Brocade BR-MLXE-16-MR2-M-AC Router

Key Features of the Brocade BR-MLXE-16-MR2-M-AC

High Performance Connectivity and Terabit-Scale Architecture

Built with state-of-the-art sixth-generation network processor-based architecture, the BR-MLXE-16-MR2-M-AC delivers exceptional high performance connectivity through its 16-slot chassis design. The router provides non-blocking data forwarding with up to 6.4 Tbps switching capacity and 4.8 billion packets per second performance, ensuring consistent low latency operation even under demanding traffic conditions. This highly scalable architecture supports up to 768 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports or 128 40 Gigabit Ethernet ports in a single chassis, making it perfect for data centers requiring maximum port density and throughput.

Advanced Software-Defined Networking and MPLS Applications

The system features integrated OpenFlow 1.3 support in true hybrid-port mode, enabling seamless deployment of Software-Defined Networking alongside traditional routing protocols. Organizations can simultaneously implement Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and OpenFlow forwarding on the same ports, providing unprecedented flexibility for modern network architectures. This capability supports comprehensive MPLS applications including L3VPN, VPLS, Metro Ethernet services, and advanced traffic engineering, making it ideal for service providers and large enterprises requiring sophisticated network services.

Enterprise-Grade High Availability and Reliability

Designed for mission-critical environments, the BR-MLXE-16-MR2-M-AC incorporates multiple redundancy features including hot pluggable hardware components, redundant power supplies, management modules, and switch fabric modules. The system supports hitless software upgrades and OSPF restart functionality, ensuring continuous network operation during maintenance and upgrades. The modular architecture enables pay as you grow scalability, allowing organizations to start with basic configurations and expand capabilities as business demands increase without disrupting existing operations.

Comprehensive Security and Management Features

The router implements wire-speed encryption capabilities through integrated IPsec modules, ensuring data privacy without compromising performance or complicating deployment models. Advanced management features include web-based administration, SNMP support, and comprehensive Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities for optimized traffic handling. The system supports both IPv4 and IPv6 dual-stack forwarding with hardware-based Forwarding Information Base (FIB) programming, enabling organizations to transition to next-generation protocols while maintaining backward compatibility.

Performance and Scalability Metrics

The router delivers exceptional throughput with up to 6.4 Tbps non-blocking switching capacity and 4.8 billion packets per second forwarding performance. The distributed architecture ensures wire-speed forwarding for all advanced software features including IPv6, MPLS, and Layer 2/3 VPN services. The system supports extensive scaling with up to 1 million FIB entries for complex routing tables, making it suitable for large-scale enterprise and service provider deployments requiring comprehensive connectivity and routing capabilities.

Power and Environmental Specifications

The BR-MLXE-16-MR2-M-AC operates with four redundant 1800W AC power supplies providing 2N power redundancy for maximum availability. The system features advanced thermal management with exhaust fan assembly kits and integrated air filtration to maintain optimal operating temperatures. Operating temperature range spans 0-40°C with relative humidity tolerance of 5-90%, making it suitable for diverse data center environments while maintaining reliable performance under varying environmental conditions.

Comparison with MLXe Series Family

Within the Brocade routers portfolio, the BR-MLXE-16-MR2-M-AC offers mid-to-high-range scalability compared to the entry level switch configurations like the 4-slot MLXe-4 and 8-slot MLXe-8 models. The 16-slot chassis provides significantly more expansion capacity than smaller variants while remaining more cost-effective than the flagship 32-slot MLXe-32. This positioning makes it ideal for organizations requiring substantial port density and performance without the premium costs associated with the largest platforms in the NetIron XMR series.

At Network Republic, our end-user accounts are covered by a 1-Year Warranty on all hardware—whether New, New Open Box, New Pull, Refurbished, or Refurbished by Manufacturer —from the date of delivery. This warranty covers hardware defects under normal use and allows for repair, replacement, or in-house credit at our discretion.

For resellers and wholesale purchases, we offer a 30-Day Warranty limited strictly to functional issues or defects upon arrival, including dead-on-arrival (DOA) items; it does not apply to problems arising after prolonged use. Resellers are responsible for inspecting and testing products within the 30-day window. This warranty excludes accidental damage, misuse, cosmetic wear, third-party modifications, and software-related issues unrelated to hardware failure. Check out our full warranty policy here.

Software licenses are not covered under the standard return and warranty policies and need to be activated on the hardware within 7 days of receipt. Any issues need to be reported immediately, within 10 days, so we can issue an exchange. Under no circumstances will refunds be issued for software licenses.