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Fast Track to Rack Installation and Power

This procedure guides you through the simplest steps to install your MX301 and MX301-M routers in a rack and connect it to power. Have more complex installation needs? See Install the MX301 and MX301-M.

Step-by-step setup guide with green arrow-shaped steps: Get Started, Install, Connect Power, Power On, Configure.

Install the MX301 and MX301-M in a Rack

You can install the Juniper Networks® MX301 and MX301-M routers in a two-post rack, a four-post threaded-hole rack, or a four-post square-holed rack. We’ll walk you through the steps to install an AC-powered device in a four-post square-holed rack.

Before you install, review the following:

Ensure that you have the following tools and parts available:

  • An electrostatic discharge (ESD) grounding strap (provided)

  • A pair of front-mounting and rear-floating rails (provided with the RMK)

    These mounting rails attach to the front and rear rack posts.

  • A pair of chassis brackets (provided with the RMK)

    You must attach these brackets to the device if not preinstalled.

Note:

Juniper provides the four-post rack mounting kit (JNP301-4PST-RMK) with the MX301 and MX301-M. If the four-post kit is lost or damaged, you can order a replacement.
  1. Wrap and fasten one end of the ESD cable grounding strap around your bare wrist. Connect the other end to a site ESD point.
  2. Install the chassis bracket to the chassis by aligning the keyholes on the chassis bracket with the shoulder screws on the chassis. Slide the chassis bracket toward the rear of the chassis.
    Figure 1: Install the Chassis Brackets Technical illustration of rack-mounted network device installation, showing brackets, screws, details of fasteners, and front panel network ports.
  3. Assemble the mounting rails by sliding the rear-floating rails into the respective front-mounting rails.
    Figure 2: Assemble the Mounting Rails Assembly diagram of drawer slides with components labeled and green arrows showing assembly directions for smooth drawer operation.
  4. Install the mounting rails on the four-post rack:
    1. Use the guide pin to align the guide blocks of the rear-floating rails with the corresponding rear post holes. Pull the rear-floating rails toward the front of the rack to lock the rail in place. You will hear a distinct click sound when the latch locks into the corresponding rack holes.
      Figure 3: Secure Rear-Floating Rails Installation of rack rails in a server rack showing front and rear rack posts, guide pin for alignment, and arrows indicating rail attachment directions.
    2. Align the guide blocks of the front-mounting rails with the front post holes. Push the front-mounting rails toward the rear of the rack to lock the rails in place. You will hear a distinct click sound when the latch locks into the corresponding rack holes.
      Figure 4: Secure Front-Mounting Rails Diagram of a rack-mounted rail system showing sliding rails installed between front and rear rack posts, with green arrows indicating movement and an inset zoom on the rail attachment mechanism.
      Figure 5: Both Mounting Rails Installed and Secured Rack-mounted sliding rail system attached to vertical rack posts, designed for mounting and sliding equipment like servers for easy access and maintenance.
    3. Visually confirm that you have locked the front and rear latches into the mounting rails. The mounting rails should now be securely installed on the rack.
  5. Lift the device and position it in the rack, aligning the chassis brackets with the mounting rails. Slide the device all the way into the channels of the rack mounting rails.
    Figure 6: Slide the Router into the Rack Installing a rack-mounted server; sliding into rack rails attached to vertical posts. Green circles highlight components; arrows show movement direction.
  6. Tighten the two thumbscrews (in a clockwise direction) to secure the device.
    Figure 7: Tighten the Thumbscrews Rack-mounted network device secured in a server rack with highlighted fasteners in green circles and an inset showing a close-up of a fastener being tightened.

Connect to Power

To connect the MX301 and MX301-M routers to AC power, you must perform the following tasks:

Ground the MX301 and MX301-M routers

To meet safety and electromagnetic interference (EMI) requirements and to ensure proper operation, you must connect the MX301 and MX301-M to an earth ground before you connect it to power.

Note:

Before you connect the earth ground and the protective earthing terminal of the device, ensure that a licensed electrician attaches an appropriate grounding terminal to the grounding cable. Using a grounding cable with an incorrectly attached terminal can damage the device.

Before connecting the device to an earth ground, ensure that you have the following parts and tools:

  • An electrostatic discharge (ESD) grounding strap.

  • A grounding cable for your device—The grounding cable must be 6 AWG (4.11 mm²) stranded wire and rated 90 °C or according to the local electrical code.

  • A grounding 2-hole terminal lug for your grounding cable—The grounding terminal lug attaches to the chassis grounding point.

  • A Phillips (+) screwdriver, number 2 to tighten the screw.

To ground the MX301 and MX301-M routers:

  1. Ensure that all grounding surfaces are clean and brought to a bright finish before making the grounding connections.

  2. Connect the grounding cable to a proper earth ground, such as the rack in which you mount the device.

  3. Using the Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws from the chassis grounding point.

    Figure 8: Grounding Point on the MX301 and MX301-M Technical diagram of a fan module assembly with labeled grounding point, cooling fans showing airflow direction and release mechanisms, and power connectors.
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    Grounding point

  4. Secure the terminal lug attached to the other end of the ground cable to the chassis grounding point. Use the screws that you removed from the chassis grounding point in the earlier step.

    Figure 9: Connect the Grounding Cable to the MX301 and MX301-M Rear panel of a server showing cooling fans labeled AIR OUT and PUSH TO RELEASE for airflow and removal, with a cable management bracket being attached using screws.

  5. Verify that the grounding cable does not touch or block access to the device components. Make sure that the cable does not trail across the floor where people could trip over it.

    Note:

    Ensure that the device is permanently connected to ground during its operation.

Connect the Power Cord and Power On the MX301 and MX301-M routers

For information about the supported AC power cord specifications on your device, see MX301 and MX301-M Power System.

CAUTION:

Do not mix AC, DC, and HVAC/DC power supply units (PSUs) in the same chassis.

Before you begin to connect the device to AC power:

To connect the power cord and power on the device:

  1. Lift the power cord retainer on the AC PSU. See Figure 10.

  2. Locate the AC power cords shipped with the MX301 and MX301-M. The cords have plugs appropriate for your geographical location.

  3. Insert the coupler end of the power cord into the power inlet of the AC PSU.

  4. Pull down the power cord retainer onto the power cord.

    Figure 10: Connect Power Cord to the MX301 and MX301-M AC PSU Secure a cable connection by inserting the cable into the port and locking the clip in place, following green arrows for movement.

  5. If the AC power source outlet has a power switch, set it to the off (O) position.

  6. Insert the power cord plug into the AC power source outlet.

    Note:

    Connect each PSU to a dedicated AC power feed and a dedicated external circuit breaker. We recommend that you use a minimum of 16 A (250 VAC), or as permitted by the local code.

  7. If the AC power source outlet has a power switch, set it to the on (|) position.