M40e PIC Overview

This guide provides an overview and description of the Physical Interface Cards (PICs) supported by the Juniper Networks M40e Multiservice Edge Router.

PICs provide the physical connection to various network media types. The PICs are mounted on Flexible PIC Concentrators (FPCs), which are inserted into a slot in a router. A PIC typically occupies a single slot on an FPC. PICs receive incoming packets from the network and transmit outgoing packets to the network. During this process, each PIC performs framing and high-speed signaling for its media type. Before transmitting outgoing data packets, the PICs encapsulate the packets received from the FPCs. Each PIC is equipped with a media-specific ASIC that performs control functions tailored to the PIC's media type.

Blank PICs resemble other PICs but do not provide any physical connection or activity. When a slot is not occupied by a PIC, you must insert a blank PIC to fill the empty slot and ensure proper cooling of the system.

The M40e router supports the Type 1 and Type 2 FPCs listed in M40e FPCs Supported. Inserting a combination of PICs with an aggregate higher than the maximum throughput per FPC is supported but constitutes oversubscription of the FPC. PIC/FPC Compatibility (M40e Router) provides a PIC/FPC compatibility matrix for the current PICs supported by the M40e router.