Routers with internal Power Supplies can be mounted in a 19-inch rack using rack-mount brackets (optional kit). Routers with external Power Supplies require a customer-provided tray for mounting in a rack.

The following information helps you plan your equipment rack configuration:

• Allow clearance around the rack for maintenance.

• Allow at least one rack unit of vertical space between routers; more clearance is required when stacking multiple Cisco 900 Series ISRs. Provide adequate heat removal mechanism so that heat does not build up in the rack and the air surrounding the router is well within the specified operating ambient temperature condition.

  Note	More spacing may be required depending on the installation environment.

• Enclosed racks must have adequate ventilation. Ensure that the rack is not congested, because each router generates heat. An enclosed rack should have louvered sides and a fan to provide cooling air. Heat generated by equipment near the bottom of the rack can be drawn upward into the intake ports of the equipment above it.

Cisco 900 Series ISRs can be installed on a desk or a shelf, under a desk or a shelf, on a wall, and in a rack, depending on the SKU. The location of your router and the layout of your equipment rack or wiring room are extremely important considerations for proper operation. Equipment installed too close together, inadequate ventilation, and inaccessible panels can cause malfunctions and shutdowns, and can make maintenance difficult. Plan your installation site for accessing both front and rear panels of the router.

When planning your site layout and equipment locations, refer to the General Site Requirements , section. If you are currently experiencing shutdowns or an unusually high number of errors with your existing equipment, these precautions and recommendations may help you isolate the cause of failure and prevent future problems.

• Ensure that the room where your router operates has adequate air circulation. Electrical equipment generates heat. Without adequate air circulation, ambient air temperature may not cool equipment to acceptable operating temperatures.

• Always follow ESD-prevention procedures described in the Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage to avoid damage to equipment. Damage from static discharge can cause immediate or intermittent equipment failure.

• When equipment installed in a rack (particularly in an enclosed rack) fails, try operating the equipment by itself, if possible. Power off other equipment in the rack (and in adjacent racks) to allow the router under test a maximum of cooling air and clean power.

Cisco 900 series routers come with the following power options:

• Routers with internal AC power supply

• Routers with external AC power supply

Note	Do not hang the Power Supply Unit (PSU) from the power socket. Place it on a surface.

Note	Check the power at your site to ensure that you are receiving power that is free of spikes and noise. Install a power conditioner if necessary

The following sections describe the cables and thee specifications required to install Cisco 900 Series ISRs:

You need the following tools and equipment to install and upgrade the router and its components:

• ESD-preventive cord and wrist strap

• Number 2 Phillips screwdriver

• Phillips screwdrivers: small, 3/16-in. (4 to 5 mm) and medium, 1/4-in. (6 to 7 mm)

• Screws that fit your rack

• Wire crimper

• Wire for connecting the chassis to an earth ground:

  • AWG 14 (2 mm² ) or larger wire for chassis grounding

• For grounding, an appropriate user-supplied ring terminal sized appropriately for a #6-32 screw.