platform guide viprion

Platform Guide: VIPRION™

MAN-0267-01

Product VersionThis manual applies to the VIPRIONTM hardware platform created by F5 Networks, Inc.

Publication DateThis guide was published on February 18, 2009.

Legal Notices

CopyrightCopyright 2009, F5 Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.

F5 Networks, Inc. (F5) believes the information it furnishes to be accurate and reliable. However, F5 assumes no responsibility for the use of this information, nor any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent, copyright, or other intellectual property right of F5 except as specifically described by applicable user licenses. F5 reserves the right to change specifications at any time without notice.

TrademarksF5, F5 Networks, the F5 logo, BIG-IP, 3-DNS, Acopia, Acopia Networks, Application Accelerator, Ask F5, Application Security Manager, ASM, ARX, ControlPoint, Data Guard, Enterprise Manager, EM, F5 Management Pack, FirePass, FreedomFabric, Global Traffic Manager, GTM, iControl, Internet Control Architecture, IP Application Switch, iRules, Link Controller, LC, Local Traffic Manager, LTM, Message Security Module, MSM, NetCelera, OneConnect, Packet Velocity, SSL Accelerator, SYN Check, Traffic Management Operating System, TMOS, TrafficShield, Transparent Data Reduction, uRoam, VIPRION, WANJet, WebAccelerator, and ZoneRunner, are trademarks or service marks of F5 Networks, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries, and may not be used without F5's express written consent.

Export Regulation NoticeThis product may include cryptographic software. Under the Export Administration Act, the United States government may consider it a criminal offense to export this product from the United States.

RF Interference WarningThis is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

FCC ComplianceThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This unit generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user, at his own expense, will be required to take whatever measures may be required to correct the interference.

Any modifications to this device, unless expressly approved by the manufacturer, can void the user's authority to operate this equipment under part 15 of the FCC rules.

Canadian Regulatory ComplianceThis Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Standards ComplianceThis product conforms to the IEC, European Union, ANSI/UL and Canadian CSA standards applicable to Information Technology products at the time of manufacture.

Platform Guide: VIPRION™ i

VCCI Class A ComplianceThis is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take corrective actions. The power cables included with this platform are designed for use solely with this platform.

ii

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1Introducing the VIPRION Platform

Working with the VIPRION platform ........................................................................................1-1Getting started with the VIPRION platform ............................................................................1-2

Components provided with the VIPRION platform .....................................................1-2Peripheral hardware that you provide ..............................................................................1-2

Familiarizing yourself with the VIPRION platform ..................................................................1-4Using the chassis ....................................................................................................................1-4Using blades ............................................................................................................................1-4

About this guide ..............................................................................................................................1-5Finding additional information .............................................................................................1-6Stylistic conventions ..............................................................................................................1-6

Finding help and technical support resources ..........................................................................1-9

2Installing the VIPRION Platform

Installing and connecting the hardware .....................................................................................2-1General recommendations for installing a chassis in a rack ........................................2-1

3Operating the LCD Panel

Introducing the LCD panel ...........................................................................................................3-1Using the LCD panel ......................................................................................................................3-2

Pausing on a screen ...............................................................................................................3-2Accessing LCD menus ..........................................................................................................3-2Clearing alerts .........................................................................................................................3-2

Navigating through the LCD menus ...........................................................................................3-3LCD Config menu ..................................................................................................................3-3System menu ...........................................................................................................................3-4Screens menu ..........................................................................................................................3-4Information menu ..................................................................................................................3-5

Managing clusters with the LCD menus ....................................................................................3-5Configuring clusters through the LCD menu ..................................................................3-6Configure cluster members .................................................................................................3-7

4Using Additional VIPRION Functionality

Understanding LED behavior .......................................................................................................4-1LED Locations ........................................................................................................................4-1LED indicator functions ........................................................................................................4-1LED indicator actions ............................................................................................................4-2Standard operating states ....................................................................................................4-3Alert conditions indicated by the Alarm LED .................................................................4-4Specific status indicated by the LEDs ................................................................................4-5

Working with interfaces ................................................................................................................4-6Displaying status and settings for interfaces ....................................................................4-6Specifying media type and duplex mode ...........................................................................4-6

Platform Guide: VIPRION™ v

Table of Contents

5Maintaining the VIPRION Platform

Reviewing maintenance options and operations .....................................................................5-1Changing blades ...............................................................................................................................5-1Changing the fan tray .....................................................................................................................5-6

Replacing the fan tray ............................................................................................................5-6Changing a power supply ..............................................................................................................5-7

Adding a power supply .........................................................................................................5-7Replacing a power supply .....................................................................................................5-8

Removing and replacing the LCD component .........................................................................5-9

6Guidelines for DC Power in the VIPRION Platform

Introducing the DC power supply option for the VIPRION platform ...............................6-1Installing the system in a rack .............................................................................................6-1Additional equipment for DC power ................................................................................6-2Grounding the system ..........................................................................................................6-2Connecting the DC power source to the system .........................................................6-3

VIPRION DC power supply specifications ...............................................................................6-6Power provisioning for the VIPRION platform ..............................................................6-6Guidelines for DC-powered equipment ...........................................................................6-7Additional NEBS information ..............................................................................................6-7

7Working with Environmental Guidelines for the VIPRION Platform

Environmental requirements ........................................................................................................7-1General environmental guidelines ......................................................................................7-1Guidelines for AC-powered equipment ...........................................................................7-2Guidelines for DC-powered equipment ...........................................................................7-2

8Reviewing Hardware Specifications

Reviewing hardware specifications .............................................................................................8-1Understanding power requirements ..........................................................................................8-2

Power provisioning ................................................................................................................8-2Power cables ...........................................................................................................................8-3

PB100 blade specifications ............................................................................................................8-4J100 chassis specifications .............................................................................................................8-5Additional acoustic, airflow, and altitude specifications .........................................................8-6

APlatform-Specific Hazardous Substance Levels, for China

VIPRION chassis ............................................................................................................................A-1VIPRION blades .............................................................................................................................A-2

Glossary

Index

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1

Introducing the VIPRION Platform

• Working with the VIPRION platform

• Getting started with the VIPRION platform

• Familiarizing yourself with the VIPRION platform

• About this guide

• Finding help and technical support resources


Working with the VIPRION platformThe VIPRIONTM platform is one of the most robust systems capable of managing traffic for any size of enterprise.

The VIPRION platform consists of a unique chassis/blade configuration. This configuration allows you to add, remove, and change components on the fly, without interrupting the essential services of the BIG-IP® software installed on the platform. Everything from the blades to the power supplies, the fan tray to the LCD panel, is available for you to add, remove, or change as needed.

The highly extensible nature of the VIPRION platform has been designed to be easy to implement; however, some familiarity with the components of the VIPRION platform can ensure that you install and integrate the platform successfully and effectively.

Note

If you have not already done so, we recommend that you read the Setting Up the VIPRIONTM Platform guide. This guide provides a detailed explanation of how to unpack, rack, install components, and power the platform.

Platform Guide: VIPRION™ 1 - 1

Chapter 1

Getting started with the VIPRION platformThere are several basic tasks you must complete to get the VIPRION platform installed and set up:

• Review the hardware requirements. For more information about the hardware requirements, read the following sections, Components provided with the VIPRION platform, following, and Peripheral hardware that you provide, following.

• Understand the environmental guidelines. For more information, see Environmental requirements, on page 7-1.

• Familiarize yourself with the VIPRION hardware. For more information, see Familiarizing yourself with the VIPRION platform, on page 1-4.

• Connect the VIPRION platform to the network, and optionally connect the peripheral hardware. For more information on mounting the hardware and attaching cables, see Installing and connecting the hardware, on page 2-1.

The VIPRION platform comes with the hardware that you need for installation. However, you must also provide standard peripheral hardware, such as a serial terminal, if you want to administer the VIPRION platform directly.

Components provided with the VIPRION platformWhen you unpack the VIPRION platform, you should make sure that the following components are included:

• Four power cables (C19 to NEMA 6-20P)

• Two mounting brackets

• Four mounting handles

• Eight rack mount screws

• LCD component

• One electrical static discharge (ESD) strap

The power cables included with this unit are for exclusive use with this unit and should not be used with other electrical appliances.

Peripheral hardware that you provideFor each VIPRION platform in the system, the peripheral hardware you provide is determined by the configuration you want to create:

◆ If you plan to use direct administrative access to the VIPRION platform, you need standard input/output hardware. This requires a serial terminal and a null modem cable.

1 - 2


◆ If you want to use the default VIPRION platform configuration, you must have an administrative workstation on the same IP network as the platform.

◆ You also need network hubs, switches, or concentrators to connect to the VIPRION platform network interfaces. The devices you select must be compatible with the network interface cards installed in the VIPRION platform.

• Ethernet requires either a 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps hub or switch.

• Gigabit Ethernet requires a compatible Gigabit Ethernet switch.

• 10 Gigabit Ethernet requires a compatible 10 Gigabit Ethernet switch.

◆ You can use a USB drive compatible with the system for installing upgrades and for system recovery. You can perform an upgrade or system recovery with almost any non-CDRW USB drive. Even though most USB CD-ROMs should work, we cannot guarantee compatibility with all makes and models.

If you plan on doing remote administration from your own PC workstation as most users do, we recommend that you have your workstation already in place on the same subnet to which the management interface is connected.


Chapter 1

Familiarizing yourself with the VIPRION platformThe VIPRION Platform includes two primary components: the chassis, which houses the components, and blades, which reside within the chassis and provide the hardware and software needed to manage network traffic.

Using the chassisThe VIPRION chassis is the housing unit that contains all of the components necessary for the VIPRION platform to operate effectively. One of the most powerful features of the VIPRION platform is that you can add, remove, or change any or all of the essential components of the platform. These components include blades, power supplies, the fan tray, the LCD panel, and the System ID card. This configuration allows for an extremely robust and flexible system that can manage large amounts of application traffic, and remain operational even if one of its components goes offline.

Using bladesA blade is the primary component that handles the traffic management within the VIPRION platform. You can install up to four blades in a single VIPRION chassis. These blades exist in a single group, called a cluster. In instances where you do not have a blade for a given slot in the VIPRION chassis, the chassis includes a blank which helps protect the airflow within the platform. These blanks also ensure the EMC compliance of the unit and must be installed on all unused slots.

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About this guideThis guide describes the features of the VIPRION platform. This guide contains the following information about these features:

• Installing the hardwareYou can learn how to install the hardware in a rack. For more information, see Chapter 2, Installing the VIPRION Platform.

• Understanding the ports and interfacesYou can understand the intended use of the ports and interfaces on each platform. For more information, see Working with interfaces, on page 4-6.

• Using the LCD panelYou can learn how to understand and use the LCD panel. For more information see Chapter 3, Operating the LCD Panel.

• Managing clustersYou can learn how to manage the IP addresses and other management interface settings associated with clusters. For more information, see Managing clusters with the LCD menus, on page 3-5.

• Understanding LED behaviorYou can learn how to decipher what conditions are signaled by the LEDs. For more information, see Understanding LED behavior, on page 4-1.

• Changing bladesYou can learn how to add, remove, and change blades. For more information, see Changing blades, on page 5-1.

• Replacing a fan trayYou can learn how to replace a fan tray. For more information see Changing the fan tray, on page 5-6.

• Changing a power supplyYou can learn how to replace a power supply. For more information, see Changing a power supply, on page 5-7.

• Understanding the environmental guidelinesYou can read detailed environmental guidelines for each platform. For more information, see Chapter 7, Working with Environmental Guidelines for the VIPRION Platform.

• Learning the hardware specificationsYou can see details about the hardware specifications for each platform. For more information, see Chapter 8, Reviewing Hardware Specifications.


Chapter 1

Finding additional informationIn addition to this guide, there are other sources of documentation you can use in order to work with the VIPRION platform. The information is available in the guides and documents described below.

The printed documentation, Setting Up the VIPRIONTM Platform, is included with the VIPRION system. This guide provides you with the basic configuration steps required to get the VIPRION system up and running in the network.

In addition, the following guides are available from the Ask F5SM Knowledge Base web site (https://support.f5.com):

◆ Configuration Guide for the VIPRIONTM SystemThis guide contains information on how to implement the cluster-specific features of the BIG-IP software.

◆ Configuration Guide for BIG-IP® Local Traffic ManagementThis guide contains any information you need for configuring the BIG-IP system to manage local network traffic. With this guide, you can perform tasks such as creating virtual servers and load balancing pools, configuring application and persistence profiles, implementing health monitors, and setting up remote authentication.

◆ BIG-IP® Network and System Management GuideThis guide contains any information you need to configure and maintain the network and system-related components of the BIG-IP system. With this guide, you can perform tasks such as configuring VLANs, assigning self IP addresses, creating administrative user accounts, and managing a redundant system.

◆ BIG-IP® Command Line Interface GuideThis guide contains information you need if you choose to configure the BIG-IP system using the command line interface instead of the Configuration utility. It includes instructions for handling specific tasks, but it does not include instructions for configuring every aspect of the system. It also contains an appendix with detailed information about the bigpipe commands.

Stylistic conventionsTo help you easily identify and understand important information, our documentation uses the stylistic conventions described following.

Using the solution examplesAll examples in this documentation use only private class IP addresses. When you set up the solutions we describe, you must use valid IP addresses suitable to your own network in place of our sample addresses.

1 - 6


Identifying new termsTo help you identify sections where a term is defined, the term itself is shown in bold italic text. For example, a virtual server is a specific combination of a virtual address and virtual port, associated with a content site that is managed by a BIG-IP system or other type of host server.

Identifying references to objects, names, and commandsWe apply bold text to a variety of items to help you easily pick them out of a block of text. These items include web addresses, IP addresses, utility names, and portions of commands, such as variables and keywords. For example, with the bigpipe pool <pool_name> show command, you can specify a specific pool to show by specifying a pool name for the <pool_name> variable.

Identifying references to other documentsWe use italic text to denote a reference to another document. In references where we provide the name of a book as well as a specific chapter or section in the book, we show the book name in bold, italic text, and the chapter/section name in italic text to help quickly differentiate the two. This is an example of a reference:

For details about connecting the system to a management workstation or network, see the chapter on, Connecting a Management Workstation or Network, in Installation, Licensing, and Upgrades for BIG-IP® Systems.


Chapter 1

Identifying command syntaxWe show complete commands in bold Courier text. Note that we do not include the corresponding screen prompt, unless the command is shown in a figure that depicts an entire command line screen. For example, the following command shows the configuration of the specified pool name:

bigpipe pool <pool_name> show

or

b pool <pool_name> show

Table 1.1 explains additional special conventions used in command line syntax.

Item in text Description

\ Indicates that the command continues on the following line, and that users should type the entire command without typing a line break.

< > Identifies a user-defined parameter. For example, if the command has <your name>, type in your name, but do not include the angle brackets.

| Separates parts of a command.

[ ] Indicates that syntax inside the brackets is optional.

... Indicates that you can type a series of items.

::= Means is defined as. Indicates that an argument is followed by the description of the elements that you can use for the argument.

Table 1.1 Command line syntax conventions

1 - 8


Finding help and technical support resourcesYou can find additional technical documentation and product information in the following locations:

◆ Online helpThe Configuration utility has online help for each screen. The online help contains descriptions of each control and setting on the screen. Click the Help tab in the left navigation pane to view the online help for a screen.

◆ Welcome screen in the Configuration utilityThe Welcome screen in the Configuration utility contains links to many useful web sites and resources, including:

• The F5 Networks Technical Support web site

• The F5 Solution Center

• The F5 DevCentral web site

• Plug-ins, SNMP MIBs, and SSH clients

◆ F5 Networks Technical Support web siteThe F5 Networks Technical Support web site, https://support.f5.com, provides the latest documentation for F5 products, including:

• Release notes for the product, current and past

• Updates for guides (in PDF form)

• Technical notes

• Answers to frequently asked questions

• The Ask F5SM Knowledge Base

To access this site, you need to register at https://support.f5.com.


Chapter 1

1 - 10

2

Installing the VIPRION Platform

• Installing and connecting the hardware

Installing the VIPRION Platform

Installing and connecting the hardwareThis chapter includes some general information about installing the VIPRION™ chassis. However, for details about installing the VIPRION chassis, refer to the Setting up the VIPRION™ Platform guide. This guide includes detailed infomation, including:

• How to unpack the chassis

• Installing the chassis in a rack

• Adding blades to the chassis

• Licensing the platform

Note

We highly recommend that you install the VIPRION platform into a rack before you install any blades. This ensures that the weight of the unit remains manageable as you install the unit into a rack.

WARNING

At least two people are required to install the VIPRION platform into a rack.

General recommendations for installing a chassis in a rackWe recommend that all chassis have 1U spacing between them when mounted in a rack to allow for a rack mounting shelf, and to provide additional air circulation for cooling the chassis.

Although not required, a 1U space between chassis makes it easier for you to remove the chassis from the rack in the event that the unit requires service. A 1U space between units also provides additional cable routing options.

We recommend 100 mm spacing from the front panel of the unit to the rack front or rack door. This provides enough room for you to route the cables without bending them excessively.

WARNING

This product is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). We recommend that when you install or maintain the unit, you use proper ESD grounding procedures and equipment.

WARNING

Do not turn on an VIPRION platform until the management serial console and/or the management network is connected to the unit.


Chapter 2

2 - 2

3

Operating the LCD Panel

• Introducing the LCD panel

• Using the LCD panel

• Navigating through the LCD menus

• Managing clusters with the LCD menus


Introducing the LCD panelThe liquid crystal display panel, or LCD panel, as shown in Figure 3.1, provides the ability to control the VIPRION™ platform without attaching a serial or network cable. The LCD panel provides menus with options that provide the ability to configure certain features on the system. The following menus are available on the LCD panel.

◆ LCD Config menuUse the LCD Config menu to configure the properties of the LCD panel.

◆ System menuUse the System menu to manage the clusters and blades that are a part of the chassis configuration.

◆ Screens menuUse the Screens menu to set up the informational screens you would like the LCD panel to cycle through. The information screens include system status, statistics, and system alerts.

◆ Information menuUse the Information menu to find information about using the LCD panel and its functionality.

This chapter describes how to use the LCD panel and its menus.

Figure 3.1 Front view of the VIPRIONTM platform, with LCD panel attached


Chapter 3

Using the LCD panelYou can configure the LCD panel to meet your needs. The following section describes how to perform these tasks with the LCD panel:

• Pause on a screen

• Access the LCD menus

• Clear alerts

Pausing on a screenNormally, the screens cycle on the LCD panel at a constant rate. However, you can push the Check button to toggle the LCD panel between Hold and Rotate modes. In Hold mode, a single screen is paneled. The Rotate mode changes the screen paneled on the LCD panel every four seconds.

Accessing LCD menusPress the X button to put the LCD component in Menu mode so you can access the menus. The buttons Left Arrow, Right Arrow, Up Arrow, and Down Arrow are only functional when the LCD panel is in Menu mode. For more information about using the LCD menus, see Navigating through the LCD menus, on page 3-3.

Clearing alertsPress the Check button to clear any alerts on the LCD panel. You must clear any alerts on the screen before you can use the LCD panel.

3 - 2


Navigating through the LCD menusTo use the LCD menus, you must first put the LCD panel in Menu mode. To put the LCD panel in Menu mode, press the X button.

After you put the LCD panel in Menu mode, use the Left Arrow, Right Arrow, Up Arrow, and Down Arrow buttons to select menu options. There are four menus:

• LCD Config

• System

• Screens

• Information

The following tables describe each option on the LCD panel menus.

LCD Config menuYou can use the LCD Config menu to adjust the panel properties of the LCD panel. The following table, Table 3.1, lists the options available on the LCD Config menu.

Option Description

Heartbeat Use the Check button to turn on (checked) or off (unchecked) the heartbeat panel on the LCD. This heartbeat does not affect the failover mechanism of the system.

Backlight Use this menu option to control the backlight for the LCD panel.

Contrast Use the Left Arrow and Right Arrow buttons on the LCD panel to set the contrast of the LCD display.

On Brightness This setting provides the ability to adjust the LCD panel backlight brightness.

Off Brightness This setting controls the brightness of the LCD panel when the backlight is off. Use the Left Arrow and Right Arrow buttons to set the brightness of the LCD panel.

Table 3.1 The LCD Config menu


Chapter 3

System menuThe System menu provides options for configuring the management interface on both clusters and blades. This menu also provides various options for the hardware. Table 3.2 lists the options available in the System menu.

Screens menuYou can use the Screens menu options to view various statistics and information about the system. Table 3.3 lists both the general information screens. You can use the Check button to place a check mark next to the name of the screens you would like to display when the screens cycle.

Option Description

Cluster IP Select this option to configure the cluster IP address, netmask, and default gateway for managing the cluster.

Cluster Mbrs Select this option to configure the management IP addresses of the blades within the cluster.

Chassis Config Use this option to change the baud rate of the serial port. The default baud rate for the serial console is 19200. The following options are available:

9600

19200

38400

115200

Table 3.2 The System menu

Option Description

VersionScreen (Version screen)

Shows the product version information.

DateScreen (Date and Time screen)

Shows the date and time.

Table 3.3 The Screens information menu

3 - 4


Information menuYou can use the Information menu to access help pages about using the LCD panel functionality. You can also find more information on what different LED activity means, and the failover state of the unit in a redundant system. The following table, Table 3.4, shows the options available on the Information menu.

Managing clusters with the LCD menusOne of the key functions of the LCD panel in the VIPRION platform is to allow you to manage clusters and blades through its interface. The management functions for cluster and blade management reside under the System menu. The menu options are:

• Cluster IP, which allows you to configure the cluster IP address for the cluster within the platform

• Cluster Mbrs, which allows you to manage the management IP addresses of the blades within the platform

Option Description

LCD Information Shows a vertical scrolling text description on how to use the LCD panel.

LED Information Shows a vertical scrolling text description of what the front panel LEDs mean.

Port Information Shows a vertical scrolling text description of what the lights above the ports mean.

Serial Information Shows a vertical scrolling text description of the console serial ports.

Table 3.4 The Information menu


Chapter 3

Configuring clusters through the LCD menuWith the LCD panel, you can configure the following settings for a given cluster:

• Cluster IP address

• Cluster IP subnet mask

• Gateway IP address

Note

In the following procedures, each procedure recommends that you use the Commit menu option after changing each setting. Alternatively, you can change all cluster-related settings and use the Commit option to save all settings at once.

To configure the cluster IP address

1. Press the X button to access the LCD panel menus.

2. Use the arrow keys to select the System menu, and press the Check button.The LCD panel shows the System menu options.

3. Use the arrow keys to select Cluster IP, and press the Check button.The LCD panel shows the Cluster IP menu options.

4. Use the arrow keys to select Cluster IP, and press the Check button.The LCD panel shows the current IP address of the cluster.

5. Use the arrow keys to configure the IP address of the cluster.

6. Press the X button until you return to the Cluster IP menu.

7. Use the arrow keys to select the Commit option, and press the Check button.The system saves the new IP address for the cluster.

To configure the cluster IP subnet mask


2. Use the arrow keys to select the System menu, and press the Check button.The LCD panel menu shows the System menu options.

3. Use the arrow keys to select Cluster IP, and press the Check button.The LCD panel menu shows the Cluster IP menu options.

4. Use the arrow keys to select Cluster IP Mask, and press the Check button.The LCD panel menu shows the current subnet mask of the cluster.

3 - 6


5. Use the arrow keys to configure the subnet mask of the cluster.


7. Use the arrow keys to select the Commit option, and press the Check button.The system saves the new subnet mask for the cluster.

To configure the default gateway for the cluster


2. Use the arrow keys to select the System menu and press the Check button.The LCD panel menu shows the System menu options.

3. Use the arrow keys to select Cluster IP and press the Check button.The LCD panel menu shows the Cluster IP menu options.

4. Use the arrow keys to select Gateway and press the Check button.The LCD panel menu shows the current gateway IP address of the cluster.

5. Use the arrow keys to configure the gateway IP address of the cluster.


7. Use the arrow keys to select the Commit option and press the Check button.The system saves the new default gateway for the cluster.

Configure cluster membersThrough the LCD panel, you have the option of configuring the management IP address of each blade within each cluster.

Important

When you configure an IP address for a blade, that IP address corresponds to the slot in which the blade resides. If you replace that blade with another, for example, the new blade automatically receives the previously-configured management IP address.


Chapter 3

To configure the management IP address of a cluster member


2. Use the arrow keys to select the System menu, and press the Check button.The LCD panel displays the System menu options.

3. Use the arrow keys to select Cluster Mbrs, and press the Check button.The LCD panel displays the Cluster Mbrs menu options.

4. Use the arrow keys to select the appropriate blade and press the Check button.The LCD panel displays the current IP address of the blade.

5. Use the arrow keys to configure the IP address of the blade.


7. Use the arrow keys to select the Commit option, and press the Check button.The system saves the new IP address for the blade.

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4

Using Additional VIPRION Functionality

• Understanding LED behavior

• Working with interfaces


Understanding LED behaviorThis section describes the LED behavior of the VIPRIONTM platform.

LED LocationsThe VIPRION platform has LED displays in two locations: on the LCD panel and on the individual blades. On the LCD panel, the LEDs provide information regarding platform power, blade alarms, and status. On the blades, the LEDs provide information on whether the blade is a primary or secondary blade. The LEDs also show alarm and blade status.

Note

On blades, the alarm LED status is also displayed in the corresponding LED on the LCD panel.

LED indicator functionsThere are several types of LED indicators on the faceplate of each unit. Each LED indicator serves a specific function. The LED indicator functions are defined in Tables 4.1, which shows chassis LED functions, and 4.2, which shows blade LED indicator functions.

Function Description

Power The chassis front panel has one LED per power supply. There are eight power supply LEDs; however, only the first four are functional in the 4-slot chassis. The LEDs report that a power supply is present and operational (green), present but non-functioning (yellow), or does not have a power supply connected (off).

Status Reports the overall state of the chassis: function (green) or experiencing errors (yellow).

Alarm Reports both blade and chassis alarms. If a blade indicates an alarm condition, the chassis Alarm LED mirrors that state. In situations where more than one blade is generating an alarm, the chassis Alarm LED displays the most severe alarm status.

Table 4.1 Chassis LED indicator functions


Chapter 4

LED indicator actionsThe behavior, or action, of each of LED indicates the status of the system. The LED indicator actions are defined in Table 4.3.

Function Description

Status Reports the state of the system: Active/standalone (Green) or Standby (Yellow).

Alarm Reports a non-specific alert level. Use SNMP traps, system logs, or the LCD display for more information.

Primary Indicates that the blade is a primary blade for a cluster.

Secondary Indicates that the blade is a secondary blade for a cluster.

Table 4.2 Blade LED indicator functions

Action Description

Off (none) The LED is not lit and does not display any color.

Solid The LED is lit and does not blink.

Blinking The LED turns on and off at a regular frequency.

Intermittent The LED turns on and off with an irregular frequency and may sometimes appear solid.

Table 4.3 LED indicator actions

4 - 2


Standard operating statesWhen the platform is in a standard operating state, the LEDs behave in a defined manner. The standard operating states are defined in Table 4.4, which shows the standard operating states of the VIPRION chassis, and Table 4.5, which shows the states of the LEDs on the blades.

On power up, the status LED of each blade turns yellow. When the BIG-IP® software successfully boots, the status then changes to green.

System State Alarm LED Status LED

Power is off off/none off/none

Active mode off/none green solid

Table 4.4 Standard operating states of the LEDs on the VIPRION m

Blade State Alarm LED Status LED

Power is off off/none off/none

Secondary off/none green solid

Primary off/none green solid

Table 4.5 Standard operating states of the LEDs on blades


Chapter 4

Alert conditions indicated by the Alarm LEDWhen there is an alert condition on the platform, the Alarm LED behaves in a specific manner. Table 4.6 lists the type of alarm and the corresponding LED behavior.

Table 4.6 LED indicator functions

Alerts that cause the indicators to change are defined in the /etc/alertd/alert.conf file and /config/user_alert.conf files on the BIG-IP system. You should only edit the /config/user_alert.conf file to add new alerts. The /etc/alertd/alert.conf defines standard system alerts.

To configure LED indicators to display node status

1. Display a command-line prompt on the BIG-IP system.

2. Type the following command:

cd /config

3. Using a text editor, such as vi or pico, open the file user_alert.conf.

4. Add the lines shown in Figure 4.1 to the end of the file.

5. Save the file and exit the text editor.The front panel LEDs now indicate when nodes are marked down.

System Situation Alarm LED behavior

Emergency The LED blinks red.

Alert or Critical The LED is lit red.

Error The LED blinks yellow.

Warning The LED is lit yellow.

4 - 4


.

Figure 4.1 Adding node status to the user_alert.conf file

Specific status indicated by the LEDsThis section includes some specific conditions that are not covered in the definition tables in the /etc/alertd/alert.conf file. These conditions include:

• Yellow intermittent Activity LED indicator

• Green intermittent Activity LED indicator

• Green solid Status LED indicator

Yellow intermittent Activity LED indicatorA yellow intermittent Activity LED indicates that host traffic is present. Also, while the kernel is loading, the Activity LED indicator flashes yellow intermittently when the disk is accessed. This condition is normal and occurs only during start up.

Green intermittent Activity LED indicatorWhen the Activity LED indicator flashes green intermittently, it indicates Ethernet traffic leaving the switch subsystem and going to the CPU subsystem. Because internal traffic might cause this indicator to be active, you may see the Activity indicator flicker green even though there is no external client/server traffic.

Green solid Status LED indicatorWhen the Status LED indicator is solid yellow or green, it indicates that the platform is in a Standby state (yellow) or an Active state (green).

alert BIGIP_MCPD_MCPDERR_POOL_MEMBER_MON_DOWN "Pool member (.*?):(.*?) monitor status down." { snmptrap OID=".1.3.6.1.4.1.3375.2.4.0.10"; lcdwarn description="Node down" priority="1"}alert BIGIP_MCPD_MCPDERR_NODE_ADDRESS_MON_DOWN "Node (.*?) monitor status down." { snmptrap OID=".1.3.6.1.4.1.3375.2.4.0.12"; lcdwarn description="Node address down" priority="1"}alert BIGIP_MCPD_MCPDERR_POOL_MEMBER_MON_UP "Pool member (.*?):(.*?) monitor status up." { snmptrap OID=".1.3.6.1.4.1.3375.2.4.0.11"}alert BIGIP_MCPD_MCPDERR_NODE_ADDRESS_MON_UP "Node (.*?) monitor status up." { snmptrap OID=".1.3.6.1.4.1.3375.2.4.0.13"}


Chapter 4

Working with interfacesThe blades each have a set of twelve SFP connector optic interfaces, a set of eight RJ45 10/100/1000 copper interfaces, and two 10GbE XFP optic interfaces that are connected internally. Each set of interfaces is numbered from 2.1 through 2.12. It is important to note some facts about these interfaces:

• The SFP connectors can each support 1000 Mbit speed with a 1 GbE optic module installed.

• The SFP connectors support F5-qualified copper SFP modules which operate at 10/100/1000 Mbit speeds.

Displaying status and settings for interfacesFrom the command line interface, use the following syntax to display the current status and the settings for all installed interfaces:

b interface show

Figure 4.2 shows an example of the output you see when you issue this command on an active/standby platform in active mode.

Use the following syntax to display the current status and the setting for a specific interface:

b interface <if_name> show

Specifying media type and duplex modeProperties that you can configure on the interfaces include media type and duplex mode, as shown in Table 4.7.

interface speed pkts pkts pkts pkts bits bits errors trunk STP Mb/s in out drop coll in out1/1.1 UP 100 HD 0 213 0 0 0 74.2K 0 1/1.2 UP 100 HD 20 25 0 0 28.6K 33.9K 0

Figure 4.2 The bigpipe interface show command output

Interface Properties Description Default

media You may specify a media type or use auto for automatic detection.

auto

duplex Use auto for automatic selection. auto

Table 4.7 Attributes you can configure for an interface

4 - 6


Setting the media typeAll interfaces on the VIPRION system default to auto-negotiate speed and duplex settings. We recommend that you configure any network equipment that you plan to use with the VIPRION system to auto-negotiate speed and duplex settings. If you connect the platform to network devices with forced speed and duplex settings, you must also force the speed and duplex settings of the platform to match the settings of the other network device.

WARNING

If the platform is attempting to auto-negotiate interface settings with an interface that has the speed and duplex settings forced, you may experience severe performance degradation.

Use the following syntax to set the media type:

b interface <if name list> media <media type> | auto

The valid media types for this command are:

• 10baseT <duplex>

• 100baseTX <duplex>

• 1000baseT <duplex>

• 1000baseSX full

• 1000baseLX full |

• 10GbaseSR full

• 10GbaseLR full |

• 10GbaseER full | auto

To view the valid media types for an interface, type the following command:

b interface <if name list> media show

Important

In all Gigabit Ethernet modes, the only valid duplex mode is full duplex.

Setting the duplex modeYou can set duplex mode to full or half duplex. If the media type does not accept the duplex mode setting, an onscreen message indicates this. If media type is set to auto, or if the interface does not accept the duplex mode setting, the duplex setting is not saved to the /config/bigip_base.conf file.

Use the following syntax to set the duplex mode:

b interface <if_name> duplex full | half


Chapter 4

4 - 8

5

Maintaining the VIPRION Platform

• Reviewing maintenance options and operations

• Changing blades

• Changing the fan tray

• Changing a power supply

• Removing and replacing the LCD component


Reviewing maintenance options and operationsThe VIPRION™ platform contains several field replaceable units (FRUs). The FRUs provide the ability to replace parts of the system without replacing the complete system. The FRUs currently available for this platform are:

• Blade replacement

• Fan tray replacement

• Power supply replacement

• LCD component replacement

Changing bladesThe VIPRION chassis supports up to four blades. When you initially receive the platform, the slots that can contain these blades are filled with blanks, which are designed to protect the unit from dust and other particles when a slot is not in use. To add a new blade, you first remove the blank from the corresponding slot and then insert the correct blade.

Note

We recommend that you install blades into the chassis starting at the top slot, and then into each subsequent slot moving down.

WARNING

This product is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). We recommend that when you install or maintain the unit, you use proper ESD grounding procedures and equipment.

The first part of this process requires that you remove the blank that is located in the slot in which you want to install the blade. If the slot does not have a blank, you can skip this procedure.

To remove a blank

1. Select the slot in which you want to insert the blade.

2. Turn the compression screws, located on either side of the blank, until the locking indicator changes from green (locked) to red (unlocked). (See Figures 5.1 and 5.2.)


Chapter 5

Figure 5.1 A compression screw in the green (locked) position

Figure 5.2 A compression screw in the red (unlocked) position

3. Grasp the two eject levers on the front of the blank and pull towards you as shown in Figure 5.3.You can now remove the blank from the slot, and add the new blade.

5 - 2


Figure 5.3 Extending an eject lever


Chapter 5

To install a blade

1. Extend the eject levers, located on each side of the blade, into the open position.

2. Carefully lift the blade and align the guide grooves on either side with the corresponding grooves on the interior of the slot as shown in Figure 5.4.

Figure 5.4 Aligning the blade in the slot

Important

Verify that the blade is aligned with these grooves; otherwise, the blade does not seat correctly in the platform.

3. Slide the blade in until it is fully seated in the slot.

4. When the eject levers engage the chassis, press the eject levers on the blade towards the center of the blade until they are locked in place as shown in Figure 5.5.

5 - 4


Figure 5.5 Locking the blade into position

5. Turn the compression screws clockwise until they are completely secured to the platform in the green (locked) position, as shown in Figure 5.1, on page 5-2.

Note: The locking indicator on the compression screws turns green before the screws are completely secured to the platform; however, we highly recommend that you continuing turning the screws until they are firmly secured.

6. Repeat this process with each blade until all blades are secured in the platform.


Chapter 5

Changing the fan trayThe VIPRION platform has a removable fan tray that is designed to maintain the airflow throughout the chassis. You can change or replace the fan tray as part of the routine maintenance of the platform, or in the event of a fan failure. The fans in the fan tray run constantly while the system is on. Over time, the fans can wear out, requiring you to replace the fan tray.

Replacing the fan trayYou do not need special tools to replace the fan tray. You can perform this maintenance while the platform is running. You do not need to power down the platform when replacing the fan tray; however, we highly recommend that you do not leave the platform operating without a fan tray for longer than 30 seconds.

WARNING

Operating the platform for longer than 30 seconds without a fan tray can cause permanent damage to the blades.

To replace the fan tray

1. Standing in front of the platform, locate the fan tray handle.The fan tray handle is located in the middle of the fan tray, which is located on the left side of the chassis.

2. Extend the fan tray handle by pressing the top portion of the handle into the unit.The handle extends, revealing a ring which you can then use to extract the fan tray.

3. Remove the fan tray from the unit.

4. Place the new fan tray into the fan tray bay.

5. Push the fan tray into the chassis until it is seated firmly in the fan tray.Once seated, the fan tray automatically powers up and begins circulating air through the chassis.

Note: Use only the fan tray handle to seat the fan tray in the chassis. Using the edges of the fan tray could result in pinched fingers, as a fully-seated fan tray is nearly flush with the other chassis components.

WARNING

You should not leave the unit running longer than 30 seconds without the fan tray installed.

5 - 6


Changing a power supplyThe VIPRION platform can contain up to four power supplies. These power supplies can operate in one of two modes: 120V and 220V, dependent on the power source to which the power supplies are connected.

The VIPRION platform supports both symmetric and asymmetric power redundancy. Symmetric redundancy requires an even number of power supplies, with half supplied by one power feed and half by another. If one power feed fails, the system is unaffected because the remaining supplies are sufficient for the entire load. With asymmetric redundancy (n + 1), it is not possible to split the supplies evenly between the power feeds. As a result, if one power feed fails, the whole system can go down. In either type of redundancy, if a single power supply fails, the system is unaffected by the loss of a single supply.

For details about power requirements, please refer to Understanding power requirements, on page 8-2.

Adding a power supplyThe platform can contain a total of four power supplies. By default, the platform includes four power supplies, one installed in each power supply bay.

Note

You do not need special tools to replace a power supply.

To add a power supply

1. Using the indentations on either side of the LCD component, pull the LCD component off the platform.With the LCD component removed, you can see the power supplies and the available power supply bays.

2. Slide the new power supply into the appropriate empty power supply bay.

3. Lower the power supply eject lever to fully seat the power supply in its bay.

4. Secure the power supply in its bay using the fastener attached to the middle of the power supply eject lever.

5. Attach the power cord for the new power supply to the back of the unit, using the corresponding power supply connector.

6. Replace the LCD component.


Chapter 5

Replacing a power supplyThe design of the VIPRION platform is such that you can remove a power supply from the chassis without powering down the system, provided that there are still enough power supplies to equal one less than the number of running blades. For example, if the chassis has three blades, you can replace a power supply, as long as the platform has at least two power supplies operating during the replacement process.

Important

If the chassis has only one blade operating, at least one power supply must be installed and operating. In this situation, you must add the power supply to another power supply bay and then remove the old power supply.

To replace a power supply

1. Using the indentations on either side of the LCD component, pull the LCD component off the platform.With the LCD component removed, you can see the power supplies and the available power supply bays.

2. Unscrew the fastener located in the middle of the power supply eject lever.

3. Lift the eject lever and slide the power supply out of the power supply bay.

4. Slide the new power supply into the appropriate power supply bay.

5. Lower the power supply eject lever to fully seat the power supply in its bay.

6. Secure the power supply in its bay using the fastener attached to the middle of the power supply eject lever.

7. Replace the LCD component.

5 - 8


Removing and replacing the LCD componentThe LCD component allows you to access several functions associated with the platform, such as configuring the management port for the system.

To replace the LCD component

1. To remove the original LCD component, grasp the LCD component on either side, using the indentations provided.

Note: Failure to use the indentations could result in pinched fingers.

2. Pick up the replacement LCD component using the indentations provided.

3. Align the guide pins on the panel to the corresponding holes in the chassis as shown in Figure 5.6.

Figure 5.6 Replacing the LCD component


Chapter 5

4. Press the LCD component onto the corresponding connections at the front of the platform until it clicks into place as shown in Figure 5.7.

Figure 5.7 Pressing the LCD component into position

5 - 10

6

Guidelines for DC Power in the VIPRION Platform

• Introducing the DC power supply option for the VIPRION platform

• VIPRION DC power supply specifications


Introducing the DC power supply option for the VIPRION platform

The VIPRION™ platform is available with DC power supplies. This document describes how to power these platforms.

This document assumes that you have followed the instructions provided with the platform in the guide Setting Up the VIPRION Platform. The chassis should be installed in a rack and have at least one blade installed.

For details about installing blades and other components in the VIPRION system, refer to Chapter 2, Installing the VIPRION Platform.

WARNING

Before you begin to work with one of these platforms, refer to the environmental warnings provided in the section of this document called Guidelines for DC-powered equipment, on page 6-7. You should also review any safety requirements defined by your network operations center (NOC).

Installing the system in a rackThere are detailed guidelines for installing the platform in a rack described in the guide Setting up the VIPRION Platform. Please follow the guidelines described in this guide to install a DC powered VIPRION platform in a rack.

This power supply does not have an on/off switch. You can control the power from the rack switch or the DC power source.

Note

You must use copper wire for the ground wire and all lead wires.

Note

The VIPRION platform must be installed in a restricted access location such as a central office or customer premises environment.

Note

You should coat bare conductors with an appropriate antioxidant compound before you make crimp connections. You should bring all unplated connectors, braided strap, and bus bars to a bright finish and then coat them with an antioxidant before you connect them.


Chapter 6

Additional equipment for DC powerIn addition to the equipment supplied with the standard AC platform, the DC platform requires some additional equipment for installation and wiring. The following additional equipment is supplied with the platform.

• Two-ring grounding terminal lug, 5/8" holes on 1.25" centers

• Two 5/16-18 Keps nuts for the ground

• Two terminal block plugs for attaching leads to the platform

There are some other pieces of equipment you may need that you need to supply. You need to supply the following additional equipment.

• Rack-mounted power disconnect

• 2 AWG copper ground wire

• Minimum 8 AWG copper wiring leads for four power supplies

• Molex crimping tool for the ground wire

• Screwdriver, #2 Phillips head or flathead

Grounding the systemAfter the platform is installed in a rack, you can ground the platform. This section describes how to ground the platform.

Each blade has a metal plate that is screwed to the electronics in multiple places to the ground plane of the board. The front plate of the blade is also screwed to this plate when you tighten the screw lock assemblies to the chassis. The entire system is directly connected to the metal chassis and the ground connection is also directly connected to the chassis.

Do not secure multiple bonding or grounding connectors by the same bolt. The grounding connectors do not need to be removed to perform service or installation procedures. You can connect other bonding or grounding conductors to a grounding connector provided a reliable bond between the connector and the equipment is not disturbed during installation, service, or maintenance of the platform.

Note

The VIPRION platform must be grounded to a common bonding network (CBN).

Important

All copper grounding cable compression-type terminal lugs used for grounding must meet all appropriate UL standards.

6 - 2


To connect the ground lug to the ground terminal

1. After the unit is installed in the rack and before you provide power to the system, you need to connect the grounding hardware.

2. Use the Molex crimping tool to crimp the ground wire to the two-ring grounding terminal lug. F5 Networks recommends using a 2 AWG copper wire for grounding.

3. Attach the two-ring grounding terminal lug to the ground terminal. Figure 6.1 shows the grounding terminal.

4. Install the 5/16-18 Keps nuts on the ground terminal lugs.Use between 16 to 18 lb.-in. of torque on these nuts.

5. Connect the ground wire to a common bonding network (CBN).

Figure 6.1 View of the grounding lugs

Connecting the DC power source to the systemAfter the platform is installed in a rack, you can wire the platform to the DC power source. This section describes how to connect the DC power source. When you connect the DC power source, F5 Networks recommends that you follow the safety requirements defined for your network operations center (NOC).


Chapter 6

There are two groups of terminals on the back of the chassis. When you view the chassis from the rear, there is one on the left side and one on the right side. Each terminal group contains the leads for two power supplies.

• Use the group of leads on the right rear of the chassis labeled PWR 2 and PWR 1 for power supplies 2 and 1.

• Use the group of leads on the left rear of the chassis labeled PWR 4 and PWR 3 for power supplies 4 and 3.

Figure 6.2 on the following page shows the terminal layout of the DC power supply wiring block on the back of the platform.

Note

The battery return terminals on the VIPRION system are in an isolated DC return (DC-I) configuration.

To connect DC power to the platform

1. After you are sure the power is off, and the ground lug is connected to the ground terminal, you can connect the DC power source.

2. After you connect the ground lug, connect the negative DC power lead to the -48V terminal on the terminal block plug. The terminals are clearly labeled. You should strip at least 0.50" of insulation off of each wire where you connect the wire to the terminal block plug.

3. Connect the positive DC wire to the RTN terminal on the terminal block plug. You should strip at least 0.50" of insulation off of each wire where you connect the wire to the terminal block plug.

4. Wire each supply in this manner until you have wired each terminal block plug for two power supplies.

5. Plug each terminal block plug into the plug on the back of the chassis. Use the screws supplied to attach each wiring block to the plug in the chassis. Use between 16 to 18 lb.-in. of torque on these screws.

6. Turn on the DC power source.The system begins to boot up.

6 - 4


Figure 6.2 The terminal block plug


Chapter 6

VIPRION DC power supply specificationsThe following specifications apply to only the VIPRION DC-powered chassis.

Important

Specifications are subject to change without notification.

Power provisioning for the VIPRION platformThis section describes the power provisioning recommended for the VIPRION platform with different blade configurations. Figure 6.2 shows the number of power supplies required depending on the number of blades installed in the chassis and the maximum system power draw. These measurements were taken with PB100N blades, four power supplies, and within the standard temperature range. N is the number of additional power supplies for redundancy.

Item Specification

Power supply 1445W maximum from DC source

Rated voltage -36 to -72 VDC

Current 170 to 85 amps

Table 6.1 The VIPRION DC power supply specification

Blade Quantity and Type Maximum System Power DrawPower Supplies Required + Redundant

1 x PB100N 800 W from DC Source 1 + N




Table 6.2 Power provisioning recommendations

6 - 6


Guidelines for DC-powered equipmentA DC-powered installation must meet the following requirements:

• Install the unit using a 50 Amp external branch circuit protection device per power feed for each power supply.

• For permanently connected equipment, incorporate a readily accessible disconnect in the fixed wiring.

• Use only copper conductors.

• Cabling for the VIPRION system must be grounded on both sides.

• Normally, one power feed is used for each individual power supply.

Additional NEBS informationThe following notes and warnings apply to the network equipment building system (NEBS) version of the VIPRION platform.

WARNING

The intra-building interfaces of this platform, including Ethernet, are suitable for connection to intra-building or unexposed wiring or cabling only with shielded and grounded cables at both ends. The intra-building ports of the equipment must not be metallically connected to interfaces that connect to the outside plant (OSP) or its wiring.


Chapter 6

6 - 8

7

Working with Environmental Guidelines for the VIPRION Platform

• Environmental requirements


Environmental requirementsBefore you install the VIPRIONTM platform, review the following guidelines to make sure that you are installing and using the VIPRION platform in the appropriate environment.

General environmental guidelinesA VIPRION platform is an industrial network appliance, designed to be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack. To ensure safe installation and operation of the unit, be sure to adhere to these recommendations:

• Install the rack according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and check the rack for stability before placing equipment in it.

• Build and position the rack so that once you install the VIPRION platform, the power supply and the vents on both the front and back of the unit remain unobstructed. The VIPRION platform must have adequate ventilation around the unit at all times.

• Do not allow the air temperature in the room to exceed 40° C.

• Do not plug the unit into a branch circuit shared by more electronic equipment than the circuit is designed to manage safely at one time.

• This product is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). We recommend that when you install or maintain the unit, you use proper ESD grounding procedures and equipment.


Chapter 7

Guidelines for AC-powered equipmentAn AC-powered installation must meet the following requirements:

• Install the unit using a 20 Amp external branch circuit protection device per power feed.


Guidelines for DC-powered equipmentA DC-powered installation must meet the following requirements:

• Install the unit using a 50 Amp external branch circuit protection device per power feed.

• For permanently connected equipment, incorporate a readily accessible disconnect in the fixed wiring.

7 - 2


• Use only copper conductors.



Chapter 7

7 - 4

8

Reviewing Hardware Specifications

• Reviewing hardware specifications

• Understanding power requirements

• PB100 blade specifications

• J100 chassis specifications

• Additional acoustic, airflow, and altitude specifications


Reviewing hardware specificationsThe following table contains general information about the VIPRION™ hardware platform.

Item Specification

Server/Node Operating System Compatibility Load balancing of any TCP/IP OS, including Windows®

NT, Windows 95, all UNIX platforms, and Mac/OS

Internet/Intranet Protocol Support

All TCP services, UDP, SIP, and SSL; nearly all IP-based protocols

Administrative Environment Support

DNS proxy, SMTP, SSH, SNMP, dynamic/static network monitoring, scheduled batch job processing, system status reports, and alarms event notification

Network Management & Monitoring

Secure SSL browser-based interface, remote encrypted login and file transfer using SSH monitor,

BIG-IP® system network monitoring utilities and additional contributed software; SNMP gets and traps iControl API using CORBA & SOAP/XML

Dynamic Content Support

ASP (active server pages), VB (visual basic script), ActiveX, JAVA,VRML, CGI, Cool Talk, Net Meeting, Real Audio, Real Video, Netshow, Quick Time, PointCast, any HTTP encapsulated data

Device Redundancy Watchdog timer, fail-safe cable (primary & secondary)

Web Server Application Compatibility

Any IP-based web or application server

Operating Temperature

32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C)

Relative Humidity 10 to 90% @ 40º C

Safety Agency Approval

UL 60950 (UL1950-3) CSA-C22.2 No. 60950-00 (Bi-national standard with UL 60950) CB TEST CERTIFICATION TO IEC 950EN 60950

Electromagnetic Emissions Certifications

EN55022 1998 Class A EN55024 1998 Class A FCC Part 15B Class A

VCCI Class A

Non-operational specification

Temperature -40º to 149º F (-40º to 65º C)

Humidity 10 to 95% at 40º non-condensing

The system is also certified to ETSI EN 300 386, Telecom EMC standard.

Table 8.1 General VIPRION platform specifications


Chapter 8

Understanding power requirementsBefore you get started with the VIPRION platform, it is important to understand the power options and requirements. This section describes AC power supply support and cable requirements.

Power provisioningThe platform supports one to four AC power supplies. The power supplies are auto-ranging 90VAC to 240VAC input. Each power supply can provide up to 1435W of power at low-line input (90-140VAC) and up to 2390W at high-line input (180-240VAC). One power supply with low-line input can support two blades with no redundancy. Table 8.2 shows recommended power provisioning for low-line input.

Table 8.2 AC 110 power provisioning (low-line input)

The same power supply can support up to three blades with high-line AC input as shown in Table 8.3. Adding more supplies provides levels of redundancy.

Table 8.3 AC 208 power provisioning (high-line input)


1 x PB100 875 W from AC Source 1 + N









8 - 2


Power cablesThe cable supplied with the hardware is a 220V high line input cable. This type of cable requires a NEMA 6-20P wall outlet, or region-specific equivalent. For 115V VAC low line input, a different cable is available which uses a NEMA 5-20P, or region-specific equivalent. Region-specific power cables are available from F5 Networks.


Chapter 8

PB100 blade specificationsThe following specifications apply to the PB100 blade only.

WARNING

This platform supports only optics modules provided by F5 Networks.

Note

The XFP ports on this blade are inverted. Insert XFP optics upside down.

Important


Item Specification

Dimensions Proprietary to fit F5 Networks chassis

Weight 14.5 lbs.

Processors 2 Opteron Dual-Core 2.6GHz processors

Network Interfaces 1x10/100/1000 Ethernet Management port

8x10/100/1000 Copper ports

12x1000Base-X SFP Fiber/Copper ports

• 1000BASE-SX - 850nm (LC Connector, 4 modules included)• 1000BASE-LX - 1310nm (LC Connector, optional)• 1000BASE-T Copper SFP (RJ45 Connector, optional)• 10BaseT, 100BaseT, 1000BaseT Copper SFP (RJ45 Connector, optional)2x10 Gigabit XFP ports

10GBASE-SR - 850nm (LC Connector, optional)

Hard Drive Capacity 160 Gigabyte ATA hard drive

8 Gigabyte Compact Flash

RAM 8 GB

Power consumption 300W typical (under heavy load)

600W maximum

Heat generated 2046 BTU/hour

Table 8.4 The PB100 blade specifications

8 - 4


J100 chassis specificationsThe following specifications apply to the J100 chassis only.

WARNING

This platform supports only optics modules provided by F5 Networks.

Important


Item Specification

Dimensions 12.2"H x 17.4"W x 21"D rack-mount chassis

Weight Fully loaded system (4 blades, 4 power supplies): 139 lbs. Half loaded system (2 blades, 2 power supplies, 2 blanks): 105 lbs

Empty chassis (3 blank cards, 0 power supplies, 0 blades, 1 fan tray, 1 System ID card): 69 lbs.

Power supply: 4.5 lbs.

PB100 blade: 14.5 lbs.

Blank line card: 2 lbs.

Fan tray: 8.5 lbs.

System ID card: 0.5 lbs.

Processor See blade specifications.

Hard Drive Capacity See blade specifications.

RAM See blade specifications.

Power supply type 1 to 4 90VAC to 240VAC AUTO ranging

1435W maximum power draw for low line input

2390W maximum power draw for high line input

Input Voltage and Current

90-264 VAC (AC)

Heat generation 9400 BTU/hr (fully loaded chassis)

Table 8.5 The J100 chassis specifications


Chapter 8

Additional acoustic, airflow, and altitude specifications

To maintain the VIPRION platform, you must be familiar with additional specifications such as acoustic levels, airflow movement, and operational altitude for the VIPRION platform.

Specification type Detail UnitsChassis with line card

Acoustica

a. Fans at 75%. All measurements taken at .6 meter - A-weighting

Front face db 72

Left face db 77

Right face db 75

Rear face db 67

Altitudeb

b. 60 meters (197 feet) below sea level to 1800 meters (5905 feet) above sea level.

Operational Feet 5905

Non-operational Feet 40000

Airflow

Entire chassis cfm 840

Table 8.6 Acoustic, altitude, and airflow specifications

8 - 6

A

Platform-Specific Hazardous Substance Levels, for China

• VIPRION chassis

• VIPRION blades

Platform-Specific Hazardous Substance Levels, for China

VIPRION chassisThis table lists hazardous substances controlled by China, and shows how the F5 Networks® VIPRIONTM platform conforms to the standards.

Platform Guide: VIPRION™ A - 1

Appendix A

VIPRION bladesThis table lists hazardous substances controlled by China, and shows how the F5 Networks VIPRION blades conform to the standards.

A - 2

Glossary

Glossary

blade

A blade is a BIG-IP system designed to fit into a slot of a BIG-IP blade server chassis. Multiple blades within a chassis can work together to process traffic from a single virtual server.

blank

A protective framework that fills a slot in the chassis normally occupied by a blade. Blanks are used to protect the chassis and maintain airflow when a blade is not installed.

chassis

A chassis refers to the housing component of the VIPRION platform. The chassis holds all hot-swappable components, such as blades.

cluster

A cluster is a group of slots on the VIPRION system chassis. When you insert blades into the slots of a cluster, the blades function as a single system to process application traffic.

cluster IP address

A cluster IP address is a floating management IP address associated with the primary slot in a cluster. When the blade in the primary slot is removed or becomes unavailable, another slot in the cluster automatically becomes the primary slot, and the cluster IP address becomes associated with the new primary slot. You use this IP address to manage the cluster.

cluster mask

A cluster mask is the subnet mask that applies to the cluster management IP address.

compression screw

A compression screw ensures that a given VIPRION component is securely attached to the chassis. Each screw indicates by color whether the component is secured to the chassis: green, which indicates that the screw is secured to the chassis; and red, which indicates that the screw is unsecured.

Configuration utility

The Configuration utility is the browser-based application that you use to configure the software.

eject levers

Eject levers refer to two levers located at the front of each blade or blank. These levers must be fully extended to remove the blade or blank from the chassis, and must be pressed securely against the chassis to ensure the component is seated correctly.

Platform Guide: VIPRION™ Glossary - 1

Glossary

guide grooves

A guide groove is a section within a chassis slot that helps ensure that blades are installed and seated correctly.

hot-swappable

Hot-swappable refers to your ability to remove a component without first shutting down the system. The VIPRION platform consists of several components: blades, LCD component, power supplies, and the fan tray, that you can replace without affecting system performance.

LCD

LCD display stands for liquid crystal display. An LCD panel is available on the front of the platform. You can use the LCD and its associated controls to configure the management port on the unit and view basic statistics.

LCD component

The LCD component is the hardware component that contains the LCD and the LEDs that display power and alert status for the platform.

Glossary - 2

Index

1U spacing 2-1

Aacoustic specifications 8-6AC-powered equipment

and guidelines 7-2and high-line input 8-2and low-line input 8-2and requirements 8-2power provisioning 8-2with NEMA 5-20P cables 8-3with NEMA 6-20P cables 8-3

additional information, finding 1-6airflow specifications 8-6alerts

and LCD 3-2clearing 3-2

altitude specifications 8-6Ask F5 Knowledge Base 1-9

Bblades

and compression screws 5-1and eject levers 5-2installing 5-1removing 5-1

blanks 5-1

CCheck button

and clearing alerts 3-2China material content listing A-1, A-2clear alert operation 3-2command line syntax table 1-8command syntax, identifying 1-8components provided with VIPRION platform 1-2compression screws

securing 5-5unsecuring 5-1

Configuration utilityabout online help 1-9about the Welcome screen 1-9

copper module types 8-4

DDC power supply 6-1DC-powered equipment

and guidelines 6-7and NEBS information 6-7and specifications 6-6connecting 6-3for PB100N blades 6-6

grounding 6-2guidelines 7-2power provisioning 6-6

documents, identifying 1-7duplex mode 4-6

Eeject levers

engaging 5-4opening 5-2

electrostatic discharge (ESD) 2-1, 7-1environmental guidelines 7-1

See also hazardous substance restrictions.Ethernet hub requirements 1-3

Ffiber module types 8-4

GGigabit Ethernet 1-3guide grooves, for blades 5-4

Hhardware

and environmental guidelines 7-1for AC-powered equipment 7-2for DC-powered equipment 6-7, 7-2

hardware installationin rack 2-1installing in rack 2-1planning 2-1

hardware requirementsfor components 1-2for peripherals 1-2

hardware specificationsfor J100 chassis 8-5for PB100 blade 8-4for VIPRION chassis 8-1for VIPRION DC-powered chassis 6-6

hazardous substance restrictionsfor China A-1, A-2

help, online 1-9Hold mode 3-2hot-swap components

and fan tray 5-6hubs 1-3

Iindicators. See LED indicators.Information menu 3-1, 3-5interface media type 4-6interface mode 4-6

Platform Guide: VIPRION™ Index - 1

Index

interface settingsdisplaying 4-6

interface statusdisplaying 4-6

intermittent Activity LED 4-5

LLCD component

and alerts 3-2and indentations 5-9attaching 5-9

LCD Config menu 3-1, 3-3LCD menus

accessing 3-3introducing 3-3navigating 3-3

LCD panelconfiguring 3-2for Information menu 3-5for LCD Config menu 3-3for Screens menu 3-4for System menu 3-4

LED indicatorsand actions 4-2and functions 4-1and types 4-1configuring 4-4displaying node status 4-4for alert conditions 4-4for special conditions 4-5when green 4-5when yellow 4-5

liquid crystal display, see LCD 3-1

Mmedia types

and attributes 4-6setting 4-7

Menu mode 3-2, 3-3menus on LCD panel 3-3

NNetwork and System Management Guide 1-6new terms, identifying 1-7

Oonline help 1-9optics modules 8-4

Ppanel. See LCD panel.product information, finding 1-9

Rrack mounting 2-1, 7-1references

identifying 1-7to commands 1-7

remote administration 1-3replacement

of fan tray 5-6Rotate mode 3-2

Ssafe installation recommendations 7-1Screens menu 3-1, 3-4serial terminal

and hardware installation 1-2solid Status LED 4-5solution examples 1-6specifications, hardware

for China, material content A-1, A-2standard operating state. See LED indicators.stylistic conventions 1-6switches 1-3syntax. See command syntax, identifying.System menu 3-1, 3-4

Ttechnical documentation, finding 1-9technical support web site 1-9

UUSB port

and supported CD drives 1-3

Vventilation 7-1VIPRION platform

and components provided 1-2

Wwarnings, environmental 7-1

See also China material content listing.Welcome screen

about 1-9

XX button

on LCD panel 3-2

Index - 2

platform guide viprion

Documents