4-2
Cisco Nexus 2000 Series Hardware Installation Guide
Chapter4 Installing a Cisco Nexus Fabric Extender
Preparing for Installation
Preparing for Installation
This section includes the following topics:
•Installation Options, page4-2
•Airflow Considerations, page4-2
•Chassis Weight, page4-3
•Installation Guidelines, page4-3
•Required Tools and Equipment, page 4-4
•Unpacking and Inspecting the Cisco Nexus Fabric Extender, page4-5

Installation Options

The Cisco Nexus FEX can be installed using the following methods:
•In an open EIA rack, using the following items:
–
The rack-mount kit shipped with the device
–
The EIA Shelf Bracket Kit (an optional kit, purchased separately)
•In a perforated or solid-walled EIA cabinet, using one of the following:
–
The rack-mount kit shipped with the device
–
The EIA Shelf Bracket Kit (an optional kit, purchased separately)
For instructions on installing the device using the rack-mount kit shipped with the device, see the
“Installing the Cisco Nexus Fabric Extender Chassis in a Cabinet or Rack” section on page4-6.
Note The optional EIA Shelf Bracket Kit is not provided with the device. To order the kit, contact your device
provider.

Airflow Considerations

Airflow through the Cisco Nexus FEX is from the port side exhaust to the back or the back to the port
side exhaust. To ensure proper airflow, follow these guidelines:
•Position the chassis so that its air intake side (port side exhaust side for port side exhaust airflow or
back side for port side intake airflow) is in a cold aisle. Otherwise, an overtemperature condition can
occur and the system can shut down.
•Avoid having the air intake where other systems exhaust air.
•Due to the shallow depth of the Cisco Nexus FEX, it is also possible for air to recirculate across the
top and bottom of the chassis in a partially populated rack.
•Make sure that the fan tray and power supply modules all use the same direction of airflow. All of
the modules should have no black stripe (port side exhaust airflow) or all of the modules should have
a black stripe (port side intake airflow).