Juniper brings virtualisation to the network core

Juniper's TX Matrix Plus offers easier virtualisation at the network core

Juniper Networks has taken the wraps off its latest multi-chassis core routing system, the TX Matrix Plus, which aims to bring easier virtualisation to the network core.

The architecture is designed to allow the interconnection of up to 16 of Juniper's T1600 core routers to support up to 25Tbit/s of capacity.

The multi-chassis TX Matrix Plus can be managed as a single unified router, or combined with the Juniper Control System 1200 (JCS 1200) to allow the secure virtualisation of routing systems, networks and services.

"Just as virtualisation and the intelligent partitioning of resources has become the standard for optimising datacentre resources, network virtualisation will bring a new dimension of flexibility and scalability to the network infrastructure," said Ray Mota, chief research officer at analyst firm Synergy Research Group.

"With the announcement today, Juniper is leading the way in this important area, enabling customers to streamline asset utilisation with hardware-logical routers partitioned at the line card level."

Virtualisation is proving a popular technology across all sectors of the IT department, but has seen particularly rapid adoption in the datacentre because of its ability to increase efficiency and reduce costs by sharing and consolidating resources.

However, Juniper reckons that regulatory, operational, organisational and security issues at the core of the network have made the virtualisation of disparate networks and services more challenging.

The TX Matrix Plus and JCS 1200 are designed to help bring about the virtualisation of highly scalable, adaptable core routers, according to the company. With this system, 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 that this will help speed up the introduction of new services, and open up a range of new business models and partnership opportunities, such as the ability to deliver 'Open Garden' services, virtual network operator services, network-as-a-service and network sharing.

All of these platforms are powered by Juniper's Junos operating system designed to run all its routing, switching and security platforms.

The TX Matrix Plus will be available in the third quarter of this year.