Routing Fibre Channel cables through the top of a frame

It is possible to route Fibre Channel cables from servers through the top of a frame in the TS3500 tape library. This routing method is an alternative to routing the Fibre Channel cables through the bulkhead at the bottom rear of the TS3500 tape library, and might be necessary if the equipment is installed on a non-raised (solid) floor.

Procedure

Note:

When your library is installed on a solid (non-raised) floor, your IBM Service Representative can route the power cables through the top of the library during installation. For more information, see the Installation chapter of the IBM TS3500 Maintenance Information guide.

Open the cable access door at the top of the frame (see 1 in Figure 1 and Figure 2).

Figure 1. Opening for routing Fibre Channel cables from servers through the top of a frame

Figure 2. Opening the cable access door at the top of a frame
Route Fibre Channel cables from the servers into the cable access door and down to the bulkhead assembly.
Open the rear door of the frame.
Attach the Fibre Channel cables to the appropriate location in the bulkhead.
Use the hook and loop ties to secure the Fibre Channel cables along the left side of the frame.
After you route the cables inside the frame, position them as shown in Figure 3
Note: Ensure that all Fibre Channel cables are parallel to each other as shown. Do not cross one cable over the other, as this could damage the cable.

Figure 3. Positioning the Fibre Channel cable inside the frame
Position all of the Fibre Channel cables outside the frame as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Positioning the Fibre Channel cable outside the frame
Carefully close the cable access door.
Padding on the door holds the cables in place safely and securely.