Equipment Rack Requirements

When allocating equipment rack space, consider the following:

• Type of equipment racks recommended for ERX routers
• Number of equipment racks required to hold your current router configuration
• Future expansion

Make sure your distribution rack meet basic mechanical and space requirements and complies with conventional standards. In the United States, use EIA-310-D Cabinets, Racks, Panels, and Associated Equipment, September 1992.

Figure 52: ERX Routers Installed in a Rack

Mechanical Requirements

Follow these mechanical requirements for your rack:

• Select from the following rack options:
  • Two-post rack—A freestanding enclosed cabinet with two mounting posts in the front
  • Telco-type rack—Two adjacent mounting posts that you must secure to the floor or an overhead structure
  • Four-post rack—A freestanding open rack, either open or closed
• The rack must have at least two mounting posts.
• The distance between the mounting holes in the two posts must be 18.31 inches +/-.063 inch, as specified in the EIA-310-D.
• Do not use an enclosed rack for ERX7xx models or the ERX310 router. It does not provide adequate ventilation.
• A fully loaded rack with three ERX14xx models must structurally support 300 pounds (136 kilograms).
• Optional mounting kits are available for 19-inch and 23-inch rack mounting (mid-chassis and front-chassis mounting). Contact your Juniper Networks sales representative for more information.

Space Requirements

If you use an enclosed rack for an ERX14xx model, ensure that there is a minimum of 3 inches of clearance between the inner side wall and the router. This clearance space ensures adequate air flow.

Proper Rack Installation

To confirm proper equipment rack installation, verify the following:

• Racks are installed and electrically grounded according to manufacturer instructions.
• Equipment racks are anchored to the floor and, when possible, anchored to the ceiling as well.
• Equipment rack installations comply with applicable local, state, and national codes.

Caution: To maintain airflow requirements, a plenum must be installed above ERX14xx models before any other piece of equipment is installed above the router.

Figure 53: Airflow for ERX Routers