2-5
Cisco 7200 VXR Installation and Configuration Guide
OL-5013-09
Chapter 2      Preparing for Installation
Site Requirement Guidelines
Rack-Mounting Guidelines
Before installing the Cisco 7200 VXR router in a rack, read the “Site Preparation and Safety” section of 
the Regulatory Compliance and Safety Information for Cisco 7200 Series Routers to familiarize yourself 
with proper site and environmental conditions. Failure to read and follow the guidelines could lead to an 
unsuccessful installation and possible damage to the router and components.
The rack-mounting hardware included with Cisco 7200 VXR routers is suitable for most 19-inch 
equipment racks and two-post racks. To easily access FRUs while the router is installed in a rack, make 
certain you have access to the front and rear of the router. 
Before using a particular rack, check for obstructions (such as a power strip) that could impair 
rack-mount installation. If a power strip does impair a rear rack-mount installation, remove the power 
strip before installing a Cisco
 7200 VXR router in the rack, and then replace it after the chassis is 
installed. As an alternative, you can mount a Cisco
 7200 VXR router on an equipment shelf provided 
that the rack dimensions allow you to secure the router to the shelf, and the overall configuration permits 
safe installation and access. However, we recommend rack-mounting Cisco
 7200 VXR routers.  
Figure 2-2 shows the Cisco 7200 VXR router footprint and outer dimensions.
To use the rack-mounting hardware provided with the Cisco 7200 VXR routers, consider the following 
guidelines:
  • To mount the router between two posts or rails using the brackets, the inner clearance (the width 
between the inner sides of the two posts or rails) must be at least 17.00
 inches (43.18 cm). 
  • The height of the chassis is 5.25 inches (13.34 cm).
  • When mounting the router in either four-post or two-post racks, be sure to use all the screws and the 
brackets provided to secure the chassis to the rack posts.