Rack-Mounting Guidelines

Chapter 2 Preparing for Installation

Site Requirement Guidelines

Before installing the Cisco 7200 VXR router in a rack, read the “Site Preparation and Safety” section of the Regulatory Compliance and Safety Information for Cisco 7200 Series Routers to familiarize yourself with proper site and environmental conditions. Failure to read and follow the guidelines could lead to an unsuccessful installation and possible damage to the router and components.

The rack-mounting hardware included with Cisco 7200 VXR routers is suitable for most 19-inch equipment racks and two-post racks. To easily access FRUs while the router is installed in a rack, make certain you have access to the front and rear of the router.

Before using a particular rack, check for obstructions (such as a power strip) that could impair rack-mount installation. If a power strip does impair a rear rack-mount installation, remove the power strip before installing a Cisco 7200 VXR router in the rack, and then replace it after the chassis is installed. As an alternative, you can mount a Cisco 7200 VXR router on an equipment shelf provided that the rack dimensions allow you to secure the router to the shelf, and the overall configuration permits safe installation and access. However, we recommend rack-mounting Cisco 7200 VXR routers.

Figure 2-2shows the Cisco 7200 VXR router footprint and outer dimensions.

To use the rack-mounting hardware provided with the Cisco 7200 VXR routers, consider the following guidelines:

•To mount the router between two posts or rails using the brackets, the inner clearance (the width between the inner sides of the two posts or rails) must be at least 17.00 inches (43.18 cm).

•The height of the chassis is 5.25 inches (13.34 cm).

•When mounting the router in either four-post or two-post racks, be sure to use all the screws and the brackets provided to secure the chassis to the rack posts.

Cisco 7200 VXR Installation and Configuration Guide

	OL-5013-09	2-5

7200 VXR specifications

The Cisco Systems 7200 VXR Series is a robust and highly scalable modular router designed to meet the demands of service providers and enterprises seeking high-performance solutions for their network infrastructures. Launched as part of the Cisco 7200 series, the VXR (Virtual Extensible Routing) variant enhances capabilities while providing effective support for a wide range of applications, including Internet Protocol (IP) routing, Voice over IP (VoIP), and Virtual Private Network (VPN) configurations.

At the core of the 7200 VXR is its modular design, which enables network administrators to customize the router according to their specific needs. The router supports a variety of interface cards, processing engines, and power supply options, ensuring flexibility for diverse network environments. This modularity facilitates easy upgrades and expansions, making it ideal for growing enterprises and service providers looking to future-proof their networks.

One of the standout features of the Cisco 7200 VXR is its impressive routing performance. It can handle a high level of traffic with low latency, which is critical for bandwidth-intensive applications. The router supports a wide array of routing protocols, including Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and Integrated Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS), providing versatility for various network topologies.

The 7200 VXR also incorporates advanced features for enhanced security and reliability. With support for IPsec VPNs, it enables secure data transmission across untrusted networks. The router also includes features like Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing network traffic, ensuring critical applications receive the bandwidth they require even during peak loads.

In terms of scalability, the Cisco 7200 VXR can support hundreds of thousands of routes and MAC addresses, making it suitable for large metropolitan area networks (MANs) as well as enterprise backbone applications. It also provides the capability to support IPv4 and IPv6 networks, preparing organizations for a transition to next-generation internet protocols.

Additional characteristics of the Cisco 7200 VXR include enhanced manageability through the Cisco IOS software, which offers a comprehensive command-line interface and support for network management protocols. The router is also energy-efficient, with options for redundant power supplies that ensure continuous availability and minimal downtime in mission-critical applications.

Overall, the Cisco Systems 7200 VXR represents a powerful solution that combines performance, scalability, and security, making it an excellent choice for organizations looking to enhance their network capabilities in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Cisco Systems 7200 VXR manual Rack-Mounting Guidelines

Models: 7200 VXR