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Routing and switching are lifelines of networking and enable core functioning of networks, a fundamental building block for all network related communication. Routing enables connection between different networks and switching facilities communication within a single network. Both aid in network communication in their own ways. One helping in network traffic traversing across server’s networks and other enabling inter-communication between devices within the same network such as computers, printers, servers etc.
Several network components manufacturers build routers and switch devices which facilitate seamless network communication in on-prem data centres or cloud ecosystems.
MX150 is Juniper’s edge router which supports high performance, universal routing platform. It is ideal for low-bandwidth applications, distributed architecture in enterprise-wide area networks (WANs),
C9300 is Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switches are stackable enterprise-class network switches used in software defined architecture (SD-Access) networks.
In today’s article we will understand the difference between MX150 and C9300, their key characteristics, and purpose.
What is MX150
Juniper MX150 is a universal routing platform. Virtualized programmable Trio chipset (vTrio) was introduced in MX series for flexible and efficient packet processing bundled in Junos. It is an ideal solution for low-bandwidth networks, distributed architectures in WAN enterprise networks. It has a flexible 10/100/1000 and 10GbE interfaces (in 1 U form factor).
It supports multilayer, multiprotocol resiliency to ensure customer network SLAs are met in all conditions. It supports high-performance, scalability, reliability, support for high number of subscriber density while interconnecting physical and virtual networks, or virtual networks operating with different technologies, supports multiprotocol BGP, dynamic tunnels or virtual extensible LAN encapsulation, virtual routing and forwarding tables.
Features of Juniper MX150
- High performance and space efficient 1 U edge router
- Reduced power and space requirements
- Integrated support for DHCP routing and bridging
- IPv6 support with Zero touch provisioning (ZTP)
- Filter based forwarding to outgoing interface or specific IP (Packet based firewall)
- Port mirroring and port tunnelling
- Support for telemetry without costly hardware upgrades
What is C9300
Cisco C9300 switch series are stackable enterprise series switches used in hybrid networks irrespective of wherever the offices, wherever the endpoints or wherever the applications hosted be on prem, virtual or on cloud ecosystem. It is rated as the network industry’s most flexible, stackable and highly dense bandwidth uplink architecture. It has flexible 100/25/10/1G or multigigabit modular uplinks.
Related: Cisco Switch Comparison
Features of C9300
- Highest density stacking bandwidth solution in switching
- Secure connections with secure tunnel internet gateway
- Stateful inspection firewall enabled
- All switch access, configuration and troubleshooting can be managed via Meraki dashboard
- Supports backward compatibility
Comparison: MX150 vs C9300
| Features | MX150 | C9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | # Designed to provide edge networking capability. Supports high performance in WAN applications # Meant for edge connectivity | # Designed as stackable access switch. Used in SD-Access networks. # Meant for switching and access layer segregation |
| Function | Functions as edge router | Function as access switch |
| Operating systems | Uses Junos operating system | Uses Cisco IOS XE operating system |
| Form factor | Full rack option and single rack option is available for compact deployments | Flexible, stackable, backward compatible, high-density uplink supported |
| Throughput | Its throughput is 20 Gbps | Local switching support with throughput is up to 480 Gbps |
| Interfaces supported | Interface support for 10 to 1000 in Base T , 10Gbase-X and SFP+ , Base X SFP with 100 and 1000 | 1 G and multigigabit (Downlink) and flexible uplink |
| Key features | # Ideal for low-bandwidth applications # Automation capabilities # Easy to configure and less priced compared to C9300 series routers # Modular, strong security features # Uses modular port concentrators (MPC) and modular interface cards (MIC) for port configuration flexibility | # Supports IPv6 # More port options, scalability, and high performance # Fairly complex configuration and costlier # Supports PoE, robust security features with firewall and intrusion prevention # Flexibility in uplinks and port density # Uplink modules for fiber and copper with different speeds # Tiered licensing model with additional licenses required to get advanced features |
| Uses | Small enterprise WANs, broad network gateway, provider edge network and business edge | Enterprise WANs, switching at access layer and SD-Access |
Download the comparison table: MX150 vs C9300
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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