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Hardware Installation Guide for the Cisco 4451-X Integrated Services Router
OL-27644-01
Chapter 2 Preparing for Router Installation
Router Environmental Requirements
Router Environmental Requirements
Cisco ISR 4451-Xs can be placed on a desktop or installed in a rack. The location of your router and the
layout of your equipment rack or wiring room are extremely important considerations for proper
operation. Equipment placed too close together, inadequate ventilation, and inaccessible panels can
cause malfunctions and shutdowns, and can make maintenance difficult. Plan for access to both front
and rear panels of the router.
When planning your site layout and equipment locations, refer to the
“General Site Requirements”
section on page 2-7
, 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” section on page 2-7
to avoid damage to equipment. Damage from static discharge can
cause immediate or intermittent equipment failure.
•
Ensure that the chassis cover and module rear panels are secure. All empty network module slots,
interface card slots, and power supply bays must have filler panels installed. The chassis is designed
to allow cooling air to flow within it, through specially designed cooling slots. A chassis with
uncovered openings permits air leaks, which may interrupt and reduce the flow of air across internal
components.
•
Baffles can help to 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 (and in adjacent racks) to
allow the router under test a maximum of cooling air and clean power.
