System Description

The M40 Internet router is a complete routing system that provides high-speed interfaces for large networks and network applications, such as those supported by Internet backbone service providers. Application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), a definitive part of the router design, enable the router to forward data at the high speeds demanded by current network media.

The router accommodates up to eight Flexible PIC Concentrators (FPCs), each of which can be configured with a variety of network media types—altogether providing up to 128 physical interface ports per system. The router height of 35 in. (89 cm) enables stacked installation of two M40 routers in a single floor-to-ceiling rack, for increased port density per unit of floor space.

The router's maximum aggregate throughput is 40 gigabits per second (Gbps). The router provides very high throughput for any combination of Physical Interface Cards (PICs) that does not exceed 3 Gbps on an FPC. A combination that exceeds 3 Gbps is supported, but constitutes oversubscription.

The router architecture cleanly separates control operations from packet forwarding operations. This design eliminates processing and traffic bottlenecks, permitting the router to achieve high-performance line rates. Control operations in the router are performed by the Routing Engine, which runs JUNOS Internet software to handle routing protocols, traffic engineering, policy, monitoring, policing, and configuration management. Forwarding operations in the router are performed by the Packet Forwarding Engine, which consists of hardware, including ASICs, designed by Juniper Networks.