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Chapter 1
Router Overview
This chapter provides an overview of the MX240 Ethernet Services Router, discussing
the following topics:
■ Router Description on page 3
■ Component Redundancy on page 4
Router Description
The MX240 Ethernet Services Router is an Ethernet-optimized edge router that
provides both switching and carrier-class Ethernet routing, with a capacity of up to
120 gigabits per second (Gbps), full duplex. The MX240 router enables a wide range
of business and residential applications and services, including high-speed transport
and VPN services, next-generation broadband multiplay services, and high-volume
Internet data center internetworking.
The MX240 router is five rack units (U) tall. Several routers can be stacked in a single
floor-to-ceiling rack, for increased port density per unit of floor space. Fully populated,
the MX240 provides up to 120 Gigabit Ethernet or up to 12 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports.
The router provides two dedicated slots for Dense Port Concentrators (DPC), one
dedicated slot for a Switch Control Board (SCB), and one multifunction slot for either
one DPC or one SCB.
The Packet Forwarding Engines are combined with the Ethernet ports on a Dense
Port Concentrator (DPC), which installs into the router chassis. Each Packet Forwarding
Engine enables a throughput of 10 Gbps. The DPCs are connected to one or two
SCBs. The connections between DPCs and SCBs are organized in three groups:
■ Switch Fabric—Connects the DPCs and provides for packet transport between
DPCs.
■ Control plane—Gigabit Ethernet links between the combined SCBs/Routing
Engines and each DPC. All board-to-board information is passed over Ethernet
except for low-level status and commands.
■ Management signals—Provide low-level status diagnostic support.
Router Description ■ 3