MX Series Router Architecture
The key components of each Juniper Networks MX Series Ethernet Services Router are Dense Port Concentrators (DPCs), the Routing Engine, and the Switch Control Board (SCB).
The DPCs are optimized for Ethernet density and are capable of supporting up to 40 Gigabit Ethernet or 4 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports. The DPC assembly combines packet forwarding and Ethernet interfaces on a single board, with four 10-Gbps Packet Forwarding Engines. Each Packet Forwarding Engine consists of one chip for Layer 3 processing and one Layer 2 network processor. The DPCs interface with the power supplies and Switch Control Boards.
The Routing Engine is an Intel-based PC platform that runs the Juniper Networks Junos OS. Software processes that run on the Routing Engine maintain the routing tables, manage the routing protocols used on the router, control the router interfaces, control some chassis components, and provide the interface for system management and user access to the router. Routing Engines communicate with DPCs via dedicated out-of-band management channels, providing a clear distinction between the controls and forwarding planes.
The SCB powers cards on and off; controls clocking, resets and booting; and monitors and controls systems functions, including fan speed, board power status, Power Distribution Module (PDM) status and control, and the system front panel. Integrated into the SCB is the switch fabric, which interconnects all of the DPCs within the chassis, supporting up to 48 Packet Forwarding Engines. The Routing Engine installs directly into the SCB.
The MX Series router has been optimized for Ethernet services. Examples of the wide range of Ethernet services provided by the MX Series include:
- Virtual private LAN service (VPLS) for multipoint connectivity—Native support for VPLS services
- Virtual leased line (VLL) for point-to-point services—Native support for point-to-point services
- RFC 2547.bis IP/MPLS VPN (L3VPN)—Full support for MPLS VPNs throughout the Ethernet network
- Video distribution IPTV services
- Ethernet aggregation at the campus/enterprise edge—Supports dense 1-Gigabit Ethernet and 10-Gigabit Ethernet configurations, and provides full Layer 3 support for campus edge requirements
- Ethernet aggregation at the multiservice edge—Supports up to 480 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports or 48 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports for maximum Ethernet density along, with full Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPN support for MSE applications
