Dell PowerConnect B-MLXE16 Owner's Manual
53-1002111-01
02 November 2010
PowerConnect B-MLXe
Hardware Installation Guide
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2010 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault,
PowerApp, Dell OpenManage and the YOURS IS HERE logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered
trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries; Microsoft, Windows, Windows Server, MS-DOS and Windows Vista
are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or
their products.
Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Regulatory Model Codes: Brocade MLXe-4, Brocade MLXe-8, Brocade MLXe-16
Contents
About This Document
Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
How this document is organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ix
Supported hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
What’s new in this document. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Document conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Text formatting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Command syntax conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Command examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xi
Notes, cautions, and danger notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xi
Notice to the reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Getting technical help or reporting errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Dell router overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Router applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Hardware features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
PowerConnect B-MLXe routers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Router modules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Management modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Interface modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Switch fabric modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
High-speed switch fabric modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Rack mounting brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Cooling system for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers . . . . . . . . . .18
NIBI-16-FAN-EXH-A high-speed fan assemblies. . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Rack mount kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Supported software features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Chapter 2 Installing a PowerConnect B-MLXe Core Router
Installation precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
General precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Power precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
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Installing a PowerConnect B-MLXe-4 router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Preparing the installation site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Unpacking a PowerConnect B-MLXe-4 router . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Installing a PowerConnect B-MLXe-4 router in a rack or cabinet26
Installing PowerConnect B-MLXe-4 modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Installing power supplies in a PowerConnect B-MLXe-4 router.38
Connecting AC power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Final steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Installing a PowerConnect B-MLXe-8 router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Preparing the installation site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Unpacking a PowerConnect B-MLXe-8 router . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Installing a PowerConnect B-MLXe-8 router in a rack . . . . . . . . 41
Mounting your device in a cabinet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Installing PowerConnect B-MLXe-8 modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Installing power supplies in the PowerConnect B-MLXe-8 router51
Connecting AC power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Final steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Installing a PowerConnect B-MLXe-16 router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Preparing the installation site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Unpacking a PowerConnect B-MLXe-16 router . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Installing a PowerConnect B-MLXe-16 router in a rack. . . . . . .54
Installing modules in a PowerConnect B-MLXe 16-slot router .62
Installing power supplies in a PowerConnect B-MLXe-16 router66
Final steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Attaching a management station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Attaching a PC or terminal to the console
port or Ethernet port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Activating the power source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Verifying proper operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Observing the LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Displaying the module status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Chapter 3 Using the Dell Structured Cabling Components
Cable cinch overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
MRJ21 procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Cable cinch with two mRJ21 cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Cable cinch with three mRJ21 cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Cable cinch with four mRJ21 cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Cable cinch with five mRJ21 cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Cable cinch with six mRJ21 cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Cable cinch with seven mRJ21 cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Cable cinch with eight mRJ21 cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
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RJ45 procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Cable cinch with one group of RJ45 cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Cable cinch with two groups of RJ45 cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Cable cinch with three groups of RJ45 cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Cable cinch with four groups of RJ45 cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Cable cinch with five groups of RJ45 cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Cable cinch with six groups of RJ45 cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Cable cinch with seven groups of RJ45 cables . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
Cable cinch with eight groups of RJ45 cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Chapter 4 Connecting a Router to a Network Device
Assigning permanent passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Configuring IP addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
Support of subnet masks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
Assigning an IP address to a management interface . . . . . . . .93
Assigning IP addresses to an interface, virtual interface,
or loopback interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Enabling and disabling the interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Understanding management port functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Connecting the router to a network device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Installing a fiber-optic transceiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Cabling a fiber-optic transceiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Cleaning fiber-optic ports and connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Troubleshooting network connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Testing network connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Pinging an IP address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Tracing a route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
Chapter 5 Managing Routers and Modules
Managing the device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
Disabling and re-enabling power to interface modules. . . . . . .99
Monitoring I2C failures on management modules . . . . . . . . .100
Displaying device status and temperature readings . . . . . . . .102
Displaying the Syslog configuration and static
and dynamic buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104
Managing switch fabric modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106
Forcing HSF modules to operate in normal mode . . . . . . . . . .106
Managing the cooling system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
Configuring the cooling system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
Manually setting the fan speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111
Monitoring the cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111
Temperature log reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Managing interface modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Configuring interface module boot parameters. . . . . . . . . . . .113
Changing priority of slots for interface modules . . . . . . . . . . .118
Disabling and re-enabling power to
interface modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
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Enabling and disabling management module
CPU usage calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120
Displaying CPU usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120
Displaying management module CPU usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122
Removing MAC address entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123
Chapter 6 Upgrading Software Images and Configuration Files
Upgrading Software Images and Configuration Files . . . . . . . . . . .125
Important software upgrade considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126
General upgrade considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127
Special upgrade information for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers127
Interface module software upgrade considerations . . . . . . . .127
Important memory requirement information. . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
CLI upgrade commands for R05.1.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
Software upgrade procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
Determining current software image versions. . . . . . . . . . . . .131
Upgrading the combined IronWare Application Image on
management modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131
Upgrading the monitor image on a management module . . .131
Upgrading the boot image on a management module . . . . . .132
Upgrading the boot and monitor images on interface modules132
Upgrading interface modules using the combined FPGA image133
Additional upgrade steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
Upgrading MBRIDGE images on management modules . . . .134
Upgrading individual FPGA images on interface modules . . .135
Rebooting the management module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136
Performing a Hitless OS upgrade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Performing an image coherence check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Performing a coherence check without a reload. . . . . . . . . . .138
Displaying image versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
Using the show flash command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
Configurations conditions specific to NI-MLX-1Gx48-T modules. .145
Loading and saving configuration files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
Configuring file size for startup and running configuration . .146
Configuration buffers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Replacing the startup configuration with
the running configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
Replacing the startup configuration
with the running configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
Retaining the current startup configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
Copying a configuration file to or from a TFTP server . . . . . . .149
Making local copies of the startup configuration file . . . . . . .149
Hitless OS upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
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Dynamic configuration loading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152
Loading configuration information into
the running-config file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Using SNMP to save and load configuration
information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Erasing image and configuration files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
File synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
File synchronization between active and
standby management modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
File synchronization between management
and interface modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
Scheduling a system reload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157
Reloading at a specific time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Reloading after a specific amount of time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Displaying the amount of time before a
scheduled reload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Canceling a scheduled reload. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Diagnostic error codes and remedies for
TFTP transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Chapter 7 Router Maintenance
Hardware maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Replacing a management module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Replacing an interface module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Removing and replacing an interface module . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
Replacing a switch fabric module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
Replacing a fiber-optic transceiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
Cabling a fiber-optic transceiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
Replacing a power supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
Determining which power supply failed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
Setting the threshold for power supply monitoring . . . . . . . . .164
Clearing power supply failure timestamps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164
Displaying power supply monitoring timestamps . . . . . . . . . .165
Enabling a power supply shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
Powering on the power supply through the CLI . . . . . . . . . . . .165
Replacing a power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166
Replacing fan assemblies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167
Replacing fan assemblies in a 16-slot router . . . . . . . . . . . . .167
Replacing the fan tray assembly in 4-slot and 8-slot routers .170
Replacing the air filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172
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Chapter 8 Hardware Specifications
Hardware specifications for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers . . . . .175
Power specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
Physical dimensions for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers. . . . .177
Operating environment specifications for PowerConnect B-MLXe
routers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177
Storage environment specifications for PowerConnect B-MLXe
routers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177
Safety agency approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177
Electromagnetic approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Port specifications for all router models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Console port pin assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Management port pin assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
Power cords. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
Appendix A Regulatory Statements
U.S.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
Industry Canada statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
Europe and Australia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
Germany. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184
Power cords (Japan Denan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184
China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
Korea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
Russia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
Appendix B Caution and Danger Notices
Cautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187
Dangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194
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About This Document
Audience
This document is designed for system administrators with a working knowledge of Layer 2 and
Layer 3 switching and routing.
If you are using a Dell device, you should be familiar with the following protocols if applicable to
your network – IP, RIP, OSPF, BGP, ISIS, IGMP, PIM, MPLS, and VRRP.
How this document is organized
This document is organized to help you find the information that you want as quickly and easily as
possible.
The document contains the following components:
• Chapter 1, “Product Overview” - Provides an overview of PowerConnect B-MLXe.
• Chapter 2, “Installing a PowerConnect B-MLXe Core Router” - Provides installation instructions
for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers.
• Chapter 3, “Using the Dell Structured Cabling Components” - Provides information on how to
use the cabling components with PowerConnect B-MLXe routers.
• Chapter 4, “Connecting a Router to a Network Device” - Describes how to connect
PowerConnect B-MLXe routers to network devices.
• Chapter 5, “Managing Routers and Modules” - Provides information on management tasks for
PowerConnect B-MLXe routers.
• Chapter 6, “Upgrading Software Images and Configuration Files” - Provides instructions on how
to upgrade software for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers.
• Chapter 7, “Router Maintenance” - Describes maintenance procedures for PowerConnect
B-MLXe routers.
• Chapter 8, “Hardware Specifications”- Provides hardware specifications for PowerConnect
B-MLXe routers.
• Appendix A, “Regulatory Statements” - Contains regulatory information for PowerConnect
B-MLXe routers.
• Appendix B, “Caution and Danger Notices” - Contains Caution and Danger notices in four
languages for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers.
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Document conventions
Supported hardware
In instances in which procedures or parts of procedures documented here apply to some devices
but not to others, this guide identifies exactly which devices are supported and which are not.
Although many different hardware configurations are tested and supported by Dell, documenting
all possible configurations and scenarios is beyond the scope of this document.
The following hardware platforms are described in this document:
• PowerConnect B-MLXe-4 router
• PowerConnect B-MLXe-8 router
• PowerConnect B-MLXe-16 router
What’s new in this document
The following information has been added to this hardware installation guide for this release:
• PowerConnect B-MLXe-4 router information
• PowerConnect B-MLXe-8 router information
• PowerConnect B-MLXe-16 router information
Document conventions
This section describes text formatting conventions and important notice formats used in this
document.
Text formatting
The narrative-text formatting conventions that are used are as follows:
bold text Identifies command names
italic text Provides emphasis
code text Identifies CLI output
Command syntax conventions
.
Command syntax in this manual follows these conventions:
Identifies the names of user-manipulated GUI elements
Identifies keywords
Identifies text to enter at the GUI or CLI
Identifies variables
Identifies document titles
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Document conventions
NOTE
CAUTION
DANGER
command and
parameters
[ ] Optional parameter.
<variable> Variables are printed in italics enclosed in angled brackets < >.
... Repeat the previous element, for example “member [;member...]”
| Choose from one of the parameters.
Commands and parameters are printed in bold.
Command examples
This document describes how to perform simple upgrade and configuration tasks using the
command line interface (CLI), but does not describe the commands in detail. For complete
descriptions of commands for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers, see the Brocade NetIron
Configuration Guide.
Notes, cautions, and danger notices
The following notices and danger statements are used in this manual. They are listed below in
order of increasing severity of potential hazards.
A note provides a tip, guidance, or advice, emphasizes important information, or provides a
reference to related information.
A Caution statement alerts you to situations that can be potentially hazardous to you or cause
damage to hardware, firmware, software, or data.
A Danger statement indicates conditions or situations that can be potentially lethal or extremely
hazardous to you. Safety labels are also attached directly to products to warn of these conditions
or situations.
Notice to the reader
This document may contain references to the trademarks of the following corporations. These
trademarks are the properties of their respective companies and corporations.
These references are made for informational purposes only.
Corporation Referenced trademarks and products
Phillips Screw Company, Inc. Phillips
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Document conventions
NOTE
Getting technical help or reporting errors
Dell Technical Support is committed to ensuring that your investment in our products remains
cost-effective. If you need assistance or find errors in the manuals, contact Dell Technical Support.
When contacting Dell technical Support have the device configuration file and an output capture of
show tech-support command available.
Contacting Dell
For customers in the United States, call 800-WWW.DELL (800.999.3355).
If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase
invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by
country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales,
technical support, or customer service issues:
1. Visit http://www.support.dell.com.
2. Click your country or region at the bottom of the page. For a full listing of countries and regions,
click All.
3. In the Support menu, click All Support.
4. Choose the method of contacting Dell that is convenient for you.
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Chapter
Product Overview
Dell router overview
Dell routers provide high-performance routing to service providers, metro topologies, and Internet
Exchange Points, offering the following benefits:
• 10 Gbps Ethernet ports that process both inbound and outbound user packets
• IPv4 routing with a very large hardware-based forwarding table and powerful hardware-based
Access Control List (ACL) and rate limiting functions
• IPv6 routing including hardware-based forwarding and dual-stack support
• High availability (redundancy) of the following hot-swappable critical router components:
- Management modules
- Fans
- Power supplies
- Switch fabric modules
• A management (10BaseT or 100BaseTX or 1000BaseTX Ethernet) port for connectivity to your
existing management network
• Increased Ternary Content Addressable Memory (TCAM) on the interface modules to process
routing protocols
• Increased processor Random Access Memory (RAM) on management and interface modules
supports larger default Media Access Control (MAC) address tables and the IP route tables
1
Router applications
Dell routers are commonly deployed in the following situations:
• Layer 2 metro networks
• Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Layer 3 Virtual Private Network (VPN) service provider
networks supporting multi-VRFs and RFC 2547bis
• MPLS Layer 2 VPN service provider networks supporting both Virtual Private LAN Service
(VPLS) and Virtual Leased Line (VLL)
Hardware features
This section describes the major hardware components of Dell routers.
PowerConnect B-MLXe routers
PowerConnect B-MLXe routers are available in the following models:
PowerConnect B-MLXe Hardware Installation Guide 1
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Hardware features
7
6
5
2
1
4
8 9
10
3
1
• PowerConnect B-MLXe-4: 4 interface slots
• PowerConnect B-MLXe-8: 8 interface slots
• PowerConnect B-MLXe-16: 16 interface slots
Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3 illustrate these models.
FIGURE 1 PowerConnect B-MLXe-4 router
1 Interface slot 2 4 ESD connector 7 Interface slot 3 10 Interface slot 4
2 Switch fabric slot 2 5 Interface slot 1 8 Management slot 1
3 Switch fabric slot 3 6 Switch fabric slot 1 9 Management slot 2
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FIGURE 2 PowerConnect B-MLXe-8 router
8
10
12
6
9
7
5
4
3
14 15
11
16
17
1 2
13
18
Hardware features
1
1 Interface slot 1 6 Switch fabric slot 2 11 Interface slot 8 16 Power supply slot 3
2 interface slot 2 7 Switch fabric slot 3 12 Management slot 1 17 Power supply slot 4
3 Interface slot 3 8 Interface slot 5 13 Management slot 2 18 ESD connector
4 Interface slot 4 9 Interface slot 6 14 Power supply slot 1
5 Switch fabric slot 1 10 Interface slot 7 15 Power supply slot 2
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Hardware features
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
91011
1
FIGURE 3 PowerConnect B-MLXe-16 router
1-16 Interface slots 1-16 20 Switch fabric slot 4
17 Switch fabric slot 1 21 Management slot 1
18 Switch fabric slot 2 22 Management slot 2
19 Switch fabric slot 3 23 ESD connector
PowerConnect B-MLXe-4 router components
The following components are factory-installed in the PowerConnect B-MLXe-4 routers:
• Two high-speed switch fabric modules.
• A slot blank in each empty module slot. The slot blank covers a slot that does not currently
have a module installed in it, ensuring proper airflow.
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Hardware features
1
• A fan tray assembly, which is located in the front right side of the router. For more information
about fans, refer to “Cooling system for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers” on page 18.
• One power supply.
You can install the following components in the router slots:
• Up to two management modules (one active and one redundant).
• Up to three switch fabric modules.
• Up to four interface modules.
• Up to three power supplies (AC).
PowerConnect B-MLXe-8 router components
The following components are factory-installed in the PowerConnect B-MLXe-8 routers:
• Two high-speed switch fabric modules.
• A slot blank in each empty module slot. The slot blank covers a slot that does not currently
have a module installed in it, ensuring proper airflow.
• A fan tray assembly, which is located in the front right side of the router. For more information
about fans, refer to “Cooling system for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers” on page 18.
• Two power supplies.
You can install the following components in the router slots:
• Up to two management modules (one active and one redundant).
• Up to three switch fabric modules.
• Up to eight interface modules.
• Up to four power supplies (AC).
PowerConnect B-MLXe-16 router components
The following components are factory-installed in PowerConnect B-MLXe-16 routers:
• Three high-speed switch fabric modules.
• A slot blank in each empty module slot. The slot blank covers a slot that does not currently
have a module installed in it, ensuring proper airflow.
• A fan tray assembly located in the front right side of the router, and two fan assemblies located
at the rear of the router. For more information about fans, refer to “Cooling system for
PowerConnect B-MLXe routers” on page 18.
• Four power supplies.
You can install the following components in the router slots:
• Up to two management modules (one active and one redundant).
• Up to four switch fabric modules.
• Up to 16 interface modules.
• Up to eight power supplies (AC).
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Router modules
Pwr
Active
10/100/1000
Port 1
Port 2
Console
RX-BI-MR
1
Router modules
The following sections describe management modules, interface modules, and switch fabric
modules.
The figures in the previous sections show the router slots where you install modules and power
supplies. For installation instructions for these components, refer to the appropriate installation
chapter in this guide for your model.
Management modules
Tab le 1 lists the management modules that are available for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers.
TABLE 1 Management modules
Part number Description
NI-MLX-MR PowerConnect B-MLXe management module, 1 GB SDRAM, dual PCMCIA slots, EIA or
The management module controls the hardware components, runs the networking protocols, and
provides the Real Time Operating System (RTOS).
TIA-232 and 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports for out-of-band management.
Each router requires one management module, and can accommodate a second module for
redundancy. A redundant management module works in conjunction with the active management
module. If the active module becomes unavailable, the redundant management module
automatically takes over the system operation, minimizing system downtime. For information about
the redundancy feature, refer to the “Using a Redundant Management Module” chapter in the
PowerConnect B-MLXe Configuration Guide.
Management modules are installed in dedicated slots marked M1 and M2. By default, the module
installed in slot M1 is the active management module.
Management modules are hot-swappable, which means you can remove and replace them without
powering down the system. Figure 4 shows the management module front panel.
FIGURE 4 Management module front panel
The front panel contains the following control features:
• Two PCMCIA slots
• A console port
• A 10/100/1000 Ethernet port
• Six LEDs
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Router modules
NOTE
NOTE
1
PCMCIA slots
PCMCIA slots support flash PC cards. A flash PC card provides storage space in addition to system
flash memory. You can store boot images, startup configuration files, running configuration files,
and other system files on the flash PC card. This allows you to perform system management tasks,
such as copying files between flash PC cards, or copying files between a flash PC card and flash
memory.
Console port
The console port is a standard DB-9 serial connector through which you can attach a PC or terminal
to configure the router using the CLI.
The console port interfaces the control plane only. It does not interface the data plane.
10/100/1000 Ethernet port
The management module also contains a 10BaseT, 100BaseTX, or 1000BaseTX auto-sensing,
auto-negotiating Ethernet port. This port has an RJ45 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) connector.
Typical uses of this port include but are not limited to the following:
• Connecting a PC to configure, monitor, and manage the system through a Telnet or SSHv2
connection.
• Connecting to the 10BaseT, 100BaseTX, or 1000BaseTX port for connectivity to your existing
management network. You can then access the router and configure, monitor, and manage the
system from a management station.
The existing management network into which you can connect the 10/100/1000 Ethernet port
must be separate and isolated from the network over which user packets are switched and routed.
For information about the functionality of the management port, refer to “Understanding
management port functions” on page 95.
For information about connecting a PC to the 10/100/1000 Ethernet port, refer to “Attaching a
management station” on page 205.
Unlike the 10 Gbps Ethernet ports, the out-of-band port does not interface the LAN. Instead, the
out-of-band port can interface with a separate system management network, and allows you to do
the following tasks:
• Access the router through Telnet, the Web management interface, or the SNMP Network
Manager software.
• Access a TFTP server to perform system upgrade tasks.
• Access SNMP messages or protocol data units (PDUs).
• Send Syslog packets.
• Access the system through RADIUS AAA.
Management module LEDs
Tab le 2 describes the LEDs on the management module.
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Router modules
1
TABLE 2 Management module LEDs
LED Position State Meaning
Port 1
and
Port 2
Active Lower Left On The module is functioning as the active management module.
Pwr Upper Left On The module is receiving power.
10/100/1000
Ethernet Port
10/100/1000
Ethernet Port
Each adjacent to
the PCMCIA slot
that it represents
Above and right of
RJ45 connector
Above and left of
RJ45 connector
On or blinking The software is currently accessing the PCMCIA flash card.
Off The software is not currently accessing a PCMCIA flash card, although there is
one inserted in the slot.
Off The module is functioning as the redundant management module.
Off The module is not receiving power.
On (Green) A link is established with the remote port.
Off No link is established with the remote port.
On or blinking
(Yellow)
Off for an
extended period
The port is transmitting and receiving packets.
The port is not transmitting or receiving packets.
Interface modules
Tab le 3 lists the interface modules that are available for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers.
TABLE 3 Interface modules
Part Number Description
DL-MLX-10Gx4-X-ML 4-port 10 Gbps Ethernet module with IPv4, IPv6, and MPLS hardware support--requires
XFP optics
DL-MLX-1GFx24-X-ML 24-port FE or GE (100/1000) module with IPv4, IPv6, and MPLS hardware
support--requires SFP optics
DL-MLX-1GCx24-X-ML 24-port 10/100/1000 copper modules with IPv4, IPv6, and MPLS hardware support
DL-NI-MLX-10Gx8-M
DL-NI-MLX-10Gx8-D
Depending on your router model, you can install up to 16 interface modules.
Interface modules are hot-swappable, which means you can remove and replace them without
powering down the system.
10 Gbps Ethernet interface modules (4-port)
Figure 5 shows 4-port 10 Gbps Ethernet interface module front panels.
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Router modules
Lnk
Active
Lnk
Active
Lnk
Active
Lnk
Active
1
2
34
FIGURE 5 4-port 10 Gbps Ethernet module front panels
The front panel of the 4-port module includes the following features:
• Four LEDs per port
• Four 10 Gbps Ethernet XFP optics ports
10 Gbps Ethernet interface module LEDs
All 4-port interface modules have LEDs that indicate the status of each port, as described in
Tab le 4.
TABLE 4 10 Gbps Ethernet module LEDs
LED Location State Meaning
1
Link Left of each
Ethernet port
Active Left of each
Ethernet port
On A link is established with the remote port.
Off A link is not established with the remote port.
On The port is transmitting and receiving packets.
Off The port is not transmitting or receiving packets.
10 Gbps Ethernet ports
The 10 Gbps Ethernet module has four physical ports that allow you to connect your router to other
network routers at a speed of 10 Gbps.
You must insert XFP-compliant fiber-optic transceivers (provided by Dell) in each port you intend to
use. XFP-compliant transceivers provide an optical or physical medium-dependent (PMD) interface
for single- or multi-mode fiber that can be used with the LAN physical layer (PHY).
Tab le 5 lists the 10 Gbps XFP-compliant fiber-optic transceivers that are available from Dell.
TABLE 5 XFP-compliant transceivers for 10 Gbps Ethernet interface modules
Part number Description
10G-XFP-SR 850 nm serial pluggable XFP optic (LC), target range 300m over multi-mode fiber.
10G-XFP-LR 1310 nm serial pluggable XFP optic (LC) for up to 10km over single-mode fiber.
10G-XFP-ER 1550 nm serial pluggable XFP optic (LC) for up to 40km over single-mode fiber.
10G-XFP-CX4 10-Base-CX4, XFP transceiver, 5 km, CX connector.
For more information about fiber-optic transceivers and associated cabling, refer to “Installing a
fiber-optic transceiver” on page 96.
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Router modules
NOTE
NOTE
1
2
7
8
1
8-port 10 Gbps interface modules
For PowerConnect B-MLXe routers, the 8-port, 10 Gbps interface modules (NI-MLX-10Gx8-M and
NI-MLX-10Gx8-D) provide eight 10 Gbps ports that support SFP+ optics. These modules contain an
internal flash memory of 16 MB for local storage of CPU images, and 32 MB for local storage of
FPGA images. Each 8-port 10 Gbps Ethernet interface module can support a buffer of 256 MB.
When installing NI-MLX-10Gx8-M or NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules, you must first upgrade the software
on all interface modules and management modules to Multi-Service IronWare software 5.1 or later.
For more information on upgrading the software, refer to Chapter 6, “Upgrading Software Images
and Configuration Files”.
NI-MLX-10Gx8-D interface modules do not support MPLS.
Routers that are loaded with one or more NI-MLX-10Gx8-M or NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules must also
have high-speed switch fabric modules installed in order to operate. You can replace switch fabric
modules while the system is powered on and running.
For PowerConnect B-MLXe routers, NI-MLX-10Gx8-M and NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules require the
installation of high-speed switch fabric modules and high-speed fans. For more information about
high-speed switch fabric modules, see “High-speed switch fabric modules” on page 17. For
information about the high-speed fans, see “NIBI-16-FAN-EXH-A high-speed fan assemblies” on
page 20.
Figure 6 illustrates the faceplate of the NI-MLX-10Gx8-M and NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules.
FIGURE 6 NI-MLX-10Gx8-M and NI-MLX-10Gx8-D module faceplate
NI-MLX-10Gx8-M and NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules are designed for use with PowerConnect B-MLXe
routers only.
NI-MLX-10Gx8-M and NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules support the SFP+ optics listed in Tabl e 6. These
modules do not support SFP optics.
TABLE 6 SFP+ optic transceivers for NI-MLX-10Gx8-M and NI-MLX-10Gx8-D Ethernet interface modules
Part number Description
10G-SFPP-SR 10GBASE-SR serial pluggable SFP+ optic (LC), target range 300 m over multi-mode fiber
10G-SFPP-LR 10GBASE-LR serial pluggable SFP+ optic (LC) for up to 10 km over single-mode fiber
NI-MLX-10Gx8-M and NI-MLX-10Gx8-D interface module LEDs
The NI-MLX-10Gx8-M and NI-MLX-10Gx8-D Ethernet interface module LEDs indicate module and
port status, as described in Table 7 .
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NOTE
TABLE 7 NI-MLX-10Gx8-M and NI-MLX-10Gx8-D Ethernet module LEDs
LED Location State Meaning
Router modules
1
Power Lower left corner of
module
Link/Activity Underneath the
ports. Top port LED
on left, bottom port
LED on right.
Green Module is receiving power
Off Module is not receiving power
Green
blinking
Off Port is disabled.
Port enabled and link is up.
Power supply requirements for NI-MLX-10Gx8-M and NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules
When installing NI-MLX-10Gx8-M or NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules, consider the following power supply
requirements for each type of router:
• 4-slot routers
You can install up to three NI-MLX-10Gx8-M or NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules using a single 1200W
power supply. You can achieve a 1+1 power redundancy by installing four additional power
supplies.
If four NI-MLX-10Gx8-M or NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules are installed, you will need a minimum of
two power supplies. You can achieve 2+2 power redundancy by installing two additional power
supplies.
• 8-slot routers
In MLXe-8 routers, you can install up to six NI-MLX-10Gx8-M or NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules using
two 1200W power supplies. You can achieve a 2+2 power redundancy by installing two
additional power supplies.
For MLXe-8 routers, if you install seven or more NI-MLX-10Gx8-M or NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules,
you will need a minimum of three power supplies. You can achieve 3+1 power redundancy by
installing one additional power supply.
For MLX 8-slot routers, you can install up to eight NI-MLX-10Gx8-M or NI-MLX-10Gx8-D
modules using two 1200W power supplies. You can achieve 2+2 power redundancy by
installing two additional power supplies
• 16-slot routers
You can install up to 16 NI-MLX-10Gx8-M or NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules using four 1200W
power supplies. You can achieve a 4+4 power redundancy by installing four additional power
supplies.
If you install thirteen or more NI-MLX-10Gx8-M or NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules, you will need a
minimum of five power supplies. You can achieve 5+3 power redundancy by installing three
additional power supplies.
When installing NI-MLX-10Gx8-M or NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules, you must upgrade the software
on all interface modules and management modules to the appropriate software release. For
more information on the appropriate software release refer to the Release Notes. For more
information about upgrading the software, refer to Chapter 6, “Upgrading Software Images and
Configuration Files”.
NI-MLX-10Gx8-D modules do not support Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS).
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Router modules
1
If you try to configure MPLS on device that has NI MLX 8x10G -D modules installed, you will see
the following error message.
PowerConnect MLX-8 Router(config)# router mpls
The command can't be used when system contains -d class modules.
If you install an NI-MLX-10Gx8-D module in a device that is running MPLS, the NI-MLX-10Gx8-D
module will boot in INTERACTIVE mode, and the following error message is displayed.
R2-MLX#
Module is inserted into slot 7
SYSLOG: May 28 16:22:35:<13>May 28 16:22:35 System: Module was inserted to
slot 7
Module 7 is -d class, it can't work when router mpls is enabled.
Reset slot 7
SYSLOG: May 28 16:22:48 :<13>May 28 16:22:48 Module 7 is reset by mgmt
(reason: boot to interactive mode)
24-port 100/1000 Ethernet interface module
Figure 7 shows the front panel of the 24-port 100/1000 Gbps Ethernet SFP interface module.
FIGURE 7 24-port 100/1000 Ethernet module front panel
The front panel includes the following features:
• LEDs to the left support the top ports, LEDs to the right support the bottom ports
• 24 100/1000 Ethernet SFP ports
Tab le 8 describes the LEDs for the 24-port 100/1000 Ethernet module
TABLE 8 24-port 100/1000 Ethernet module LEDs
Position State Meaning
Below each Ethernet port.
(Left-side LED supports port in
top row. Right-side LED supports
port in bottom row.)
100/1000 Ethernet ports
The 100/1000 Ethernet interface module contains 24 physical ports, through which you can
connect your router to other network routers at a speed of 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps.
You must insert an SFP-compliant fiber-optic transceiver (provided by Dell) into a physical port.
SFP-compliant fiber-optic transceivers provide a physical medium-dependent (PMD) fiber interface
that can be used with either the LAN physical layer (PHY) or WAN physical layer (WAN PHY).
12 PowerConnect B-MLXe Hardware Installation Guide
On or blinking The port is transmitting and receiving packets.
Off for an extended period The port is not transmitting or receiving packets.
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Router modules
Tab le 9 lists SFP-compliant transceivers available from Dell.
TABLE 9 SFP-compliant transceivers available from Dell
Part number Description
E1MG-TX SFP Copper, RJ45 connector (supported at 1000 Mbps speeds only).
E1MG-SX-OM 1000Base-SX SFP optic with Digital Optical Monitoring.
E1MG-LX 1000Base-LX SFP optic, single-mode fiber, LC connector.
E1MG-LX-OM 1000Base-LX SFP optic with Digital Optical Monitoring.
E1MG-LHA-OM 1000Base-LHA SFP optic, single-mode fiber, LC connector. For ranges up to 80 km.
E1MG-100FX-OM 100Base-FX SFP optic multi-mode fiber, LC connector.
24-port 10/100/1000 Ethernet interface module
Figure 8 shows the front panel of the 24-port 10/100/1000 Ethernet RJ45 module.
FIGURE 8 24-port 10/100/1000 copper Ethernet module front panel
1
The front panel includes the following features:
• LEDs
• Twenty 10/100/1000 copper Ethernet ports.
Tab le 10 describes the 24-port 10/100/1000 Ethernet module LEDs.
TABLE 10 24-port 10/100/1000 Ethernet module LEDs
LED Position State Meaning
Link or
Active
Underneath the
ports. The top port
LED is on the left
side, the bottom
port LED is on the
right side.
On (solid) A link is established with the remote port (with no traffic).
Blinking The port is transmitting and receiving packets.
Off A link is not established with the remote port and no traffic
is being passed.
NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A interface module
Figure 9 shows the front panel of the NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A interface module.
PowerConnect B-MLXe Hardware Installation Guide 13
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Router modules
A
1
FIGURE 9 NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A module front panel
The front panel includes the following features:
• A power LED located below the part number
• Eight mini-RJ21 connectors, each supporting six 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports
The eight mini-RJ21 connectors support six 1 Gbps Ethernet ports each. You can connect a patch
panel with a mini-RJ21 connector to a mini-RJ21 connector on the interface module. The patch
panel provides RJ45 connectors. You can also use a cable with a mini-RJ21 connector on one end
that connects to the mini-RJ21 connector on the interface module. The other end of the cable splits
into six cables with RJ45 connectors on each cable.
The NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A module ships with two cable cinches. Each cable cinch consists of a plastic
part and a velcro strap. For instructions on using the cable cinches, see Chapter 3, “Using the Dell
Structured Cabling Components”.
Contact your Dell Sales Representative for more information about cables and patch panels that
support this module.
Power supply requirements for NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A modules
When installing NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A modules, consider the following power supply requirements for
each type of router:
• 4-slot routers
You can install up to three NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A modules, and populate the remaining slots with
other modules using a single 1200W power supply. You can achieve a 1+2 power redundancy
by installing two additional power supplies.
If four NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A modules are installed, you will need a minimum of two power
supplies. You can achieve 2+1 power redundancy by installing one additional power supply.
• 8-slot routers
You can install up to seven NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A modules, and populate the remaining slots with
other modules using two 1200W power supplies. You can achieve a 2+2 power redundancy by
installing two additional power supplies.
If eight NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A modules are installed, you will need a minimum of three power
supplies. You can achieve 3+1 power redundancy by installing one additional power supply.
• 16-slot routers
You can install up to twelve NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A modules, and populate the remaining slots with
other modules using four 1200W power supplies. You can achieve a 4+4 power redundancy by
installing four additional power supplies.
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Router modules
NOTE
1
If you install thirteen or more NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A modules, you will need a minimum of five
power supplies. You can achieve 5+3 power redundancy by installing three additional power
supplies.
When installing NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A modules, you must upgrade the software on all interface
modules and management modules to the appropriate software release. For more information
on the appropriate software release, refer to the Release Notes. For more information about
upgrading the software, refer to Chapter 6, “Upgrading Software Images and Configuration
Files”.
To display information about NIBI-16-FAN-EXH-A modules installed in a 16-slot router, enter the
show chassis command.
PowerConnect# show chassis
*** MLX-16 chassis ***
Power 1 (H1250CFN - AC 1200W): Installed (OK)
Power 2: Installed (Failed or Disconnected)
Power 3: not present
Power 4: Installed (Failed or Disconnected)
Power 5 (H1250CFN - AC 1200W): Installed (OK)
Power 6 (30351200 - AC 1200W): Installed (OK)
Power 7: Installed (Failed or Disconnected)
Power 8 (30351200 - AC 1200W): Installed (OK)
Total power budget for chassis = 4800 W
Total power used by system core = 762 W
Total power used by LPs = 1040 W
Total power available = 2998 W
Slot Power-On Priority and Power Usage:
Slot10 pri=1 module type=NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A 48-port 10/100/1000Base-T MRJ21
Module power usage=260W
Slot11 pri=1 module type=NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A 48-port 10/100/1000Base-T MRJ21
Module power usage=260W
Slot13 pri=1 module type=NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A 48-port 10/100/1000Base-T MRJ21
Module power usage=260W
Slot16 pri=1 module type=NI-MLX-1Gx48-T-A 48-port 10/100/1000Base-T MRJ21
Module power usage=260W
--- FANS --Bottom fan tray (fan 1): Status = OK, Speed = LOW (50%)
Bottom fan tray (fan 2): Status = OK, Speed = LOW (50%)
Bottom fan tray (fan 3): Status = OK, Speed = LOW (50%)
Bottom fan tray (fan 4): Status = OK, Speed = LOW (50%)
Bottom fan tray (fan 5): Status = OK, Speed = LOW (50%)
Bottom fan tray (fan 6): Status = OK, Speed = LOW (50%)
To physically confirm the high speed fans look for the four captive screws on the fans at the
rear of the chassis.
Switch fabric modules
Tab le 11 lists the switch fabric modules that are available for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers.
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NOTE
Pwr
Active
BI-SWF
1
TABLE 11 Switch fabric modules
Part number Description
NI-X-4-HSF High speed switch fabric module for 4-slot routers
NI-X-16-8-HSF High speed switch fabric module for 8- and 16-slot routers
Switch fabric modules switch packets from one interface module to another. PowerConnect B-MLXe
routers can be configured with multiple switch fabric modules as described here:
• 4-slot router: Accommodates three switch fabric modules (two required and one redundant) for
a fully-loaded system. Ships with two switch fabric modules. You must purchase an additional
switch fabric module to equip your router for redundancy.
• 8-slot router: Accommodates three switch fabric modules (two required and one redundant) for
a fully-loaded system. Ships with two switch fabric modules. You must purchase an additional
switch fabric module to equip your router for redundancy.
• 16-slot router: Accommodates four switch fabric modules (three required and one redundant)
for a fully-loaded system. Ships with three switch fabric modules. You must purchase an
additional switch fabric module to equip your router for redundancy.
PowerConnect B-MLXe router switch fabric modules are dedicated, which means that they function
properly in PowerConnect B-MLXe routers only. If you attempt to install a PowerConnect B-MLXe
router switch fabric module in another Dell device or a switch fabric module intended for another
Dell device in a PowerConnect B-MLXe router, the router and switch fabric module will not function
properly.
Figure 10 shows the front panel of a switch fabric module.
FIGURE 10 Switch fabric module front panel
l
The front panel contains two LEDs, as described in Table 12.
TABLE 12 Switch fabric module LEDs
LED Position State Meaning
Pwr Above Active LED On The module is receiving power.
Off The module is not receiving power.
Active Below Pwr LED On The switch fabric is active and ready to switch
user packets.
Off for an extended period The switch fabric is not active and cannot switch
user packets.
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NOTE
DANGER
1
High-speed switch fabric modules
Generation 2 (G2) high-speed fabric (HSF) modules support wire-speed forwarding for all packet
sizes, including jumbo frames.
HSF modules are supported on PowerConnect B-MLXe routers and are interoperable with all
existing interface modules.
HSF modules are hot-swappable, which allows you to install or replace them while the system is
powered up and running.
Power supplies
PowerConnect B-MLXe routers support the following power supply options:
• 4-slot router: Ships with one power supply, but can accommodate three AC power supplies (one
required and two redundant). To equip your router for redundancy, you must purchase one or
two additional power supplies.
• 8-slot router: Accommodates four AC power supplies (two required and two redundant).
Because power is supplied over a common power bus, any power supply installed in addition to
the two required will provide backup for any supply that fails. For full redundancy for both of the
required power supplies, you must add two additional power supplies.
• 16-slot router: Accommodates eight AC power supplies (four required and four redundant).
Because power is supplied over a common power bus, any power supply installed in addition to
the four required will provide backup for any power supply that fails. For full redundancy for all
of the required power supplies, you must add four additional power supplies.
For power supply specifications, refer to “Power specifications” on page 175.
Power supplies provide power to all router components, share the workload equally, and report
status to the management module. If the management module detects that a power supply has
failed or overheated, the management module redistributes the workload of the failed power
supply to the remaining power supplies.
Power supplies have three LEDs on the faceplate. These LEDs provide status for input power,
output power, and notification of alarms that have been sent. If the input power and output power
LEDs are on (a steady green), the power supply is providing power to the router components. For
more information about the power supply LEDs, refer to the AC power supply sections in Table 27
on page 207.
After a power supply is removed from a router, the software determines if there is enough power to
operate all of the interface modules. If it determines that there is not enough power, some interface
modules will be powered off.
Power supplies are hot-swappable, which means they can be removed and replaced while the
router is powered on and running. However, Dell recommends that you disconnect a power
supply from its power source before removing and replacing the supply. The 4-, 8-, and 16-slot
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1
1
router can be running while a power supply is being removed and replaced, but the power supply
itself should not be connected to a power source. Otherwise, you could be injured, or the power
supply or other parts of the router could be damaged.
Rack mounting brackets
All routers ship with pre-installed mounting brackets that allow you to front-mount the router in a
standard 19-inch (EIA310-D) rack. For instructions about how to mount the router in a rack, refer to
the installation chapter that is appropriate for your router model.
You can also mid-mount your 4-, 8- or 16-slot router using two L-shaped mounting brackets that
come in a mid-mount kit (ordered separately). The mid-mount kit comes with instructions for
installing the mounting brackets and mounting the router in a rack. Contact Dell for more
information about the mid-mount bracket kit.
Cooling system for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers
The cooling systems for PowerConnect B-MLXe routers contain the following components:
• 4-slot router: Equipped with a fan assembly that contains two 4-speed fans and two fan
controllers to support redundancy.
• 8-slot router: Equipped with a fan assembly containing four 4-speed fans and four fan
controllers to support redundancy.
• 16-slot router: Equipped with two high-speed fan assemblies. Each fan assembly contains two
4-speed fans with 16 fan controllers to support redundancy.
Figure 11 and Figure 12 show the fan locations for 4-slot and 8-slot routers. Figure 13 and
Figure 14 show the fan locations for 16-slot routers.
FIGURE 11 Fan locations for PowerConnect B-MLXe-4 routers
1 Fans in rear of chassis
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