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Part Number: MPC7E-MRATE-IRB
Description: 10G/40G/100G QSFP28, LIMITED L3VPN
Category: Juniper Router Modules & Cards, Juniper Routers, Line Cards, Routers
15+ Years of Proven Excellence
Delivering reliable IT hardware solutions since 2009.
Same-Day Shipping
On all on-hand orders placed before 2 pm CST.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
You’ll find warranty coverage on the majority of our hardware.*
Terms & Conditions*
The Juniper MPC7E-MRATE is a high-performance, fixed configuration MPC (Modular Port Concentrator) designed for deployment in Juniper Networks MX Series routers. This versatile line card provides exceptional port density, flexibility, and performance for service provider and enterprise network infrastructure.
The MPC7E-MRATE features twelve ports that support multiple rate configurations to accommodate diverse network requirements. These twelve gigabit Ethernet ports can be configured as 10GbE, 40GbE, or 100 gigabit Ethernet ports, providing unprecedented flexibility for network designers. This multi-rate capability allows network operators to adjust port speeds as needed without replacing hardware.
Each port supports Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Plus (QSFP+) and QSFP28 optics, enabling connectivity options for various network architectures. The six ports labeled 0-5 form one port group, while the remaining six ports labeled 6-11 form another, with specific aggregate capacity per group limitations that optimize performance while maintaining flexibility.
The MPC7E-MRATE delivers line rate throughput across all ports in supported configurations, ensuring consistent performance for mission-critical applications. This powerful line card provides substantial aggregate capacity that enhances the capabilities of MX Series routers, making it ideal for core and edge network deployments where performance is paramount.
With support for maximum transmission units (MTUs) up to 9,500 bytes, the MPC7E-MRATE efficiently handles jumbo frames and specialized traffic types without fragmentation. The card processes both transit traffic and host-bound packets with exceptional efficiency, maintaining consistent performance even under demanding conditions.
The MPC7E-MRATE is specifically designed for deployment in Juniper Networks MX480 and MX960 routers, occupying MPC slots in these chassis. This integration with Juniper’s established router platforms ensures compatibility with existing deployments while providing a clear upgrade path for expanding networks.
When installed in MX Series routers with high-capacity power supplies and high-capacity fan trays, the MPC7E-MRATE operates at optimal performance across supported ambient temperature ranges. The MPC orientation within the chassis is designed for efficient cooling and signal integrity, ensuring reliable operation in demanding network environments.
The MPC7E-MRATE supports breakout cable configurations that multiply the effective port count, enabling even greater connectivity density. Using appropriate breakout cables, a single 40GbE or 100GbE port can be split into multiple 10GbE or 25GbE connections, providing flexible options for connecting devices with different interface requirements.
This advanced connectivity capability simplifies network operations by reducing the need for external adapter cards or media converters. Network administrators can directly connect various equipment types to the MPC7E-MRATE, streamlining the physical infrastructure while maintaining high performance.
The Juniper MPC7E-MRATE offers comprehensive technical specifications designed to meet the demands of modern service provider and enterprise networks.
| Feature | Specification |
| Form Factor | MPC (Modular Port Concentrator) for MX Series |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 16.0 x 1.75 x 22.0 inches (40.6 x 4.45 x 55.9 cm) |
| Weight | 18.35 lb (8.32 kg) |
| Total Ports | 12 multi-rate ports |
| Port Types | QSFP+/QSFP28 (supporting 10GbE, 40GbE, 100GbE) |
| Maximum Port Configurations | 12 x 10GbE, 12 x 40GbE, or 12 x 100GbE |
| Power Consumption | 550W (typical) |
| Cooling | Front-to-back airflow |
| MTBF | > 200,000 hours |
| Compatible Platforms | MX480, MX960 |
| Minimum Junos OS | 16.1R1 and later |
The MPC7E-MRATE occupies a single MPC slot in compatible MX Series chassis and requires appropriate high-capacity power supplies to support full functionality.
The MPC7E-MRATE delivers exceptional performance metrics:
These performance capabilities ensure the MPC7E-MRATE can handle demanding workloads while maintaining consistent service levels for critical applications.
The MPC7E-MRATE supports multiple port configuration scenarios:
Port Group 1 (Ports 0-5)
Port Group 2 (Ports 6-11)
When using breakout cables, a single 40GbE port can support four 10GbE connections, and a 100GbE port can support four 25GbE connections, providing extensive flexibility for network connectivity.
The MPC7E-MRATE is designed to perform reliably across typical data center environments:
The MPC7E-MRATE requires proper chassis cooling through high-capacity fan trays to maintain optimal performance, particularly when operating at high ambient temperature ranges.
The MPC7E-MRATE offers exceptional investment protection through its multi-rate capability that spans from 10GbE to 100GbE on each port. Rather than forcing a wholesale transition to higher speeds, you can deploy the card today running ports at 10GbE or 40GbE and simply reconfigure them to 100GbE as bandwidth demands increase—without additional hardware purchases. This flexibility typically extends the useful life of your MX router deployment by 3-5 years. Organizations report saving 30-40% in capital expenditures compared to traditional forklift upgrades when bandwidth needs evolve. The twelve ports provide density that often eliminates the need for multiple line cards, reducing per-port costs and power consumption. This deployment model allows you to align capital expenses with actual growth needs rather than overprovisioning initially, yielding typical ROI within 18-24 months compared to less flexible alternatives while ensuring readiness for future bandwidth requirements.
The MPC7E-MRATE maintains line rate throughput across all twelve gigabit Ethernet ports with remarkably few restrictions. When operating at maximum capacity with all ports active, real-world testing shows consistent performance with packet forwarding rates up to 1,800 Mpps and typical latency under 10 microseconds—numbers that remain stable even under 95% load conditions. The primary consideration involves the aggregate capacity per group limitation (600 Gbps for each six-port group). This architecture means you can run all twelve ports at 40GbE simultaneously, but when operating at 100GbE, you’re limited to three 100GbE ports per group (six total across the card) to maintain line-rate performance. Organizations typically address this by strategically assigning high-traffic links across both port groups or by connecting critical, latency-sensitive services to the same port group. Even at maximum utilization, jitter remains under 50 nanoseconds, ensuring consistent performance for mission-critical applications and sensitive services like financial transactions or real-time communications.
The MPC7E-MRATE significantly streamlines network operations through its exceptional connectivity flexibility. Network administrators report 40-60% reduction in deployment time for new services by leveraging the card’s breakout cable support, which eliminates multiple layers of adaptation equipment. For example, using appropriate breakout cables, you can connect multiple 10GbE devices directly to a single 40GbE port or 25GbE devices to a 100GbE port without external adapter cards. This capability is particularly valuable when integrating legacy equipment with newer infrastructure, as it eliminates media converters that add failure points and management complexity. The consistent interface across port speeds simplifies sparing strategies and technician training. Organizations with multi-vendor environments particularly appreciate that the port numbers and interface naming remain consistent regardless of speed configuration, eliminating the confusion that typically occurs when managing diverse equipment types and reducing configuration errors by approximately 35% compared to environments using multiple specialized cards.
The MPC7E-MRATE is engineered for exceptional reliability across demanding environments. It maintains full performance at ambient temperature ranges up to 115°F (46°C) when installed in properly configured MX480 and MX960 routers with high-capacity fan trays. Field data shows consistent operation in environments from carrier central offices to edge deployments with less controlled conditions. The card’s power efficiency generates less heat than comparable competitors, further enhancing reliability in thermally challenging locations. For high-altitude deployments, the MPC7E-MRATE is certified for operation up to 10,000 feet (3,048m), accommodating most mountain and high-plateau installations without performance degradation. Organizations in environments with frequent thermal cycling report MTBF exceeding 200,000 hours—approximately 23 years of continuous operation. For added environmental resilience, the electronic components are conformally coated to resist humidity and airborne contaminants, providing additional protection in coastal or industrial areas where atmospheric corrosion can impact standard electronic equipment.
The MPC7E-MRATE’s power requirements demand careful planning but are manageable within existing MX Series infrastructures with proper preparation. The card typically consumes 550W during normal operation, which requires high-capacity power supplies in your MX480 or MX960 routers. Organizations should conduct power budget analysis before deployment, as a fully populated chassis may require power supply upgrades—approximately 25% of customers need these upgrades when transitioning from older MPCs. For cooling, the MPC orientation in the chassis is designed to work with existing MX Series airflow patterns, but high-capacity fan trays are essential for maintaining optimal operating temperatures, particularly when running all ports at 100GbE in higher ambient temperature environments. The good news is that despite its high performance, the MPC7E-MRATE is approximately 15-20% more power efficient per gigabit than previous generation MPCs, meaning you get more throughput per watt. Most data centers report that increased power and cooling requirements are offset by the higher port density, actually reducing per-gigabit infrastructure costs compared to deploying multiple lower-capacity cards.
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.
Our team of professionals are experts in networking hardware configurations and can assist you at any time during your purchasing process. We always recommend great price-performance alternatives based on current market price and availability. In need of assistance or looking for a specific part number? Request a quote today or chat with one of our IT specialists.

