What is the CSX8000 Series?

The CSX8000 series is Versa Networks’ top-tier Cloud Services Switch (CSX) appliance line, built for campus aggregation, core, and data-center deployments. Available as the CSX8300 and CSX8500, it pairs carrier-grade Ethernet switching chipsets with an x86 compute subsystem, delivering up to 3.2 Tbps of switching capacity alongside VOS-based routing and security.

Key takeaways

• CSX8000 series covers two models: CSX8300 and CSX8500.
• Targets campus aggregation, core, and data-center switching roles.
• CSX8300 switches at 2 Tbps; CSX8500 scales to 3.2 Tbps per direction.
• Built-in x86 compute runs VOS routing, security, and ZTNA on-premises.
• Managed centrally by Versa Director, monitored via Versa Analytics.

On this page: Why it matters · How it works · CSX8000 series models · CSX8000 series & Versa · FAQ

Why is the CSX8000 series important?

Campus and data-center networks need switching that scales past what a branch-class device can deliver, without giving up the security and policy model that governs the rest of a Secure SD-LAN fabric. The CSX8000 series is Versa’s answer at the top of the CSX line: appliances built to sit at the aggregation or core layer, interconnecting edge switches and carrying the bulk of east-west and north-south traffic for a large site.

What sets the series apart from a conventional core switch is that it doesn’t hand security off to a separate box. Because CSX8000 appliances run VOS with an integrated x86 compute subsystem, the same appliance that switches traffic at line rate can also enforce next-generation firewall policy, run ZTNA on-premises, and apply application-aware forwarding – collapsing what would otherwise be a core switch plus a security appliance into one managed device. For campuses and data centers with heavy aggregation demands, that consolidation reduces both hardware footprint and the number of places a policy has to be re-implemented.

What is the CSX8000 series?

A CSX8000 series appliance is a fixed-chassis, 1-RU switch combining a high-performance campus switching chipset with an x86 processor subsystem. It delivers line-rate Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding and switching, scalable advanced routing, genuine multitenancy, and application intelligence – all running under VOS, the same operating system used across Versa’s CSG gateways. The appliance integrates a TPM chip with secure BIOS and secure boot, and ships with fully redundant, field-replaceable power supplies and fans.

Physically, the appliance mounts in a standard 19-inch rack or sits on a desktop, with a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet management port, an RJ45 console port, and a USB port for local access – though Versa recommends managing it from Director or Concerto rather than the CLI directly.

CSX8000 series models

The series has two members, differentiated by port count and switching capacity. The CSX8300 provides 48 SFP28 ports for 25/10-Gigabit Ethernet plus eight QSFP28 100-Gigabit Ethernet ports (each configurable via DAC breakout cables into four 25-Gigabit or four 10-Gigabit ports, or one 40-Gigabit port), for 2 Tbps of switching capacity per direction. It’s positioned as an aggregation-layer switch interconnecting LAN edge switches, but can also serve as a high-performance LAN edge switch or a data-center top-of-rack switch. The CSX8500 trades port density for uplink scale: 32 QSFP28 100-Gigabit Ethernet ports and up to 3.2 Tbps of switching capacity per direction, aimed at campus aggregation and core, or data-center core roles. Both models integrate into the broader CSX family alongside the smaller CSX4000 series, which serves the LAN edge and access layer.

CSX8000 series & Versa

Within the VersaONE platform, a CSX8000 appliance is the aggregation or core node of a Secure SD-LAN fabric: it interconnects edge switches and CSG gateways, extends the same policy model that governs the rest of the site, and hosts stateful VOS services – NGFW, UTM, on-premises ZTNA, and a secure software-defined perimeter – directly on the switching path. Versa Director handles configuration, monitoring, and provisioning of CSX8000 appliances, while Versa Analytics provides device, network, and security telemetry. The built-in x86 compute can also host third-party virtual machines, letting an operator consolidate additional network functions onto the same chassis rather than deploying separate blades or appliances. Installation, connection, and specification details for the series are covered in the CSX8000 series hardware guide and Connect a CSX8000 series appliance.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the CSX8300 and CSX8500?

The CSX8300 offers 48 SFP28 25/10-Gigabit ports plus 8 QSFP28 100-Gigabit ports at 2 Tbps switching capacity, suited to aggregation and LAN edge roles. The CSX8500 offers 32 QSFP28 100-Gigabit ports at up to 3.2 Tbps, aimed at higher-capacity campus core and data-center deployments.

Can a CSX8000 appliance run security functions, not just switching?

Yes. CSX8000 appliances run VOS on integrated x86 compute, so the same box performs line-rate switching alongside NGFW, UTM, on-premises ZTNA, and application-aware forwarding, rather than needing a separate security appliance in the path.

Where does the CSX8000 series fit in Versa’s switch lineup?

It’s the top tier of the CSX family, built for campus aggregation, core, and data-center deployments. Smaller CSX series, such as the CSX4000, address LAN edge and access-layer switching in branches and smaller campuses.

How is a CSX8000 appliance managed?

Versa recommends managing CSX8000 appliances from Versa Director, which handles configuration, monitoring, and provisioning, with Versa Analytics providing device, network, and security analytics. A local CLI via console or SSH is available for troubleshooting.

Does the CSX8000 series support redundant power and cooling?

Yes. Each appliance ships with field-replaceable, redundant 1+1 AC power supplies (1000 W or 1200 W depending on input voltage) and front-to-back cooling with 5+1 redundant fans, in a fixed 1-RU chassis with no other field-replaceable parts.

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