Mounting the Switch
Chassis and Power Supplies
page 3-36
OmniSwitch 6900 Hardware Users Guide
June 2020
Blank Cover Panels
Blank cover panels are provided with your switch and are used to cover empty slots. These cover panels
play an important role in chassis airflow and temperature management. If your switch is not fully
populated and blank cover panels are not installed over empty slot locations, airflow is affected.
When blank cover panels are missing, air does not take the direct route from the air intake vents, through
the chassis module compartment, and out through the fan’s exhaust vent as intended. Instead, a portion of
the airflow is allowed to escape through other openings in the chassis. As a result, normal airflow is
disrupted and an extra task is placed on the fan tray to cool the chassis.
Cover panels also provide protection for module processor boards and other sensitive internal switch
components by closing off a chassis that is not fully populated.
Note.
Because they regulate airflow and help protect internal chassis components, blank cover panels
should be installed over empty module slots and power supply bays at all times.
Blank Panels and Chassis Airflow
