Dell E1200i ExaScale Installation Manual

Also see for E1200i ExaScale: Configuration guide

Contents

Dell E1200i ExaScale Installation Manual Manual pdf 44 page image

44 | Installing RPMs, Line Cards, and SFM3sw w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m RPMsThe E1200 system requires the installation of at least one RPM, although two are recommended forredundancy. RPMs are designed to be installed in either the center R0 or R1 slots. Since FTOS searchesfor an RPM in slot 0 first, Dell Force10 recommends you install your RPM in slot 0 when only runningwith one RPM. Do not force RPMs into line card slots. RPMs are keyed differently than line cards toprevent improper installation.The E1200 system requires the installation of at least one RPM, although two are recommended forredundancy. RPMs are designed to be installed in either the R0 or R1 slots. Do not force RPMs into linecards slots. RPMs are keyed differently than line cards to prevent improper installation.You can hot-insert a second RPM into a running system without performance interruption or softwareintervention. A second RPM for redundant functionality provides uninterrupted operability if the systemtransitions from the active RPM to the standby RPM. The standby RPM constantly performs updates andreceives the same configuration information received by the active RPM. The standby RPM alsoperforms diagnostics on its subsystems. In the event of a failover, the standby RPM immediately takesover and resumes the control activities that the active RPM was performing. Installing a Second RPM onpage 47 provides more information on the second RPM.The RPM Major and Minor alarm LEDs are controlled by software which sets the threshold levels fortriggering the different stages of alarms.Line CardsYour E1200 configuration requires a at least one line card. Line cards are hot-swappable. The line cardports provide external interface functions for connections to other systems (for example, a router orswitch). Line cards have an onboard CPU for line card management which updates packet forwardinginformation, obtains statistical information, and performs synchronization tasks with the RPM, as well asat least one Dell Force10 custom-built ASIC.Line Card Port NumberingThere are 14 line card slots available in the E1200 chassis. Line cards are installed in slots 0 through 13.Ports on line cards are numbered from the top, starting from 0 (see Figure 9-1). The actual number ofports on a line card depend on the type of line card installed. Refer to the installation documentationincluded with the line card itself.