Cleaning the Air Filter
Cisco 12008 Gigabit Switch Router Installation and Configuration Guide
7-2
Cleaning the Air Filter
The Cisco12008 has a removable air filter assembly that forms part of the outer enclosure
of the lower card cage (see Figure7-1). This card cage accommodates a fan tray containing
six fans that provide cooling air for all of the router’s internal electronic circuitry, including
all of the cards installed in the upper card cage slots and the optional set of three SFCs that
you can install in the lower card cage slots.
The air filter assembly removes dust and particulate matter from the ambient air being
drawn into the router by the card cage fan tray. Once a month (or more often in dusty
environments) you should examine the air filter and replace it if it is dirty. You can clean or
replace the air filter while the Cisco 12008 remains powered up and fully operational.
A new air filter (product number GSR8-FILTER=) is the only part that you will need if you
decide that the old filter needs replacing.
Note When ordering spare air filters, keep in mind that they have a shelf life of
approximately 6 months.
To service the air filter, you need only remove the plastic bezel to gain access to the filter
proper (see Figure7 -1). A vacuum cleaner is the only tool you need to perform air filter
maintenance.
The closure for the lower card cage is designed in a way that permits you to detach the
plastic bezel and the air filter without removing the underlying EMI frame. Thus, you can
perform filter maintenance without disrupting the EMI integrity of the router enclosure.
The EMI frame, which contains a honeycomb screen for EMI suppression, should remain
in place at all times during normal router use to ensure EMI compliance. However, this
frame can be removed at any time should it become necessary to access the components in
the lower card cage. The EMI frame is secured to the router by means of two panel fasten ers
(see Figure7-1).
To remove or replace the air filter, perform the following steps:
Step1 Using both hands, exert upward pressure on the two lower spring clips (see
Figure7-1) to disengage them from the body of the bezel; swing the bezel
upward to release it from the upper spring clips. Set the bezel aside temporarily.