Rack Requirements for TX Matrix Routers

Rack Mounting Considerations

If you are installing a TX Matrix router, or a T640 router that you intend to integrate into a routing matrix, consider these guidelines to facilitate the integration:

• If you will be installing a fully configured centralized configuration, as described in Centralized Configuration (one TX Matrix router and four T640 routers), plan to use a minimum of three racks side by side.
• If you will be installing a fully configured distributed configuration, as described in Distributed Configuration (one TX Matrix router and four T640 routers), plan to use one rack for the TX Matrix router, and two through four racks for the T640 routers (depending on whether you plan to install one or two T640 routers in a single rack).
• Account for the total weight of the routing matrix. One TX Matrix router and four maximally configured T640 routers weigh approximately 2755 lb (1250 kg).
• If you are installing the T640 router in the bottom of an empty rack, reserve the top of the rack for the future installation of another T640 router.
• We recommend that you install the TX Matrix router in its own dedicated rack. If you must install another device in the rack, consider the height and weight of the TX Matrix router and the fiber-optic array cable management above the chassis, including the optional cable shelf assembly.

Rack Size and Strength

The TX Matrix router is designed for installation in a rack that complies with either of the following standards:

• A 19-in. rack as defined in Cabinets, Racks, Panels, and Associated Equipment (document number EIA-310-D) published by the Electronics Industry Association (http://www.eia.org).
• A 600-mm rack as defined in the four-part Equipment Engineering (EE); European telecommunications standard for equipment practice (document numbers ETS 300 119-1 through 119-4) published by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (http://www.etsi.org). The horizontal spacing between the rails in a rack that complies with this standard is usually wider than the TX Matrix router's mounting brackets, which measure 19 in. (48.3 cm) from outer edge to outer edge. Use approved wing devices to narrow the opening between the rails as required.

The rack rails must be spaced widely enough to accommodate the TX Matrix chassis's external dimensions: 44.5 in. (113.0 cm) high, 31.4 in. (79.8 cm) deep, and 17.4 in. (44.2 cm) wide. The outer edges of the mounting brackets extend the width to 19 in. (48.3 cm). The spacing of rails and adjacent racks must also allow for the clearances around the TX Matrix router and rack that are specified in TX Matrix Clearance Requirements for Airflow and Hardware Maintenance.

In an open-frame rack, center-mounting is preferable to front-mounting because the more even distribution of weight provides greater stability. If center-mounting is used, you use the mounting brackets attached to the center of the chassis for rack mounting; if front-mounting is used, you use the front-mounting flanges.

Before you mount the TX Matrix router in a four-post rack or cabinet, you must install the spacer bars on the rack. For instructions aboutinstalling the mounting hardware, see Installing the TX Matrix Mounting Hardware for a Four-Post Rack or Cabinet.

The chassis height of 44.5 in. (113.0 cm) is approximately 25.4 U. A U is the standard rack unit defined in Cabinets, Racks, Panels, and Associated Equipment (document number EIA-310-D) published by the Electronics Industry Association. You can stack one TX Matrix router in a rack that has at least 25.4 U (44.5 in. or 113 cm) of usable vertical space.

The rack must be strong enough to support the weight of the fully configured TX Matrix router, up to about 495 lb (225 kg).

Figure 1: Typical Open-Frame Rack

Spacing of Mounting Bracket and Flange Holes

There are two sets of holes in the mounting brackets and front-mount flanges used to attach the chassis to a rack. The holes within each set are spaced at 3 U (5.25 in. or 13.3 cm). The TX Matrix router can be mounted in any rack that provides holes spaced at those distances.

Connection to Building Structure

Always secure the rack to the structure of the building. If your geographical area is subject to earthquakes, bolt the rack to the floor. For maximum stability, also secure the rack to ceiling brackets. For more information, see Rack-Mounting Requirements and Warnings.