The routing matrix is the first multichassis product from Juniper Networks. The T640 and T320 routing platforms were the first core routers that provided scalable bandwidth and intelligent networking features with a capacity of 80 to 640 gigabits per second (Gbps) of throughput. A key part of the T-series design was the ability to scale individual T640 routing nodes to 2.5 terabits of bandwidth by combining them in a multichassis configuration. Such scalability is now available with the routing matrix.
The physical system of a routing matrix consists of one TX Matrix platform and from one to four T640 routing nodes, as shown in Figure 1. A key element of the routing matrix design is the ability to migrate existing T640 routing nodes and connect them with the TX Matrix platform through fiber-optic cables and Switch Interface Boards (SIBs).
Figure 1: Routing Matrix Architecture
The TX Matrix platform connection between the T640 routing nodes uses a scalable, three-stage switch fabric. This system architecture provides terabit bandwidth expansion capacity and eliminates the use of subscriber line cards to connect devices within points of presence (POPs). As a result, the primary application for the routing matrix is to collapse aggregation and core layers in large POPs and central offices.
The routing matrix appears as a single router to the operator and utilizes the existing JUNOS command-line interface (CLI) for configuration and management. To manage this multichassis system, some enhancements have been made to the CLI that allow you to select the amount of output you wish to receive when you issue operational commands. You can specify the entire routing matrix, the TX Matrix platform, a specific T640 routing node and its Flexible PIC Concentrators (FPCs), or a combination thereof.
Similarly, you can limit which portions of the routing matrix are modified during configuration or maintenance procedures (for example, performing software upgrades or halting Routing Engines).
A routing matrix contains two types of chassis:
There is only one TX Matrix platform per routing matrix. It is referred to as the switch-card chassis (scc) in the JUNOS CLI.
There can be one to four T640 routing nodes in a routing matrix. These are referred to as line-card chassis 0 through 3 (lcc0–lcc3) in the JUNOS CLI. The T640 routing node number is set by the hardware. See the TX Matrix Platform Hardware Guide for further information on installing and connecting the hardware.
Even though a routing matrix can be comprised of five separate physical components (a TX Matrix platform and up to four T640 routing nodes), it is best if you consider a routing matrix as a single routing platform. When you issue configuration and operational commands on the TX Matrix platform, your view of the routing matrix shows a single routing device with a high number of FPCs and PICs. For a detailed discussion of FPC numbering in a routing matrix, see Routing Matrix FPC NumberingAdjusting the Configuration to Accommodate Increased FPC Numbers.
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