Clearance Requirements for Airflow and Hardware Maintenance for a QFX3100 Director Device

When planning the site for installing a QFX3100 Director device, you must allow sufficient clearance around the device.

• Allow at least 6 in. (15.2 cm) of clearance on the side between devices that have fans or blowers installed. Allow 2.8 in. (7 cm) between the side of the chassis and any non-heat-producing surface such as a wall. For the cooling system to function properly, the airflow around the chassis must be unrestricted. Figure 1 shows the airflow through the QFX3100 Director device.
• If you are mounting a QFX3100 Director device on a rack or cabinet with other equipment, or if you are placing it on the desktop or floor near other equipment, ensure that the exhaust from other equipment does not blow into the intake vents of the chassis.
• Leave at least 24 in. (61 cm) both in front of and behind the QFX3100 Director device. For service personnel to remove and install hardware components, you must leave adequate space at the front and back of the QFX3100 Director device. NEBS GR-63 recommends that you allow at least 30 in. (76.2 cm) in front of the rack or cabinet and 24 in. (61 cm) behind the rack or cabinet.

Figure 1: Airflow Through the QFX3100 Director Device