MX Series MPC Overview
Modular Port Concentrators (MPCs) provide packet forwarding services that deliver up to 120 Gbps of full-duplex traffic. The MPCs are inserted into a slot in a router. Modular Interface Cards (MICs) provide the physical interfaces and install into the MPCs. You can install up to two MICs of different media types in the same MPC as long as the MPC supports those MICs.
A specialized fixed configuration MPC provides higher port density over MICs and combines packet forwarding and Ethernet interfaces onto a single line card. The fixed configuration MPC is inserted into a slot in a router and contains no slots for MICs.
MICs receive incoming packets from the network and transmit outgoing packets to the network. During this process, each MIC performs framing and high-speed signaling for its media type. Before transmitting outgoing data packets through the MIC interfaces, the MPCs encapsulate the packets received. Each MPC is equipped with up to four Junos Trio chipsets, which perform control functions tailored to the MPC’s media type.
You must install a high-capacity fan tray to use an MPC. The maximum number of supported MPCs varies per router and hardware configuration:
- MX960 router—Up to 12 MPCs (For power requirements, see Power Consumption for an AC-Powered MX960 Router or Power Consumption for a DC-Powered MX960 Router)
- MX480 router—Up to 6 MPCs (For power requirements, see Power Consumption for an AC-Powered MX480 Router or Power Consumption for a DC-Powered MX480 Router)
- MX240 router—Up to 3 MPCs (For power requirements, see Power Consumption for an AC-Powered MX240 Router or Power Consumption for a DC-Powered MX240 Router)
When a slot is not occupied by an MPC, you must insert a blank DPC to fill the empty slot and ensure proper cooling of the system. For complete information about installing and handling MPCs, see the hardware guide for your router.
