Clearance Requirements for Airflow and Hardware Maintenance

When planning the installation site, you must allow sufficient clearance around the rack (see Figure 25):

• For the cooling system to function properly, the airflow around the chassis must be unrestricted. Figure 19 depicts the airflow in the router. Allow at least 6 in. (15.2  cm) of clearance between side-cooled routers. Allow 2.8  in. (7  cm) between the side of the chassis and any non-heat-producing surface such as a wall.

  Note: We recommend that you do not install the router in a cabinet. If you mount the router in a cabinet, be sure that ventilation is sufficient to prevent overheating.

• For service personnel to remove and install hardware components, there must be adequate space at the front and back of the router. At least 24 in. (61 cm) is required both in front of and behind the router. NEBS GR-63 recommends that you allow at least 30 in. (76.2 cm) in front of the rack and 24 in. (61 cm) behind the rack.

Figure 25: Chassis Dimensions and Clearance Requirements