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Data Sheet

EX4300 Ethernet Switch

Each EX4300 switch includes a single application-specific

integrated circuit (ASIC)-based Packet Forwarding Engine, the

EX-PFE. The integrated Routing Engine (RE) delivers all control

plane functionality. The EX4300 also leverages the same modular

Junos OS as other Juniper Networks switches, routers, and security

devices, ensuring a consistent implementation and operation of

control plane features across the Juniper Networks infrastructure.

Architecture and Key Components

The EX4300 switches are single rack unit devices that deliver

a compact solution for crowded wiring closets and access

switch locations where space and power are at a premium.

Each EX4300 supports standard 40GbE QSFP+ ports which are

preconfigured to support high-speed Virtual Chassis backplane

connections. These ports can also serve as uplinks to upstream

aggregation devices. In addition, each EX4300 supports an

optional front panel uplink module offering 1GbE or 10GbE

ports for high-speed backbone or link aggregation connections

between wiring closets and upstream aggregation switches.

Uplink modules can be installed without powering down the

switch, enabling users to add high-speed connectivity at any

time or migrate from one uplink type to the other, delivering the

ultimate in flexible, high-performance interconnectivity.

The EX4300 also features a front panel LCD that offers a flexible

interface for performing device bring-up and configuration

rollbacks, reporting switch alarm and LED status, or restoring the

switch to its default settings. When deployed as a member of a

Virtual Chassis configuration, the LCD also displays the switch’s

chassis “slot number” and RE status for rapid identification and

problem resolution.

The four integrated rear panel 40GbE QSFP+ ports support

EX4300 Virtual Chassis deployment over a 320 Gbps virtual

backplane. When deployed in close proximity such as in wiring

closets or in top-of-rack data center applications, the EX4300

switches can be securely connected using standard 40GbE QSFP+

DAC cables (available in 50 cm, 1 m, 3 m and 5m lengths).

Switches deployed in Virtual Chassis configurations spread over

larger areas can be interconnected using optical QSFP+ transceivers

such as the QSFP+ SR4, which supports distances up to 150 m.

A dedicated rear panel RJ-45 port is available for out-of-band

management, while a rear panel USB port can be used to easily

upload Junos OS and configuration files. In addition, a dedicated

front panel USB console port and a rear panel RJ-45 console port

offer flexible out-of-band console options.

Virtual Chassis Technology

Up to 10 EX4300 switches can be interconnected using Virtual

Chassis technology, creating a single logical device supporting

up to 480 10/100/1000BASE-T ports, plus up to 40 additional

10GbE and 40 additional 40GbE uplink ports. For mixed 1GbE and

10GbE access environments, the EX4300 can be interconnected

with the QFX3500, QFX3600 and QFX5100 high-performance

data center access switches. EX4300 Virtual Chassis

configurations can be created to support a variety of port and

density options for data center, campus and branch deployments.

Virtual Chassis connections can be formed using any of the

40GbE ports or 10GbE ports using standard DAC cables and

optics. The EX4300 does not support Virtual Chassis technology

on the GbE copper or fiber ports.

Virtual Chassis Deployments in Campus Wiring Closets

In campus wiring closets, flexible topologies can be created using

standard QSFP+ optics on the 40GbE ports to extend the Virtual

Chassis configuration across long distances spanning multiple

wiring closets, floors, or even buildings while using 10GbE or

40GbE for uplink connectivity. EX4300 fiber-based switches can

also be used for campus aggregation or small core deployments.

Figure 1: Using Virtual Chassis technology, up to 10 EX4300 switches can be interconnected to

create a single logical device spanning multiple wiring closets.

Closet 1

EX4300

Closet 2

EX4300

Access

Aggregation/

Core

10GbE/40GbE

uplinks

10/40GbE

40GbE Virtual

Chassis Port

10/40GbE

40GbE Virtual

Chassis Port

Closet 1

EX4300

EX4300-32F

Closet 2

EX4300

Access

Aggregation/

Core

10GbE/40GbE

uplinks

EX4300-32F

EX4300-32F

EX4300-32F