Routing Engine (RE) Module in an EX8216 Switch

The Routing Engine (RE) module performs system control, system management, FRU configuration, and FRU management functions in an EX8216 switch. An RE module contains a Routing Engine. See Figure 1.

You can install one or two RE modules in an EX8216 switch. A base configuration EX8216 switch (AC version) has only one RE module. See EX8216 Switch Configurations. You can add a second RE module to the configuration for Routing Engine and system control redundancy. See Understanding EX8216 Switch Component and Functionality Redundancy.

The RE modules install horizontally into the top front of the chassis in slots labeled RE0 and RE1.

Figure 1: RE Module in an EX8216 Switch

Note: We recommend that you install two RE modules for redundancy. If you install only one RE module, we recommend that you install it in slot RE0. See Slot Numbering for an EX8216 Switch.

If two RE modules are installed, one RE module functions as the master and the other acts as the backup. If the master RE module fails or is removed, the backup module takes over as the master RE module. When the RE modules are configured for graceful switchover, the backup RE module automatically synchronizes its configuration and state with those of the master RE module. Any update to the master RE module is replicated on the backup RE module. If the backup module assumes mastership, packet forwarding continues through the switch.

We recommend, however, that you always take an RE module offline before removing it. If only one RE module is installed, we recommend that you disable the switch by halting the RE module (thus taking it offline) before removing the RE module. See Taking the RE Module Offline in an EX8216 Switch .

The RE module provides these functions:

• Powers the line cards on and off
• Powers the Switch Fabric (SF) modules on and off
• Performs routing functions for the switch
• Controls system resets and the boot sequence for the switch
• Monitors and controls the speed of the fans in the fan trays
• Monitors and controls the LCD panel and chassis status LEDs
• Monitors the communication of the line cards with the switch fabric on the Switch Fabric (SF) modules
• Monitors the status of the power supplies

The RE module has these components:

• RE module LEDs—Indicate system status. See RE Module LEDs in an EX8216 Switch.
• Recessed reset button—Power cycles the RE module when pressed.
• USB port—Provides an interface through which you can install the Junos OS manually. See USB Port Specifications for an EX Series Switch.
• Auxiliary port—This port is not enabled on EX8200 switches. It is reserved for future use.
• Console port—Connects the RE module to a system console through a cable with an RJ-45 connector. See Connecting an EX Series Switch to a Management Console.
• Management port—Connects the RE module through an Ethernet connection to a management LAN (or any other device that plugs into an Ethernet connection) for out-of-band management. See Connecting an EX Series Switch to a Network for Out-of-Band Management.
• Ejector levers—Used for installing and removing the RE module.
• Captive screws—Secure the RE module in place.