Ethernet switches and bridges have been present in the enterprise space for 30 years, but Juniper Networks EX Series switches follow the classical design with the addition of a few routing layer features and a number of virtualization options. Juniper Networks offers the EX Series switches in options from the standalone EX2200, with its fixed 24 ports, to the EX 8216, which can be combined into a virtual chassis that can support over 2,000 gigabit interfaces. As an example of the flexibility of the product line, the EX4200s can be deployed in standalone, physically stacked, and top of data cabinet virtual chassis configurations. This offers flexible deployment options for all Juniper switches.
The Juniper EX Series switch line includes:
- EX2200 Ethernet Switches
An economy-minded branch or campus switch with features usually found in higher-cost switches.
- EX2500 Ethernet Switches
High-density 1/10 Gbps interfaces in a compact solution.
- EX3200 Ethernet Switches
A choice of 24- or 48-port models allows this switch to be sized for remote offices or small and medium businesses (SMBs).
- EX4200 Ethernet Switches
Scalability via the virtual chassis operation allows this device to serve most access scenarios from 24 to 480 ports.
- EX4500 Ethernet Switches
Up to 48 10 Gbps interfaces and 715 Mpps throughput positions this device as a high-speed server access device.
- EX8200 Ethernet Switches
Up to 768 1 Gbps ports and 1.92 Gpps throughput allow this modular chassis switch to function as a core switch in the largest data centers and campuses.
The virtual chassis operation supported on the EX 4000 Series and the EX8000 Series of switches allows multiple switches to be combined to form an extended switch operating under the control of a single routing engine. This capability creates deployment options that have not been possible until now. One example is the rack top deployment model (shown in Figure 1-7) where the devices in a rack gain access to network resources via the EX4200 in that rack. Placing the EX4200s in a virtual chassis arrangement with other EX4200s in other racks offers survivable single-switch connectivity for users in any of the racks. By adding virtual LANs, security and traffic separation is assured for all users in the racks. This deployment saves ports, increases efficiency, and simplifies management of access.
Note
Up to five of the EX4200s can be connected while maintaining full speed connectivity across the backplane (physical and virtual).
The EX8000 series of switches offers the highest density of Ethernet ports and also the lowest per-port cost of any Juniper device. Add to this a full set of router features, and the EX8000 can be deployed as the data center core switching system and distribution system in a single chassis. (Chapter 2 contains a couple of deployment examples of the Juniper EX switches.)
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