Attaching the Switch to a Two-Post Rack

You can attach your switch to a two-post rack in either of two configurations:
  • Front mount
  • Mid-mount

The side of the switch has different sets of holes for attaching mounting brackets in either configuration.

Brackets for a two-post mount are not included in the box with your switch. However, they can be ordered separately using part number XN-2P-RKMT299.

To attach your switch to a two-post rack, follow these steps:

  1. On one side of the switch, attach one of the short mounting brackets to the switch housing.
    1. For a front mount, position the bracket over the holes so that the flange (ear) is even with the front of the switch, as shown in the figure below: Attaching a Short Mounting Bracket (Ear): Front of Switch .
      Click to expand in new window
      Attaching a Short Mounting Bracket (Ear): Front of Switch
      Attaching a Short Mounting Bracket (Ear): Front of Switch
    2. For a mid-mount, position the bracket so that the flange (ear) is positioned slightly more than halfway between the front and back of the switch, as shown in figure below: Attaching a Short Mounting Bracket (Ear): Middle of Switch .
      Click to expand in new window
      Attaching a Short Mounting Bracket (Ear): Middle of Switch
      Attaching a Short Mounting Bracket (Ear): Middle of Switch
    3. Use four small mounting screws (provided) to attach the bracket to the switch.
  2. Attach the other short mounting bracket to the other side of the switch housing, as you did in step 2.
  3. Attach a long mounting bracket to one side of the switch housing and to the rack post.
    1. Position the long bracket over the holes between the front and the middle of the switch. Orient it so that its flange (ear) rests against the rack post.

      See the diagrams below: Attaching a Long Mounting Bracket: Front of Switch and Attaching a Long Mounting Bracket: Middle of Switch.

      Click to expand in new window
      Attaching a Long Mounting Bracket: Front of Switch
      Attaching a Long Mounting Bracket: Front of Switch
      Click to expand in new window
      Attaching a Long Mounting Bracket: Middle of Switch
      Attaching a Long Mounting Bracket: Middle of Switch
    2. Use four small mounting screws (provided) to attach the bracket to the switch.
    3. Secure the long bracket to the rack post.
      (Rack-mounting screws are not provided.)
  4. Repeat step 3 to attach the other long bracket on the other side of the switch.
  5. Tilting the switch slightly, lift it into the rack so that the mounting brackets align with the rack posts.

    If the switch cannot be tilted (because other equipment is mounted directly above and below), remove one or both short mounting brackets from the switch. Lift the switch into position, secure the flanges (ears) on the long brackets to the rack posts, and then reattach the short brackets.

  6. Secure the flanges (ears) on both sides of the switch to the rack posts, using screws that are appropriate for the rack.

    (Rack-mounting screws are not provided.)

    The completed installation is shown in the diagrams below: Two-Post Front Mount: Complete and Two-Post Mid-Mount: Complete.

    Click to expand in new window
    Two-Post Front Mount: Complete
    Two-Post Front Mount: Complete
    Click to expand in new window
    Two-Post Mid-Mount: Complete
    Two-Post Mid-Mount: Complete
  7. Verify that the switch is level and is firmly attached to the rack.

If your switch comes with installed AC power supplies, skip to the topic: Powering up the Switch.

If your switch does not have an installed power supply, install one or two power supplies using the instructions in Installing Internal Power Supplies.