Installing the Switch


Revised: January 4, 2012

This chapter describes how to install the Catalyst 4900 series switch. For first-time installations, perform the procedures in the following sections in the order listed.

Verifying the Contents

Rack-Mounting the Switch

Connecting AC Power to the Switch

Connecting DC Power to the Switch


Note Before starting the installation procedures in this chapter, complete the site planning checklist in Chapter 2 "Site Planning," to verify that all planning activities were completed.


Verifying the Contents


Note Do not discard the shipping container when you unpack the switch. Flatten the shipping cartons and store them. You will need the container if you need to move or ship the switch in the future.


To verify the contents of the shipping container follow these steps:


Step 1 Compare the contents of the accessories kit to the packing slip. Verify that you received all listed equipment, which should include the following:

Switch hardware and software documentation, if ordered

Optional equipment that you ordered, such as network interface cables, transceivers, or special connectors


Note A console cable is not provided in the accessory kit. It can be ordered as an option.


Step 2 To begin installation, proceed to the "Rack-Mounting the Switch" section.


Rack-Mounting the Switch

A standard rack-mount kit is included for mounting the switch in a standard 19-inch (48.3 cm) equipment rack. A standard equipment rack has two unobstructed outer posts, a minimum depth between the front and rear mounting posts of 19.25 inches (48.9 cm), and a maximum depth of 32 inches (81.3 cm). This kit is not suitable for racks with obstructions (such as a power strip) that could impair access to the switch.


Caution Before installing the chassis in a rack, read the "Site Environmental Requirements" section to familiarize yourself with the proper site and environmental conditions. Failure to read and follow these guidelines could lead to an unsuccessful installation and possible damage to the system and components.


Caution This unit is meant to be rack-mounted, and is not intended to bear more than its own weight. Do not stack more than two on a table top, the added weight may damage the bottom chassis.


Warning

To prevent bodily injury when mounting or servicing this unit in a rack, you must take special precautions to ensure that the system remains stable. The following guidelines are provided to ensure your safety:

This unit should be mounted at the bottom of the rack if it is the only unit in the rack.

When mounting this unit in a partially filled rack, load the rack from the bottom to the top with the heaviest component at the bottom of the rack.

If the rack is provided with stabilizing devices, install the stabilizers before mounting or servicing the unit in the rack. Statement 1006


Rack-Mounting Guidelines

Before rack-mounting the switch, ensure the following:

The equipment rack is the proper size.

The width of the rack, between the two front mounting strips or rails, must be 17.75 inches (45.09 cm).

The depth of the rack, between the front and rear mounting strips, must be at least 19.25 inches (48.9 cm) but not more than 32 inches (81.3 cm).

The rack must have sufficient vertical clearance to insert the chassis. The chassis height is 1.75 inches (4.45 cm).

The equipment rack is stable and in no danger of falling over.

Ensure that the shelf is constructed to support the weight and dimensions of the chassis. For physical specifications, see "Specifications."

We recommend that you bolt the rack to the floor.

Mount the unit at the bottom of the rack if it is the only unit in the rack.

Install heavier equipment in the lower half of the rack to maintain a low center of gravity and prevent the rack from becoming top-heavy and tipping over.

Install the stabilizers before mounting or servicing the switch in the rack (if the rack is provided with stabilizing devices).

The equipment rack is properly ventilated.

Install the chassis in an enclosed rack only if it has adequate ventilation or an exhaust fan; use an open rack whenever possible.

Ensure that the ambient temperature of the rack environment does not exceed a maximum temperature of 104×F (40×C). Note that if the switch is installed in a closed or multiunit rack assembly, the ambient operating temperature of the rack environment might be higher than the ambient room temperature.

Note that a ventilation system in a closed rack that is too powerful might also prevent cooling by creating negative pressure around the chassis and redirecting the air away from the chassis intake vent. If necessary, operate the chassis with the rack open.

To prevent airflow restriction, allow at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) of clearance around the ventilation openings on the sides of the chassis.

Use baffles correctly to assist in cooling the chassis.

Note that equipment near the bottom of a rack may generate excessive heat that is drawn upward and into the intake ports of equipment above, leading to overtemperature conditions in the chassis at or near the top of the rack.

Consider the equipment and cabling that is already installed in the rack. Ensure that cables from other equipment will not obstruct the airflow through the chassis or impair access to the power supplies or switching modules. Route cables away from field-replaceable components to avoid disconnecting cables unnecessarily for equipment maintenance or upgrades.

Allow at least 3 to 4 feet (91.4 to 121.9 cm) of clearance behind the rack for maintenance and removal of switch assemblies. If the rack is mobile, you can push it back within 1 foot (30.45 cm) of a wall or cabinet for normal operation and pull it out when necessary for maintenance.

Lifting the Chassis Safely

The chassis is not intended to be moved frequently. Before you install the switch, ensure that your site is properly prepared so that you can avoid moving the chassis later to accommodate power sources and network connections.

Whenever you lift a chassis or any heavy object, follow these guidelines:

Ensure that your footing is solid, and balance the weight of the chassis between your feet.

Lift the chassis slowly; never move suddenly or twist your body as you lift.

Keep your back straight and lift with your legs, not your back. If you must bend down to lift the chassis, bend at the knees, not at the waist, to reduce the strain on your lower back muscles.

Always disconnect all external cables before lifting or moving the chassis.

Required Installation Tools

The following tools and equipment are required to install the chassis:

Number 1, number 2 Phillips, and 3/16-inch flat-blade screwdriver

Antistatic mat or antistatic foam

Your own ESD grounding strap or the disposable ESD strap included with the system

The following tools and equipment are required to install the chassis in a rack:

Rack-mount kit

Tape measure and level

Rack-Mounting the Switch


Note The illustrations shown are of a Catalyst 4948-10GE switch. The process for the Catalyst 4948 and Catalyst 4928-10GE is identical.


Follow these steps to install the switch in a rack.


Step 1 Prepare for installation:

a. Place the chassis on the floor or on a sturdy table as close as possible to the rack. Leave enough clearance to allow you to move around the chassis.

b. Use a tape measure to measure the depth of the rack. Measure from the outside of the front mounting posts to the outside of the rear mounting strip. The depth must be at least 19.25 inches (48.9 cm) but not greater than 32 inches (81.3 cm).

c. Measure the space between the inner edges of the left front and right front mounting posts to ensure that it is 17.75 inches (45.09 cm) wide. (The chassis is 17.5 inches [44 cm] wide and must fit between the mounting posts.)

d. Open the rack-mount kit, and refer to Table 3-1 Table 3-1 to verify that all parts are included.

Table 3-1 Rack-Mount Kit Checklist

Quantity
Part Description
Received

2

L brackets

 

8

M4 x 8 mm Phillips flat-head screws

 

4

12-24 x 3/4-inch Phillips binder-head screws

 

4

10-32 x 3/4-inch Phillips binder-head screws

 


Note Figure 3-1 illustrates how to attach the front of the switch to the rack. You can also attach the rear of the switch to the rack, depending on the configuration of your rack.


Step 2 Note that the L brackets connect the chassis to the rack. You can mount the L brackets to the front or rear mounting holes of the chassis, depending on which end is in the front of the rack.


Note Some equipment racks provide a power strip along the length of one of the rear posts. If the rack has this feature, consider the position of the strip when planning fastener points. Before installing the L brackets on the chassis, determine whether to install the chassis from the front or the rear of the rack.


Attach the left and right L brackets using the M4 Phillips flat-head screws provided in the rack-mount kit. (See Figure 3-1.)

Figure 3-1 Attaching the L Brackets to the Switch

Step 3 Install the chassis in the rack as:

a. Position the chassis in the rack as follows (see Figure 3-2):

If the chassis front panel is in the front of the rack, insert the rear of the chassis between the mounting posts.

If the rear of the chassis is in the front of the rack, insert the front of the chassis between the mounting posts.

b. Align the mounting holes in the L bracket with the mounting holes in the equipment rack.

c. Secure the chassis using four (two on each side) 12-24 x 3/4-inch screws through the elongated holes in the L bracket and into the threaded holes in the mounting post.

d. Use a tape measure and level to ensure that the chassis is installed straight and level.

Figure 3-2 Installing the Switch in the Rack

Step 4 Attach the cable guide to the right or left side of the chassis mount.

Figure 3-3 Installing the Cable Guide

Step 5 Do not connect the power cord at this time. Proceed to the "Connecting AC Power to the Switch" section.


Connecting AC Power to the Switch

Follow these steps and warnings when connecting power to a Catalyst 4900 series switch:


Step 1 Prior to connecting the power supply to a power source, ensure that all of the site power and grounding requirements described in Chapter 2, "Site Planning," have been met and the chassis is properly grounded as described in the "Grounding Requirements" section.


Warning The plug-socket combination must be accessible at all times, because it serves as the main disconnecting device. Statement 1019

Step 2 Plug the power cords into the power supplies. (Figure 3-5 shows plug locations.)

Figure 3-4 AC Power Supply

Step 3 Connect the other end of the power cords to an AC-power input source. If both power supplies will be used, make sure they are on different circuits.

Step 4 Turn the power switches to the ON position.

Step 5 Verify power supply operation by looking at the front panel power supply LEDs:

The PS1 or PS2 LED is green when the power supply and fans are functioning normally.

The PS1 or PS2 LED is red when the power supply is not functioning normally. The on/off switch may be set to off while the power supply is plugged in, or the power supply may be defective and not providing DC power to the switch. There may also be a fan failure.

The PS1 or PS2 LED is off when there is no power supply installed.

From the system console, enter the show power command to display the power supply and system status. For more information on this command, see the command reference publication for your software release.

If the LEDs or show power command indicate a power or other system problem, see Chapter 5 "Troubleshooting the Installation," for troubleshooting information.


Connecting DC Power to the Switch

Follow these steps and warnings when connecting DC power to the Catalyst 4900 series switch:


Warning Before performing any of the following procedures, ensure that power is removed from the DC circuit. Statement 1003

Warning This unit is intended for installation in restricted access areas. A restricted access area can be accessed only through the use of a special tool, lock and key, or other means of security. Statement 1017

Warning This product requires short-circuit (overcurrent) protection, to be provided as part of the building installation. Install only in accordance with national and local wiring regulations. Statement 1045

Warning Hazardous voltage or energy may be present on DC power terminals. Always replace cover when terminals are not in service. Be sure uninsulated conductors are not accessible when cover is in place. Statement 1075

Step 1 Prior to connecting the power supply to a power source, ensure that all of the site power and grounding requirements described in Chapter 2, "Site Planning," have been met and the chassis is properly grounded as described in the "Grounding Requirements" section.

Step 2 Remove the safety cover from the power terminal.

Step 3 Connect the power supply ground terminal to earth ground.

Figure 3-5 DC Power Supply

Step 4 Connect the positive and negative power cables into the power supplies using a number 2 Phillips screwdriver.


Note The DC power cables may use AWG #10 to AWG #12 wire.


Step 5 Replace the safety cover over the power terminals.

Step 6 Connect the other end of the power cables to an DC-power input source. If both power supplies will be used, make sure they are on different circuits.

Step 7 Turn on the power from the power source. The DC supply does not have an on/off switch.

Step 8 Verify power supply operation by looking at the front panel power supply LEDs:

The PS1 or PS2 LED is green when the power supply is functioning normally.

The PS1 or PS2 LED is red when the power supply is not functioning normally.

The PS1 or PS2 LED is off when the power supply is not connected to a power source.

From the system console, enter the show power command to display the power supply and system status. For more information on this command, see the command reference publication for your software release.

If the LEDs or show power command indicate a power or other system problem, see Chapter 5 "Troubleshooting the Installation," for troubleshooting information.