Caution - Fiber optic InfiniBand cables with laser transceivers must be of a type Class I.
Caution - Do not allow any copper core InfiniBand cable to bend tighter than a 5 inch (127 mm) radius. Do not allow any optical InfiniBand cable to bend tighter than a 3.4 inch (85 mm) radius. Tight bends can damage the cable internally.
Caution - Do not use zip ties to bundle or support InfiniBand cables. The sharp edges of the ties can damage the cables internally. Use hook and loop straps.
Caution - Do not allow any InfiniBand cable to experience extreme tension. Do not pull on an InfiniBand cable or allow it to drag. Unroll an InfiniBand cable for its length. Pulling on an InfiniBand cable can damage the cables internally.
Caution - Do not twist an InfiniBand cable more than one revolution for its entire length. Twisting an InfiniBand cable can damage the cable internally.
Caution - Do not route InfiniBand cables where they might be stepped upon or experience rolling loads. Such a crushing effect can damage the cable internally.
When handling a cable, consider the following:
Bends in the cable path increase the required cable length. Bends in the cable path are usually necessary, and each bend increases the total length. Rarely does a cable travel in a straight line from connector to connector.
Bundling increases the required length of the cables. Bundling causes one or more cables to follow a common path. However, the bend radius is different in different parts of the bundle. If the bundle is large and unorganized, and there are many bends, one cable might experience only the inner radius of bends, while another cable might experience the outer radius of bends. In this situation, the differences of the required lengths of the cables are quite substantial.
If you are routing the InfiniBand cables under the floor, consider the height of the raised floor.
When bundling InfiniBand cables in groups, use hook-and-loop straps to keep cables organized. If possible, use color-coordinated straps to help identify cables and their routing. The InfiniBand 4X copper conductor cables are fairly thick and heavy for their length. Consider the retention strength of the hook-and-loop straps when supporting cables. Bundle as few cables as reasonably possible.
You can bundle the cables using many hook-and-loop straps. Place the hook-and-loop straps as close together as reasonably possible, for example, every 1 foot (0.3 m). If a cable breaks free from a strap, the cable cannot fall far before it is retained by another strap. If the InfiniBand cables break free of their straps and fall free, the cables might break internally when they strike the floor or are jerked from tension.
The switch accepts InfiniBand cables from floor or underfloor delivery. Floor and underfloor delivery limits the tension in the InfiniBand cable to the weight of the cable for the rack height of the switch.
Note - Overhead cabling details are not included in this guide. For details on overhead cabling, contact a certified service engineer.