Specifications

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For example, the MLXe-32 delivers data forwarding
performance of 6.4 Tbps and a switch fabric capacity of
15.36 Tbps, enough capacity to future-proof networks for
years to come.
However, true router scalability is measured not only in
terms of packet forwarding performance, but also in the
scalability of the hardware forwarding tables and maturity
of the control plane. The MLX Series oers a flexible scale-
as-you-grow model with hardware Forwarding Information
Base (FIB) capacity options in a wide range of interface
modules supporting up to 2.4 million IPv4 routes or 1.8
million IPv6 routes. In addition, the robust control plane has
been proven in thousands of missioncritical deployments
around the globe.
SDN Controller and MLX Series
The MLX Series operates seamlessly under the SDN
Controller. This controller is a qualityassured edition
of the OpenDaylight controller code supported by an
established networking provider and its leaders within the
OpenDaylight community.
SDN-Enabled Programmatic
Control of the Network
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a powerful
new network paradigm designed for the world’s most
demanding networking environments and promises
breakthrough levels of customization, scale, and eciency.
The MLX Series enables SDN by supporting the OpenFlow
protocol, which allows communication between an
OpenFlow controller and an OpenFlow enabled router.
Using this approach, organizations can control their
networks programmatically, transforming the network into
a platform for innovation with the agility to support new
business requirements, applications and services.
The MLX Series supports OpenFlow 1.3 via an innovative
hybrid port mode which allows simultaneous deployment of
traditional switching or routing forwarding with SDN control
on the same port. This unique capability provides enables
network operators to integrate SDN into existing networks
to gain the agility provided by software-based control
for specific flows while maximizing their investment in
traditional network platforms carrying most network trac
which is switched or routed as before. The MLXe VersaScale
packet processor hardware support for OpenFlow enables
organizations to apply these capabilities at scale for up to
128,000 flows per chassis with line-rate performance for
100 GbE, 40 GbE, and 10 GbE ports.
Designed for
Non-Stop Networking
Designed to enable reliable converged infrastructures and
support missioncritical applications, the MLXe features
advanced redundant switch fabric architecture for very high
availability. The architecture helps ensure that the system
continues to operate at peak performance even in the case
of a switch fabric card failure. In the highly unlikely case of
additional fabric failures, the advanced architecture allows
the system to continue operating in a graceful degradation
mode, where the system tunes its performance to the
remaining fabric capacity.
The advanced fabric architecture is complemented by
comprehensive hardware redundancy for the management
modules, power supplies, and cooling system. In addition,
the NetIron operating system oers hitless management
failover for IPv4 and IPv6 with Open Shortest Path
First (OSPF), IS-IS and IP multicast Non-Stop Routing,
and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) Graceful Restart
capabilities—as well as hitless (in-service) software
upgrades to further enhance both system availability and
overall network availability. With LDP Graceful Restart,
MPLS trac loss is minimized if there is an interruption on
the network. To maintain continuous operations in data
centers and metronetworks, the innovative Multi-Chassis
Trunking (MCT) feature provides fast link and node failover
protection while simultaneously maximizing network
utilization. For example, MCT supports active/standby
redundancy for VPLS and VLL pseudowires, providing
flexible options for redundancy in network designs
that interconnect multiple data centers. For increased
redundancy and functionality, dynamic Layer 3 routing over
MCT is also supported.
Advanced Capabilities for a Broad
Range of Applications
The MLXe provides a wide range of capabilities to support
advanced applications and services in the most demanding
network environments, including Wide Area Network
(WAN), data center, and campus.
The routers enable scalable and resilient Layer 2 Metro
Ethernet services that comply with the Metro Ethernet
Forum (MEF) specifications for Ethernet Private Line
(EPL), Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL), and Ethernet
LAN (E-LAN).