Installing the switch into a 2-post rack

Before you begin:
  • Determine how you want to set up your switch:
    • Determine which end of the chassis is to be located in the cold aisle as follows:
      1. If the switch has port-side intake modules (fan modules and power supply units with red coloring), position the switch so that its ports are in the cold aisle.
      2. If the switch has port-side exhaust modules (fan modules and power supply units with blue coloring), position the switch so that its fan modules and power supply units are in the cold aisle.
    • Determine which way the chassis should slide in and out of the rack—port side entry first or rear-side entry first. You might consider whether the front or back of the rack provides better clearance for maneuvering the chassis in and out during installation and servicing. The end that needs to enter the rack first requires the guides and the other end the brackets.
To install the switch:
  1. Install two rack–mount brackets onto the switch as follows:
    1. Position a rack-mount bracket so that four of its screw holes are aligned to the screw holes on the side of the chassis. You can align any four of the holes in the rack-mount bracket to four of the six screw holes on the side of the chassis. The holes that you use depend on the requirements of your rack and the amount of clearance. For more information on clearance, see General requirements for cabinets and racks.
    2. You can install the rack-mount bracket either at the front or rear of the chassis. The choice is determined by which end of the chassis will be inserted into the rack first. If the rear end of the chassis is to be inserted first, then mount the brackets on the front of the chassis, and vice versa.
      Figure 1. Installing Rack-Mount Brackets on the Front Side of the Chassis
      Installing Rack-Mount Brackets on the Front Side of the Chassis
  2. If you are installing the chassis into an ungrounded rack, you must attach a customer-supplied grounding wire to the chassis, as explained in Grounding the switch. However, if you are installing the chassis into a grounded rack, you can skip this step.
  3. Install the switch onto the 2-post rack:
    1. Holding the switch with both hands, position the back of the switch between the two posts of the rack. Then gently move the switch until the rack-mount brackets come in contact with two rack posts.
    2. Holding the chassis level, insert three screws (12-24 or 10-32, depending on the rack type) into each of the two rack-mount brackets (using a total of six screws) and into the cage nuts or threaded holes in the rack or cabinet posts.
      Figure 2. Installing the Switch onto the 2-Post Rack From the Front Side of the Chassis
      Installing the Switch onto the 2-Post Rack From the Front Side of the Chassis
      Figure 3. Installing the Switch onto the 2-Post Rack From the Rear Side of the Chassis
      Installing the Switch onto the 2-Post Rack From the Rear Side of the Chassis
    3. Tighten the 10-32 screws to 20 in-lb (2.26 N.m) or tighten the 12-24 screws to 30 in-lb (3.39 N.m).
  4. If you have attached a grounding wire to the chassis grounding pad, connect the other end of the wire to the facility ground.