H3C S6530X-48Y8C – 25G Aggregation Switch with 8×100G Uplinks (Campus Fabric / Data Center Edge)

Quick Summary

Planning a future-proof aggregation layer for a campus fabric or data center edge? The H3C S6530X-48Y8C aligns with the mainstream upgrade path for 2026: combining 25G downlinks with 100G uplinks. It offers critical resiliency through IRF2 or M-LAG and enhances operational visibility with gRPC-based Telemetry, helping to reduce repair times.

Its hardware profile is defined by 48× SFP28 ports (supporting GE/10G/25G) and 8× QSFP28 uplinks (40/100G), delivering 4 Tbps of switching capacity. This is supported by a 36M packet buffer and low-latency forwarding performance.

H3C S6530X-48Y8C Deep Dive

Defining the S6530X-48Y8C

H3C positions the S6530X Series as an advanced 25GE aggregation platform. It leverages ASIC technology, includes modular dual power supplies, offers fixed 40/100G uplinks, and supports IRF for high availability.

The S6530X-48Y8C model specifically serves environments requiring:

• Dense 25G aggregation for server rows, high-performance building distribution, or campus fabric blocks.
• Multiple 100G uplinks to connect to spine/core layers, inter-building backbones, or data center edges.
• Flexible high-availability options, including virtual chassis or dual-chassis link aggregation.
• Enhanced operational visibility for proactive monitoring and faster incident resolution.

Verified Model Specifications

Key Specifications

Core Features & Differentiators

1) The 2026 “Sweet Spot”: 25G Access + 100G Uplinks

Most enterprises do not require 100G everywhere. A practical scaling path is needed:

• 10G endpoints remain widespread.
• New deployments in high-demand areas are trending toward 25G.
• Aggregation and backbone links are increasingly standardizing on 100G.

The S6530X-48Y8C matches this trajectory perfectly with its 48 multi-rate SFP28 ports and 8 high-speed QSFP28 uplinks.

2) Uplink Density for Design Flexibility

Why are 8 uplink ports significant?

• Robust Dual-Homing:​ Provides two uplinks to each upstream device with capacity for future growth.
• Scalable Aggregation:​ Efficiently fans in traffic from multiple access switches while maintaining clean redundancy patterns.

This is particularly valuable in campus fabrics, where the distribution layer is often a critical failure domain requiring hardening.

3) IRF2 Virtualization for Simplified Operations

H3C’s IRF2 technology virtualizes multiple physical switches into a single logical device, enabling:

• Single-point management.
• High availability with features like routing hot backup.
• Distributed link aggregation for redundancy and load balancing.
• Use of standard ports for IRF interconnects.

Consider IRF2 when you want to operate a distribution or core block as “one box,” simplifying management for operations teams.

4) M-LAG for Dual-Chassis Redundancy

H3C also emphasizes M-LAG for:

• Device-level link backup.
• Streamlined topology, reducing STP complexity.
• Independent member upgrades (one device at a time).
• High availability with keepalive mechanisms to prevent split-brain scenarios.

M-LAG is often the preferred choice when you require two independent control planes but one logically dual-homed access domain.

5) Proactive Monitoring with gRPC Telemetry

The platform supports Telemetry, streaming real-time resource and alarm data to an O&M platform via gRPC. This enables proactive troubleshooting, early warning, and network optimization through data analysis.

For 2026 operations, this capability moves diagnostics beyond reliance on:

• Periodic polling.
• Reactive syslog reviews.
• Manual CLI workflows.

6) Feature Support: VXLAN/EVPN, ISSU, MACsec

The platform also highlights:

• VXLAN with EVPN-based automation.
• EVPN as a control plane for cross-site L2/L3 connectivity.
• In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) for continuity.
• MACsec for hop-by-hop link-layer encryption where required.

Where the S6530X-48Y8C Fits Best

Scenario A – Campus Fabric Aggregation Block

Use it to aggregate multiple access stacks, pushing uplinks to the core/spine. The high uplink count maintains clean redundancy while minimizing oversubscription.

Scenario B – High-Bandwidth Building Distribution

For R&D floors, trading floors, or media production zones, the 25G downlinks provide headroom. This approach controls optics and cabling costs compared to a full 100G deployment.

Scenario C – Data Center or Enterprise Edge Pods

As an L3 edge or aggregation switch for small pods, it offers multi-rate flexibility for evolving endpoints while maintaining 100G uplinks to the core.

Scenario D – Security-Sensitive Interconnect Zones

Where regulations mandate link-layer protection between infrastructure nodes, the integrated MACsec capability helps secure east-west traffic without relying solely on higher-layer overlays.

Deployment & Management Notes

1) Plan Airflow Direction Carefully

H3C documentation emphasizes installing five identical fan trays. The model determines airflow direction:

• LSPM1FANSA-SN:​ Airflow from power supply side to port side.
• LSPM1FANSB-SN:​ Airflow from port side to power supply side.

Mismatched airflow is a common cause of deployment delays, so verify this against your rack layout.

2) Note: Base Unit Ships Without Power Supplies

The order code LS-6530X-48Y8C is listed as “Without Power Supplies.” Your bill of materials must include PSUs, typically two for 1+1 redundancy.

3) Standardize Optics Early

With multi-rate SFP28 ports and 40/100G uplinks, operational ease depends on standardization:

• Choose default optics per distance (in-rack, building, campus).
• Maintain a spare strategy, especially for uplink optics.
• Align Forward Error Correction (FEC) expectations during interoperability testing, crucial in multi-vendor environments.

FAQs

Q1: What’s the exact port layout?

A:​ 48× SFP28 (GE/10G/25G) downlinks and 8× QSFP28 (40/100G) uplinks.

Q2: How does it fit a 2026 campus fabric design?

A:​ It functions effectively as an aggregation block, fanning in 25G from access switches and connecting via multiple 100G uplinks to the core, with resiliency provided by IRF2 or M-LAG.

Q3: How should I choose between IRF2 and M-LAG?

A:​ Choose IRF2 for a “single logical switch” operational model with unified management. Choose M-LAG for device-level backup and the ability to upgrade members independently. Your choice depends on failure-domain and maintenance preferences.

Q4: What performance numbers are most important for aggregation stability?

A:​ Key metrics are the 4 Tbps switching capacity, 1920 Mpps forwarding rate, and 36M packet buffer. These are critical for handling traffic bursts and congestion at aggregation points.

Q5: What are the stated latency figures?

A:​ Per the datasheet, latency is <3 (64byte/us) for 25GE and <1.2 (64byte/us) for 100GE.

Q6: Does the base switch include power supplies?

A:​ No. The base unit (LS-6530X-48Y8C) ships “Without Power Supplies.” PSUs must be ordered separately.

Q7: How many fan trays are needed, and can models be mixed?

A:​ The chassis has five slots and requires five fan trays. All installed trays must be the same model.

Q8: How do I select the correct airflow direction?

A:​ Match the fan tray model to your rack plan: LSPM1FANSA-SN (power→port) or LSPM1FANSB-SN (port→power).

Q9: What operational benefit does “Telemetry via gRPC” provide?

A:​ It streams real-time data to an O&M platform, enabling faster troubleshooting, proactive warnings, and data-driven optimization, leading to quicker root-cause analysis.

Q10: Can it support VXLAN/EVPN designs?

A:​ Yes. The S6530X series product descriptions highlight VXLAN with EVPN-based tunnel establishment and the benefits of EVPN.

Q11: Is MACsec relevant for campus switching?

A:​ Yes, particularly for protecting sensitive inter-switch links in regulated environments. H3C describes MACsec as a hop-by-hop link-layer encryption method.

Q12: Does it support cloud management?

A:​ Yes. H3C states the S6530X series supports cloud management via H3C Cloudnet, described as a proprietary O&M platform based on a unified cloud platform (U-center).

Conclusion

The H3C S6530X-48Y8C is engineered for a common enterprise modernization path: dense, multi-rate 25G aggregation paired with 8× 100G uplinks. It combines this with robust resiliency options (IRF2/M-LAG) and modern operational features like gRPC Telemetry and cloud management.

If you are upgrading campus distribution or building an enterprise edge pod for 2026, this switch represents a pragmatic choice. It balances substantial throughput headroom (4 Tbps) with operational features designed to reduce both downtime and complexity.

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