IBM AA-RWF3A-TE Cabling and configuring the SAN Switch, Recommendations for cable management

Cabling and configuring the SAN Switch

The SAN Switch must be configured to ensure correct operation with a network and fabric. For instructions on configuring the switch to operate in a fabric containing switches from other vendors, see the Fabric OS administrator’s guide.

For more information about the commands used in this procedure, see the Fabric OS command reference manual for the Fabric OS version running on your switch.

NOTE:

All supporting Fabric OS documentation is accessible from the B-Series switches link on the following web site: http://www.hp.com/go/san.

Recommendations for cable management

Before installing the switch, plan the rack space required for cable management based on the following HP recommendations:

•Leave enough space to allow for the fact that the minimum bend radius for a 50-micron cable is 2 inches under full tensile load and 1.2 inches with no tensile load.

•Leave at least 1 m (3.28 ft) of slack for each port cable. This provides room to remove and replace the switch, allows for inadvertent movement of the rack, and helps prevent the cables from being bent to less than the minimum bend radius.

•If you are using ISL Trunking, consider grouping cables by trunking groups. The cables used in trunking groups must meet specific requirements, as described in the Fabric OS administrator’s guide.

•For easier maintenance, label the fiber optic cables and record the devices to which they are connected.

•Keep LEDs visible by routing port cables and other cables away from the LEDs.

•Do not use tie wraps on fiber optic cables; tie wraps are easily overtightened and can damage the optic fibers. HP recommends using velcro straps to secure and organize fiber optic cables.

52 Installing and configuring SAN Switches