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2-2
Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Hardware Installation Guide
OL-15902-01
Chapter 2 Installing the Cisco Nexus 5000 Switch
Preparing for Installation
Note Each new switch requires a license. For information on licensing, see the Cisco Nexus 5000 Series CLI
Configuration Guide.
Preparing for Installation
This section includes the following topics:
• Installation Options, page 2-2
• Installation Guidelines, page 2-3
• Required Equipment, page 2-4
• Unpacking and Inspecting the Switch, page 2-4

Installation Options

The Cisco Nexus 5000 switch can be installed using the following methods:
• In an open EIA rack, using the following items:
–
The rack-mount kit shipped with the switch
–
The EIA Shelf Bracket Kit (an optional kit, purchased separately)
• In a perforated or solid-walled EIA cabinet, using:
–
The rack-mount kit shipped with the switch
–
The EIA Shelf Bracket Kit (an optional kit, purchased separately)
For instructions on installing the switch using the rack-mount kit shipped with the switch, see the
“Installing the Cisco Nexus 5020 Chassis in a Cabinet or Rack” section on page 2-5.
Note The optional EIA Shelf Bracket Kit is not provided with the switch. To order the kit, contact your switch
provider.

Airflow Considerations

Airflow through the Cisco Nexus 5000 switch is from front to back. Air enters the chassis through the
fan trays and power supplies mounted at the front of the chassis and exits the chassis through
perforations on the rear of the chassis. To ensure proper airflow, follow these guidelines:
• Maintain ambient airflow throughout the data center to ensure normal operation.
• Consider the heat dissipation of all equipment when determining air-conditioning requirements.
When evaluating airflow requirements, take into consideration that hot air generated by equipment
at the bottom of the rack can be drawn in the intake ports of the equipment above.

Chassis Weight

When lifting the system, follow these guidelines: