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MX301 Overview

Learn about the hardware features and use cases of the MX301 Router.

Meet the MX301

The Juniper Networks® MX301 Universal Routing Platform is a next-generation edge router engineered to deliver robust networking capabilities across a wide range of network deployment scenarios. The router provides flexible connectivity options with 26 WAN ports that offer port configurations from native 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) up to 400GbE. The MX301 can deliver a maximum throughput of 1.6 terabit per second (Tbps) and has a compact 1-U fixed form factor. The MX301 is a power efficient router with usage as low as 0.3 watt (W) per Gb. The MX301 router runs on Junos OS.

The MX301 is ideal for high-density, high-throughput networking deployments in enterprise, cloud, service provider edge, and AI edge clustering use cases.

Figure 1: MX301 Front Panel MX301 Front Panel
Figure 2: MX301 Rear Panel (AC Variant) MX301 Rear Panel (AC Variant)
Table 1: MX301 Description

Form factor

 1 U

Chassis type

Fixed configuration

Operating system

Junos OS

Power system variants

AC, DC, and HVAC/DC

Cooling system variants

Only front-to-back airflow (airflow out or AFO)

Port configuration

  • Four 400 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) QSFP56-DD ports

  • Six 100GbE QSFP28 ports

  • 16 1/10/25/50GbE SFP form factor ports

All ports are Media Access Control Security (MACsec) capable.

Storage

400 GB (2x200 GB) NVMe PCIe Gen 3 M.2 SSD

Memory

128 GB (4x32 GB) DDR4

Throughput

1.6 Tbps

Managed using

  • Juniper® Routing Assurance

  • Junos OS CLI

For a list of device configurations and their specifications, see MX301 Configurations.

Where Can You Use the MX301?

Here are some possible use cases for the MX301:

  • Edge and core deployments—The MX301 has a 1-U compact form factor with interfaces configurable from 1GbE to 400GbE that supports up to 1.6 Tbps of throughput. This makes the MX301 ideal for enterprises to connect to service providers, and public or private cloud networks. The device can also be used for large branch offices and core deployments.

  • Distributed deployments—The MX301 can handle large subscriber sessions with capabilities to scale to the demands of modern broadband networks. The compact form factor, low power requirements, and integrated service functions make the MX301 ideal for distributed deployments on a broadband service provider's network.

  • Secure VPN router—With support for inline MACsec, IPSec encryption, and advanced VPN services, the MX301 can strengthen network integrity and deliver robust security for modern distributed networks.

  • Edge aggregation for AI—The MX301 is optimized to provide distributed AI inference, low-latency service, automation, and real-time analytics. The router uses inline MACsec, IPsec, and PTP to secure and manage autonomous AI traffic.

Why Upgrade to the MX301?

The MX301 enhances the capabilities of the MX204.

Table 2: Compare the MX301 and MX204
Category Feature MX301 MX204

Physical Specifications

Form Factor

1 U

1 U

Fixed/Modular Chassis?

Fixed

Fixed

Dimensions (HxWxD)

1.75 x 17.28 x 17.71 in.

(4.45 x 44 x 45 cm)

1.72 x 17.6 x 18.5 in.

(4.45 x 44.7 x 47.5 cm)

Weight

  • 25.53 lb (AC)

  • 25.33 lb (DC)

  • 25.45 lb (HVAC/DC)

  • 23.15 lb (AC)

  • 23.15 lb (DC)

Power System

PSU Variants

AC, DC, and HVAC/DC

AC and DC

Quantity

2 (AC, DC, or HVAC/DC)

2 (AC or DC)

Cooling System

Fan Modules

6

3

Storage and Memory

SSD

400 GB (2x200 GB)

200 GB (2x100 GB)

DRAM

128 GB (4x32 GB)

32 GB

Port Configuration

Ports

  • Four 400GbE QSFP-DD ports

  • Six 100GbE QSFP28 ports

  • 16 1/10/25/50GbE SFP ports

  • Four 4x10/40/100GbE QSFP28/QSFP+ ports

  • Eight 1/10GbE SFP+ ports

MACsec capability

Line rate MACsec supported on all WAN ports

-

Management

Juniper® Routing Assurance

✓

✓

Juniper® Routing Director

—

✓

Performance

Bandwidth

1.6 Tbps

400 Gbps

Power Efficiency

 0.3 W per Gb 0.9 W per Gb

For the complete performance data, see the MX301 and MX Series 5G Universal Routing Platforms datasheets.

For a detailed list of features on MX301, see Feature Explorer.

For a detailed comparison of hardware features, see Hardware Compatibility Tool.