Best For: High-speed server-to-switch links in HPC or storage clusters.

8. Final Recommendation

• Choose QFX5100-24Q-3AFO for scalable, software-driven network cores.

• Choose EX3400-24P to minimize latency/cost in short-reach connections.

Example Scenario: A cloud provider uses QFX5100 switches for spine-layer routing and DAC cables to connect GPU servers, achieving microsecond latency for AI training.

Note: Specifications based on Juniper’s product documentation and market data. Verify compatibility for niche deployments.

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