MX Series Virtual Chassis support for determining member router health

You can configure an IP-based packet connection, known as a heartbeat connection, between the primary router and backup router in an MX Series Virtual Chassis. The heartbeat connection exchanges heartbeat packets that provide important information about the availability and health of each member router. If a disruption or split occurs in the Virtual Chassis configuration, the heartbeat connection helps prevent the member routers from changing roles, which could cause undesirable results. To configure a heartbeat connection, first create a secure and reliable route between the primary router and backup router. You can then configure the connection by including the heartbeat-address and heartbeat-timeout statements at the [edit virtual-chassis] hierarchy level.