2
Each EX4200 switch includes an integrated application-specific
integrated circuit (ASIC)-based Packet Forwarding Engine, the
EX-PFE, while an integrated Routing Engine (RE) delivers all
control plane functionality. Based on field-proven Juniper
Networks technology, the Route Engine brings the same level
of carrier-class performance and reliability to the EX4200 line
of Ethernet switches that Juniper Networks routers bring to the
world’s largest service provider networks.
The EX4200 also leverages the same modular Juniper Networks
Junos OS as Juniper Networks router products, ensuring a
consistent implementation and operation of each control plane
feature across an entire Juniper Networks infrastructure.
Architecture and Key Components
The EX4200 switches are single rack-unit devices that deliver a
compact solution for crowded wiring closets and access switch
locations where space and power are at a premium. Each EX4200
supports optional front-panel uplink modules offering either four
GbE ports or two 10 GbE ports for high-speed backbone or link-
aggregation connections between wiring closets and upstream
aggregation switches. Uplink modules can be installed without
powering down the switch, enabling users to add high-speed
connectivity at any time or migrate from one uplink type to the other
to deliver the ultimate in flexible, high-performance interconnectivity.
The EX4200 also features a front-panel LCD display that offers a
flexible interface for performing device bring-up and configuration
rollbacks, reporting switch alarm and LED status, or restoring
the switch to its default settings. The LCD also displays a Virtual
Chassis member switch’s chassis “slot number” and Route Engine
status for rapid identification and problem resolution.
Dual rear-panel Virtual Chassis ports enable EX4200 switches to
be interconnected over the 128 Gbps virtual backplane. Switches
deployed in close proximity, such as wiring closets or top-of-
rack data center applications, can be securely connected using a
Virtual Chassis cable and cable lock supplied by Juniper Networks.
In addition, a dedicated rear-panel RJ-45 port is available for out-
of-band management, while a rear-panel USB port can be used to
easily upload Junos OS and configuration files.
Virtual Chassis Technology
Up to 10 EX4200 switches can be interconnected using Virtual
Chassis technology to create a single logical device supporting up
to 480 10/100/1000BASE-T ports or 240 100/1000BASE-X ports,
plus an additional 40 GbE or 20 10 GbE uplink ports. Different
models can be mixed in a Virtual Chassis configuration to provide
a variety of port and density options.
In a Virtual Chassis configuration, all switches are monitored and
managed as a single device, enabling enterprises to separate
physical topology from logical groupings of endpoints and allowing
more efficient resource utilization. Highly resilient topologies can
also be created using the GbE or 10 GbE uplink ports to extend
the Virtual Chassis configuration across long distances spanning
multiple wiring closets, floors or even buildings.
East Closet
Floor N
Single
Virtual
Chassis
System
EX4200
West Closet
EX4200
Figure 1: Using Virtual Chassis technology, up to 10 EX4200 switches can be interconnected to create a single
logical device spanning multiple wiring closets, floors or even buildings.
