> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.megaport.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# MCR Overview

> This help topic describes the functionality and specifications of the Megaport Cloud Router (MCR).

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The MCR is a managed virtual router service that establishes <Gloss term="Layer 3" anchor="layer3" /> connectivity on the worldwide Megaport software-defined network (SDN). MCR instances are preconfigured in data centers in key global routing zones. An MCR enables data transfer between <Gloss term="multicloud" anchor="multicloud" /> or hybrid cloud networks, network service providers, and cloud service providers.

An MCR instance is not physically cross-connected like a Port in the Megaport network. However, it can host <Gloss term="Layer 2" anchor="layer2" /> VXC connections just like a physical Port and it can extend to any other Port in the Megaport network or another MCR.

## How it works

An MCR joins two or more independent Virtual Cross Connect (VXC) services into a single routing domain, providing connectivity between all the VXCs attached to the MCR.

Without physical infrastructure, you can use cloud-to-cloud networking, private peering between leading public Cloud, <Gloss term="IaaS" anchor="iaas" />, and <Gloss term="SaaS" anchor="saas" /> providers, and direct connectivity to any provider on the Megaport software-defined network (SDN). There is no need to own and maintain equipment. MCR removes the complexity of getting connected at Layer 3 and opens up new possibilities for virtualized networking.

<Image src="/images/mcr/multicloud.png" alt="MCR overview" width={750} />

You can use an MCR instance either with or without a physical Port in the Megaport network. If you want to configure multi-region deployments with a single Cloud Service Provider (CSP), or a multicloud deployment with multiple CSPs, MCR can enable both functionalities. Combining MCR functionality with a physical Port in the Megaport network has added benefits:

* Reduced latencies by enabling direct connections among cloud providers.
* Inter-region or inter-cloud connectivity to control and localize traffic.

For more information, see [Configuring an MCR](/mcr/configuring-mcr).

## Speed tiers

The MCR speed options are consolidated into these tiers:

| **Speed Tier** | **Symmetric Throughput** | **Asymmetric Throughput** |
| -------------- | ------------------------ | ------------------------- |
| 1 Gbps         | 0.5 Gbps/0.5 Gbps        | 1 Gbps                    |
| 2.5 Gbps       | 1.25/1.25 Gbps           | 2.5 Gbps                  |
| 5 Gbps         | 2.5/2.5 Gbps             | 5 Gbps                    |
| 10 Gbps        | 5/5 Gbps                 | 10 Gbps                   |
| 25 Gbps        | 12.5 Gbps / 12.5 Gbps    | 25 Gbps                   |
| 50 Gbps        | 25 Gbps / 25 Gbps        | 50 Gbps                   |
| 100 Gbps       | 50 Gbps / 50 Gbps        | 100 Gbps                  |

<Note>
  If higher throughput multicloud connectivity is required, please contact your Megaport Account Manager or Customer Success Manager to discuss alternative or early adopter options.
</Note>

## Helpful references

* [Creating an MCR](/mcr/creating-mcr)
* [Enabling Cloud-Native VPN/Encryption Options Over Dedicated Cloud Connectivity Paths](/encryption/cloud-native-vpn-encryption)
* [Using IPsec with Megaport](/encryption/ipsec)
* [Using MACsec with Megaport](/encryption/macsec)