Chapter 2 Preparing for Installation

Site Requirements

Site Requirements

These sections describe the basic site requirements that you should be aware of before you install your Cisco ME 6524 Ethernet switch. Environmental factors can adversely affect the performance and longevity of your system.

The following environmental factors are described:

•Temperature and Air Circulation, page 2-3

•Humidity, page 2-4

•Altitude, page 2-4

•Dust and Contamination, page 2-5

•Corrosion, page 2-5

•Electromagnetic and Radio Frequency Interference, page 2-5

•Shock and Vibration, page 2-6

Temperature and Air Circulation

Temperature extremes can cause a system to operate at reduced efficiency and cause a variety of problems, including premature aging and failure of chips, and failure of mechanical devices. Extreme temperature fluctuations can also cause chips to become loose in their sockets. Ensure that the system is operating in an environment no colder than 50°F (10°C) or hotter than 104°F (40°C).

The Cisco ME 6524 Ethernet switch is designed to be installed in an environment where there is a sufficient volume of air available to cool the electronics and the power supplies. Any constraints placed on the free flow of air through the chassis or an elevated ambient air temperature can cause the switch to overheat and shut down.

If you choose to install your Cisco ME 6524 Ethernet switch in an enclosed or partially enclosed rack, we strongly recommend that you verify that your site meets the following guidelines:

•Verify that there is a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) of clearance between the sides of the rack and both the chassis air intake grill and the chassis air exhaust grill.

•Verify that the ambient air temperature within the enclosed or partially enclosed rack is within the chassis operating temperature limits. After installing the chassis in the rack, power up the chassis and allow the chassis temperature to stabilize (approximately 2 hours). Measure the ambient air temperature at the chassis air intake grill and at the chassis air exhaust grill by positioning a temperature probe approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from and in line with the center of the grill as follows:

–If the ambient intake air temperature is less than 104°F (40°C), the rack meets the intake air temperature criterion.

–If the ambient intake air temperature exceeds 104°F (40°C), the system might experience minor temperature alarms and is in danger of overheating.

–If the ambient intake air temperature equals or is greater than 131°F (55°C), the system will experience a major temperature alarm and shut down.

Cisco ME 6500 Series Ethernet Switch Installation Guide

 

OL-8900-03

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Cisco Systems ME 6500 manual Site Requirements, Temperature and Air Circulation
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ME 6500 specifications

The Cisco Systems ME 6500 is a sophisticated Ethernet switch designed to cater to the demanding needs of service providers and large enterprises. Engineered to deliver high performance and reliability, the ME 6500 series is ideal for both metro Ethernet applications and data center environments. One of its standout features is the ability to handle massive bandwidth, making it suitable for high-capacity networks. The switch supports a range of Ethernet services that facilitate seamless connectivity and network expansion.

At the core of the ME 6500 is its ability to provide Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionalities, which allows for flexibility in network design. This dual-layer capability enhances the switch's efficiency in managing traffic and ensures optimal forwarding of data packets. In addition, the ME 6500 series supports a wide range of Ethernet interfaces, including 10 Gigabit and 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which are essential for accommodating diverse bandwidth requirements.

One of the defining characteristics of the Cisco ME 6500 is its scalability. It supports up to 192 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports within a single chassis, enabling organizations to expand their network without compromising performance. Furthermore, the switch includes advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features that allow for traffic prioritization, which is crucial for maintaining the performance of voice and video services across the network.

The ME 6500 switch is also equipped with robust security features, including Access Control Lists (ACLs) and secure management protocols. These features protect sensitive data as it traverses the network, ensuring that only authorized users have access to critical resources. Management of the switch is simplified through Cisco’s management tools, allowing network administrators to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot the device efficiently.

Additionally, the switch supports various redundancy protocols, including Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), ensuring high availability and minimizing downtime.

Overall, the Cisco ME 6500 is a powerful and versatile solution that meets the heavy demands of modern network environments, delivering outstanding performance, security, and scalability for both service providers and large enterprises. Its advanced features make it a go-to choice for organizations looking to future-proof their networking infrastructure.
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