[j-nsp] Logical systems on an M7i

[Tom Storey]

Hi everyone.

Can anyone provide any pointers for the maximum number of logical
systems one could expect to run on an M7i?

As I understand it, each logical system has its own batch of processes
running on the RE, so I am assuming the number is going to be some
function of how much RAM you have on it.

I am looking at using an M7i or two in a lab, with not very large
tables (basically just the topology of the lab itself), but want to
maximise the number of logical routers I can run to allow for
vast/complex topologies. Ideally I would be able to run 20 logical
systems.

There are quite a few M7i's floating around on ebay with RE-400-768's,
or even RE-400-256's (though RAM should be quite easy to upgrade.) The
maximum number of logical systems per box is supposed to be 15, but
with a RE-400-768, that gives roughly 50mb of RAM to each one,
excluding the overhead for the system itself. How much RAM is required
to run one? Can an RE-400 expand past 768mb?

RE-850-1536 would give about double the RAM for each logical system
and Im sure a decent boost in responsiveness due to faster CPU, but
are about as rare as hens teeth with a price to match.

Price is a big constraint since this will be for personal use, so
while I know the MX80 is a nice box, it is out of my reach
financially. :-)

Thanks,
Tom