Chassis Airflow
Chassis and Power Supplies
page 2-38
OmniSwitch 8800 Hardware Users Guide
December 2004
Blank Cover Panels and Chassis Airflow
Blank cover panels are provided with your switch and are used to cover empty CMM, SFM, and NI slots,
as well as empty power supply bays. 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.
For example, if NI and/or CMM blank cover panels are missing, air does not take the direct route from the
air intake vents, up through the chassis front module compartment, and out through the fan trays. Instead, a
portion of the airflow is allowed to be drawn in through the front module compartment of the chassis. As a
result, normal airflow is disrupted and an extra task is placed on the fan tray to cool the chassis. Refer to
the figure below for more information.
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.
Effects of Missing Blank Panels on Chassis Airflow
Missing Cover Panels.
Missing cover panels affect
airflow by allowing air to be
drawn in through the front
module compartment of the
chassis. As a result, the direct
route from the air intake
vents to the fan tray exhaust
is disrupted.
For optimal airflow and
chassis component protec-
tion, always install blank
cover panels over empty
module slots and power sup-
ply bays.
Air leakage due to
missing cover panels
