Chapter 3 Installing the Switch

Rack-Mounting

Verifying Package Contents

Carefully remove the contents from the shipping container, and check each item for damage. If any item is missing or damaged, contact your Cisco representative or reseller for support. Return all packing material to the shipping container, and save it.

The switch is shipped with these items:

Cisco ME 6500 Series Ethernet Switch Getting Started Guide

Regulatory Compliance and Safety Information for the Cisco ME 6500 Series Ethernet Switch

Product registration card

One RJ-45-to-DB-9 adapter cable

System ground kit

Rack-mounting kit that contains the following items:

Four adhesive-back rubber feet for mounting the switch on a table

Two 19-inch rack-mounting brackets

Eight M4 x 8 mm Phillips flat-head screws for attaching the brackets to the switch

Six 12-24 x 3/4-inch and six 10-32 x 3/4-inch Phillips machine screws for attaching the brackets to a rack

Required Tools

Obtain these necessary tools and equipment:

No. 1 Phillips screwdriver

No. 2 Phillips screwdriver

Copper system ground wire (the required wire gauge is determined by local or national electrical codes)

Source DC power cables (the required wire gauge is determined by local or national electrical codes)

Wire-stripping tool

Crimping tool

Rack-Mounting

To install the switch in a 19-inch rack, follow the instructions described in these procedures:

Attaching L Brackets to the Chassis, page 3-5

Installing the Chassis in the Rack, page 3-6

Cisco ME 6500 Series Ethernet Switch Installation Guide

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Cisco Systems ME 6500 manual Rack-Mounting, Verifying Package Contents, Required Tools

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.