TABLE OF CONTENTS This appendix will use commercial systems to help illustrate some of the hardware and software architectural points discussed in the earlier chapters. This is intended only to outline the key features based on public information (feature sheets available on the manufacturer Web sites and books) and not provide a detailed description.
In keeping with the common thread in this book, we will look at IP Routers and consider two manufacturers: Cisco Systems and Juniper Networks. The two products considered are core routers, i.e., multi-board systems. Readers are encouraged to look up the Web sites of these vendors (www.cisco.com and www.juniper.net) for up-to-date information about their products. In addition, readers should also check out the information provided by other router manufacturers like Avici Systems, Extreme Networks, Foundry Networks, Netgear, Nortel Networks, and Riverstone Networks.
Juniper Networks first started out making routers for the core of the Internet, where high data rates and large traffic volumes are the most important considerations. The company has subsequently branched out into edge routers, further strengthened by its acquisition of Unisphere Networks in 2002. The specific focus in our discussion will be on the M-series routers running the Junos software.
The M-series routers range from the M5, with 5 Gbps throughput, to the M160, with 160 Gbps throughput. For illustration, we will consider the M160, which has 2 chassis per rack and 32 PICs (Physical Interface Cards) per chassis and also provides switch fabric and routing engine redundancy. This type of router...
