Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch Hardware Installation and Cabling Guide
Chapter 5: Cabling the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch with the Cisco uBR7246VXR Cable Interface Line Cards

Table Of Contents

Cabling the RF Switch With the Cisco uBR7246VXR CMTS

Protection Scheme for the Cisco uBR7246VXR CMTS

Cisco uBR7246VXR Universal Broadband Router Configurations

RF Cable Assemblies

Coaxial Cables (Single and Bundle)

Header Blocks

MCX Connectors and F-Connectors

Attenuators

Mapping the Working and Protect Line Cards to the RF Switch

Installing the Header Blocks on the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch

Connecting the Cables (Cisco uBR-MC16x Card)

Cabling the Working Line Card (VXR1-VXR4)

Cabling the Protect Line Cards (VXR5)

Cabling DS Ports to the Input Ports on the Upconverter

Cabling the Output Ports (Upconverter to RF Switch)

Cabling the Output Cables (CABLE PLANT to HUB)

Connecting the Cables (Cisco uBR-MC28x Line Card)

Cabling the Working Line Card (VXR1-VXR4)

RF Switch 2

RF Switch 1

Cabling the Protect Line Cards (VXR 5)

Cabling DS Ports to the Input Ports on the Upconverter

UPx1

UPx2

UPx3

Cabling the Output Ports (Upconverter to RF Switch)

UPx1

UPx2

UPx3

Cabling the Output Cables (CABLE PLANT to HUB)

Powering On the RF Switch


Cabling the RF Switch With the Cisco uBR7246VXR CMTS


This chapter provides information about connecting cables between the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch and working and protect cable interface line cards in a Cisco uBR7246VXR CMTS.

This chapter contains the following sections:

Protection Scheme for the Cisco uBR7246VXR CMTS

RF Cable Assemblies

Mapping the Working and Protect Line Cards to the RF Switch

Installing the Header Blocks on the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch

Connecting the Cables (Cisco uBR-MC16x Card)

Connecting the Cables (Cisco uBR-MC28x Line Card)

Powering On the RF Switch

Protection Scheme for the Cisco uBR7246VXR CMTS

The N+1 redundancy protection scheme you select for your system depends upon the number of Cisco uBR7246VXR routers and the number and type of cable interface line cards (LC) you have installed in each Cisco uBR7246VXR router.

The 4+1 redundancy scheme in the example configuration (Figure 5-1) shows the Cisco uBR-MC16x cable interface line cards (16 downstream ports and 96 upstream ports) installed in the four Cisco uBR7246VXR routers. The fifth router in the rack (also with MC16x cards) serves as the protect router. The same configuration scenario is true for the Cisco uBR-MC28C cable interface line card; however, the cabling between the line cards and the RF switch is different.

As an example, the first working line card (LC1 in routers 1, 2, 3, and 4) is protected by the first line card (LC1) in the Cisco uBR7246VXR protect router. The second working line card (LC2 in routers 1, 2, 3, and 4) is protected by LC2 in protect router, and so on.

Cisco uBR7246VXR Universal Broadband Router Configurations

A single Cisco uBR7246VXR router contains up to four Cisco uBR-MC16x (C, E, S, U, or X) line cards or Cisco uBR-MC28x (C, U, or X) line cards. This configuration uses a redundancy scheme where one protect card supports from one to four working line cards.


Note The Cisco uBR-MC16U cable interface line cards have onboard upconverters. Upconverters are not required in a configuration using this line card.


Figure 5-1 Racked Cisco uBR7246VXRs Routers, RF Switch, and Upconverters (MC16x)

Figure 5-2 shows a chassis configuration using Cisco MC28C cards, two RF switches, and three upconverters. Three upconverters are required for this configuration.


Note The Cisco uBR-MC28U cable interface line cards have onboard upconverters. Upconverters are not required in a configuration using this line card.


Figure 5-2 Racked Cisco uBR7246VXRs Routers, RF Switches, and Upconverters (MC28C)

RF Cable Assemblies

The following sections describe the coaxial cable, header block, and F-connector assemblies required to support N+1 redundancy between the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch, the Cisco uBR7246VXR CMTSs and the Vecima HD4040 series IF-to-RF upconverters.


Note Although you may construct and implement your own cables, we recommend using the preassembled cables and cable bundles.


Custom cables or cable components such as header blocks, crimping tools, or connectors are available from custom cable fabricators such as WhiteSands Engineering (telephone: 1 800-586 7377), at the following URL:

http://www.whitesandsengineering.com/

For more information on Vecima HD4040 series IF-to-RF upconverters, go to the following URL:

http://www.vecima.com

Coaxial Cables (Single and Bundle)

The cables approved for use in the Cisco N+1 redundancy solution, are Mini Precision RG59 (95 percent) tinned copper braid with (100 percent) foil shield. This cable is serial digital interface (SDI) rated with a 1 MHz to 3 GHz rating.

CAB-RFSW-3x10-T (bundled cable kit:1.2-m, CMTS to RFS, F to MCX)

CAB-RFSW-3x10-10T (bunbled cable kit:10-m, RFS to HUB, MCX to F)

CAB-RFSW5X20TPMF (bundled cable kit, 3-m, MCX to F)

The different jacket colors are used for easy identification. The gray and brown RF cables are preterminated with the F-connectors used to connect to the Vecima HD4040 series IF-to-RF upconverter input. (See Figure 5-3 and Figure 5-4.)

Figure 5-3 Cabling Solution for the Cisco RF Switch and Cisco uBR-MC16x Cards

Figure 5-4 Cabling Solution for the Cisco RF Switch and Cisco uBR-MC28C Cards

Table 5-1 Cable Types and the Number of Cable Bundles and Cables Required 

Cables (from-to)
Connector Type
Cisco uBR-MC16x
Cisco uBR-MC28C

US ports to RF ports

F-connector to MCX connector

20 cable bundles (multicolor)

20 cable bundles (multicolor)

DS ports to UPx ports

F-connector to F-connector

3 cable bundles (multicolor)

5 cable bundles (multicolor)

UPx ports to RF ports

F-connector to MCX connector

20 single cables (gray, brown)

40 single cables (gray, brown)

RF switch output to CABLE PLANT

MCX connector to F-connector

20 cable bundles (multicolor)

20 cable bundles (multicolor)


Header Blocks

The header blocks are installed on the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch. Individual cables are attached to the MCX connectors in the header blocks (see Figure 5-4). The header blocks used in this cabling solution are slightly beveled at the top for easy identification. In addition, the alignment pins on the header blocks are offset, preventing you from accidentally connecting the header block upside down.

MCX Connectors and F-Connectors

MCXFP—75-ohm MCX connector available from WhiteSands Engineering or alternate. This connector is attached to the end of the cable that terminates at the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch.

ASFP or alternate—F-connectors available from WhiteSands Engineering. This connector is attached to the end of the cables that terminate at the upstream and downstream ports on the cable interface line cards. The output cabling kit includes 13 F-connectors to use for modification or repair.


Note An extraction tool used to remove MCX connectors from the header blocks is shipped with the RF switch.


Attenuators

A 10-dB attenuator may be required (due to a higher IF output, +42 dBmV), between the line card and the upconverter IF input ports.

Mapping the Working and Protect Line Cards to the RF Switch

Mapping is applicable for both working and protect cable interface line cards when employing N+1 redundancy. The distinction between which line card serves as the protect line card and which serve as the working line cards is determined by whether the header block is plugged into a working group (CMTS) or protect group (PROTECT) of slots on the RF switch, and by the configuration you specify.

Use these guidelines to map the cables between each Cisco uBR7246VXR router, the RF switch, and the external upconverter:

All cards in the hot standby communication-to-communication protocol (HCCP) group (protect card and working cards) must be the same type of card. For example: an MC16C working card must use an MC16C protect card.

Colored cables are used to help facilitate the cabling process. Any color is acceptable as long as it meets the cable specifications. If you are using colored cables, connect the same colored cable to the same port on each of the cable interface line cards in each of the Cisco uBR7246VXR routers. Example: The red cable in each bundle goes to the US0 port on each card.

Each header block supports one line card. Each header block is cabled exactly the same. For example: The red cables on the US0 ports (applies to all the line cards) go to the "1A, 2A, 3A (.....)8A" connector locations.

If you are using an external upconverter, the DS ports on the line cards are cabled to the external upconverter first, then cabled from the upconverter to the RF switch.

The RF switch MCX connections labeled F, G, and M are used only for downstream connection. The downstream cables from the upconverter can be connected to any one of the three available downstream MCX connections. F is the preferred connection point for Cisco uBR-MC16x cards.

The MCX connection labeled N on the header block does not connect to anything in the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch and should not be connected to any cable interface port either.

Before you cable the CMTS (Cisco uBR7246VXR routers) to the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch, review the "Connecting the Cables (Cisco uBR-MC16x Card)" section or the "Connecting the Cables (Cisco uBR-MC28x Line Card)" section.

Refer to the "N+1 Redundancy for the Cisco CMTS" chapter of the Cisco Cable Modem Termination System Feature Guide for information about system configuration


Tip Use the color designations to help determine a cable location, US0-red, US1-white, and so on. For the Cisco uBR-MC16x card cable color information, refer to Table 5-2. For the Cisco uBR-MC28C card cable color information, refer to Table 5-11.


The output cables are connected to the CABLE PLANT section of the RF switch. The CABLE PLANT header blocks are wired in the opposite sequence to the CMTS and PROTECT header blocks (CABLE PLANT—1H-1A).


Note Slot number one (CABLE PLANT—1H-1A) is located on the far right.


Installing the Header Blocks on the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch

This section describes attaching the header blocks to the RF switch.

The RF cables are connected to the CMTS, PROTECT, and CABLE PLANT portions of the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch using the header blocks. Header blocks are installed on the RF switch at the following locations:

CMTS—RF cables connect to working cable interface line cards and to IF-to-RF upconverters.

PROTECT—RF cables connect to protecting cable interface line cards

CABLE PLANT—RF cables connect to the cable headend or hub.

Equipment

36 header blocks

Flat-blade screwdriver

To install header blocks, complete the following steps.


Step 1 With the beveled edge of the header block at the top, line up the two alignment pins on the header block with the two holes corresponding to the RF connector group under the CMTS, PROTECT, or CABLE PLANT section of the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch.

Step 2 Press the header block into place, using equal pressure on both the upper and lower portions of the header block.

Step 3 Use a flat-blade screwdriver to tighten the captive installation screws at both the top and bottom of the header block to prevent accidental disconnections.


Note Tighten the header blocks to the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch only after gently pulling on the cables to be sure that they are firmly seated in the header block.



Caution Do not overtighten the captive screws. We recommend that you tighten the screws to 5 to 7 inch-pounds (0.5647 to 0.7909 nm)


Figure 5-5 Header Block Description

Connecting the Cables (Cisco uBR-MC16x Card)

This section describes one method of cable management using the sample configuration for the Cisco uBR7246VXR with the Cisco uBR-MC16x (C, E, S, U, X) line cards installed.


Tip Cable the line card to the RF switch header block one card at a time.


RF cables are connected to the CMTS, PROTECT, and CABLE PLANT sections on the rear panel of the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch using a header block. There are:

16 RF connection groups under CMTS—These groups of RF cables connect to cable interface line cards designated as the working line cards and to IF-to-RF upconverters.

4 RF connection groups under PROTECT—These groups of RF cables connect to cable interface line cards designated as the protect line cards.

16 RF connection groups under CABLE PLANT—These groups of RF cables connect to the coaxial or fiber-optic cable transceivers (in the upstream direction) and IF-to-RF upconverters (in the downstream direction) at the cable headend or HUB.

Cabling the Working Line Card (VXR1-VXR4)

This section describes cabling the working line cards from the Cisco uBR7246VXR routers to the RF switch.

Equipment

16 cable bundles—4 per router (F-connector to MCX connector—multicolor)

16 header blocks (installed)

To cable the working line cards, complete the following steps. Refer to Table 5-2, Table 5-3, Table 5-4, and Table 5-5.


Step 1 Connect the cables to the upstream connectors (US0-US5) on the line cards in VXR1. Tighten the F-connectors to a value between 10 (recommended) and 15 (maximum) inch-pounds (1.1298 nm and 1.7339 nm).

Step 2 Secure the cables with cable wrap, as necessary, and run the cable bundles up the left side of the equipment rack.

Step 3 Install the cables in the CMTS header block in the order that they were mapped.

a. Push the MCX connector into the hole in the header block until you can feel it snap into place.

b. Gently wiggle the connector to make sure that the connection is secure.

Step 4 Repeat Step 1 through Step 3 for each line card in each Cisco uBR7246VXR (VXR2 through VXR4).



Note One cable bundle is used for the US ports on each card. DS ports use a different cable bundle.


Figure 5-6 Cabling the Working Line Cards (VXR1)

Table 5-2 Cable Bundle Colors Used for US-MCX Connections  VXR1 to RFS

Cable Color
US Ports
LC1 to RFS-2
a
LC2 to RFS-2
a
LC3 to RFS-1
a
LC4 to RFS-1
a

Red

US0

RFS-2—1A

 

RFS-2—5A

 

RFS-1—1A

 

RFS-1—5A

 

White

US1

RFS-2—1B

 

RFS-2—5B

 

RFS-1—1B

 

RFS-1—5B

 

Blue

US2

RFS-2—1C

 

RFS-2—5C

 

RFS-1—1C

 

RFS-1—5C

 

Green

US3

RFS-2—1D

 

RFS-2—5D

 

RFS-1—1D

 

RFS-1—5D

 

Yellow

US4

RFS-2—1H

 

RFS-2—5H

 

RFS-1—1H

 

RFS-1—5H

 

Violet

US5

RFS-2—1I

 

RFS-2—5I

 

RFS-1—1I

 

RFS-1—5I

 

Table 5-3 Cable Bundle Colors Used for US-MCX Connections  VXR2 to RFS

Cable Color
US Ports
LC1 to RFS-2
a
LC2 to RFS-2
a
LC3 to RFS-1
a
LC4 to RFS-1
a

Red

US0

RFS-2—2A

 

RFS-2—6A

 

RFS-1—2A

 

RFS-1—6A

 

White

US1

RFS-2—2B

 

RFS-2—6B

 

RFS-1—2B

 

RFS-1—6B

 

Blue

US2

RFS-2—2C

 

RFS-2—6C

 

RFS-1—2C

 

RFS-1—6C

 

Green

US3

RFS-2—2D

 

RFS-2—6D

 

RFS-1—2D

 

RFS-1—6D

 

Yellow

US4

RFS-2—2H

 

RFS-2—6H

 

RFS-1—2H

 

RFS-1—6H

 

Violet

US5

RFS-2—2I

 

RFS-2—6I

 

RFS-1—2I

 

RFS-1—6I

 

Table 5-4 Cable Bundle Colors Used for US-MCX Connections  V XR3 to RFS 

Cable Color
US Ports
LC1 to RFS-2
a
LC2 to RFS-2
a
LC3 to RFS-1
a
LC4 to RFS-1
a

Red

US0

RFS-2—3A

 

RFS-2—7A

 

RFS-1—3A

 

RFS-1—7A

 

White

US1

RFS-2—3B

 

RFS-2—7B

 

RFS-1—3B

 

RFS-1—7B

 

Blue

US2

RFS-2—3C

 

RFS-2—7C

 

RFS-1—3C

 

RFS-1—7C

 

Green

US3

RFS-2—3D

 

RFS-2—7D

 

RFS-1—3D

 

RFS-1—7D

 

Yellow

US4

RFS-2—3H

 

RFS-2—7H

 

RFS-1—3H

 

RFS-1—7H

 

Violet

US5

RFS-2—3I

 

RFS-2—7I

 

RFS-1—3I

 

RFS-1—7I

 

Table 5-5 Cable Bundle Colors Used for US-MCX Connections  VXR4 to RFS

Cable Color
US Ports
LC1 to RFS-2
a
LC2 to RFS-2
a
LC3 to RFS-1
a
LC4 to RFS-1
a

Red

US0

RFS-2—4A

 

RFS-2—8A

 

RFS-1—4A

 

RFS-1—8A

 

White

US1

RFS-2—4B

 

RFS-2—8B

 

RFS-1—4B

 

RFS-1—8B

 

Blue

US2

RFS-2—4C

 

RFS-2—8C

 

RFS-1—4C

 

RFS-1—8C

 

Green

US3

RFS-2—4D

 

RFS-2—8D

 

RFS-1—4D

 

RFS-1—8D

 

Yellow

US4

RFS-2—4H

 

RFS-2—8H

 

RFS-1—4H

 

RFS-1—8H

 

Violet

US5

RFS-2—4I

 

RFS-2—8I

 

RFS-1—4I

 

RFS-1—8I

 

Figure 5-7 Cabling the Working Line Cards to the RF Switch

The following tables provide chassis-line card to RF switch relationships.

Table 5-6 Cable Bundle Sequence for VXR1—VXR2 to Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switches (1 and 2)

VXR1-LC
RFS Slot (Header Block)
VXR2-LC
RFS Slot (Header Block)

LC1(US0-US5)

RFS-2 Slot 1 (1A-1I)

LC1(US0-US5)

RFS-2 Slot 2 (2A-2I)

LC2(US0-US5)

RFS-2 Slot 5 (5A-5I)

LC2(US0-US5)

RFS-2 Slot 6 (6A-6I)

LC3(US0-US5)

RFS-1 Slot 1 (1A-1I)

LC3(US0-US5)

RFS-1 Slot 2 (2A-2I)

LC4(US0-US5)

RFS-1 Slot 5 (5A-5I)

LC4(US0-US5)

RFS-1 Slot 6 (6A-6I)


Table 5-7 Cable Bundle Sequence for VXR3—VXR4 to Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switches (1 and 2)

VXR3-LC
RFS Slot (Header Block)
VXR4-LC
RFS Slot (Header Block)

LC1(US0-US5)

RFS-2 Slot 3 (3A-3I)

LC1(US0-US5)

RFS-2 Slot 4 (4A-4I)

LC2(US0-US5)

RFS-2 Slot 7 (7A-7I)

LC2(US0-US5)

RFS-2 Slot 8 (8A-8I)

LC3(US0-US5)

RFS-1 Slot 3 (3A-3I)

LC3(US0-US5)

RFS-1 Slot 4 (4A-4I)

LC4(US0-US5)

RFS-1 Slot 7 (7A-7I)

LC4(US0-US5)

RFS-1 Slot 8 (8A-8I)


Cabling the Protect Line Cards (VXR5)

This section describes cabling the protect cable interface line cards from the Cisco uBR7246VXR router to the RF switch.

Equipment

4 cable bundles (F-connector to MCX connector—multicolor)

4 header blocks (installed)

To cable the protect line cards, complete the following steps. Refer to Table 5-8 and to Figure 5-8.


Step 1 Connect the cables to the upstream connectors (US0-US5) on line card-LC1 on router 5.

Step 2 Secure the cables with cable wrap, as necessary, and run the cable bundles up the right side of the equipment rack.

Step 3 Install the cables in the PROTECT header block in the order that they were mapped. See Figure 5-8.

Step 4 Repeat Step 1 through Step 3 for all the line cards in VXR5 (PROTECT).


Figure 5-8 Cabling the Protect Line Cards (MC16x)

Table 5-8 RF Switch Slots for the PROTECT Cards

VXR5-LC
US Ports
RFS-1—PROTECT Slot
a
VXR5-LC
US Ports
RFS-2—PROTECT Slot
a

LC1

US0-US3, US4-US5

RFS-2—P2 (A-D)
RFS-2—P2 (H-I)

 

LC3

US0-US3, US4-US5

RFS-1—P2 (A-D)
RFS-1—P2 (H-I)

 

LC2

US0-US3, US4-US5

RFS-2—P1 (A-D)
RFS-2—P1 (H-I)

 

LC4

US0-US3, US4-US5

RFS-1—P1 (A-D)
RFS-1—P1 (H-I)

 

Cabling DS Ports to the Input Ports on the Upconverter

This section describes cabling from the Cisco uBR7246VXR line cards DS ports to the upconverter.


Note The Cisco uBR-MC16U cable interface line cards have onboard upconverters and are cabled directly to the DS ports (F) on the RF switch.


Equipment

3 cable bundles —(F-connector to F-connector—multicolor)

To cable the DS ports, complete the following steps. Refer to Table 5-9 and Figure 5-9.


Step 1 Connect the cables to the downstream connectors (DS) on the line cards (LC1-LC4).

Step 2 Secure the cables with cable wrap, and run the cable bundles up the right side of the equipment rack.

Step 3 Pull the cable bundle through the space between the VXR1 router and the RF switch. Add a 10-dB attenuator to the DS cables, if necessary.

Step 4 Connect the cables to the input ports (top) on the upconverter.

Step 5 Repeat Step 1 through Step 4 for each DS port (VXR2 through VXR5).


Figure 5-9 Cabling the Upconverter (MC16x to UPx1)

Table 5-9 DS Cables from VXRs to Upconverter Ports (by Router) 

Color
VXR1/VXR2
UPx1 Input
a
VXR3/VXR4
UPx1 Input
a
VXR5
UPx2 Input
a

Red

LC1-DS

1

 

LC1-DS

9

 

LC1-DS

1

 

White

LC2-DS

2

 

LC2-DS

10

 

LC2-DS

2

 

Blue

LC3-DS

3

 

LC3-DS

11

 

LC3-DS

3

 

Green

LC4-DS

4

 

LC4-DS

12

 

LC4-DS

4

 

Yellow

LC1-DS

5

 

LC1-DS

13

 

 

Purple

LC2-DS

6

 

LC2-DS

14

 

 

Orange

LC3-DS

7

 

LC3-DS

15

 

 

Black

LC4-DS

8

 

LC4-DS

16

 

 

Cabling the Output Ports (Upconverter to RF Switch)

This section describes cabling from the output ports on the upconverter to the RF switch.

Equipment

20 cables (F-connector to MCX connector—gray and brown)

To cable the output ports on the upconverter, complete the following steps. Refer to Table 5-10 and Figure 5-10.


Step 1 Connect the cable to the output connector (1-lower) on the upconverter.

Step 2 Run the cable under the RF switch to the rear of the chassis.

Step 3 Connect the cable to the 1F port on RFS-2.

Step 4 Repeat Step 1 through Step 3 for the remaining cables.


Figure 5-10 Output Cables (Gray and Brown)

Table 5-10 Upconverter Output Cables (UPx1 and UPx2) to RF Switches (RFS-1 and RFS-2) 

Color
UPx
RFS Ports
Supports
a
UPx
RFS Ports
Supports
a
UPx
RFS Ports
Supports
a

Gray

11

RFS-2-1F

VXR1-LC1

 

9

RFS-2-3F

VXR3-LC1

 

12

RFS-2-P2F

VXR5-LC1

 

Brown

2

RFS-2-5F

VXR1-LC2

 

10

RFS-2-7F

VXR3-LC2

 

2

RFS-2-P1F

VXR5-LC2

 

Gray

3

RFS-1-1F

VXR1-LC3

 

11

RFS-1-3F

VXR3-LC3

 

3

RFS-1-P2F

VXR5-LC3

 

Brown

4

RFS-1-5F

VXR1-LC4

 

12

RFS-1-7F

VXR3-LC4

 

4

RFS-1-P1F

VXR5-LC4

 

Gray

5

RFS-2-2F

VXR2-LC1

 

13

RFS-2-4F

VXR4-LC1

         

Brown

6

RFS-2-6F

VXR2-LC2

 

14

RFS-2-8F

VXR4-LC2

         

Gray

7

RFS-1-2F

VXR2-LC3

 

15

RFS-1-4F

VXR4-LC3

         

Brown

8

RFS-1-6F

VXR2-LC4

 

16

RFS-1-8F

VXR4-LC4

         

1 Working 1 through 16 are located on UPx1

2 Protect 1 through 4 are located on UPx2


Cabling the Output Cables (CABLE PLANT to HUB)

This section describes cabling the RF switch for output.

Equipment

16 cable bundles (MCX connector to F-connector—multicolor)

16 header blocks (installed)


Note Two more cable bundles may be required if you intend to route the upstream cables and the downstream cables to different locations.


To cable the RF switch output cables, complete the following steps. Refer to Figure 5-11.


Step 1 Install the output cables in the header blocks.


Note The output cables (CABLE PLANT) on the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch are cabled in the reverse order of the input cables (CMTS).


Step 2 Run the output cables (H-A) from header blocks to splitters, US laser receivers, or the low side of the diplex filters

Step 3 Run the output cables (F) to the splitters or combiners, DS laser transmitters, or the high side of the diplex filters.


Figure 5-11 RF Switch Cable Plant Outputs (Turquoise)

Connecting the Cables (Cisco uBR-MC28x Line Card)

This section describes one method of cable management using the sample configuration for the Cisco uBR7246VXR with the Cisco uBR-MC28x (C, U, X) cards installed.

The RF cables are connected to the CMTS, PROTECT, and CABLE PLANT sections on the rear panel of the two Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switches using header blocks. There are:

Thirty-two RF connection groups under CMTS—Each line card is two working groups. These groups of RF cables connect to cable interface line cards and to IF-to-RF upconverters.

Eight RF connection groups under PROTECT—These groups of RF cables connect to cable interfaces designated as the protect interface.

Thirty-two RF connection groups under CABLE PLANT—These groups of RF cables connect to the coaxial or fiber-optic cable transceivers (in the upstream direction) and IF-to-RF upconverters (in the downstream direction) at the cable headend or HUB.


Note A connection group is a MAC domain which includes a downstream and it's associated upstreams.


Cabling the Working Line Card (VXR1-VXR4)

This section describes cabling the working line cards from the Cisco uBR7246VXR routers to the RF switch.

Equipment

16 cable bundles—4 per router, one per card (F-connector to MCX connector—multicolor)

16 header blocks (installed)

To cable the working line cards, complete the following steps. Refer to Table 5-11 for the color scheme.


Step 1 Connect the cables to the upstream ports (US0-US3, US0-US3) on the line cards in VXR1. Tighten the F-connectors to a value between 10 (recommended) and 15 (maximum) inch-pounds (1.1298 nm and 1.7339 nm).


Note Cable and connect to the RF switch, one card at a time. See the "Installing the Header Blocks on the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch" section, if necessary.


Step 2 Secure the cables with cable wrap, and run the cable bundles up the left side of the equipment rack.

Step 3 Install the cables in the CMTS header block in the order that they were mapped.

a. Carefully follow the cabling directions shown in Table 5-12 and Table 5-13 for cable locations on the RF switches and the appropriate header block.


Note LC1 and LC2 go to RF switch 2 (RFS-2); LC3 and LC4 go to RF switch 1(RFS-1).


b. Push the MCX connector into the hole in the header block until you can feel it snap into place.

c. Gently wiggle the connector to make sure that the connection is secure.

Step 4 Repeat Step 1 through Step 3 for each line card in each Cisco uBR7246VXR (VXR2 through VXR4).


Figure 5-12 Cabling the Cisco uBR-MC28C Line Card in VXR1 to the RF Switches

Table 5-11 Cable Bundle Colors Used for Cisco uBR-MC28C US Ports to RFS MCX Connections  

Cable Color
US Ports
LC1-RFS-2
a
LC2-RFS-2
a
LC3-RFS-1
a
LC4-RFS-1
a

Red

US0

1A

 

5A

 

1A

 

5A

 

White

US1

1B

 

5B

 

1B

 

5B

 

Blue

US2

1C

 

5C

 

1C

 

5C

 

Green

US3

1D

 

5D

 

1D

 

5D

 

Yellow

US0

1H

 

5H

 

1H

 

5H

 

Violet

US1

1I

 

5I

 

1I

 

5I

 

Orange

US2

1J

 

5J

 

1J

 

5J

 

Black

US3

1K

 

5K

 

1K

 

5K

 

RF Switch 2

Table 5-12 Cable Bundle Sequence for the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch 2

VXR1-LC
US Ports
RFS-2 Slot (Header Block)
a
VXR3-LC
US Ports
RFS-2 Slot (Header Block)
a

LC1

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-2 Slot 1 (1A-1D)
RFS-2 Slot 1 (1H-1K)

 

LC1(

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-2 Slot 3 (3A-3D)
RFS-2 Slot 3 (3H-3K)

 

LC2

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-2 Slot 5 (5A-5D)
RFS-2 Slot 5 (5H-5K)

 

LC2

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-2 Slot 7 (7A-7D)
RFS-2 Slot 7 (7H-7K)

 

 

VXR2-LC
US Ports
RFS-2 Slot (Header Block)

a

VXR4-LC
US Ports
RFS-2 Slot (Header Block)

a

LC1

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-2 Slot 2 (2A-2D)
RFS-2 Slot 2 (2H-2K)

 

LC1

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-2 Slot 4 (4A-4D)
RFS-2 Slot 4 (4H-4K)

 

LC2

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-2 Slot 6 (6A-6D)
RFS-2 Slot 6 (6H-6K)

 

LC2

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-2 Slot 8 (8A-8D)
RFS-2 Slot 8 (8H-8K)

 

RF Switch 1

Table 5-13 Cable Bundle Sequence for the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch 1

VXR1-LC
US Ports
RFS-1 Slot (Header Block)
a
VXR3
US Ports
RFS-1 Slot (Header Block)
a

LC3

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-1 Slot 1 (1A-1D)
RFS-1 Slot 1 (1H-1K)

 

LC3(

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-1 Slot 3 (3A-3D)
RFS-1 Slot 3 (3H-3K)

 

LC4

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-1 Slot 5 (5A-5D)
RFS-1 Slot 5 (5H-5K)

 

LC4

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-1 Slot 7 (7A-7D)
RFS-1 Slot 7 (7H-7K)

 

 

VXR2-LC
US Ports
RFS-1 Slot (Header Block)

a

VXR4-LC
US Ports
RFS-1 Slot (Header Block)

a

LC3

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-1 Slot 2 (2A-2D)
RFS-1 Slot 2 (2H-2K)

 

LC3

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-1 Slot 4 (4A-4D)
RFS-1 Slot 4 (4H-4K)

 

LC4

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-1 Slot 6 (6A-6D)
RFS-1 Slot 6 (6H-6K)

 

LC4

US0-US3,
US0-US3

RFS-1 Slot 8 (8A-8D)
RFS-1 Slot 8 (8H-8K)

 

Figure 5-13 Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch

Cabling the Protect Line Cards (VXR 5)

This section describes cabling the protect line cards from the Cisco uBR7246VXR router to the RF switch.

Equipment

4 cable bundles—1 per router (F-connector to MCX connector—multicolor)

4 header blocks (installed)

To cable the protect line cards, complete the following steps. Refer to Table 5-14 and Figure 5-14.


Step 1 Connect the cables to the upstream connectors (US0-US3, US0-US3) on line card, LC1 in router 5.

Step 2 Secure the cables with cable wrap, as necessary, and run the cable bundles up the right side of the equipment rack.

Step 3 Install the cables in the PROTECT header block in the order that they were mapped.

Step 4 Repeat Step 1 through Step 3 for all the line cards in VXR5 (PROTECT).


Table 5-14 RF Switch Slots for the PROTECT Cards

VXR5-LC
US Ports
RFS-2—PROTECT Slot
a
VXR5-LC
US Ports
RFS-1—PROTECT Slot
a

LC1

US0-US3 US0-US3

RFS-2—P2 (A-D)
RFS-2—P2 (H-K)

 

LC3

US0-US3 US0-US3

RFS-1—P2 (A-D)
RFS-1—P2 (H-K)

 

LC2

US0-US3 US0-US3

RFS-2—P1 (A-D)
RFS-2—P1 (H-K)

 

LC4

US0-US3 US0-US3

RFS-1—P1 (A-D)
RFS-1—P1 (H-K)

 

Figure 5-14 Cabling the Protect Line Cards (MC28C)

Cabling DS Ports to the Input Ports on the Upconverter

This section describes cabling from the Cisco uBR7246VXR line cards DS ports to the upconverter.


Note The Cisco uBR-MC28U cable interface line cards have onboard upconverters and are cabled directly to the DS ports (F, M, or G) on the RF switch.


Equipment

5 cable bundles —(F-connector to F-connector—multicolor)

To cable the DS ports to the upconverter, complete the following steps. Refer to Figure 5-15, and Table 5-15, Table 5-16, and Table 5-17.


Step 1 Connect the cables to the downstream connectors (DS0, DS1) on the line cards (LC1-LC4).

Step 2 Secure the cables with cable wrap, and run the cable bundles up the right side of the equipment rack.

Step 3 Pull the cable bundle through the space between the VXR1 router and the RF switch. Add a 10-dB attenuator to the DS cables, if necessary.

Step 4 Connect the cables to the input ports (top) on the upconverter.

Step 5 Repeat Step 1 through Step 4 for each DS0 and DS1 port on the Cisco uBR7246VXR routers (VXR2 through VXR5).


Figure 5-15 shows cabling for the upconverter.

From the DS ports of the line cards to the upconverter—multicolored cables

From the upconverter to the RF switch—gray and brown cables

Figure 5-15 Cabling the Upconverter

UPx1

Table 5-15 DS Cables from VXRs to UPx1 Ports (by Router)

Color
VXR1
UPx1 Input
a
VXR2
UPx1 Input
a

Red

LC1—DS0

1

 

LC1—DS0

9

 

White

LC1—DS1

2

 

LC1—DS1

10

 

Blue

LC2—DS0

3

 

LC2—DS0

11

 

Green

LC2—DS1

4

 

LC2—DS1

12

 

Yellow

LC3—DS0

5

 

LC3—DS0

13

 

Violet

LC3—DS1

6

 

LC3—DS1

14

 

Orange

LC4—DS0

7

 

LC4—DS0

15

 

Black

LC4—DS1

8

 

LC4—DS1

16

 

UPx2

Table 5-16 DS Cables from VXRs to UPx2 Ports (by Router) 

Color
VXR3
UPx2 Input
a
VXR4
UPx2 Input
a

Red

LC1—DS0

1

 

LC1—DS0

9

 

White

LC1—DS1

2

 

LC1—DS1

10

 

Blue

LC2—DS0

3

 

LC2—DS0

11

 

Green

LC2—DS1

4

 

LC2—DS1

12

 

Yellow

LC3—DS0

5

 

LC3—DS0

13

 

Violet

LC3—DS1

6

 

LC3—DS1

14

 

Orange

LC4—DS0

7

 

LC4—DS0

15

 

Black

LC4—DS1

8

 

LC4—DS1

16

 

UPx3

Table 5-17 DS Cables from VXRs to UPx3 Ports (by Router)

Color
VXR5
UPx3 Input
a

Red

LC1—DS0

1

 

White

LC1—DS1

2

 

Blue

LC2—DS0

3

 

Green

LC2—DS1

4

 

Yellow

LC3—DS0

5

 

Violet

LC3—DS1

6

 

Orange

LC4—DS0

7

 

Black

LC4—DS1

8

 

Cabling the Output Ports (Upconverter to RF Switch)

The following section describes cabling from the output ports on the upconverter to the RF switch.

Equipment

40 cables (F-connector to MCX connector—gray and brown)

To cable the upconverter to the RF switch, complete the following steps. Refer to Figure 5-15.


Step 1 Connect the cable to the output connector (1-lower) on the upconverter.

Step 2 Run the cable under the RF switch to the rear of the chassis.

Step 3 Connect the cable to the F1 port on the header block.

a. See Table 5-18 for UPx1.

b. See Table 5-19 for UPx2.

c. See Table 5-20 for UPx3.

Step 4 Repeat Step 1 through Step 3 for the remaining cables, alternating between the F and M ports on the header blocks.



Tip Use different colored cables for each connection. The example shows alternating gray and brown.


Figure 5-16 Output Cables (Gray and Brown)

UPx1

Table 5-18 UPx1 Cables to RF Switch

Color
UPx1 Output
RFS Ports
a
UPx1 Output
RFS Ports
a

Gray

1

RFS-2, 1F

 

9

RFS-2, 2F

 

Brown

2

RFS-2, 1M

 

10

RFS-2, 2M

 

Gray

3

RFS-2, 5F

 

11

RFS-2, 6F

 

Brown

4

RFS-2, 5M

 

12

RFS-2, 6M

 

Gray

5

RFS-1, 1F

 

13

RFS-1, 2F

 

Brown

6

RFS-1, 1M

 

14

RFS-1, 2M

 

Gray

7

RFS-1, 5F

 

15

RFS-1, 6F

 

Brown

8

RFS-1, 5M

 

16

RFS-1, 6M

 

UPx2

Table 5-19 UPx2 Cables to RF Switch

Color
UPx2 Output
RFS Ports
a
UPx2 Output
RFS Ports
a

Gray

1

RFS-2, 3F

 

9

RFS-2, 4F

 

Brown

2

RFS-2, 3M

 

10

RFS-2, 4M

 

Gray

3

RFS-2, 7F

 

11

RFS-2, 8F

 

Brown

4

RFS-2, 7M

 

12

RFS-2, 8M

 

Gray

5

RFS-1, 3F

 

13

RFS-1, 4F

 

Brown

6

RFS-1, 3M

 

14

RFS-1, 4M

 

Gray

7

RFS-1, 7F

 

15

RFS-1, 8F

 

Brown

8

RFS-1, 7M

 

16

RFS-1, 8M

 

UPx3

Table 5-20 UPx3 Cables to RF Switch

Color
UPx3 Output
RFS Ports
a

Gray

1

RFS-2, P2F

 

Brown

2

RFS-2, P2M

 

Gray

3

RFS-2, P1F

 

Brown

4

RFS-2, P1M

 

Gray

5

RFS-1, P2F

 

Brown

6

RFS-1, P2M

 

Gray

7

RFS-1, P1F

 

Brown

8

RFS-1, P1M

 

Cabling the Output Cables (CABLE PLANT to HUB)

The following section describes cabling the RF switch for output.


Note The output cables (CABLE PLANT) on the RF Switch are cabled in the reverse order of the input cables (CMTS).


Equipment

16 cable bundles (MCX connector to F-connector—multicolor)

16 header blocks (installed)


Note Two more cable bundles may be required if you intend to route the upstream cables and the downstream cables to different locations.


To cable the output to the cable plant, complete the following steps.


Step 1 Install the output cables in the header blocks. Start with the header block on the far right (1H—1A). For easier troubleshooting, use the same color sequence that was used for CMTS cabling.
A-red, B-white, C-blue, D-green. H-yellow, I-violet, J-orange, K-black.

Step 2 Run the output cables (H-A) from header blocks to splitters, US laser receivers, or the low side of the diplex filters

Step 3 Run the output cables (M-F) to the splitters and combiners, DS laser transmitters, or the high side of the diplex filters.


Figure 5-17 RF Switch Cable Plant Outputs (Turquoise)

Powering On the RF Switch

To power on the RF switch, complete the following steps.


Step 1 Check that the cables connecting the cable interface line cards in the Cisco uBR7246VXR to the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch are in place.

Step 2 Verify that the power cables are properly connected and secured.

a. The AC-input power cable is connected and secured with the cable-retention clip.

b. The AC power cord is connected to the AC power source.

or

a. The DC-input leads (+48 and -48 DC) are connected and secured in the strain-relief on the power supply faceplate.

b. The DC ground wire is securely connected to the ground location (rack).

c. The DC leads are connected to the DC power source.

Step 3 Place the power switch on the power supply in either the AC or DC position, depending on which type of power source is connected to your Cisco RF Switch. The green LED on the power supply goes on.

Step 4 During the boot process, monitor the Cisco uBR 3x10 RF Switch system initialization and LED behavior for any errors or failures.