Specifications

2-7
Cisco 7100 Series VPN Router Installation and Configuration Guide
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Chapter 2 Preparing for Installation
Safety Guidelines
• To mount the router between two posts or rails using the brackets, the inner clearance (the width
between the inner sides of the two posts or rails) must be at least 17 inches (43.18 cm).
• The height of the chassis is 3.5 inches (8.89 cm).
• When mounting the router in four-post or telco-type racks, be sure to use all the screws and the
brackets provided to secure the chassis to the rack posts.
• If you plan to use an equipment shelf, ensure that the shelf is constructed to support the weight and
dimensions of the chassis. Figure 2-2 shows the chassis footprint, which you need if you are
designing a customized shelf. We recommend that you use the rack-mount kit designed for
Cisco 7100 series routers.
When planning your rack installation, consider the following guidelines:
• Install the router in an open rack whenever possible. If installation in an enclosed rack is
unavoidable, ensure that the rack has adequate ventilation.
An enclosed rack should have louvered sides and a fan to provide cooling air because heat generated
by equipment near the bottom of the rack can be drawn upward into the intake ports of the equipment
above.
Caution To prevent chassis overheating, never install the router in an enclosed rack or room that is not properly
ventilated or air conditioned.
• Ensure that the rack is not congested, because each unit generates heat. Maintain a minimum
clearance of 3 inches (7.62 cm) on the back and front of the chassis for the cooling air inlet and
exhaust ports, respectively.
• Baffles can isolate exhaust air from intake air, which also helps to draw cooling air through the
chassis. The best placement of the baffles depends on the airflow patterns in the rack, which can be
found by experimenting with different configurations.
• 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 to allow the unit under test a
maximum of cooling air and clean power.
• Allow sufficient clearance around the rack for maintenance. If the rack is mobile, you can push it
back near a wall or cabinet for normal operation and pull it out for maintenance (installing or
removing a port adapter or connecting cables). Otherwise, allow 19 inches (48.3 cm) of clearance
to remove the port adapter.
• Install the chassis and external devices to which it will connect in a contiguous stack.