Platform Guide VIPRION

Platform Guide: VIPRION®
MAN-0311-00
Product Version
This manual applies to the VIPRION® platform created by F5 Networks, Inc.
Publication Date
This manual was published on July 23, 2010.
Legal Notices
Copyright
Copyright 2010, 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.
Trademarks
F5, F5 Networks, the F5 logo, BIG-IP, 3-DNS, Access Policy Manager, APM, Acopia, Acopia Networks,
Application Accelerator, Ask F5, Application Security Manager, ASM, ARX, Data Guard, Edge Client,
Edge Gateway, Enterprise Manager, EM, FirePass, FreedomFabric, Global Traffic Manager, GTM,
iControl, Intelligent Browser Referencing, Internet Control Architecture, IP Application Switch, iRules,
Link Controller, LC, Local Traffic Manager, LTM, Message Security Module, MSM, NetCelera,
OneConnect, Packet Velocity, Protocol Security Module, PSM, Secure Access Manager, SAM, SSL
Accelerator, SYN Check, Traffic Management Operating System, TMOS, TrafficShield, Transparent Data
Reduction, uRoam, VIPRION, WANJet, WAN Optimization Module, WOM, WebAccelerator, WA, 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.
All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Export Regulation Notice

This 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 Warning
This 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 Compliance
This 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 Compliance

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Platform Guide: VIPRION® i

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

This 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
1
The VIPRION Platform
About the VIPRION platform ......................................................................................................1-1
Platform chassis and blades .................................................................................................1-2
Getting started with the VIPRION platform ............................................................................1-4
Components provided with the VIPRION platform .....................................................1-4
Peripheral hardware that you provide ..............................................................................1-5
Technical support resources ........................................................................................................1-6
2
VIPRION Platform Installation
About VIPRION platform installation ........................................................................................2-1
General recommendations for installing a chassis in a rack ........................................2-1
PB100 and PB200 blade compatibility ........................................................................................2-2
Blade performance in mixed clusters ................................................................................2-2
Blade software versions in mixed clusters .......................................................................2-2
Trunk configuration in mixed clusters ..............................................................................2-3
Redundant system configuration and mixed clusters ....................................................2-3
3
VIPRION LCD Panel
About the LCD panel .....................................................................................................................3-1
Using LCD panel functionality ......................................................................................................3-2
Pausing on a screen ...............................................................................................................3-2
Accessing LCD menus ..........................................................................................................3-2
Clearing alerts .........................................................................................................................3-2
About the LCD menus ..................................................................................................................3-3
Options menu .........................................................................................................................3-3
System menu ...........................................................................................................................3-4
Screens menu ..........................................................................................................................3-5
About cluster management ...........................................................................................................3-6
Configuring clusters through the LCD menu ..................................................................3-6
Configuring cluster members ..............................................................................................3-8
4
VIPRION LEDs and Interfaces
About LED behavior ......................................................................................................................4-1
Indicator LED functions ........................................................................................................4-1
Indicator LED actions ...........................................................................................................4-2
Standard operating states ....................................................................................................4-2
Alert conditions indicated by the alarm LED ..................................................................4-3
Specific status indicated by the LEDs ................................................................................4-4
About platform interfaces .............................................................................................................4-5
Viewing the status and settings for interfaces .................................................................4-5
Specifying media type ............................................................................................................4-6
Network interface LED behavior .......................................................................................4-8
5
VIPRION Platform Maintenance
About maintaining the VIPRION platform ................................................................................5-1
Changing blades ...............................................................................................................................5-1
Platform Guide: VIPRION® v

Table of Contents
Changing the fan tray .....................................................................................................................5-5

Replacing the fan tray ............................................................................................................5-5
Changing a power supply ..............................................................................................................5-6
Adding a power supply .........................................................................................................5-6
Replacing a power supply .....................................................................................................5-7
Removing and replacing the LCD component .........................................................................5-8
6
Guidelines for DC Power in the VIPRION Platform
About the DC power supply option for the VIPRION platform ........................................6-1
Installing the system in a rack .............................................................................................6-1
Additional equipment for DC power ................................................................................6-2
Grounding the platform .......................................................................................................6-2
Connecting the DC power source to the system .........................................................6-4
VIPRION DC power supply specifications ...............................................................................6-6
Power redundancy provisioning .........................................................................................6-6
System power consumption ................................................................................................6-7
NEBS information ..................................................................................................................6-7
7
Platform Airflow
Platform airflow information ........................................................................................................7-1
Airflow for VIPRION platforms .........................................................................................7-1
8
Environmental Guidelines for the VIPRION Platform
Environmental requirements ........................................................................................................8-1
General environmental guidelines ......................................................................................8-1
Guidelines for AC-powered equipment ...........................................................................8-2
Guidelines for DC-powered equipment ...........................................................................8-2
9
Platform Specifications
General specifications for system features ...............................................................................9-1
AC power requirements ...............................................................................................................9-2
Power cables ...........................................................................................................................9-2
Power redundancy provisioning .........................................................................................9-2
System power consumption ................................................................................................9-3
PB100 blade specifications ............................................................................................................9-4
PB200 blade specifications ............................................................................................................9-5
J100 chassis specifications .............................................................................................................9-6
Acoustic, airflow, and altitude specifications ............................................................................9-7
A
Platform-Specific Hazardous Substance Levels for China
VIPRION chassis ............................................................................................................................A-1
VIPRION blades .............................................................................................................................A-2
Glossary
Index
vi
1
• About the VIPRION platform
• Getting started with the VIPRION platform
• Technical support resources

About the VIPRION platform

The VIPRION® platform is a robust system that is capable of managing
traffic for any size of enterprise. It consists of a unique chassis/blade
configuration. This configuration enables 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 VIPRION platform is highly extensible and designed to be easy to
implement; however, having 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 VIPRION™ 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
Platform chassis and blades

The 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.
About the chassis

The 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.
1. Indicator LEDs (chassis and blades 1–4)

2. LCD display
3. LCD control buttons
Figure 1.1 Front view of the VIPRION platform, with four blades and LCD
panel attached
1-2
About blades
A blade is the primary component that handles the traffic management
within the VIPRION platform. You can install up to four blades in a
VIPRION chassis. These blades comprise a group, called a cluster. The
chassis includes blanks in the slots where blades are not installed. Blanks
must be installed in all unused slots, as they help ensure proper airflow
within the chassis and EMC compliance of the unit.
1. Compression screw
2. Indicator LEDs
3. Management port
4. USB ports
5. Console port
6. Hard-wired failover port
7. XFP ports
8. 10/100/1000 interfaces
9. SFP ports
Figure 1.2 Front view of the PB100 blade
1. Compression screw
2. Indicator LEDs
3. Management port
4. USB ports
5. Console port
6. Hard-wired failover port
7. 10/100/1000 interfaces
8. SFP+ ports
Figure 1.3 Front view of the PB200 blade

Chapter 1
Getting started with the VIPRION platform

There 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, on page 1-5.
• Familiarize yourself with the VIPRION hardware. For more information,
see About the VIPRION platform, on page 1-1.
• Connect the VIPRION platform to the network, and optionally connect
the peripheral hardware. For more information, see About VIPRION
platform installation, on page 2-1.
• Understand the environmental guidelines. For more information, see
Environmental requirements, on page 8-1.
The VIPRION platform comes with the hardware that you need for
installation. However, you must provide standard peripheral hardware, such
as a serial terminal, if you want to administer the VIPRION platform
directly.
Components provided with the VIPRION platform

When 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.
1-4
Peripheral hardware that you provide

For each VIPRION blade in the system, you may need to provide additional
peripheral hardware.
◆ You need standard input/output hardware if you plan to use direct
administrative access to the VIPRION platform. This requires a serial
terminal and a null modem cable.
◆ You must have an administrative workstation on the same IP network as
the platform if you want to use the default VIPRION platform
configuration.
◆ You 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 an external USB CD/DVD-ROM drive or a USB compact
flash drive that is compatible with the system for installing upgrades and
for system recovery. Even though most USB CD/DVD-ROM and USB
compact flash drives 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
Technical support resources

You can find additional technical documentation and product information in
the following locations:
◆ Online help
The 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 utility
The 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 site
The 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.
1-6
2
• About VIPRION platform installation
• PB100 and PB200 blade compatibility

About VIPRION platform installation

This 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, which
includes detailed information, including:
• Unpacking 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 chassis 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 rack

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 power on a VIPRION platform until the management serial console
and/or the management network is connected to the unit.

Chapter 2
PB100 and PB200 blade compatibility

You can use both PB100 and the newer PB200 blades in a VIPRION system
that is running BIG-IP version 10.1 or later.
Blade performance in mixed clusters

If you choose to create a mixed cluster, a system that includes both blade
types, any PB200 blades will perform at the same level as the PB100 blades.
Removing all PB100 blades from a mixed cluster, leaving only PB200
blades, enables the PB200 blades to perform at their maximum capacity.
Blade software versions in mixed clusters

The behavior of a mixed cluster differs depending on the software versions
installed on the blades.
PB200 blades in a cluster running BIG-IP version 10.0.x and earlier

If you install a PB200 blade in a PB100 cluster running a version of the
BIG-IP software that is earlier than version 10.1, you could experience the
following scenarios:
◆ You receive an error message in the cluster status for the slot in which
the PB200 blade is installed, indicating that the blade is running the
wrong software version. The software installation status also displays an
error for the PB200 blade slot.
◆ Earlier BIG-IP software versions may display in the Configuration
utility, but you will not be able to install them to the PB200 blade. You
receive an installation error message if you attempt to install an earlier
version of the BIG-IP software.
◆ If you upgrade the cluster to version 10.1 or later, the PB200 blade joins
the cluster as an active member.
◆ If the PB100 blades are subsequently removed from the cluster, the
situation does not correct itself automatically, as the system will
remember that the version of software for that cluster is a version prior to
version 10.1. You can correct this issue by specifying that version 10.1 or
later run on the cluster.
◆ If you move a PB200 blade to a second chassis, this does not cause the
other chassis to downgrade to a version earlier than version 10.1. Cluster
configuration information, which includes the software version
information, is tied to the chassis identifier on the chassis hardware and
is removed from the blade when it is moved to another chassis.
2-2
PB100 blades in a cluster running BIG-IP version 10.1 and later

If you install a PB100 blade into a chassis with PB200 blades running
version v10.1 or later, you could experience the following scenarios:
◆ The PB100 blade upgrades to the new software and runs (this is the
typical, expected behavior).
◆ The software images previously installed on the PB100 blade display as
installable in the Configuration utility. If you attempt to install one of
those images, you receive an error on the PB200 blades, but the
installation completes successfully on the PB100 blades.
Trunk configuration in mixed clusters

If you replace a PB100 blade with a PB200 blade in a cluster that uses one
or more trunks across the blades, you must adjust the trunk configuration to
match the desired PB200 external interfaces. For example, if your trunk uses
10G ports, interface 1.1 on a PB100 blade is 10G, and interface 2.1 is 10G
on a PB200 blade. For information on configuring a trunk, see the TMOS®
Management Guide for BIG-IP® Systems.
Redundant system configuration and mixed clusters

If you are running a redundant system configuration and would like to use a
mixture of PB100 and PB200 blades, you must put the same blade type in
the corresponding slots on each chassis. For example, if you install a PB200
blade in slot 1 and a PB100 blade in slot 2 on the active chassis, you must
install a PB200 in slot 1 and a PB100 blade in slot 2 in the standby chassis.

Chapter 2
2-4
3
VIPRION LCD Panel
• About the LCD panel
• Using LCD panel functionality
• About the LCD menus
• About cluster management

VIPRION LCD Panel
About the LCD panel

Using the LCD panel, you can control the VIPRION® platform without
attaching a serial or network cable. The LCD panel provides menus with
options that enable you to configure certain features on the system. The
following menus are available on the LCD panel.
◆ Options menu
Use the Options menu to configure the display properties of the LCD
panel.
◆ System menu
Use the System menu to manage the clusters and blades that are a part of
the chassis configuration.
◆ Screens menu
Use the Screens menu to set up the informational screens you would like
the LCD panel to display.
Figure 3.1 Front view of the VIPRION® platform, with LCD panel attached

Chapter 3
Using LCD panel functionality

You can configure the LCD panel to meet your needs.
Pausing on a screen
Normally, 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 displays. The Rotate mode
changes the screen displayed on the LCD panel every four seconds.
Accessing LCD menus

Press the X button to put the LCD component in Menu mode to access the
menus. The buttons Left Arrow, Right Arrow, Up Arrow, and Down Arrow
are functional only when the LCD panel is in Menu mode. For more
information about using the LCD menus, see About the LCD menus, on page
3-3.
Clearing alerts
Press 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
VIPRION LCD Panel
About the LCD menus

To 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 three menus:
• Options
• System
• Screens
Options menu
The Options menu provides options for adjusting the display properties of
the LCD panel.
Option Description
Heartbeat Turns on (checked) or off (unchecked) the heartbeat

panel on the LCD. This heartbeat does not affect the
failover mechanism of the system.
Backlight Controls the backlight for the LCD panel.
Contrast Sets the contrast of the LCD display.
On Brightness Adjusts the LCD panel backlight brightness.
Off Brightness Controls the brightness of the LCD panel when the
backlight is off.
Table 3.1 The Options menu

Chapter 3
System menu
The System menu provides options for configuring the management
interface on both clusters and blades. This menu also provides various
options for the hardware.
Option Description Suboptions
Chassis Config Changes the baud rate of Serial Speed

the serial port. Select from the following
suboptions:
• 9600
• 19200 (default)
• 38400
• 115200
Cluster Configures the cluster IP Cluster Mgmt

address, netmask, and Select from the following
default gateway for suboptions:
managing the cluster.
• Cluster IP
Configure the cluster IP
address.
• Cluster IP Mask
Configure the netmask.
• Gateway
Configure the default gateway
for managing the cluster.
• Commit
Save your changes.
Configures the Cluster Mbrs

management IP Select from the following
addresses of the blades suboptions:
within the cluster.
• Blade [1-4] Mgmt
• Blade Mgmt IP
Configure the management
IP address of the selected
blade within the cluster.
• Commit
Save your changes.
Table 3.2 The System menu
3-4
VIPRION LCD Panel
Screens menu
The Screens menu provides options for viewing information about the
system.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
DateScreen Shows the date and time.
InfoScreen Displays the information screen menu.
VersionScreen Shows the product version information.
Table 3.3 The Screens menu

Chapter 3
About cluster management

The LCD panel in the VIPRION platform enables you to manage clusters
and blades. You can find the options for cluster and blade management in
the Cluster menu item under the System menu.
Configuring clusters through the LCD menu

With the LCD panel, you can configure the following settings for a given
cluster:
• Cluster IP address
• Cluster IP subnet mask
• Gateway IP address
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.
3. Use the arrow keys to select Cluster and press the Check button.
4. Use the arrow keys to select Cluster Mgmt and press the Check
button.
5. Use the arrow keys to select Cluster IP and press the Check button.
The LCD panel shows the current IP address of the cluster.
6. Use the arrow keys to configure the IP address of the cluster.
7. Press the X button until you return to the Cluster Mgmt menu.
8. Use the arrow keys to select the Commit option and press the Check
button.
The system saves the new IP address for the cluster.
3-6
VIPRION LCD Panel
To configure the cluster IP subnet mask

button.
button.
5. 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.
6. Use the arrow keys to configure the subnet mask of the cluster.
button.
The system saves the new subnet mask for the cluster.
To configure the default gateway for the cluster

button.
button.
5. 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.
6. Use the arrow keys to configure the gateway IP address of the
cluster.
button.
The system saves the new default gateway for the cluster.

Chapter 3
Configuring cluster members

Through the LCD panel, you have the option of configuring the
management IP address of each blade within a 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,
the new blade automatically receives the previously-configured
management IP address.
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.
4. Use the arrow keys to select Cluster Mbrs and press the Check
button.
5. Use the arrow keys to select the appropriate blade (Blade [1-4]
Mgmt) and press the Check button.
6. Use the arrow keys to select Blade Mgmt IP and press the Check
button.
The LCD panel displays the current IP address of the blade.
7. Use the arrow keys to configure the IP address of the blade.
8. Press the X button until you return to the Blade [1-4] Mgmt menu.
button.
The system saves the new IP address for the blade.
3-8
4
• About LED behavior
• About platform interfaces

About LED behavior

The 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 about platform power, blade alarms, and status.
On the blades, the LEDs indicate whether the blade is a primary or
secondary blade, and show alarm and blade status. The alarm LED status for
blades is also displayed in the corresponding LED on the LCD panel.
Indicator LED functions

There are several types of indicator LEDs on the faceplate of each unit. Each
indicator LED serves a specific function.
Function Description
Power Reports that a power supply is present and operational

(green), present but non-functioning (yellow), or does
not have a power supply connected (off).
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 four-slot chassis.
Status Reports the overall state of the chassis: functional

(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 indicator LED functions
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 indicator LED functions

Chapter 4
Indicator LED actions

The behavior, or action, of each of LED indicates the status of the system.
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 Indicator LED actions
Standard operating states

When the platform is in a standard operating state, the LEDs behave in a
defined manner. On power up, the status LED of each blade turns yellow.
When the BIG-IP® software successfully boots, the status 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 chassis
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
4-2
Alert conditions indicated by the alarm LED

When there is an alert condition on the platform, the alarm LED behaves in
a specific manner.
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.
Table 4.6 Indicator LED functions
Configuring indicator LEDs to display node status

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 indicator LEDs 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, on page 4-4, 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.

Chapter 4
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"
}
Figure 4.1 The user_alert.conf file
Specific status indicated by the LEDs

Some specific conditions are not covered in the definition tables in the
/etc/alertd/alert.conf file.
◆ Yellow intermittent status indicator LED
A yellow intermittent activity LED indicates that host traffic is present.
Also, while the kernel is loading, the activity indicator LED flashes
yellow intermittently when the disk is accessed. This condition is normal
and occurs only during start up.
◆ Green/Yellow intermittent activity indicator LED
When the activity indicator LED 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/Yellow solid status indicator LED
When the status indicator LED is solid yellow or green, it indicates that
the platform is in a Standby state (yellow) or an Active state (green).
4-4
About platform interfaces

The blades have SFP connector optic interfaces, RJ45 10/100/1000 copper
interfaces, and 10GbE XFP or 10GbE SFP+ optic interfaces that are
connected internally. Each set of interfaces is numbered from x.1 through
x.n, with each group of media types designated by a different prefix. It is
important to note some facts about these interfaces:
• The RJ45 connectors can each support 10/100/1000 Mbit Ethernet speed,
except where otherwise noted.
• The SFP connectors can each support 1000 Mbit speed with a 1 GbE
optic module installed or 10/100/1000Mbit speeds with an F5-branded
copper SFP module.
• The XFP connectors can each support 10G speed with an F5-branded
copper XFP module optic module installed.
• The SFP+ connectors can each support 10G speed with a F5-branded
optic SFP+ module or 1000 Mbit speed with a F5-branded optic SFP
1GbE module optic module installed.
Viewing the status and settings for interfaces

From the command line interface, use the following syntax to display the
current status and settings for a specific interface:
b interface <interface_key> show
Use the following syntax to display the current status and settings for all
installed interfaces:
b interface show
Figure 4.2, on page 4-6, shows an example of the output you see when you
issue this command on a VIPRION platform that contains one blade.

Chapter 4
INTERFACE
Key Speed Pkts Pkts Drop Coll Bits Bits Errs Trunk
Mbps in out in out
1/1.1 MS 10000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/1.2 MS 10000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/2.1 DN 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/2.2 DN 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/2.3 DN 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/2.4 DN 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/2.5 DN 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/2.6 DN 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/2.7 DN 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/2.8 DN 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/3.1 MS 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/3.2 MS 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/3.3 MS 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/3.4 MS 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/3.5 MS 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/3.6 MS 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/3.7 MS 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/3.8 MS 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/3.9 MS 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/3.10 MS 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/3.11 MS 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/3.12 MS 1000 FD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1/mgmt UP 1000 FD 13724 74 0 0 28.08M 80736 0
Figure 4.2 bigpipe interface command output
Specifying media type

You can configure the media type on an interface.
Interface Properties Description Default
media You may specify a media type or use auto

auto for automatic detection.
Table 4.7 Attribute you can configure for an interface
Important
If you manually configure the platform to use specific speed and duplex
settings on interfaces, Auto MDI/MDIX functionality is turned off by default.
Additionally, when an interface is set manually, it functions as a data
terminal equipment (DTE) port. This means that crossover cables are
required to connect to other DTE devices (for example, servers), and
straight-through cables are required for connecting to data communications
equipment (DCE) devices (for example, switches or routers). Be sure to use
the correct cable type (straight-through or crossover) if you manually set
interface speed and duplex settings.
4-6
Setting the media type

All 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 <interface_key> media <media> | auto
The valid media types for this command are:

• auto
• 10baseT half
• 10baseT full
• 100baseTX half
• 100baseTX full
• 1000baseFX full
• 1000baseT half
• 1000baseT full
• 1000baseSX full
• 1000baseLX full
• 10GbaseSR full
• 10GbaseLR full
• 10GbaseER full
This platform may not support all of these media types. To view the valid
media types for an interface, type the following command:
b interface <interface_key> media show
Important
In all Gigabit Ethernet modes, the only valid duplex mode is full duplex.

Chapter 4
Network interface LED behavior

The appearance and behavior of the network interface LEDs on the
performance blades indicate network traffic activity, interface speed, and
interface duplexity. Table 4.8 defines the behavior for RJ45 copper
interfaces.
Speed LED Activity LED Link Blade type
Not lit Not lit No link PB100, PB200
Blinking yellow Yellow (with traffic) 10Mbps, half duplex PB100
Blinking yellow Green (with traffic) 10Mbps, full duplex PB100
Solid yellow Yellow (with traffic) 100Mbps, half duplex PB100
Solid yellow Green (with traffic) 100Mbps, full duplex PB100
Solid green Yellow (with traffic) 1000Mbps, half duplex PB100, PB200
Solid green Green (with traffic) 1000Mbps, full duplex PB100, PB200
Table 4.8 RJ45 Copper interface LEDs
Table 4.9 defines the behavior for SFP optic interfaces.
Not lit Not lit No link PB100
Blinking yellow Yellow (with traffic) 10Mbps, half duplex PB100
Blinking yellow Green (with traffic) 10Mbps, full duplex PB100
Solid yellow Yellow (with traffic) 100Mbps, half duplex PB100
Solid green Yellow (with traffic) 1000Mbps, half duplex PB100
Solid green Green (with traffic) 1000Mbps, full duplex PB100
Table 4.9 SFP optic interface LEDs
4-8
Table 4.10 defines the behavior for XFP optic interfaces.
Solid green Green (with traffic) 10Gbps, full duplex PB100
Table 4.10 XFP optic interface LEDs
Table 4.11 defines the behavior for SFP+ optic interfaces.
Not supported Not supported 10Mbps, half duplex PB200
Not supported Not supported 10Mbps, full duplex PB200
Not supported Not supported 100Mbps, full duplex PB200
Not supported Not supported 10Gbps, half duplex PB200
Solid green Green (with traffic) 10Gbps, full duplex PB200
Table 4.11 SFP+ optic interface LEDs

Chapter 4
4 - 10
5
• About maintaining the VIPRION platform
• Changing blades
• Changing the fan tray
• Changing a power supply
• Removing and replacing the LCD component

About maintaining the VIPRION platform

The 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 blades
The 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, on page 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.
Figure 5.3 Extending an eject lever
5-2
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, on page 5-4.

Chapter 5
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 continue turning the screws until
they are firmly secured.
6. Repeat this process with each blade until all blades are secured in
the platform.
5-4
Changing the fan tray

The VIPRION platform has a removable fan tray that is designed to
maintain the airflow throughout the chassis. 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. 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.
Replacing the fan tray

You 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.

Chapter 5
Changing a power supply

The VIPRION platform can contain up to four power supplies. These power
supplies can operate in one of two modes: 120V and 220V, depending 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, see AC power requirements, on page
9-2.
Adding a power supply

The 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.
5-6
Replacing a power supply

The 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.

Chapter 5
Removing and replacing the LCD component

The LCD component enables 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
5-8
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

Chapter 5
5 - 10
6
Guidelines for DC Power in the VIPRION
Platform
• About the DC power supply option for the

VIPRION platform
• VIPRION DC power supply specifications

About the DC power supply option for the VIPRION

platform
The VIPRION® platform is available with DC power supplies.
WARNING
Before you begin to work with one of these platforms, refer to the
environmental warnings provided in Guidelines for DC-powered
equipment, on page 8-2. You should also review any safety requirements
defined by your network operations center (NOC).
Installing the system in a rack

Follow the guidelines described in the guide Setting up the VIPRION
Platform™ to install a DC powered VIPRION platform in a rack. The
chassis should be installed in a rack and have at least one blade installed.
This power supply does not have an on/off switch. You can control the
power from the rack switch or the DC power source.
Important
You must use copper wire for the ground wire and all lead wires.
Important
The VIPRION platform must be installed in a restricted access location such
as a central office or customer premises environment.
Important
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 power

In 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 in. (1.59 cm) holes on 1.25 in.
(3.18 cm) 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 platform

After the platform is installed in a rack, you can 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 with 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 ground terminal lug (Figure 6.1) to the ground
terminal.
4. Install the 5/16-18 Keps nuts on the ground terminal lugs.
Use 16 to 18 inch-pounds (1.8 to 2.0 newton metres) of torque on
these nuts.
5. Connect the ground wire to a common bonding network (CBN).
Figure 6.1 View of the grounding lugs

Chapter 6
Connecting the DC power source to the system

After the platform is installed in a rack, you can wire the platform to 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). For additional requirements, see
Guidelines for DC-powered equipment, on page 8-2.
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 The terminal block plug
Note
The battery return terminals on the VIPRION system are in an isolated DC

return (DC-I) configuration.
6-4
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 in.
(12.7 mm) 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 in. (12.7 mm) 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 16 to 18 inch-pounds (1.8 to 2.0 newton metres) of
torque on these screws.
6. Turn on the DC power source.
The system begins to boot up.

Chapter 6
VIPRION DC power supply specifications

The following specifications apply to only the VIPRION DC-powered
chassis.
Item Specification
Power supply 1200W maximum output
Rated input voltage -36 to -72 VDC
Input current
10 to 40A maximum per supply
Table 6.1 The VIPRION DC power supply specification
Important
Specifications are subject to change without notification.
Power redundancy provisioning

The platform supports one to four DC power supplies.
Each slot is provisioned to draw up to 600W, therefore, one power supply
can support two blade slots with no redundancy. Table 6.2 shows some of
the possible blade and power supply redundancy configurations.
Blade quantity No redundancy 1 + 1 redundancy
1 (600W) 1 (1200W available) 2 (1200W available)
Table 6.2 Power provisioning recommendations
6-6
System power consumption

The actual amount of power draw from the DC power source depends on the
type and number of blades and the redundancy configuration. Table 6.3
shows several possible configurations and their typical and maximum power
draw.
Typical system power Maximum system power Number of power

Blade quantity and type draw draw supplies installed
1 x PB100 400W 475W 2
2 x PB100 650W 800W 2
3 x PB100 1000W 1225W 4
4 x PB100 1250W 1550W 4
Table 6.3 DC Mains Total System Power Draw
NEBS information
The following warning applies 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
Platform Airflow
• Platform airflow information

Platform Airflow
Platform airflow information

When you install the VIPRION platform into a rack, it is important to
understand the unit’s airflow direction so that you can ensure proper
cooling.
Airflow for VIPRION platforms

The VIPRION platforms employ a negative pressure fan system, which
draws cold air in from the right and front sides of the chassis and exhausts
hot air out the left and back sides of the chassis.
Table 7.1 Airflow in VIPRION platform

Chapter 7
7-2
8
Environmental Guidelines for the VIPRION
Platform
• Environmental requirements
Environmental Guidelines for the VIPRION Platform
Environmental requirements
Before you install the VIPRION® platform, review the following guidelines
to make sure that you are installing and using the VIPRION platform in the
appropriate environment.
General environmental guidelines

A 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 104° F (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 8
Guidelines for AC-powered equipment

An AC-powered installation must meet the following requirements:
• Install the unit using a 20 Amp external branch circuit protection device
per power feed.
• Normally, one power feed is used for each individual power supply.
Guidelines for DC-powered equipment

A 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.
• Use only copper conductors.
• Normally, one power feed is used for each individual power supply.
8-2
9
• General specifications for system features
• AC power requirements
• PB100 blade specifications
• PB200 blade specifications
• J100 chassis specifications
• Acoustic, airflow, and altitude specifications

General specifications for system features

The following table contains general specifications about the VIPRION®
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
All TCP services, UDP, SIP, and SSL; nearly all
Protocol Support
IP-based protocols
Administrative DNS proxy, SMTP, SSH, SNMP, dynamic/static

Environment Support
network monitoring, scheduled batch job processing,
system status reports, and alarms event notification
Network Management Secure SSL browser-based interface, remote

& Monitoring
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 ASP (active server pages), VB (visual basic script),

Support
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
Any IP-based web or application server
Application
Compatibility
Operating
32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C)
Temperature
Relative Humidity
10 to 90% @ 104° F (40° C)
Safety Agency UL 60950 (UL1950-3)

Approval
CSA-C22.2 No. 60950-00 (Bi-national standard with UL
60950)
CB TEST CERTIFICATION TO IEC 950
EN 60950
Electromagnetic
EN55022 1998 Class A
Emissions EN55024 1998 Class A
Certifications
FCC Part 15B Class A
VCCI Class A
Non-operational Temperature -40° to 158° F (-40° to 70° C)

specification
Humidity 10 to 95% at 104° F (40° C) non-condensing
The system is also certified to ETSI EN 300 386,
Telecom EMC standard.
Table 9.1 General VIPRION platform specifications

Chapter 9
AC power requirements
Before 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 cables
The power 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.
Power redundancy provisioning

The platform supports one to four AC power supplies. The power supplies
are auto-ranging 90VAC to 240VAC input. Each slot is provisioned to draw
up to 600W, therefore, one power supply with low-line input can support
two blades with no redundancy, or the same supply with high-line input can
support up to three blades.
Table 9.2 shows some of the possible blade and power supply redundancy
configurations.
No redundancy 1 + 1 redundancy
Blade quantity Supplies (low-line) Supplies (high-line) Supplies (low-line) Supplies (high-line)
1 (600W) 1 (1200W avail) 1 (2000W avail) 2 (1200W avail) 2 (2000W avail)
Table 9.2 AC power supply redundancy configuration
9-2
System power consumption

The actual amount of power draw from the AC source depends on the type
and number of blades and the power supply AC source voltage and
redundancy configuration. Tables 9.3 and 9.4 show several possible
configurations and their typical and maximum power draw.

1 x PB100 650W 875W 2
2 x PB100 950W 1250W 2
3 x PB100 1300W 1625W 4
4 x PB100 1600W 2000W 4
1 x PB200 675W 900W 2
2 x PB200 1000W 1300W 2
3 x PB200 1375W 1700W 4
4 x PB200 1700W 2100W 4
Table 9.3 AC mains total system power draw (low-line input)

1 x PB100 675W 900W 2
2 x PB100 975W 1275W 2
3 x PB100 1325W 1650W 4
4 x PB100 1625W 2025W 4
1 x PB200 700W 925W 2
2 x PB200 1025W 1325W 2
3 x PB200 1400W 1725W 4
4 x PB200 1725W 2125W 4
Table 9.4 AC mains total system power draw (high-line input)

Chapter 9
PB100 blade specifications

The following specifications apply to the PB100 blade only.
WARNING
This platform supports only optics modules provided by F5 Networks.
Item Specification
Dimensions
Proprietary to fit F5 Networks chassis
Weight 14.5 lbs (6.58 kg)
Processors
Two Dual-Core AMD Opteron™ 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
Typical power draw

300W
(under heavy load)
Maximum power draw 325W
Typical heat generated

1025 BTU/hour
Maximum heat
1100 BTU/hour
generated
Table 9.5 The PB100 blade specifications
Important
The XFP ports on this blade are inverted. Insert XFP optics upside down.
Important
9-4
PB200 blade specifications

The following specifications apply to the PB200 blade only.
WARNING
Item Specification
Dimensions
Proprietary to fit F5 Networks chassis
Weight 14.5 lbs (6.58 kg)
Processors
Two Quad-Core AMD Opteron™ processors
Network Interfaces
1x10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet management port
4x1000Mbps Ethernet copper ports
8x1000Mbps/10Gps Ethernet SFP+ fiber ports
• 10GBASE-SR - 850nm (LC Connector, two modules
included)
• 10GBASE-LR/LW - 1310nm (LC Connector, optional)
• 1000BASE-SX - 850nm (LC Connector, optional
• 1000BASE-LX - 1310nm (LC Connector, optional)
Hard Drive Capacity

160 Gigabyte ATA hard drive
8 Gigabyte Compact Flash
RAM 16 GB
Typical power draw

325W
(under heavy load)
Maximum power draw

350W
Typical heat generated 1100 BTU/hour
Maximum heat
1200 BTU/hour
generated
Table 9.6 The PB200 blade specifications
Important

Chapter 9
J100 chassis specifications

The following specifications apply to the J100 chassis only.
WARNING
Item Specification
Dimensions
12.2 in. H x 17.4 in. W x 21 in. D (30.9 cm H x 44.2 W x
53.3 cm D) rack-mount chassis
Weight
Fully-loaded system (4 blades, 4 power supplies): 139
lbs (63.0 kg)
Half-loaded system (2 blades, 2 power supplies, 2
blanks): 105 lbs (47.6 kg)
Empty chassis (3 blank cards, 0 power supplies, 0
blades, 1 fan tray, 1 System ID card): 69 lbs (31.3 kg)
Power supply: 4.5 lbs (2.0 kg)
PB100 blade: 14.5 lbs (6.58 kg)
PB200 blade: 14.5 lbs (6.58 kg)
Blank line card: 2 lbs (0.9 kg)
Fan tray: 8.5 lbs (3.9 kg)
System ID card: 0.5 lbs (0.2 kg)
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
Input Voltage and

90-240 VAC (AC)
Current
20A per input line (max)
Typical power draw 1700W

(fully-loaded chassis)
Typical heat generated

5800 BTU/hr
(fully-loaded chassis)
Table 9.7 The J100 chassis specifications
Important
9-6
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.
Chassis with line

Specification type Detail Units card
Acoustica
Front face db 72
Left face db 77
Right face db 75
Rear face db 67
Altitudeb
Operational Feet 5905
Non-operational Feet 40000
Airflow
Entire chassis cfm 650
Table 9.8 Acoustic, altitude, and airflow specifications

a. Fans at 75%. All measurements taken at 0.6 meter - A-weighting
b. 60 meters (197 feet) below sea level to 1800 meters (5905 feet) above sea level.

Chapter 9
9-8
A
Platform-Specific Hazardous Substance
Levels for China
• VIPRION chassis
• VIPRION blades
Platform-Specific Hazardous Substance Levels for China
VIPRION chassis
This table lists hazardous substances controlled by China, and shows how
the F5 Networks® VIPRION® platform conforms to the standards.
Platform Guide: VIPRION® A-1

Appendix A
VIPRION blades
This table lists hazardous substances controlled by China and shows how the
F5 Networks VIPRION PB100 and PB200 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.
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.
guide grooves
A guide groove is a section within a chassis slot that helps ensure that blades
are installed and seated correctly.
Platform Guide: VIPRION® Glossary - 1

Glossary
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
Index
A Configuration utility
AC power requirements 9-2 about online help 1-6
acoustic specifications 9-7 about the Welcome screen 1-6
AC-powered equipment cooling system, for platform 7-1
and guidelines 8-2 copper module types 9-4
and high-line input 9-2
and low-line input 9-2 D
and power provisioning 9-2
DC power supply
and requirements 9-2
and VIPRION platform 6-1
with NEMA 5-20P cables 9-2
DC-powered equipment
with NEMA 6-20P cables 9-2
and environmental guidelines 8-2
airflow
and NEBS information 6-7
and direction 7-1
and specifications 6-6
airflow specifications 9-7
and system power consumption 6-7
alarm LED 4-1
connecting 6-4
alert condition
power provisioning 6-6
and LEDs 4-3
alerts
and LCD 3-2 E
clearing 3-2 eject levers
altitude specifications 9-7 engaging 5-3
Ask F5 Knowledge Base 1-6 opening 5-2
electrostatic discharge (ESD) 2-1, 5-1, 8-1
environmental guidelines 8-1
B
See also hazardous substance restrictions.
blade specifications
Ethernet hub requirements 1-5
for PB100 9-4
for PB200 9-5
blades F
about 1-2 fan system
and compression screws 5-1 and airflow 7-1
and eject levers 5-2 fan tray
and guide grooves 5-3 changing 5-5
and PB100 and PB200 blade compatibility 2-2 replacing 5-5
changing 5-1 fiber module types 9-4, 9-5
installing 5-1 field replaceable unit (FRU) 5-1
removing 5-1 See FRU.
blank 5-1
G
C Gigabit Ethernet 1-5
chassis ground for platform 6-2
installing in rack 2-1 ground lug 6-2
chassis specifications, J100 9-6 grounding connector 6-2
Check button guide grooves, for blades 5-3
and clearing alerts 3-2
China material content listing A-1, A-2
clear alert operation 3-2 H
cluster hardware
management 3-6 and environmental guidelines 8-1
mixed 2-2 for AC-powered equipment 8-2
common bonding network 6-2 for DC-powered equipment 8-2
components provided with VIPRION platform 1-4 providing peripheral 1-5
compression screws hardware installation
securing 5-4 in rack 2-1
unsecuring 5-1 planning 2-1
Platform Guide: VIPRION® Index - 1

Index
hardware requirements LED

for components 1-4 behavior 4-1
for peripherals 1-5 for blade alarms 4-1
hardware specifications for chassis alarms 4-1
for J100 chassis 9-6 for chassis status 4-1
for PB100 blade 9-4 for network interfaces 4-8
for PB200 blade 9-5 for power supply 4-1
for VIPRION DC-powered chassis 6-6 LED indicators
hazardous substance restrictions when green 4-4
for China A-1, A-2 when yellow 4-4
help, online 1-6 liquid crystal display
Hold mode 3-2 See LCD.
hot-swap components
and fan tray 5-5
hubs 1-5 M
maintainence
and fan tray 5-5
I maintenance
indicator LEDs and blades 5-1
and actions 4-2 and LCD component 5-8
and functions 4-1 and power supply 5-6
and types 4-1 media types
configuring 4-3 and attributes 4-6
displaying node status 4-3 setting 4-7
for alert conditions 4-3 Menu mode 3-2, 3-3
for special conditions 4-4 menus on LCD panel 3-3
indicators mixed cluster
See indicator LEDs. and blade compatibility 2-2
installation of platform 2-1 and redundant system configuration’ redundant
interface media type 4-6 system configuration
interface settings and mixed clusters 2-3
displaying 4-5 and trunk configuration 2-3
interface status defined 2-2
displaying 4-5
intermittent Activity LED 4-4
N
negative pressure fan system 7-1
J network LED behavior
J100 chassis 9-6 for RJ45 copper interfaces 4-8
for SFP optic interfaces 4-8
L for SFP+ optic interfaces 4-9
for XFP optic interfaces 4-9
LCD component
and alerts 3-2
and indentations 5-8 O
removing 5-8 online help 1-6
replacing 5-8 optics modules 9-4, 9-5
LCD menus Options menu 3-1, 3-3
accessing 3-3
introducing 3-3
navigating 3-3 P
LCD panel 3-1 peripheral hardware 1-5
configuring 3-2 platform
for Options menu 3-3 about 1-1
for Screens menu 3-5 and cooling system 7-1
for System menu 3-4 grounding 6-2
installing 2-1
Index - 2
Index
platform airflow trunk configuration

See airflow. and mixed clusters 2-3
platform interfaces 4-5 trunks 2-3
power cables 9-2
power draw, AC 9-3
power LED 4-1 U
power provisioning 9-2 USB port
power redundancy 9-2 and supported CD/DVD-ROM drives 1-5
power supply
adding 5-6 V
replacing 5-7
ventilation 7-1, 8-1
product information, finding 1-6
VIPRION platform
and components provided 1-4
R
rack mounting 8-1 W
remote administration 1-5
warnings, environmental 8-1
replacement
See also China material content listing.
of fan tray 5-5
Welcome screen
of LCD component 5-8
about 1-6
of power supply 5-7
Rotate mode 3-2
X
X button
S on LCD panel 3-2
safe installation recommendations 8-1
Screens menu 3-1, 3-5
serial terminal
and hardware installation 1-5
specifications
acoustic 9-7
airflow 9-7
altitude 9-7
J100 9-6
PB100 9-4
PB200 9-5
platform 9-1
specifications, hardware
for China, material content A-1, A-2
standard operating state
See LED indicators.
status LED 4-1
switches 1-5
system airflow
See airflow.
system installation 2-1
System menu 3-1, 3-4
system power consumption 6-7
system power consumption, AC 9-3
T
technical documentation, finding 1-6
technical support web site 1-6
terminal lug 6-2
Platform Guide: VIPRION® Index - 3

Platform Guide VIPRION

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Changing the fan tray .....................................................................................................................5-5

• About the VIPRION platform

• Getting started with the VIPRION platform

• Technical support resources

About the VIPRION platform

Platform Guide: VIPRION® 1-1

Platform chassis and blades

About the chassis

1. Indicator LEDs (chassis and blades 1–4)

Figure 1.2 Front view of the PB100 blade

Figure 1.3 Front view of the PB200 blade

Platform Guide: VIPRION® 1-3

Getting started with the VIPRION platform

Components provided with the VIPRION platform

Peripheral hardware that you provide

If you plan on doing remote administration from your own PC workstation

Platform Guide: VIPRION® 1-5

Technical support resources

• About VIPRION platform installation

• PB100 and PB200 blade compatibility

About VIPRION platform installation

General recommendations for installing a chassis in a rack

Platform Guide: VIPRION® 2-1

PB100 and PB200 blade compatibility

Blade performance in mixed clusters

Blade software versions in mixed clusters

PB200 blades in a cluster running BIG-IP version 10.0.x and earlier

PB100 blades in a cluster running BIG-IP version 10.1 and later

Trunk configuration in mixed clusters

Redundant system configuration and mixed clusters

Platform Guide: VIPRION® 2-3

• About the LCD panel

• Using LCD panel functionality

• About the LCD menus

• About cluster management

About the LCD panel

Platform Guide: VIPRION® 3-1

Using LCD panel functionality

Accessing LCD menus

About the LCD menus

Heartbeat Turns on (checked) or off (unchecked) the heartbeat

Backlight Controls the backlight for the LCD panel.

Contrast Sets the contrast of the LCD display.

On Brightness Adjusts the LCD panel backlight brightness.

Table 3.1 The Options menu

Platform Guide: VIPRION® 3-3

Option Description Suboptions

Chassis Config Changes the baud rate of Serial Speed

Cluster Configures the cluster IP Cluster Mgmt

Configures the Cluster Mbrs

Table 3.2 The System menu

DateScreen Shows the date and time.

InfoScreen Displays the information screen menu.

VersionScreen Shows the product version information.

Table 3.3 The Screens menu

Platform Guide: VIPRION® 3-5

About cluster management

alert BIGIP_MCPD_MCPDERR_POOL_MEMBER_MON_DOWN "Pool member (.?):(.?) monitor status