Juniper MX104 Routers
Compact, Carrier-Grade Edge Routing
The Juniper MX104 is a compact, modular, carrier-grade routing platform d...
Juniper MX104 Routers
Compact, Carrier-Grade Edge Routing
The Juniper MX104 is a compact, modular, carrier-grade routing platform designed for
service providers, regional networks, and large enterprises needing high reliability in a small 3.5RU footprint.
Part of the MX Series Universal Routing Platform, the MX104 offers strong forwarding performance,
extensive routing features, and redundant components ideal for edge, aggregation, and mobile backhaul deployments.
BrightStar Systems supplies fully tested, used and refurbished Juniper MX104 routers backed by our
in-house warranty. This makes it simple and cost-effective to expand or modernize your network with a
high-performance edge router without the cost of new OEM hardware.
Why Choose the MX104?
The MX104 is one of the most popular compact routers in the MX family because it combines:
Modular MIC slots for flexible 1G/10G/40G interface options
Full support for MPLS, L3VPN, EVPN-VXLAN, Segment Routing, and advanced edge services
Redundant REs, fans, and power supplies for carrier-grade reliability
Low power consumption and space-efficient design
Excellent fit for POPs, regional aggregation sites, and mobile backhaul
The combination of compact size and rich routing features makes the MX104 ideal for service-provider edge
deployments and high-availability enterprise networks.
Juniper MX104 Technical Specifications
Feature
Details
Form Factor
3.5RU compact chassis
Redundancy
Redundant Routing Engines (REs), power supplies, and fan modules
Forwarding Engine
Trio chipset architecture
Interface Support
1G, 10G, 40G (via MICs)
Routing Features
MPLS, L3VPN, EVPN-VXLAN, Segment Routing, BGP, OSPF, IS-IS
Ideal Role
Service-provider edge, metro aggregation, mobile backhaul
MX104 MIC & Port Options
The MX104 uses Modular Interface Cards (MICs) to expand port density. Common MIC options include:
MIC-3D-20GE-SFP — 20 × 1GbE SFP
MIC-3D-2XGE-XFP — 2 × 10GbE XFP
MIC-3D-4XGE-XFP — 4 × 10GbE
These MICs allow the MX104 to serve a wide variety of edge and aggregation roles, from mobile backhaul
across 1GbE rings to 10GbE high-capacity uplinks.
Common MX104 Deployment Scenarios
Mobile Backhaul: Centralized gateway for 3G/4G/5G transport networks.
Metro & Aggregation Nodes: 1G/10G/40G aggregation in compact POPs.
Service Provider Edge: VPN, broadband, and subscriber services.
Enterprise WAN Edge: MPLS and EVPN-capable routing for high-uptime environments.
Regional Peering Nodes: Efficient BGP/peering router in space-constrained installations.
MX104 vs Other Juniper MX Routers
The MX104 provides a unique balance of compact size, modularity, and routing power.
Here’s how it compares to other MX Series platforms:
Model
Capacity
Form Factor
Ideal Role
MX204
~400 Gbps
1RU fixed
Compact 100G edge
MX104
Moderate (MIC-dependent)
3.5RU modular
Modular edge & aggregation with redundant REs
MX480
Up to ~3 Tbps
8RU modular
Regional edge / metro core
Why Buy a Refurbished MX104?
Significant cost savings over new hardware
Fully tested hardware with certified ports and components
BrightStar Systems in-house warranty
Ideal for replacing aging edge routers without redesigning network architecture
Fast deployment—equipment available immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the MX104 support EVPN-VXLAN?
Yes. With the appropriate MICs and Junos version, the MX104 supports EVPN-VXLAN
and can operate as an EVPN gateway for metro and enterprise networks.
Is the MX104 still a good platform for mobile backhaul?
Absolutely. Redundant power, modular MIC options, and MPLS support make it a strong candidate for
carrier mobile backhaul and regional transport.
Can the MX104 support 40GbE?
Yes—select MIC cards provide 40GbE support depending on the configuration.
Does the MX104 have redundant Routing Engines?
Yes. Redundant REs are one of the MX104’s defining advantages over smaller fixed platforms.
Is the MX104 quieter or more efficient than larger MX routers?
Yes. The MX104 consumes less power and generates less heat than larger chassis systems like the MX480 or MX960.
Related Juniper Categories
All Juniper Products
All Juniper MX-Series Routers
Juniper MX204
Juniper MX304
Juniper MX480
Juniper Optics & Cables
