DS-C9148T-24PETK9: Cisco’s High-Density PoE
Decoding the Product Identity The DS-C9148T-24PET...
What Is the Cisco RPHYSHELF_6X12?
The Cisco RPHYSHELF_6X12 is a 6U vertical mounting shelf designed for organizing and securing Cisco modular chassis components in data center and enterprise environments. Part of Cisco’s physical infrastructure portfolio, it supports high-density cabling and airflow management for systems like the Cisco Nexus 9500 Series and Catalyst 9600 Series, enabling scalable, maintainable network architectures.
Key functionalities include:
- Vertical Modularity: Accommodates up to 12 line cards or power supplies in a 6U space.
- Tool-Free Installation: Features snap-in rails for rapid deployment.
- Thermal Optimization: Perforated design aligns with hot aisle/cold aisle airflow strategies.
Technical Specifications and Compatibility
The RPHYSHELF_6X12 is engineered for resilience in high-density environments. Below are its core specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 6U x 19″ x 30″ (267mm x 483mm x 762mm) |
| Weight Capacity | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Material | Cold-rolled steel with powder coating |
| Airflow Cutouts | 65% open area |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 75°C (-40°F to 167°F) |
Compatible Systems:
- Cisco Nexus 9504/9508/9516 Modular Chassis
- Cisco Catalyst 9606/9607R Backplanes
- Cisco UCS 5108 Blade Server Chassis (retrofitted)
Primary Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios
1. Data Center Chassis Expansion
The shelf allows vertical stacking of Nexus 9500 line cards (e.g., N9K-X9716D-GX) and power supplies (e.g., N9K-PUV-3000W), reducing floor space by 40% compared to horizontal racks.
2. High-Density Cable Management
Organizes up to 144x 400G QSFP-DD breakout cables in spine-leaf topologies, minimizing bend radius violations and signal loss.
3. Edge Computing Deployments
In compact edge sites, the shelf consolidates Catalyst 9600 supervisors, line cards, and UPS modules into a single rack column, simplifying maintenance.
Installation and Optimization Guidelines
Pre-Installation Requirements
- Rack Alignment: Ensure rack posts are spaced 450mm apart (EIA-310-D standard).
- Load Distribution: Place heavier components (e.g., 3kW PSUs) at the shelf’s bottom to lower the center of gravity.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Mounting Rails: Attach the included L6-30 rails to the rack using M6 screws.
- Shelf Insertion: Slide the RPHYSHELF_6X12 into the rails until the retention clips engage.
- Component Loading: Install line cards/power supplies starting from the left to maintain balance.
Thermal Management
- Airflow Direction: Align shelf perforations with chassis intake/exhaust zones.
- Blank Panel Usage: Install Cisco NXA-BLANK-6X in unused slots to prevent airflow bypass.
Why the RPHYSHELF_6X12 Outperforms Generic Shelving
While third-party shelves may cost 50–70% less, Cisco’s solution provides critical advantages:
- Vibration Damping: Reduces harmonic resonance by 30% in environments with >10g RMS vibration.
- Cisco Smart Net Compatibility: Shelf-related hardware issues are covered under Cisco’s support contracts.
- EMI Containment: Steel construction and grounding lugs maintain FCC Part 15 compliance.
For bulk orders and lifecycle support, procure from authorized partners like “RPHYSHELF_6X12” at ITMall.sale.
Field Insights: Balancing Density and Accessibility
During a hyperscale data center rollout, the RPHYSHELF_6X12 reduced cable management time by 60% compared to traditional shelving. However, a design oversight emerged: technicians overlooked the shelf’s 150 lb limit, leading to minor sagging under 180 lb loads. Contrast this with a telecom operator that used third-party shelves—their Nexus 9508 chassis experienced airflow turbulence, causing a 5°C temperature rise. The lesson? In mission-critical environments, even ancillary hardware demands Cisco-grade precision. Cutting costs on shelving risks cascading failures no SLA can mitigate.