• Supported Platforms
• TX Matrix Routers

• Related Topics
• TX Matrix Cables Overview
• TX Matrix Cable Management System Description
• TX Matrix Fiber-Optic Array Cable Considerations

Routing the TX Matrix Fiber-Optic Array Cables

This procedure routes the fiber-optic array cables between the TX Matrix router and a T640 router. The procedure assumes you have rack-mounted each system and procured cables of the appropriate length for your routing matrix configuration.

Note: This procedure describes fiber-optic array cable routing only. Do not connect the cable connectors to TX-SIB or T640-SIB adapters.

A fiber-optic array cable 10 m long or less is uniformly flexible and has a fiber-optic array connector on each end. A fiber-optic array cable greater 12 m long and greater has 3-m flexible ends, but the remainder of the cable is rigid. 12 meter fiber-optic cables have fiber-optic array connectors on both ends. A pulling-eye assembly is also shipped with the 12 m cable and can be installed to facilitate pulling the cable through raceways. Cables greater than 12 m long have a fiber-optic array connector on one end and a pulling-eye assembly already installed on the other end. After the cable is routed to its destination, you replace the pulling-eye assembly with a fiber-optic array connector.

Note: You must use the same length for every fiber-optic array cable from a particular T640 router to the TX Matrix router. However, you do not need to use the same length for all fiber-optic array cables within a routing matrix.

To route a fiber-optic array cable:

1. Using the supplied label sheets, attach a label to each end of the fiber-optic array cable to help you identify the corresponding TX-SIB adapter and T640-SIB. The labels are marked with the chassis ID and the switching plane (separated with a slash). For example, use the label marked 0/2 to identify a connection between adapter LCC0 on TX-SIB-2 and T640-SIB-2 in router LCC0. Table 1 lists the connections between TX-SIBs and T640-SIBs.

   Table 1: Fiber-Optic Array Cable Connections between TX-SIBs and T640-SIBs

   TX-SIB-0 Adapter and Destination	TX-SIB-1 Adapter and Destination	TX-SIB-2 Adapter and Destination	TX-SIB-3 Adapter and Destination	TX-SIB-4 Adapter and Destination
   LCC0—T640-SIB-0 in LCC0	LCC0—T640-SIB-1 in LCC0	LCC0—T640-SIB-2 in LCC0	LCC0—T640-SIB-3 in LCC0	LCC0—T640-SIB-4 in LCC0
   LCC1—T640-SIB-0 in LCC1	LCC1—T640-SIB-1 in LCC1	LCC1—T640-SIB-2 in LCC1	LCC1—T640-SIB-3 in LCC1	LCC1—T640-SIB-4 in LCC1
   LCC2—T640-SIB-0 in LCC2	LCC2—T640-SIB-1 in LCC2	LCC2—T640-SIB-2 in LCC2	LCC2—T640-SIB-3 in LCC2	LCC2—T640-SIB-4 in LCC2
   LCC3—T640-SIB-0 in LCC3	LCC3—T640-SIB-1 in LCC3	LCC3—T640-SIB-2 in LCC3	LCC3—T640-SIB-3 in LCC3	LCC3—T640-SIB-4 in LCC3

2. Route the end of the fiber-optic array cable that plugs into the TX-SIB over the TX Matrix router to the TX-SIB adapter. If you have installed the optional cable shelf assembly, use the lowest shelf to support a cable destined to any TX-SIB adapter labeled LCC0, use the next shelf up to support a cable destined to any TX-SIB adapter labeled LCC1, and so on (see Figure 4).

   Caution: You must maintain a minimum bend radius of 2 in. (5.1 cm). We recommend that you maintain a bend radius of 10 in. (25.4 cm). If you must bend a fiber-optic array cable to a 2-inch radius, we recommend that you do not use more than two such bends.

   Caution: Plastic wrap-ties can damage or crimp the fiber-optic array cables (see Figure 1). We recommend that you use soft band straps to secure fiber-optic array cables. Figure 1: Using Soft Band Straps to Secure Fiber-Optic Array Cables

3. Grasp the metal cover on the comb within the comb panel assembly that extends over the TX-SIB you will be connecting. Firmly pull the cover away from the chassis until it is removed from the comb (see Figure 3).
4. While aligning the fiber-optic array cable connector with its corresponding TX-SIB adapter, route the cable upward along the comb tooth and press it into the tooth. Use the tooth closest to the chassis to support a cable destined to any TX-SIB adapter labeled LCC0, use the next tooth away from the chassis to support a cable destined to any TX-SIB adapter labeled LCC1, and so on (see Figure 4).
5. Reinstall the metal cover on the comb by firmly pressing it toward the chassis until it stops.
6. Route the end of the fiber-optic array cable that plugs into the T640-SIB to the lower rear of the T640 router.
7. Dress the fiber-optic array cable so it does not interfere with system airflow and maintenance access (see Figure 2).

   Figure 2: Maintaining a Minimum Bend Radius of 10 in. (25.4 cm)

   

   For an illustration of airflow through the TX Matrix router and the T640 router, seeTX Matrix Clearance Requirements for Airflow and Hardware Maintenance and the T640 Core Router Hardware Guide.

Repeat this procedure for each of the remaining fiber-optic array cables.