This guide describes the PA-500 firewall hardware, provides instructions on install ing the hardware,
describes how to perform maintenance procedures, and provides product specifications. This guide is
intended for system administrators responsible for installing and maintaining the PA-500 firewall.
All PA-500 devices run PAN-OS, a purpose-built operating system with extensive functionalit y. For
additional information, refer to the following resources:
•For information on the additional capabilities and for instructions on configuring the features on
the firewall, refer to
•For access to the knowledge base, complete documentation set, discussion forums, and videos,
refer to
https://live.paloaltonetworks.com.
•For contacting support, for information on the support programs, or to manage your account or
devices, refer to
•For the latest release notes, go to the software downloads page at
February 29, 2016 - Palo Alto Networks COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL
Chapter 1
Overview
This chapter describes the front and back panels of the PA-500 firewall. For more information,
refer to the following topics:
•“Front Panel” in the next section
•“Back Panel” on page 7
Palo Alto NetworksOverview • 5
Front Panel
LEDs
Ethernet
ports
USB
port
Management
port
Console
port
Front Panel
Figure 1 shows the front panel of the PA-500 firewall.
Figure 1. Front Panel
Table 1 describes the front panel features.
Table 1. Front Panel Features
ItemDescription
Ethernet ports8 RJ-45 10/100/1000 ports for network traffic.
Management port1 RJ-45 port to access the device management interfaces through an
Ethernet interface.
Console port1 RJ-45 port for connecting a serial console.
USB port1 USB port for future use.
LED dashboard6 LEDs indicating system status. Refer to “Interpreting the Device
LEDs” on page 14 for LED definitions.
6 • OverviewPalo Alto Networks
Back Panel
AC power
Inlet
Fans
Figure 2 shows the back panel of the PA-500 and Table 2 describes the back panel features.
Figure 2. Back Panel
Table 2. Back Panel Features
Back Panel
ItemDescription
FansTwo fans for cooling the device.
Power inletAC power inlet for powering the device.
Palo Alto Networks Overview • 7
Back Panel
8 • OverviewPalo Alto Networks
February 29, 2016 - Palo Alto Networks COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL
Chapter 2
Installing the Hardware
This chapter describes how to install the PA-500. For more information, refer to the following
topics:
•“Tamper Proof Statement” on page 9
•“Before You Begin” in the next section
•“Equipment Rack Installation” on page 10
•“Connecting Cables to the Device” on page 11
•“Connecting Power” on page 11
Tamper Proof Statement
To ensure that products purchased from Palo Alto Networks have not been tampered with
during shipping, verify the following upon receipt of each product:
•The tracking number provided to you electronically when ordering the product matches
the tracking number that is physically labeled on the box or crate.
•The integrity of the tamper-proof tape used to seal the box or crate has not been
compromised.
•The warranty seals on the device itself do not show evidence of tampering.
Before You Begin
•Have a Phillips head screwdriver available.
•Verify that the intended location has adequate air circulation and meets the temperature
requirements. Refer
•Unpack the device.
•Verify that power is not connected to the firewall.
Palo Alto NetworksInstalling the Hardware • 9
“Environmental Specifications” on page 18.
Equipment Rack Installation
•Allow clear space on the sides and back of the firewall.
Equipment Rack Installation
Figure 3 shows how rack mounting brackets are attached to the PA-500. You can attach the
brackets using the holes at the front of the unit.
Figure 3. Attaching Rack Mounting Brackets
The following safety guidelines apply to rack installation:
•Elevated ambient operating temperature—If the PA-500 is installed in a closed or multi-
unit rack assembly, the ambient operating temperature of the rack environment may be
greater than the ambient room temperature. Verify that the ambient temperature of the
rack assembly meets the maximum rated ambient temperature requirements listed in
“Environmental Specifications” on page 18.
•Reduced air flow—Ensure that the airflow required for safe device operation is not
compromised by the rack installation.
•Mechanical loading—Ensure that the rack-mounted device does not cause hazardous
conditions due to uneven mechanical loading.
•Circuit overloading—Ensure that the circuit that supplies power to the device is
sufficiently rated to avoid circuit overloading or excess load on supply wiring. Refer to
“Electrical Specifications” on page 18.
•Reliable earthing—Maintain reliable earthing of rack mounted equipment. Pay special
attention to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit (such
as use of power strips).
10 • Installing the HardwarePalo Alto Networks
To install the PA-500 in a grounded 19-inch rack:
Console
Management
Network
1.Screw the rack mounting brackets onto the front of the unit using a Phillips head
screwdriver.
2.Lift the device and position it in the rack.
3.Align the mounting holes on the attached rack mounting brackets with holes in the rack
rail. Make sure that rack rail holes are selected so that the PA-500 is level.
4.Insert mounting screws into the aligned holes. Tighten with a Phillips screwdriver.
Connecting Cables to the Device
Figure 4 shows the PA-500 cable connections. Refer to Table 1 for descriptions of the front
panel interfaces.
Connecting Cables to the Device
Figure 4. Cable Connections for the PA-500
Connecting Power
To power the PA-500:
1.Attach a power cable to the device (Figure 2) .
2.Plug the cable into a grounded wall outlet.
Palo Alto Networks Installing the Hardware • 11
Connecting Power
12 • Installing the HardwarePalo Alto Networks
February 29, 2016 - Palo Alto Networks COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL
Chapter 3
Maintaining the Hardware
This chapter provides maintenance information for the PA-500 hardware. For more
information, refer to the following topics:
•“Cautions and Warnings” in the next section
•“Interpreting the Device LEDs” on page 14
•“Interpreting the Port LEDs” on page 15
Cautions and Warnings
This section describes the cautions and warnings that you must be familiar with before
working with the hardware:
•“Hardware Cautions” on page 13
•“Hardware Warnings” on page 13
Hardware Cautions
•Disconnect the power cord before servicing the PA-500.
•Shielded Ethernet interface cables should be used to ensure agency compliance with
electromagnetic emissions (EMC). Connecting a PoE enabled port to the firewall is not
recommended because the system does not support the PoE operating mode.
•To prevent damage from electrical surges, use a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and
implement the facilities lightning protection requirements outlined in the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) 780: Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection
Systems (or similar effective measures per local regulations).
Hardware Warnings
•Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced with an incorrect type. Dispose of used
batteries in accordance with government regulations.
Palo Alto NetworksMaintaining the Hardware • 13
Interpreting the Device LEDs
•Removal of equipment top cover is to be performed only by trained service person(s). The
only exception is to perform a memory upgrade as described in the PA-500 memory
upgrade procedures located on the
Interpreting the Device LEDs
Figure 5 shows the LEDs on the front panel of the PA-500.
Figure 5. Front Panel LEDs
Table 3 describes the LED functions and states.
platforms page.
Table 3. LED Functions and States
InterfaceStateDescription
POWERGreenThe device is powered.
OffPower is off.
STATUSGreenThe device is operating normally.
YellowThe device is booting up.
FANSGreenAll fans are operating normally.
RedOne or more fans have failed.
HAGreenThis device is the current active device.
YellowThis device is the current passive device.
OffHigh availability is not enabled on this device.
ALARMRedThere is a hardware failure, which may include power supply
detected but not working, fan failure, HA failover, or temperature
above high temperature threshold.
OffThe device is operating normally.
TEMPGreenThe temperature is normal.
YellowThe temperature is outside the normal tolerance.
14 • Maintaining the HardwarePalo Alto Networks
Interpreting the Port LEDs
Each Ethernet port on the PA-500 has two LEDs. Table 4 describes the LEDs.
Table 4. Port LEDs
LEDDescription
LeftShows green if there is a network link.
RightBlinks if there is network activity.
Interpreting the Port LEDs
Palo Alto Networks Maintaining the Hardware • 15
Interpreting the Port LEDs
16 • Maintaining the HardwarePalo Alto Networks
February 29, 2016 - Palo Alto Networks COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL
Chapter 4
Specifications
This chapter provides specifications for the PA-500. For more information, refer to the
following topics:
•“Physical Specifications” in the next section
•“Interface Specifications” on page 18
•“Electrical Specifications” on page 18
•“Environmental Specifications” on page 18
Physical Specifications
Table 5 lists the physical specifications for the PA-500.
Table 5. Physical Specifications
SpecificationDescription
Height1.75 inches (1 RU)
Depth10 inches
Width17 inches
MountingStandard 19-inch rack
FansTwo fans
Palo Alto NetworksSpecifications • 17
Interface Specifications
Interface Specifications
Table 6 describes the interfaces for the PA-500.
Table 6. Interface Specifications
SpecificationDescription
Ethernet ports8 RJ-45 10/100/1000 ports for network traffic.
Management port1 RJ-45 port to access the device management interfaces through an
Console port1 RJ-45 port for connecting a serial console. Use these settings:
USB portOne USB port for future use.
Ethernet interface.
• Data rate: 9600
• Data bits: 8
• Parity: none
• Stop bits: 1
• Flow control: none
Electrical Specifications
Table 7 lists the electrical specifications for the PA-500.
Table 7. Electrical Specifications
SpecificationDescription
Input frequency50-60 Hz
Average/maximum power consumption40W/75W
AC voltage100-240 VAC
Environmental Specifications
Table 8 lists the environmental specifications for the PA-500.
Table 8. Environmental Specifications
SpecificationDescription
Operating temperature range0° to 50° C
Storage temperature range-20° to 70° C
System air flowSide to back
18 • SpecificationsPalo Alto Networks
February 29, 2016 - Palo Alto Networks COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL
Chapter 5
Compliance Statements
This section lists the hardware compliance statements for the following:
•“VCCI” in the next section
•“BSMI EMC Statement” on page 19
VCCI
This section provides the compliance statement for the Voluntary Control Council for
Interference by Information Technology Equipment (VCCI), which governs radio frequency
emissions in Japan.
The following information is in accordance to VCCI Class A requirements:
Translation: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause
radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take corrective actions.
BSMI EMC Statement
User warning: This is a Class A product, when used in a residential environment it may cause
radio interference. In this case, the user will be required to take adequate measures.
Manufacturer: Flextronics International
Country of Origin: Made in the USA with parts of domestic and foreign origin.