Juniper Networks introduced its next-generation, mid-range, 10 Gigabit-enabled multiservice edge router based on a new "I-chip" ASIC that was developed in-house. The M120 utilizes the same JUNOS software as the company's existing product line. The I-chip provides support for up to 100,000 logical interfaces on a single platform; accommodates growth of the Internet routing table; and adds enhanced, application-specific QOS for delay sensitive traffic such as voice and multiplay networks. The new silicon also delivers improved multicast performance to better support IPTV. 
The M120 is aimed at a variety of deployments, including:
- Scalable Multiservice Edge -- Optimized for smaller to medium-sized points of presence (POPs) and central offices;
- Small and Medium Core Networks -- Ideal for Internet peering and route reflector applications, delivering sophisticated routing capabilities with multiple 10 Gigabit links;
- Collapsed POP Router -- Capable of providing both edge services and backbone routing on a single platform with both 10 Gigabit uplinks and a wide range of customer-facing interfaces;
- Ethernet Aggregation at the Multiservice Edge -- Includes support for up to 128 Gigabit Ethernet subscriber ports, two 10 GB uplinks, and full support for Ethernet, VPLS, MPLS, IP, Frame Relay and ATM VPNs;
- Large Enterprises -- Provides a WAN gateway solution for large enterprises and data centers. Offers support for Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs, including enterprise MPLS and VPLS with the advanced Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities required to support voice, video and a variety of data services.
Design features of the M120 include a separation of the hot-swappable forwarding engine boards (FEBs) from interface cards (FPCs). This enables 1+1 fast failover redundancy and N+1 stand-by redundancy. The M120 also provides a Graceful Restart capability.
NTT America is beta testing the M120. Commercial availability is expected later this year.
http://www.juniper.net
