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This chapter provides an overview of the Cisco CRS Carrier Routing System Multishelf System and describes what is required to interconnect system components. The Cisco CRS Carrier Routing System Multishelf System is also called the Cisco CRS Multishelf system or multishelf system .
The multishelf system is a highly scalable routing platform designed for service providers to build next generation multi-service networks that provide video, data and voice services. The multishelf system consists of two major components: 16-slot line card chassis (commonly referred to as LCC) and fabric card chassis (commonly referred to as FCC). The current Cisco IOS XR software release supports up to eight LCCs and one, two, or four FCCs.
Note | This cabling guide is for a new multishelf system installation. If you are upgrading a Cisco CRS 16-Slot Line Card Chassis to become part of a Cisco CRS Multishelf System, see the Cisco CRS Carrier Routing System Multishelf System Upgrade and Conversion Guide. Also see the Cisco CRS Carrier Routing System Multishelf System Upgrade and Conversion Guide if you are converting a multishelf system from a Cisco Catalyst-based system to a 22-port shelf controller Gigabit Ethernet (22-port SCGE) system. |
The chapter covers the following topics:
Multishelf system configurations are available with one, two, or four fabric card chassis (FCCs). The single-FCC multishelf system requires a smaller investment, while the two- or four-FCC systems provide additional fault tolerance because the failure of a single FCC does not shut down the system.
These systems are introduced in the following sections:
Tip | For a complete introduction to multishelf systems, see Cisco CRS Carrier Routing System Multishelf System Description . |
The Cisco CRS Carrier Routing System is the first carrier routing system in the industry to offer continuous system operation, unprecedented service flexibility, and system longevity. The system is powered by Cisco IOS XR software, a unique self-healing and self-defending operating system designed for continual operation while scaling system capacity from 4.88 Terabits per second (Tbps) for each line card chassis (LCC) up to 322 terabits per second (Tbps) for a fully-loaded multishelf system (MSS). The multishelf system design supports from 2 to 8 LCCs and from 1 to 4 FCCs, for a total switching capacity of up to 322 Tbps.
Note | Refer to the appropriate Cisco IOS XR software release notes online to confirm the multishelf system capacity supported by the Cisco IOS XR software release you have loaded. Currently the upper range of multishelf system capacity supported by Cisco IOS XR software is eight LCCs and four FCCs. |
The figure below shows the single-FCC multishelf system, which contains the following major components:
Note | The single-FCC multishelf system also supports up to two 22-port shelf controller Gigabit Ethernet (22-port SCGE) cards per fabric card chassis. |
1 |
Cisco CRS 16-Slot Line Card Chassis ( eight shown) |
2 |
Cisco CRS-Fabric Card Chassis (one shown) |
The figure below shows the two-FCC multishelf system, which contains the following major components:
1 |
Cisco CRS 16-Slot Line Card Chassis ( eight shown) |
2 |
Cisco CRS Fabric Card Chassis ( two shown) |
The figure below shows the four-FCC multishelf system, which contains the following major components:
1 |
Cisco CRS 16-Slot Line Card Chassis ( eight shown) |
2 |
Cisco CRS Fabric Card Chassis ( four shown) |
Multishelf system cabling can be divided into the following groups, and a multishelf system should be cabled in this approximate order:
The Cabling for System Management, Alarms, and Network Clocking chapter describes the cabling for system management connections, the optional network clock feature, and the optional external alarm feature. At least one form of system management connection must be cabled before system configuration can start.
The chapter Cabling the Control Network Using 22-Port Shelf Controller Gigabit Ethernet Cards describes the cabling for the control network, which links all racks together and enables the designated shelf controller (DSC) rack to control the other racks in the system. The DSC also uses the control network to download software to the other racks in the system and receive messages on rack status. The control network must be cabled before the system can become operational.
The chapter Cabling the Fabric describes the cabling between the fabric components in the LCCs and the fabric components in the FCCs. The fabric provides the data connection for router traffic between all the modular services card (MSC) ports in the LCCs. The fabric cabling must be completed to enable data communications through the multishelf system.There are two types of fabric cable, Trimese and Riser.
All router data traffic enters the multishelf system through lines connected to the physical layer interface modules (PLIMs). For information about PLIM cards and connectors, see the PLIM notes and installation guides on http://cisco.com
The prerequisites for installing a multishelf system include having adequate floor space to cable the system, an environment that meets specifications, the minimum system components needed to create a multishelf system, the tools required to perform the installation, and the proper cables needed to interconnect the chassis to each other, the 22-port SCGE cards, and their power sources. These prerequisites are explained in the following sections:
Space, power, and environmental specifications are cited in the following online guides:
The following tools and supplies are required to cable the multishelf system:
The cables listed in the below table are required for each LCC in a multishelf system installation.
Cable Product ID |
Description |
Purpose |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Trimese: LCC/M-FC-FBR-xx = (where xx is the length in meters) Riser: LCC/M-FC-FBR-xx R= (where xx is the length in meters) |
Line Card Chassis/Multishelf - Fabric Chassis - Fiber |
To interconnect fabric cards between the LCCs and one or more FCCs.
|
||
72-1258-01 |
Gigabit Ethernet cables (green) |
To connect the route processor (RP) cards and shelf controller Gigabit Ethernet (SCGE) cards To connect console cables to the router |
||
— |
22-port SCGE card LC to LC Ethernet cable (single mode) |
To connect the DSC RP cards RP0 and RP1 MGMT ETH ports to the 22-port SCGE cards.1 |
For more information on the range of lengths available for the Cisco CRS fabric cables, refer to Cisco Systems Fabric Cables in Cabling the Fabric chapter. Table 1the product ID numbers for Cisco CRS fabric cables. Evaluate your installation for the appropriate length of fabric cable needed before ordering.
The elements of the multishelf system that need to be cabled together include:
Whether the cables will be run overhead or under the floor, consider the airflow and cable characteristics of the combined cable sets to ensure that your cable management structures match or exceed the total capacity of cables for the multishelf system installation.
The following sections provide some cable routing guidelines:
Tip | See the Cisco CRS Carrier Routing System Multishelf System Site Planning Guide for information on planning component locations and cable runs. |
To plan cable routing in an installation with a raised floor, consider all the characteristics of each cable required for the installation. Allow slack for cabling so that cables can be pooled under the floor for future expansion without exceeding bend radius or cable length limitations. Only use Riser cables in an installation with a raised floor. Riser cables are not rated for installation in air plenum passages, nor are they designed for use in LSZH (low smoke zero halogen) applications.
To plan your cable runs, consider the characteristics of each cable, such as the cable length limitations, combined diameter of bundled cables (such as power cables), weight of the cable groups, and bend radius of the cable or cables. Couple these considerations with the cable infrastructure available (or needed) at your facility. The infrastructure could include structures like the overhead cabling monorail or J-hook system, sleeve and riser diameters, and distances between floors or elements of the multishelf system.
Analyze the cabling infrastructures, risers, and racking available in your facility to determine if the capacity of the cabling management systems at your facility will accommodate the required capacities of the multishelf system cabling.
Note | Trimese fabric cables carry a dual flame rating: general purpose and LSZH (low smoke zero halogen). These cables are designed to connect between an LCC and FCC in the free air of the room. Fabric cables must be routed within a room. Fabric cables are not rated for installation above ceilings, below floors, or through walls. |
Note | Riser fabric cables (LCC-M-C-FBR-xxR) meet the OFNR riser cable flame rating. These cables are designed to connect between an LCC and an FCC, either in the free air within a room, or, through a riser access between building floors. Riser cables are not rated for installation in air plenum passages, nor are they designed for use in LSZH (low smoke zero halogen) applications. |
The limit of the cables is 100 meters (328 feet). Consider this distance when planning the physical locations of the LCCs and FCCs. For more information on the range of lengths available for the Cisco CRS fabric cables, refer to “Cisco Systems Fabric Cables” in the cabling the Fabirc chapter . The Table 1 lists the product ID numbers for Cisco CRS fabric cables. Evaluate your installation for the appropriate length of fabric cable needed before ordering.
Exceeding the bend radius allowed for a cable can break the glass in the cable or cause attenuation or loss of signal. Do not bend a cable more than the allowable bend radius.
The figure below shows an example of how a bend radius is measured for Trimese cables. In this figure, the cable has a 1-inch (2.54-cm) radius. If the cable is specified to wrap around the arc formed by the circle with the 1-inch radius, the cable is said to have a 1-inch bend radius .
At any time, the bend radius should not be less than 1.25" and less than 2" bend radius for Trimese cables and should not be less than 2” bend radius for Riser cables or should not exceed the bend established by the strain relief collars.
Observe these procedures as you attach every cable:
Handle all cables carefully. Fiber-optic cables require special care as follows:
The following sections describe safety guidelines:
Before you perform any procedure in this document, review the safety guidelines in this section to avoid injuring yourself or damaging the equipment.
The following guidelines are for your safety and to protect equipment. The guidelines do not include all hazards. Be alert.
Note | Review the Document Conventions section and the Understanding Warning Statement Numbers sections. In addition, review the safety warnings listed in Regulatory Compliance and Safety Information for the Cisco CRS Carrier Routing System before installing, configuring, or troubleshooting any installed card. That booklet shipped with your system. |