Table of Contents

Installing the Switch

Installing the Switch

Warning Before you install, operate, or service the system, read the Site Preparation and Safety Guide. This guide contains important safety information you should know before working with the system.

Note   The information in this chapter applies to all Catalyst 5000 family switches unless otherwise noted.

This chapter describes how to install the Catalyst 5000 family switch in a rack. For first-time installations, perform the procedures in the following sections in the order listed:

• Checking the Contents
  
  
• Rack-Mounting the Switch
  
  

For information on installing the supervisor engines and verifying switch operation, see Chapter 3, "Installing the Supervisor Engine," in the Catalyst 5000 Family Supervisor Engine Installation Guide.

Note   Before starting the installation procedures in this chapter, use the site planning checklist in "Site Planning," to verify that all site planning activities were completed.

Checking the Contents

Note   Do not discard the shipping container when you unpack the switch. Flatten the shipping cartons and store them with the pallet (supplied with the Catalyst 5509 and Catalyst 5500 switches). You will need these containers if you need to move or ship the switch in the future. Repacking instructions are provided in "Repacking a Switch."

To check the contents of the shipping container, follow these steps:

• Switch hardware and software documentation, if ordered
  
  
• Optional equipment that you ordered, such as network interface cables, transceivers, or special connectors
  
  

Step 2   Check the switching modules in each slot. Ensure that the configuration matches the packing list and that all the specified interfaces are included.

Step 3   To begin installation, proceed to the "Rack-Mounting the Switch" section.

Rack-Mounting the Switch

A standard rack-mount kit is included for mounting the switch in a standard 19-inch (48.3 cm) equipment rack with two unobstructed outer posts, with a minimum depth (between the front and rear mounting posts) of 19.25 inches (48.9 cm) and a maximum depth of 32 inches (81.3 cm). This kit is not suitable for use with racks with obstructions (such as a power strip) that could impair access to switch field-replaceable units (FRUs).

Caution Before installing the chassis in a rack, read the "Checking the Contents" section to familiarize yourself with the proper site and environmental conditions. Failure to read and follow these guidelines could lead to an unsuccessful installation and possible damage to the system and components.

• This unit should be mounted at the bottom of the rack if it is the only unit in the rack.
  
  
• When mounting this unit in a partially filled rack, load the rack from the bottom to the top with the heaviest component at the bottom of the rack.
  
  
• If the rack is provided with stabilizing devices, install the stabilizers before mounting or servicing the unit in the rack.
  
  

Rack-Mounting Guidelines

Before rack-mounting the switch, ensure the following:

• The equipment rack is the proper size.
  
  • The width of the rack, between the two front mounting strips or rails, must be 17.75 inches (45.09 cm).
    
    
  • The depth of the rack, between the front and rear mounting strips, must be at least 19.25 inches (48.9 cm) but not more than 32 inches (81.3 cm).
    
    
  • The rack must have sufficient vertical clearance to insert the chassis. The chassis heights are as follows:
    
    

  Catalyst 5002 switch—5.75 inches (14.6 cm)
  

  Catalyst 5000 and Catalyst 5505 switches—10.4 inches (26.4 cm)
  

  Catalyst 5509 switch—20 inches (50.8 cm)
  

  Catalyst 5500 switch—25 inches (63.5 cm)
  

• The equipment rack is stable and in no danger of falling over.
  
  
  • Ensure that the shelf is constructed to support the weight and dimensions of the chassis. For physical specifications, see "Specifications."
    
    
  • We recommend that you bolt the rack to the floor.
    
    
  • Mount the unit at the bottom of the rack if it is the only unit in the rack.
    
    
  • Install heavier equipment in the lower half of the rack to maintain a low center of gravity and prevent the rack from becoming top-heavy and tipping over.
    
    
  • Install the stabilizers before mounting or servicing the switch in the rack (if the rack is provided with stabilizing devices).
    
    
• The equipment rack is properly ventilated.
  
  
  • Install the chassis in an enclosed rack only if it has adequate ventilation or an exhaust fan; use an open rack whenever possible.
    
    
  • Ensure that the ambient temperature of the rack environment does not exceed a maximum temperature of 104ºF (40ºC). Note that if the switch is installed in a closed or multiunit rack assembly, the ambient operating temperature of the rack environment might be higher than the ambient room temperature.
    
  • Note that a ventilation system in a closed rack that is too powerful might also prevent cooling by creating negative pressure around the chassis and redirecting the air away from the chassis intake vent. If necessary, operate the chassis with the rack open.
    
    
  • To prevent airflow restriction, allow at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) of clearance around the ventilation openings.
    
  • Use baffles correctly to assist in cooling the chassis.
    
    
  • Note that equipment near the bottom of a rack may generate excessive heat that is drawn upward and into the intake ports of equipment above, leading to overtemperature conditions in the chassis at or near the top of the rack.
    
    
  • Consider the equipment and cabling that is already installed in the rack. Ensure that cables from other equipment will not obstruct the airflow through the chassis or impair access to the power supplies or switching modules. Route cables away from field-replaceable units to avoid disconnecting cables unnecessarily for equipment maintenance or upgrades.
    
  • Allow at least 3 to 4 feet (91.4 to 121.9 cm) of clearance behind the rack for maintenance and removal of switch assemblies. If the rack is mobile, you can push it back within 1 foot (30.45 cm) of a wall or cabinet for normal operation and pull it out when necessary for maintenance.
    
    

Lifting the Chassis Safely

Two people are required to lift a Catalyst 5000, Catalyst 5505, Catalyst 5509, or Catalyst 5500 chassis. Whenever you lift the chassis or any heavy object, follow these guidelines:

• Never attempt to lift a chassis by yourself. The size and weight of a chassis requires two people to safely lift and move it without causing injury or damaging the equipment.
  
  
• Ensure that your footing is solid, and balance the weight of the chassis between your feet.
  
  
• Lift the chassis slowly; never move suddenly or twist your body as you lift.
  
  
• Keep your back straight and lift with your legs, not your back. If you must bend down to lift the chassis, bend at the knees, not at the waist, to reduce the strain on your lower back muscles.
  
  
• Leave all switch FRUs installed (such as switching modules, power supplies, and fan assembly).
  
  
• Always disconnect all external cables before lifting or moving the chassis.
  
  

The chassis is not intended to be moved frequently. Before you install the switch, ensure that your site is properly prepared so that you can avoid moving the chassis later to accommodate power sources and network connections.

Required Installation Tools

The following tools and equipment are required to install the chassis:

• Number 1 and number 2 Phillips screwdrivers to tighten the captive installation screws on most systems
  
  
• 3/16-inch flat-blade screwdriver for the captive installation screws on the supervisor engine and switch modules in some systems
  
  
• Antistatic mat or antistatic foam in case you need to remove switch modules to troubleshoot the installation
  
  
• Your own ESD grounding strap or the disposable ESD strap included with the system
  
  

The following tools and equipment are required to install the chassis in a rack:

• Rack-mount kit
  
  
• Cable management kit
  
  
• Tape measure and level
  
  

Rack-Mounting Procedures

Proceed to the rack-mount installation procedure for the type of switch you are installing:

• Rack-Mounting the Catalyst 5002 Switch
  
  
• Rack-Mounting the Catalyst 5000 and Catalyst 5505 Switches
  
  
• Rack-Mounting the Catalyst 5509 Switch
  
  
• Rack-Mounting the Catalyst 5500 Switch
  
  

Rack-Mounting the Catalyst 5002 Switch

Use this procedure to install the Catalyst 5002 switch in a rack:

Note   The procedures are the same for both the AC-input and DC-input power supply models. The figures shown in this section reflect the AC-input power supply model.

Note   Figure 4-1 illustrates how to attach the front of the switch to the rack. You can also attach the rear of the switch to the rack, depending on the configuration of your rack.

Step 2   Note that the L brackets connect the chassis to the rack. You can mount the L brackets to the front or rear mounting holes of the chassis, depending on which end is in the front of the rack.

Note   Some equipment racks provide a power strip along the length of one of the rear posts. If your rack has this feature, consider the position of the strip when planning fastener points. Before you install the L brackets on the chassis, determine whether you will install the chassis from the front or the rear of the rack.

Attach the left and right L brackets using the four M4 Phillips pan-head screws provided in the rack-mount kit. (See Figure 4-1.)

Step 3   Install the chassis in the rack as follows:

Step 4   From the rear of the chassis, do the following:

Step 5   Note that the Catalyst 5002 switch powers up when you connect the power supply cords (do not power up the supplies at this point).

Rack-Mounting the Catalyst 5000 and Catalyst 5505 Switches

Use this procedure to install the Catalyst 5000 switch or Catalyst 5505 switch in a rack:

Step 2   Note that the L brackets connect the chassis to the rack. Install the L brackets as follows:

Step 3   Install the chassis in the rack as follows:

Note   You should have a third person on hand to assist in this step.

Step 4   From the rear of the chassis, do the following:

Step 5   Connect the power supplies to the site power following the procedures in the "Removing and Replacing the Power Supply" section. (Do not turn on the power supplies at this point.)

Rack-Mounting the Catalyst 5509 Switch

Use this procedure to install the Catalyst 5509 switch in a rack:

Step 2   Note that the two shelf brackets support the weight of the chassis in the rack. Install the shelf brackets as follows:

Caution If the rack is on wheels, ensure that the brakes are engaged or that the rack is otherwise stabilized.

Note   No shelf is required with this assembly; the shelf brackets support the chassis in the rack.

Step 3   Note that the L brackets connect the chassis to the rack. Install the L brackets by attaching the left and right L brackets using the eight M4 Phillips countersunk-head screws provided in the rack-mount kit. (See Figure 4-7.)

Note   Some equipment racks provide a power strip along the length of one of the rear posts. If your rack has this feature, consider the position of the strip when planning fastener points. Before you install the L brackets on the chassis, determine whether you will install the chassis from the front or the rear of the rack.

Note   If you are installing cable guides, place the cable guides inside the L brackets, between the L bracket and the chassis. Secure the cable guides to the chassis using the same screws (and chassis holes) as the L brackets. (See Figure 4-7.) The cable guides and screws are provided in the cable management kit.

Step 4   Install the chassis in the rack as follows:

Note   You should have a third person available to assist in this step.

Step 5   Check the ejector levers to ensure that the supervisor engine and all switching modules are installed securely.

Step 6   Tighten any loose captive installation screws on the supervisor engine and switching modules.

Step 7   Connect the power supplies to the site power by following the procedures in the "Removing and Replacing the Power Supply" section. (Do not turn on the power supplies at this point.)

Rack-Mounting the Catalyst 5500 Switch

Use this procedure to install the Catalyst 5500 switch in a rack:

Step 2   Note that the two shelf brackets support the weight of the chassis in the rack. Install the shelf brackets as follows:

Caution If the rack is on wheels, ensure that the brakes are engaged or that the rack is otherwise stabilized.

Note   No shelf is required with this assembly; the shelf brackets support the chassis in the rack.

Step 3   Note that the L brackets connect the chassis to the rack. Install the L brackets by attaching the left and right L brackets using the ten M4 Phillips countersunk-head screws provided in the rack-mount kit. (See Figure 4-10.)

Note   Some equipment racks provide a power strip along the length of one of the rear posts. If your rack has this feature, consider the position of the strip when planning fastener points. Before you install the L brackets on the chassis, determine whether you will install the chassis from the front or the rear of the rack.

Note   If you are installing cable guides, place the cable guides inside the L brackets, between the L bracket and the chassis. Secure the cable guides to the chassis using the same screws (and chassis holes) as the L brackets. (See Figure 4-10.) The cable guides and screws are provided in the cable management kit.

Step 4   Install the chassis in the rack as follows:

Note   You should have a third person available to assist in this step.

Step 5   Check the ejector levers to ensure that the supervisor engine and all switching modules are installed securely.

Step 6   Tighten any loose captive installation screws on the supervisor engine and switching modules.

Step 7   Connect the power supplies to the site power by following the procedures in the "Removing and Replacing the Power Supply" section. (Do not turn on the power supplies at this point.)