MX Series MPC Overview

Modular Port Concentrators (MPCs) provide packet forwarding services. The MPCs are inserted into a slot in an MX240, MX480, MX960, MX2008, MX2010, MX2020, and MX10003 router. MPCs for MX5, MX10, MX40, MX80, and MX104 routers install directly into the router chassis. 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’ll need to install a high-capacity fan tray to use an MPC. When a slot is not occupied by an MPC, you must insert a blank MPC 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.

The maximum number of supported MPCs varies per router and hardware configuration:

• MX2020 router—Up to 20 MPCs (For power requirements, see Calculating AC Power Requirements for MX2020 Routers and Calculating DC Power Requirements for MX2020 Routers).

• MX2010 router—Up to 10 MPCs (For power requirements, see Calculating AC Power Requirements for MX2010 Routers and Calculating DC Power Requirements for MX2010 Routers.)

• The MX2008 router supports up to 10 MPCs. For power requirements, see Calculating AC Power Requirements for MX2008 Routers and Calculating DC Power Requirements for MX2008 Routers.

• MX960 router—Up to 12 MPCs (For power requirements, see Calculating Power Requirements for MX960 Routers.)

• MX480 router—Up to six MPCs (For power requirements, seeCalculating Power Requirements for MX480 Routers.)

• MX240 router—Up to three MPCs (For power requirements, see Calculating Power Requirements for MX240 Routers.)