Juniper Networks has continued its efforts to make the core of the network a more active forum within the network as a whole with a multi-chassis core routing system.
The TX Matrix Plus is designed to work with the Juniper Control System (JCS) 1200 to migrate to the network an approach gaining popularity in data centers called virtualization.
The basic notion behind virtualization is to increase efficiency and reduce costs by sharing and consolidating resources. Juniper is attempting to bring that concept to routing systems, networks and services with the TX Matrix Plus and JCS 1200.
Juniper’s highly scalable, adaptable core routers can be partitioned, on a per-slot basis, into multiple virtual routers, each of which might represent services or network element types, and which can share resources such as interconnecting links and uplinks. Juniper believes the capability is unique.
By using partitioning, service providers can maintain the appropriate levels of administrative and service-specific separation, security and management while still recognizing the significant efficiency and cost-savings benefits of virtualization, Juniper said.
The company further contends that virtualization can dramatically speed the introduction of new services, and also opens up a range of new business models and partnership opportunities, such as the ability to deliver what it calls “Open Garden” services, virtual network operator, network as a service (NaaS) and network sharing.
“Just as virtualization and the intelligent partitioning of resources has become the standard for optimizing data center resources, network virtualization will bring a new dimension of flexibility and scalability to the network infrastructure,” said Ray Mota, chief research officer at Synergy Research Group.
The T1600 provides 100 Gigabits of capacity per slot. Additionally, Juniper is continuing to expand on its optical integration capabilities with new, integrated G.709 optical transport network (OTN) interfaces and GMPLS features. These enhanced, integrated optical capabilities further eliminate the need for standalone optical transponders, leading to a significant reduction in space and power.
By collapsing layers in the network and consolidating network interfaces, virtualization and the OTN interfaces can drive down the cost-per-bit of transporting network services – enabling service providers to extract maximum value from their network and fueling profitability, the company said.