MX240 Router Overview

The MX240 3D Universal Edge Router is an Ethernet-optimized edge router that provides both switching and carrier-class Ethernet routing, with a capacity of up to 240 gigabits per second (Gbps), full duplex. The MX240 router enables a wide range of business and residential applications and services, including high-speed transport and VPN services, next-generation broadband multiplay services, and high-volume Internet data center internetworking.

The MX240 router is five rack units (U) tall. Several routers can be stacked in a single floor-to-ceiling rack, for increased port density per unit of floor space.

Fully populated, the MX240 router provides an aggregate throughput of up to 240 Gbps, with line-rate throughput on 24 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports, or oversubscribed forwarding at a gross ratio of 2:1 on all 48 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports.

The router provides two dedicated line card slots for Dense Port Concentrators (DPCs), Modular Port Concentrators (MPCs), or Flexible PIC Concentrators (FPCs). DPCs and MPCs each install into a single line-card slot. The FPC installs into both slots. The router also provides one dedicated slot for a Switch Control Board (SCB), and one multifunction slot for either one DPC, MPC, or SCB. Optionally, an FPC can be installed in both the multifunction slot and lowest dedicated line card slot. The line cards are connected to one or two SCBs.

An FPC supports up to two PICs. An MPC supports up to two Modular Interface Cards (MICs).

Each DPC includes two or four Packet Forwarding Engines. Each Packet Forwarding Engine enables a throughput of 10 Gbps.

Several types of line cards, are available. For a list of the supported line cards, see the MX Series 3D Universal Edge Routers Line Card Guide.

The connections between line cards and SCBs are organized in three groups:

• Switch fabric—Connects the line cards and provides for packet transport between the line cards.
• Control plane—Gigabit Ethernet links between the combined SCBs/Routing Engines and each DPC, MPC, or FPC. All board-to-board information is passed over Ethernet except for low-level status and commands.
• Management signals—Provide low-level status diagnostic support.