Understanding the MCS

Purpose

Inspect the MCS to ensure that control and monitoring functions for router components and SONET/SDH clocking for the router function normally.

What Is an MCS

The MCS is a component of the host module on M40e and M160 routers (see Figure 148). The MCS works with the Routing Engine to provide control and monitoring functions for router components and to provide SONET/SDH clocking for the router.

Figure 148: MCS Component

The router can be equipped with up to two MCSs for redundancy. If two MCSs are installed, one acts as the master MCS and the other acts as a backup. If the master MCS fails or is removed, the backup MCS restarts and becomes the master MCS.

NOTE: The host modules (RE0 working with MCS0 and RE1 working with MCS1) actually have the master and backup role.

Each MCS requires a Routing Engine to be installed in an adjacent slot. MCS0 installs above RE0, and MCS1 installs below RE1. Even if an MCS is physically installed in the chassis, it does not function if there is no Routing Engine present in the adjacent slot.

The MCS installs into the midplane from the back of the chassis (see Figure 149).

Figure 149: M40e and M160 Router MCS Location

See Also

• Monitoring the Host Module
• Monitoring the Routing Engine
• Monitoring Redundant Routing Engines
• Monitoring Redundant MCSs