A massive switch that could replace traditional IP (Internet Protocol) routers in the core of service provider networks and combine optical and electronic technologies present in separate systems today is being developed by Juniper Networks. Two technologies that carriers utilize to bypass routing at the center of their networks, will be combined by the PTX Series Packet Transport Switch Platform. To move traffic through the core, carriers normally use MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) and optical switching, that don’t require full routing intelligence. While it isn’t designed as a router, the PTX platform will combine these approaches in the same box.

In order to devote the PTX chassis to switching, Juniper wishes to relegate routers to the edges of the network. Juniper believes that it will allow the company to concentrate the processing power of the new system on the necessary core relevant tasks. To handle fast-growing traffic loads, carriers are under immense pressure to boost their network capacity. Juniper may be able to reduce carrier costs and bolster their network capacity by optimizing the PTX for switching instead of routing and integrating optical technology into the same chassis. Ray Mota, analyst at ACG Research says that there is hope for cost reduction per bit which will be passed down to the IT guys.

With time, Juniper will be brought into a new market and it might drastically change the carrier’s network operations when optical switching is added to a packet switch. While placing the traffic on separate wavelengths of light for faster transmission, carriers feed packets from their core routers into a different optical infrastructure. Juniper says that this puts both in the same chassis, simplifies the network and removes costly conversions making it easier to scale up the infrastructure.

Juniper has been set up on a new architectural path for the second time with the announcement of the PTX. QFabric, a converged enterprise network platform creating a single logical switch across the whole data center was recently unveiled by the company. While reducing the number of required devices, QFabric is designed to remove multiple the layers of switches present. The Converged Supercore as Juniper calls the overall architecture, includes management systems, ROADMs (reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers) and other components too. The role of the T4000 will also be changed by the promise of the PTX systems. Michael Howard, analyst of Infonetics Research says that he is impressed how Juniper took the step of competing with themselves and other core outer companies by building the MPLS switch.

According to Howard, several carriers have been looking for pure MPLS switching for their network cores. Though they eventually wish to converge the infrastructure, large carriers maintain separate staffs of engineers for optical and electronic switching and separate management systems too. The big carriers will be able to consolidate their staff with time with the PTX switches. Howards adds that, while others may take five to eight years, carriers struggling with the most ex