Re: Router Recommendations

[Mike Hammett via NANOG <nanog () lists nanog org>]

What are your experiences with a box with a Broadcom StrataDNX Qumran MX and BCM15K TCAM with OcNOS in the role of BGP 
edge for a small network? ChatGPT says it should work for ~5 years at current FIB growth projections, but it would be 
nice to hear from someone currently running that combination as to how it works for them.



----- 
Mike Hammett 
Intelligent Computing Solutions 

Midwest Internet Exchange 

The Brothers WISP 


----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Hammett via NANOG" <nanog () lists nanog org>
To: "North American Network Operators Group" <nanog () lists nanog org>
Cc: "Mike Hammett" <nanog () ics-il net>
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 11:10:21 AM
Subject: Router Recommendations

I'm looking for new BGP routers. I'm currently running Mikrotik, which has served me well so far, but looking at 
interface speed, count, FIB size, etc. and they just aren't going to cut it.

I'm looking for:
• Has at least 6x 100G ports
• Has a smattering of 10G/25G ports
• Has meaningful packet buffers
• Routes in hardware at least 2m routes combined of IPv4 and IPv6, more is better
• Has reasonably low power usage, I don't need 1 kw going to a router
• Is cost-effective
• Used is fine


I like how the MX301 looks, but it's way more than I'd want to spend, primarily because there really isn't a used 
market for them yet.
Arista and Cisco NCS are close, but to check all of the boxes, you're up to about $15k - $20k. To get to $5k or less, 
you're compromising on at least two of the things I'm looking for.
EdgeCore and UfiSpace may have some models that are in the $5k - $8k range, once you purchase OcNOS.


I'd have no problem with the EdgeCore and UfiSpace direction, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't leaving anything out 
of consideration.



-----
Mike Hammett
Intelligent Computing Solutions
http://www.ics-il.com

Midwest-IX
http://www.midwest-ix.com

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