Preparation

This section discusses the following topics:

Site Selection

When selecting a site to install the switch, consider the following criteria:
  • Floor Space: Install the switch in an area that provides adequate clearance for removing front and rear components.

The Figure 1 display the dimensions and footprint of the switch clearance requirements.

 

Figure 1. Clearance Requirements and Footprint for Switches
Technical overhead diagram showing the physical footprint of the modular switch. Labeled arrows 'A', 'B', and 'C' indicate depth and width clearance requirements for both the front and rear panels to ensure adequate floor space for maintenance and proper ventilation.

 

The Figure 1 display the dimensions and footprint of the switch clearance requirements.

 

Table 1. Clearance Requirements and Footprint Dimensions
Switch Clearance Requirements Dimensions
A B C
DCS-7804 38.4 cm (15.1 in.) 102.1 cm (40.2 in.) 58.9 cm (23.2 in.)
DCS-7808 38.4 cm (15.1 in.) 102.1 cm (40.2 in.) 58.9 cm (23.2 in.)
DCS-7812 38.4 cm (15.1 in.) 102.1 cm (40.2 in.) 58.9 cm (23.2 in.)
DCS-7816 38.4 cm (15.1 in.) 102.1 cm (40.2 in.) 58.9 cm (23.2 in.)
DCS-7816L 38.4 cm (15.1 in.) 102.1 cm (40.2 in.) 58.9 cm (23.2 in.)

 

 

Note: The PSU removal clearance (Front) is 62.5 cm (24.6 in.)

 

  • Temperature and Ventilation: For proper ventilation, install the switch with ample airflow to the front and back of the switch. The temperature should not go below 0° or exceed 40°C.

     

    Important:

    To prevent the switch from overheating, do not operate it in an area where the ambient temperature exceeds 40°C (104°F).

     

    Pour empêcher l'interrupteur de surchauffe, ne pas utiliser il dans une zone où la température ambiante est supérieure à 40°C (104°F).

     

     

  • Airflow Orientation: The fans direct air from the front panel to the rear panel. Orient the front panel toward the cool aisle.
  • Rack Space Requirements: The Table 2 table shows the rack space requirements for each modular switch.

     

    Table 2. Rack Space Requirements
    Switch Rack or Cabinet (standard 19" EIA)
    2-Post 4-Post Switch Height (RU)
    DCS-7804 No Yes 10
    DCS-7808 No Yes 16
    DCS-7812 No Yes 23
    DCS-7816 No Yes 32
    DCS-7816 No Yes 32

     

     

    Note: The accessory kit provides the required mounting hardware for each switch.

     

     

  • Power Requirements: Arista switches require a minimum number of operating AC or DC power supplies in all chassis and for each power domain of switches with multiple power domains. Refer to Cabling the Power Supplies for more details regarding your switch.

     

    Important:

    DC cables should be protected with circuit over-current protection devices and circuit disconnect means. To turn off a unit, power must be disconnected from ALL power cables.

     

    DC câbles doivent être protégés avec dispositifs de protection de surintensité circuit et moyens de déconnexion du circuit. Pour éteindre une unité, l'alimentation doit être débranchée de TOUS les câbles d'alimentation.

     

     

  • Other Requirements: Select a site where liquids or objects cannot fall onto the equipment and foreign objects are not drawn into the ventilation holes. Ensure these guidelines are met:
    • Clearance areas to the front and rear panels allow for unrestricted cabling.
    • All front and rear panel indicators can be easily read.
    • AC power cords can reach the input connectors from the AC power outlet.
    • DC power cables can reach the input connectors from the DC power distribution unit.

       

Tools and Parts Required for Installation

The following tools are required to install a modular switch.
  • A mechanical device capable of lifting the chassis being installed (Table 1).
  • Torque reading nut driver (for DC power supplies).
  • #2 Phillips head screwdriver.

     

Note: Switch shipments include a template to assist with rack mounting.

 

 

Rack Mount

The Table 3 table shows the rack components required for each modular switch.

 

Table 3. Rack Component Requirements
Switch Rack or Cabinet (standard 19" EIA)
Rack Screws (1) Rack Nuts (2) Notes
DCS-7804 21(3) 21(3) 4-post installation
DCS-7808 21(3) 21(3) 4-post installation
DCS-7812 27(3) 27(3) 4-post installation
DCS-7816 35(3) 35(3) 4-post installation
DCS-7816L 35(3) 35 4-post installation

1 The accessory kit includes screws that fit many common equipment racks.

2 Rack nuts are only for racks with unthreaded rack-post holes.

3 These are in addition to the rack-mount kit screws required for the cradle.

 

Unpacking and Moving the Switch

The DCS-7816 accessory kit includes bolts and lifting brackets (Figure 2) that must be attached to the top of the chassis with the bolts supplied for lifting the chassis from the pallet onto the transport lift. You can use any appropriate lifting mechanism/tool to unload the switch. A platform lift is recommended for the transportation and installation of the switch. The rack mounting cradle is shipped nested upside down over the top of the chassis for all switches (Figure 3). A protective film on the top and sides keeps the cradle from scratching the chassis during transport.

 

Note: The DCS-7812 accessory kit includes bolts and lifting brackets that must be similarly attached. The illustrations highlight the DCS-7816.

 

 

Figure 2. Lifting Brackets

Detailed view of a silver-colored metal lifting bracket. The image shows the bracket featuring two bolt holes for secure attachment to the top of the switch chassis and a large circular eyelet at the top for attaching heavy-duty lifting straps.

 

Figure 3. Cradle and Switch

Side view illustration of the rack mounting cradle nested upside down over the top of the switch chassis for transport. A protective film is visible on the chassis surfaces to prevent scratching.

Unpacking and Moving the Switch (Example)

The example illustrates the de-palletizing and transportation of a DCS-7816 chassis using the following:
  • 1000 lb lifting straps
    • Server Lift SL-1000X® Super-Duty Lift
      • 1000 lb capacity
      • Battery-operated and motorized
      • Integrated rollers with lockout

The DCS-7816 chassis ships on an engineered pallet, as shown below.

 


Two side-by-side photographs showing industrial shipping packaging for large, heavy equipment.

 

  1. Cut away the straps and remove the cardboard to expose the chassis with the rack kit basket attached and nested on top of the chassis.
     

    A high-angle photograph of a large server rack prepared for transport in a warehouse or industrial setting.

     

  2. From the accessory kit shipped with the chassis, remove and attach the lifting brackets to the top of the chassis.
     

    A three-part composite photograph detailing the installation of heavy-duty lifting hardware on a large network chassis.
     
  3. Attach the 1000 lb lifting straps to the lifting brackets on the chassis and the loops through the prongs of the lift.
     

    A three-part composite photograph demonstrating the industrial rigging and lifting procedure for a large Arista network chassis using a forklift.

     

  4. Place the chassis on the transport lift (Server Lift SL-1000X® Super-Duty Lift) with the lift platen in the neutral position and the chassis aligned for moving into the rack.
     
    Note: Populate the chassis with linecards and fabric modules only after insertion into the rack.

     


    A two-part composite photograph detailing a specialized data center server lift equipped with a roller-top platform for maneuvering heavy equipment.

     

  5. Align and move the chassis into the rack using the translatable platen.
     
    Note: Use the built-in, foot-pedal actuated lock to secure the lift while sliding the chassis into the rack.

     


    A two-part composite photograph detailing the safety locking mechanisms and foot controls of an industrial server lift.

     

    Note: Before moving the chassis into the rack, attach the cradle to the rack (DCS-7804, DCS-7808, DCS-7812, DCS-7816, and DCS-7816L Rack Mounting).

     

     


    A three-part composite photograph illustrating the hardware installation and final mounting of an Arista network chassis into a server rack.

     

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions

Observe these guidelines to avoid ESD damage when installing or servicing the switch.
  • Assemble or disassemble equipment only in a static-free work area.
  • Select a conductive work surface (such as an anti-static mat) to dissipate static charge.
  • Wear an ESD wrist strap to dissipate static charge accumulation.
  • Minimize handling of assemblies and components.
  • Keep replacement parts in their original static-free packaging.
  • Remove all plastic, foam, vinyl, paper, and other static-generating materials from the work area.
  • Select tools that do not create ESD.