Attach Cables to the CXP Connectors

1. Identify the prerequisite and subsequent tasks you must perform in conjunction with this procedure, to install the switch.

   See the table in Installation Sequence.

2. Bring the cables to the switch.
3. Install a cable shelf into the slot below the lowest line card.
   1. Lift the cable shelf into a horizontal orientation, with the long rolled edge towards you.
   2. Locate where you want to install the cable shelf.
   3. Move the cable shelf between and just above the branches of the cable tree for the slot where you want to install the shelf.
   4. Continue to move the shelf in, then lower the shelf into the tabs of the branches.
      

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      Note - Install cable shelves only as they are needed. If all cable shelves are installed before the switch is cabled, the shelves’ presence makes cabling difficult.

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4. Plug the first cable into the CXP connector at 11B.

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   Note - For each connector group, A is the upper connector, B is the lower connector.

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   1. Remove the protective cap from the connector and visually inspect the cable connector.

      The shell should not be bent and should be parallel to the inner boards. If the connector is bent or damaged, use a different cable.

   2. Ensure that the retraction strap is forward.
   3. Orient the cable connector to the line card CXP receptacle squarely and horizontally.

      Ensure that the upper shell just touches the underside of the top of the receptacle on the line card.

      
      
   4. Slowly move the connector in.

      As you slide the connector in, the top of the shell should scrape against the underside of the top of the CXP receptacle.

      • If the cable stops or binds after about 5 mm (1/4 in.) travel, back out and repeat from Step c.
      • If the connector stops or binds with about 2 mm (1/8 in.) still to go, back out and repeat Step d.
   5. Continue to push the connector in until the hooks catch onto the top of the receptacle.
5. Curve the cable to the right through the branches of the cable tree.
   

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   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.

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6. Place the cable over the cable curve and move the cable in toward the rack.
   
7. Repeat Step 4 for the second cable at CXP connector 0B.
8. Curve the cable to the left through the branches of the cable tree.

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   Caution - Do not force a bend radius of less than 5 inches (127 mm). Any bend tighter than this damages the inner fibers of the cable, rendering it useless.

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9. Place the cable over the cable curve and move the cable in toward the rack.
10. Repeat Step 4 for the third cable at CXP connector 10B.
11. Curve the cable to the right through the branches of the cable tree, next to the cable already there.
12. Place the cable over the cable curve and move the cable against the cable already there.
13. Repeat Step 4 for the fourth cable at CXP connector 1B.
14. Curve the cable to the left through the branches of the cable tree, next to the cable already there.
15. Place the cable over the cable curve and move the cable against the cable already there.
16. Repeat Step 4 for cables connecting to CXP connectors 9B, 2B, and so on, to and including 6B and 5B.

    Place the cables next to the cables that are already there.

17. Repeat Step 4 for cables connecting to CXP connectors 11A, 0A, 10A, 1A, and so on, to and including 6A and 5A.

    Place the cables on top of the cables that are already there.

18. When you have finished for the lowest line card, repeat from Step 3 through Step 17 for the remaining line cards, working your way up.

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    Note - There are two cable curves on each side of the switch. The cables from line cards 0 through 4 route over the lowest cable curve. The cables from line cards 5 through 8 route over the next cable curve up.

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19. Install the EMI screen.
    1. Hook the lower half of the screen at the two square holes at the bottom of the cable trees.
    2. Expand the screen and set the upper half over the top of the switch chassis and cable trees.
    3. Insure that the screen is seated against the cable trees.
20. Check link status.

    See Check Link Status.

Related Information

• Understanding InfiniBand Cabling

• Attach Management Cables

• Attach Power Cords