Temperature Management | OmniSwitch 6600 Series Chassis and Hardware Components |
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Blank Cover Panels
Blank cover panels are provided with your switch and are used to cover empty uplink and stacking module slots, as well as empty back up power supply bays (if applicable). These cover panels play an important role in chassis airflow and temperature management. They also protect the switch’s processor board and other sensitive internal switch components from physical damage by closing off a chassis that is not fully populated.
If your switch is not fully populated with submodules and a redundant power supply, and blank cover panels are not installed over empty slot locations, airflow is adversely affected.
When blank cover panels are missing, air does not take the direct route from the air intake vent, through the chassis, and then out through the fan exhaust vents. Instead, a portion of the airflow is allowed to be drawn in through the front and rear of the chassis. As a result, normal airflow is disrupted and an extra task is placed on the fans 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.
Because they regulate airflow and help protect internal chassis components, blank cover panels should remain installed over empty module slots and power supply bays at all times.
Missing Cover Panels. Missing cover panels affect airflow by allowing air to be drawn in through the front submodule bays or rear redundant power supply bay. As a result, the direct route from the air intake vent to the fan exhaust vents is dis- rupted.
For optimal airflow and chassis component protec- tion, always install blank cover panels over empty slots and power supply bays.
Air leakage due to
missing submodule cover panels
Air leakage due to
missing redundant power supply panel
Air Intake Vent
Effects of Missing Blank Panels on Chassis Airflow
page | OmniSwitch 6600 Series Hardware Users Guide April 2004 |
