SCBE2-MX-S Juniper Enhanced MX Switch Control Board
Juniper SCBE2-MX-S Enhanced MX Switch Control Board
High-Performance Fabric and Control Plane for MX240, MX480, and MX960 Routers
The Juniper SCBE2-MX-S is an advanced Enhanced Switch Control Board (SCB) designed to boost switching fabric performance and control-plane functionality in MX-Series 3D Universal Edge Routers. Engineered by Juniper Networks, this module acts as the central switching fabric and management component within MX240, MX480, and MX960 routing platforms.
The SCBE2-MX-S delivers up to 160 Gbps of fabric throughput per slot when two SCBE2 modules are installed, providing the high-bandwidth backplane capacity required to support modern high-speed line cards such as MPC4E, MPC5E, and MPC7E. This architecture ensures reliable and scalable performance for high-density routing environments and service provider networks.
Designed for carrier-grade reliability, the module supports active/active fabric redundancy. If one control board fails, the remaining SCBE2 modules continue forwarding traffic, preventing service interruptions and maintaining full system operation. This redundancy model ensures high availability for mission-critical networks.
The SCBE2-MX-S also includes integrated Stratum 3 clocking, enabling support for Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) and IEEE 1588v2 Precision Time Protocol (PTP). These timing capabilities are essential for networks requiring precise synchronization, such as mobile backhaul, service provider infrastructures, and time-sensitive enterprise applications.
Running Junos OS, the module seamlessly integrates with the MX Series routing architecture and supports compatibility with RE-S-1800 and RE-S-X6 Routing Engines. It also provides a smooth upgrade path thanks to backward compatibility with multiple generations of Modular Port Concentrators (MPCs), allowing organizations to scale their routing infrastructure without replacing the entire chassis.
With its high-speed switching fabric, redundant architecture, and advanced synchronization capabilities, the Juniper SCBE2-MX-S is a critical component for maintaining high-performance operation in MX Series edge routers deployed in enterprise backbones, data centers, and service provider networks.
Product Specifications – Juniper SCBE2-MX-S Enhanced Switch Control Board
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| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Juniper Networks |
| Product Name | Juniper SCBE2-MX-S |
| Product Type | Enhanced Switch Control Board (SCB) |
| Part Number | SCBE2-MX-S |
| Router Compatibility | Juniper MX240, MX480, MX960 |
| Function | Switching fabric, control-plane coordination, and chassis management |
| Fabric Throughput | Up to 160 Gbps per slot (with dual SCBE2 boards installed) |
| Switching Fabric | High-speed crossbar switching architecture |
| Redundancy | N+1 supported |
| Fabric Mode | Active/Active fabric redundancy |
| Routing Engine Compatibility | RE-S-1800, RE-S-X6 series |
| Routing Engine Slot | Dedicated slot on SCBE2 module |
| Clocking Support | Stratum 3 integrated clocking |
| Synchronization Support | Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) and IEEE 1588v2 PTP |
| Error Detection | Advanced monitoring and error correction mechanisms |
| Operating System | Junos OS |
| Line Card Support | Compatible with MPC series line cards |
| Supported MPCs | MPC4E, MPC5E, MPC7E and other MPC generations |
| Backward Compatibility | Supports mixed generations of MPCs and routing engines |
| High-Speed Interface Support | Enables 100GbE and 400GbE capable line cards |
| Fabric Connectivity | Connects routing engines, line cards, and system components |
| Form Factor | Modular plug-in control board |
| Hot Swappable | Yes |
| Deployment | Service provider edge routers, enterprise core routing |
| Typical Use Cases | Carrier-grade routing platforms, high-capacity backbone routers |
FAQs:
Q1. Does the SCBE2-MX-S include a Routing Engine?
No. The SCBE2 is the carrier board and fabric module. You must separately install a compatible Routing Engine (such as the RE-S-1800x4) into the SCBE2 to have a functional control plane.
Q2. What is the difference between the SCBE and the SCBE2?
The SCBE2 offers much higher fabric bandwidth. While the SCBE supported ~120 Gbps per slot, the SCBE2 increases this to support the newer 100G-capable line cards, effectively future-proofing the MX chassis.
Q3. Can I mix SCBE and SCBE2 boards in the same chassis?
No. Juniper requires all Switch Control Boards in a chassis to be of the same type (all SCBE2) to ensure fabric synchronization and consistent bandwidth across all line card slots.
Q4. How many SCBE2 modules are needed for an MX960?
For an MX960, three SCBE2 modules are typically used for full fabric performance and redundancy (2 active + 1 redundant). For MX240 and MX480, two modules are used.
Q5. Does it support 400GbE line cards?
Yes, the SCBE2 is a prerequisite for utilizing high-capacity MPCs that offer 100GbE and 400GbE connectivity in the MX series.
