Cabling Requirements

Chapter 2 Preparing for Installation

•For DC power cables, we recommend that you use commensurately rated, high-strand-count copper wire cable. Connection to the DC-input power supply requires one earth ground cable, one source DC (–), and one source DC return (+). The length of the cables depends on your switch location.

These cables are not available from Cisco Systems. They are available from any commercial cable vendor.

•The color coding of the source DC power cable leads depends on the color coding of the site DC power source. Typically, green or green and yellow indicate that the cable is a ground cable. Because there is no color code standard for source DC wiring, you must ensure that the power cables are connected to the DC-input power supply terminal block in the proper (+) and (–) polarity. In some cases, the source DC cable leads might have a positive (+) or a negative (–) label. This label is a relatively safe indication of the polarity, but you must verify the polarity by measuring the voltage between the DC cable leads. When making the measurement, the positive (+) lead and the negative

(–) lead must always match the (+) and (–) labels on the DC-input power supply terminal block.

•You must terminate DC power cables by using insulated crimp-on spade lugs or insulated crimp-on ring connectors at the power supply end.

•The circuit breaker is considered the disconnect device and should be easily accessible.

•You must protect the circuit by using a dedicated two-pole circuit breaker. The circuit breaker should be sized according to the power supply input rating and local or national code requirements.

When running power and data cables together in overhead cable trays or subfloor cable trays, be aware of the following cautions:

Caution We strongly recommend that you locate the power cabling runs and other potential noise sources as far away as practical from LAN cabling that terminates on Cisco equipment. If you cannot separate the long parallel cable runs by at least 3.3 feet (1 meter), we recommend that you shield these potential noise sources by housing them in grounded metallic conduits.

Caution The intrabuilding port(s) of the equipment or subassembly is suitable for connection to intrabuilding or unexposed wiring or cabling only. The intrabuilding port(s) of the equipment or subassembly must not be metallically connected to interfaces that connect to the Outside Plant (OSP) or its wiring. These interfaces are designed for use as intrabuilding interfaces only (Type 2 or Type 4 ports as described in GR-1089-CORE, Issue 4) and require isolation from the exposed OSP cabling. Do not use a Primary Protector when making a connection; Primary Protectors will not provide sufficient protection if you connect these interfaces metallically to OSP wiring.

Site Preparation Checklist

Table 2-2lists the site planning activities that you should perform prior to installing the Cisco ME 6524 Ethernet switch. Completing each activity helps ensure a successful switch installation.

Cisco ME 6500 Series Ethernet Switch Installation Guide

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ME 6500 specifications

The Cisco Systems ME 6500 is a sophisticated Ethernet switch designed to cater to the demanding needs of service providers and large enterprises. Engineered to deliver high performance and reliability, the ME 6500 series is ideal for both metro Ethernet applications and data center environments. One of its standout features is the ability to handle massive bandwidth, making it suitable for high-capacity networks. The switch supports a range of Ethernet services that facilitate seamless connectivity and network expansion.

At the core of the ME 6500 is its ability to provide Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionalities, which allows for flexibility in network design. This dual-layer capability enhances the switch's efficiency in managing traffic and ensures optimal forwarding of data packets. In addition, the ME 6500 series supports a wide range of Ethernet interfaces, including 10 Gigabit and 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which are essential for accommodating diverse bandwidth requirements.

One of the defining characteristics of the Cisco ME 6500 is its scalability. It supports up to 192 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports within a single chassis, enabling organizations to expand their network without compromising performance. Furthermore, the switch includes advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features that allow for traffic prioritization, which is crucial for maintaining the performance of voice and video services across the network.

The ME 6500 switch is also equipped with robust security features, including Access Control Lists (ACLs) and secure management protocols. These features protect sensitive data as it traverses the network, ensuring that only authorized users have access to critical resources. Management of the switch is simplified through Cisco’s management tools, allowing network administrators to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot the device efficiently.

Additionally, the switch supports various redundancy protocols, including Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), ensuring high availability and minimizing downtime.

Overall, the Cisco ME 6500 is a powerful and versatile solution that meets the heavy demands of modern network environments, delivering outstanding performance, security, and scalability for both service providers and large enterprises. Its advanced features make it a go-to choice for organizations looking to future-proof their networking infrastructure.