InfiniBand Cable Guidelines

Proper InfiniBand cable installation requires the following:

1. Plan the cable routes and cable length needs, identifying problematic cable route bends, minimizing the length of continuous vertical runs to no more than 2 meters (7 feet), and specifying hardware to support cable routing.

   See InfiniBand Cable Path Lengths.

2. Carry the entire cable to the points of connection and unroll the cable from the first connection point to the second. Keep the coil closed and pause to enable the cable to relax as it is unrolled and moved through turns.

3. Ensure that cable route turns are larger than 85 mm (3.4 inches) radius for optical cables and 127 mm (5 inches) radius for copper cables. Find alternative routes for turns that are tighter.

4. Secure the cable to hard points and bundle it with soft, hook-and-loop fasteners.

   See InfiniBand Cable Bundling.

5. Mediate the slack between securing points to maintain minimal cable tension and proper support.

   See Floor and Underfloor Delivery of InfiniBand Cables and Overhead Delivery of InfiniBand Cables.

6. Label the ends of cables to identify their routes. Rest the cable connectors on a stable surface when they are not connected.

Related Information

• Power Cord Requirements

• Management Cable Requirements