Network Router User Manual

Figure 12: Packet Forwarding Engine Components and Data Flow
Routing Engine Architecture
The Routing Engine is an Intel-based PCI platform running the JUNOS Internet
software, which Juniper Networks has developed and optimized to handle large
numbers of network interfaces and routes. The software consists of a set of system
processes running in protected memory modules on top of an independent operating
system. The JUNOS kernel supports JUNOS system processes, which handle system
management processes, routing protocols, and control functions (see Figure 13).
The Routing Engine has a dedicated 100-Mbps internal connection to the Packet
Forwarding Engine.
Figure 13: Routing Engine Architecture
Routing Engine Architecture ■ 35
Chapter 4: System Architecture Overview