Platform Guide: 6900

MAN-0273-03
 Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Legal Notices..............................................................................................................................7

The 6900 Platform.......................................................................................................................9

About the 6900 Platform....................................................................................................9
Components provided with the platform...........................................................................10
Peripheral hardware requirements...................................................................................10
LCD panel........................................................................................................................11
About LCD menus.................................................................................................11
Using LCD menus.................................................................................................12
Indicator LEDs.................................................................................................................13
Indicator LED behavior..........................................................................................14
Status LED............................................................................................................14
Power supply LEDs...............................................................................................14
LED alert conditions..............................................................................................14
Defining custom alerts...........................................................................................15
Additional indicator LED status conditions............................................................16
Platform interfaces...........................................................................................................16
About managing interfaces....................................................................................16
About interface media type and duplex mode.......................................................17
Network interface LED behavior............................................................................19
Transceiver module specifications.........................................................................20
Cable pinout specifications....................................................................................20
Always-On Management..................................................................................................21
AOM Command Menu options..............................................................................21
Accessing the AOM Command Menu from the serial console..............................22
Setting up Always-On Management SSH access.................................................22
Accessing the AOM Command Menu using SSH.................................................23

Platform Installation.................................................................................................................25
About platform installation................................................................................................25
Determining which rack mounting kit to use.....................................................................25
About general recommendations for rack mounting.........................................................25
About the front-mounting kit.............................................................................................25
Front-mounting kit hardware..................................................................................25
Installing using a front-mounting kit.......................................................................26
About the quick-install rail kit............................................................................................26
Installing the rail lock brackets.........................................................................................27
About grounding the platform...........................................................................................28
Connecting the ground lug to the ground terminal................................................29

3
Table of Contents

Connecting the cables and other hardware.....................................................................29

Configuring a management IP address...........................................................................30
Licensing the platform......................................................................................................30

Platform Maintenance...............................................................................................................33
About platform maintenance............................................................................................33
About AC power supplies.................................................................................................33
Installing an AC power supply...............................................................................34
About DC power supplies.................................................................................................35
Wiring the DC power supply terminal block...........................................................36
Installing a DC power supply.................................................................................37
About the fan tray.............................................................................................................38
Replacing the fan tray............................................................................................39
About the hard disk drives................................................................................................39
Troubleshooting a failed hard disk drive................................................................39
About hard disk drive replacement on a 10.1 and later system............................40
About hard disk drive replacement on a 10.0 or 9.x system.................................43

Environmental Guidelines........................................................................................................45
General environmental and installation guidelines...........................................................45
Guidelines for AC-powered equipment............................................................................46
Guidelines for DC-powered equipment............................................................................47
NEBS platform guidelines................................................................................................47
Platform airflow diagram..................................................................................................47

Platform Specifications............................................................................................................49
General specifications for system features......................................................................49
Platform hardware specifications.....................................................................................49
Platform environmental operating specifications..............................................................50
Platform power specifications..........................................................................................51
Safety requirements.........................................................................................................51
EMC requirements...........................................................................................................51
Acoustic, airflow, and altitude specifications....................................................................53

China RoHS Requirements......................................................................................................55

Hazardous substance levels for China.............................................................................55

Returned Material Data Security Statement...........................................................................57

About returned material data security..............................................................................57
About memory technologies used in F5 equipment.........................................................57
Volatile memory.....................................................................................................57
Battery-backed volatile memory............................................................................57
Non-volatile memory.............................................................................................57

4
 Table of Contents

About removing data from F5 components......................................................................58

Removing sensitive data from storage drives........................................................58
Removing IP address data from Always-On Management....................................59
Removing sensitive data from an internal hardware security module (HSM)........59

5
Table of Contents

6
Legal Notices

Publication Date
This document was published on September 29, 2015.

Publication Number
MAN-0273-03

Copyright
Copyright © 2013, 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
AAM, Access Policy Manager, Advanced Client Authentication, Advanced Firewall Manager, Advanced
Routing, AFM, APM, Application Acceleration Manager, Application Security Manager, ARX, AskF5,
ASM, BIG-IP, BIG-IQ, Cloud Extender, CloudFucious, Cloud Manager, Clustered Multiprocessing, CMP,
COHESION, Data Manager, DevCentral, DevCentral [DESIGN], DNS Express, DSC, DSI, Edge Client,
Edge Gateway, Edge Portal, ELEVATE, EM, Enterprise Manager, ENGAGE, F5, F5 [DESIGN], F5 Certified
[DESIGN], F5 Networks, Fast Application Proxy, Fast Cache, FirePass, Global Traffic Manager, GTM,
GUARDIAN, iApps, IBR, Intelligent Browser Referencing, Intelligent Compression, IPv6 Gateway,
iControl, iHealth, iQuery, iRules, iRules OnDemand, iSession, L7 Rate Shaping, LC, Link Controller, Local
Traffic Manager, LTM, LineRate, LineRate Systems [DESIGN], LROS, Message Security Manager, MSM,
OneConnect, Packet Velocity, PEM, Policy Enforcement Manager, Protocol Security Manager, PSM, Real
Traffic Policy Builder, ScaleN, Signalling Delivery Controller, SDC, SSL Acceleration, StrongBox, SuperVIP,
SYN Check, TCP Express, TDR, TMOS, Traffic Management Operating System, Traffix Systems, Traffix
Systems (DESIGN), Transparent Data Reduction, UNITY, VAULT, VIPRION, vCMP, VE F5 [DESIGN],
Virtual Clustered Multiprocessing, WA, WAN Optimization Manager, WebAccelerator, WOM, 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
Legal Notices

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.

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. VCCI-A

8
The 6900 Platform

About the 6900 Platform

The BIG-IP® 6900 platform is a powerful system that is capable of managing traffic for any size of enterprise.
The 6900 platform is available in a Network Equipment-Building System (NEBS) compliant version.
The 6900 platform features high performance SSL hardware that frees up servers from the task of encrypting
and decrypting data. F5 offers two performance levels of SSL offload in the 6900 series: the 6900 and the
6900S. Please see the data sheet on http://www.f5.com for more information on these platforms.
Before you install the 6900 platform, review helpful information about the controls and ports located on
both the front and the back of the platform.
On the front of the platform, you can reset the unit using the LCD control buttons and view the indicator
LEDs for hard disk access. You can also use the front-panel LEDs to assess the condition of the unit. On
the back, you can power off the unit.
1. Management port
2. USB ports
3. Console port
4. Serial (hard-wired) failover port
5. 10/100/1000 interfaces
6. SFP ports
7. Indicator LEDs
8. LCD display
9. LCD control buttons

Figure 1: Front view of the platform

The back of the platform includes two power supplies.

1. Power input panel (power switch and power receptacle)

2. Power input panel (power switch and power receptacle)
The 6900 Platform

3. Fan tray

Figure 2: Back view of the platform

Components provided with the platform

When you unpack the platform, verify that the following components are included.

Quantity Hardware
2 Power cables (black), AC power only
2 DC terminal blocks, DC power option only
1 Serial failover cable (blue)
1 Console cable (beige)
1 Front-mounting kit
1 Rail-mounting kit
1 Front bezel
4 SFP optical transceivers

Peripheral hardware requirements

For each platform, you might need to provide additional peripheral hardware. If you plan to remotely
administer the system, it would be helpful to have a workstation already connected to the same subnet as
the management interface.

Type of hardware Description

Network hubs, switches, or connectors to connect You must provide networking devices that are compatible
to the platform network interfaces with the network interface cards installed in the platform.
You can use either 10/100/1000 Ethernet or 10 Gigabit
Ethernet switches.
External USB CD/DVD drive or USB flash drive You can use any USB-certified CD or DVD mass storage
device for installing upgrades and for system recovery.

Note: External CD/DVD drives must be externally

powered.

Serial terminal console You can remotely manage the platform by connecting
to a serial terminal console through the console port.
Management workstation on the same IP network You can use the default platform configuration if you
as the platform have a management workstation set up.

10
 Platform Guide: 6900

LCD panel
The LCD panel provides the ability to manage the unit without attaching a console or network cable.

Figure 3: The LCD panel and control buttons

About LCD menus

There are three menus on the LCD panel. You can configure the display options to meet your needs.

LCD config menu

You can use the LCD config menu to adjust the display properties of the LCD panel.

Option Description
Backlight Specifies an LCD screen backlighting option. Select
from the following options:
• ON enables the backlight.
• GRAY enables the software to specify when the
backlight is illuminated.
• OFF disables the backlight.

Contrast Sets the contrast of the LCD.

On Brightness Adjusts LCD backlight brightness.
Off Brightness Controls the brightness of the LCD when the backlight
is off.

Screens menu
You can use the Screens menu to specify the information that is displayed on the default screens.

Option Description
DateScreen Displays the date and time.
InfoScreen Displays the information screen menu.
MACscreen Displays the MAC addresses on the unit.
SysinfoScreen Displays system information.
TMMAuthScreen Displays the number of authentication requests being
processed.

11
The 6900 Platform

Option Description
TMMCPUScreen Displays the CPU usage percentage.
TMMMemoryScreen Displays the memory usage.
TMMStatScreen Displays simple statistics, such as bytes and packets in
and out of the system.
VersionScreen Displays product version information.

System menu
You can use the System menu to view options for rebooting, halting, and netbooting the hardware. This
menu also provides options for configuring the management interface.

Option Description
Management Changes the management interface information. Select
from the following options:
• Mgmt IP sets the management interface IP address.
You can use only an IPv4 address.
• Mgmt Mask sets the netmask for the management
interface IP address.
• Mgmt Gateway sets the default route for the
management interface. This route is necessary if you
plan to manage the unit from a different subnetwork.
• Commit saves your changes.

Serial Speed Changes the baud rate of the serial port. Select from the
following options:
• 9600
• 19200 (default)
• 57600
• 115200

Reboot Reboots the unit.

Halt Halts the unit.
Netboot Boots the unit over an IP network. Select this option if
you are installing software from a PXE server.

Using LCD menus

Press the X button to put the LCD in Menu mode.
The Left Arrow, Right Arrow, Up Arrow, and Down Arrow buttons are functional only when the LCD
is in Menu mode.

Pausing on a screen

Normally, the screens cycle on the LCD panel at a constant rate, but you can pause on a specific screen.

12
 Platform Guide: 6900

Push the Check button to toggle the LCD screen between Hold and Rotate modes.
In Hold mode, a single screen is displayed. The Rotate mode changes the screen displayed on the LCD
every four seconds.

Powering on the unit

Press the Check button to power on a unit that is shut down.

Halting the unit

We recommend that you halt the unit before you power it down or reboot it using the LCD menu options.
1. Press the X button, then use the arrow keys to navigate to the System menu.
2. Press the Check button.
3. Navigate to the Halt menu.
4. Press the Check button.
5. Press the Check button again at the confirmation screen.
Wait 30 seconds before powering the machine off or rebooting it.

Putting the unit into standby mode

Hold the X button for four seconds to put the unit in standby mode and power off the host subsystem.
F5 Networks recommends that you halt the system before you power off the system in this manner.

Rebooting the unit

Hold the Check button for four seconds to reset the unit.
You should only use this option after you halt the unit.

Clearing alerts

Press the Check button to clear any alerts on the LCD screen.
You must clear any alerts on the screen before you can use the LCD panel.

Indicator LEDs
The behavior of each LED indicates the status of the system.

13
The 6900 Platform

Indicator LED behavior

The indicator LEDs behave in a specific manner to indicate system or component status.

Behavior Description
Off (none) LED is not lit and does not display any color.
Solid LED is lit and does not blink.
Blinking LED turns on and off at a regular frequency.
Intermittent LED turns on and off with an irregular frequency and
might sometimes appear solid.

Status LED
When the unit is in a standard operating state, the Status LED behaves in a defined manner.

State Description
off/none System is halted and powered down.
green solid System is running in normal mode. Also indicates that
the system is in an Active state of a device group.
yellow solid System is running in an impaired mode. The condition
is not considered to be significant enough to be
considered an alarm condition. Also indicates that the
system is the Standby member of a device group.
yellow blinking The system is not under host computer control. This
might be due to the host being halted or due to a software
or hardware problem that interferes with the host's
control of the LED.

Power supply LEDs

The power supply LEDs indicate the operating state of the power supplies.

Power 1 state Power 2 state Description

green solid green solid Power supply is present and
operating properly.
yellow solid yellow solid Power supply is present, but not
operating properly. Also indicates
when the system in is power
standby mode.
off/none off/none No power supply present.

LED alert conditions

When there is an alert condition on the unit, the Alarm LED behaves in a specific manner.

14
 Platform Guide: 6900

Note: The Alarm LED might continue to display until alerts are cleared using the LCD panel.

Action Description
System situation Alarm LED behavior
Emergency Red blinking
Alert or Critical Red solid
Error Yellow blinking

Defining custom alerts

The /etc/alertd/alert.conf and the /config/user_alert.conf files on the BIG-IP system define
alerts that cause the indicators to change. The /etc/alertd/alert.conf file defines standard system
alerts, and the /config/user_alert.conf file defines custom settings.

Note: You should edit only the /config/user_alert.conf file.

1. Open a command prompt on the system.

2. Change to the /config directory.
cd /config

3. Using a text editor, such as vi or Pico, open the /config/user_alert.conf file.

4. Add the following lines to the end of the file:

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"
}

5. Save the file and exit the text editor.

The front panel LEDs now indicate when a node is down.

15
The 6900 Platform

Additional indicator LED status conditions

A few LED status conditions are not covered in the definition tables in the /etc/alertd/alert.conf
file.

Yellow intermittent Status LED indicator

A yellow intermittent Status LED indicates that the unit is not under host computer control. This might be
due to the host being halted or due to a software or hardware problem that interferes with the host’s control
of the LED.

Green/Yellow solid Status LED indicator

When the Status LED indicator is solid yellow or green, it indicates that the system is in a Standby state
(yellow) or an Active state (green). It displays solid green if the unit is Standalone or if it is the Active unit
of a redundant system configuration. It displays yellow if the unit is the Standby member of a redundant
system configuration.

Platform interfaces
Every platform includes multiple interfaces. The exact number of interfaces that are on the system depends
on the platform type.
Each interface on the platform has a set of properties that you can configure, such as enabling or disabling
the interface, setting the requested media type and duplex mode, and configuring flow control.

About managing interfaces

You can use tmsh or the Configuration utility to configure platform interfaces.

Viewing the status of a specific interface using tmsh

You can use tmsh to view the status of a specific interface on a platform.
1. Open the Traffic Management Shell (tmsh).
tmsh

2. Change to the network module.

net
The system prompt updates with the module name: user@bigip01(Active)(/Common)(tmos.net)#.
3. Display the current status of a specific interface.
show interface <interface_key>

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 Platform Guide: 6900

The following is an example of the output you might see when you issue this command on interface
1.2:

---------------------------------------------------------
Net::Interface
Name Status Bits Bits Errs Errs Drops Drops Colli
In Out In Out In Out sions
---------------------------------------------------------
1.2 up 191.4K 0 0 0 374 0 0

Viewing the status of all interfaces using tmsh

You can use tmsh to view the status of all interfaces on the platform.
1. Open the Traffic Management Shell (tmsh).
tmsh

2. Change to the network module.

net
The system prompt updates with the module name: user@bigip01(Active)(/Common)(tmos.net)#.
3. Display the current status of all interfaces.
show interface
The following is an example of the output you might see when you issue this command:

------------------------------------------------------------
Net::Interface
Name Status Bits Bits Errs Errs Drops Drops Colli
In Out In Out In Out sions
------------------------------------------------------------
1.1 down 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1.2 up 191.4K 0 0 0 374 0 0
1.3 down 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1.4 up 22.5K 0 0 0 44 0 0
2.1 miss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2.2 miss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
mgmt up 43.2G 160.0G 0 0 0 0 0

Viewing the status of all interfaces using the Configuration utility

You can use the Configuration utility to view the status of all interfaces on the platform.
1. On the Main tab, click Network > Interfaces.
This displays the list of available interfaces.
2. Click Statistics.
The Statistics screen for all interfaces opens.

About interface media type and duplex mode

All interfaces on the system default to auto-negotiate speed and duplex settings. We recommend that you
also configure any network equipment that you plan to use with the system to auto-negotiate speed and

17
The 6900 Platform

duplex settings. If you connect the system to network devices with forced speed and duplex settings, you
must force the speed and duplex settings of the system to match the settings of the other network device.

Important: If the system is attempting to auto-negotiate interface settings with an interface that has the
speed and duplex settings forced (that is, auto-negotiation is disabled), you will experience severe
performance degradation. This applies to 10GbE and 40GbE interfaces.

By default, the media type on interfaces is set to automatically detect speed and duplexsettings, but you can
specify a media type as well. Use the following syntax to set the media type:

tmsh modify net interface <interface_key> media <media_type> | auto

If the media type does not accept the duplex mode setting, a message appears. If media type is set to auto,
or if the interface does not accept the duplex mode setting, the duplex setting is not saved to the
/config/bigip_base.conf file.

Important: If you manually configure the platform to use specific speed and duplex settings on interfaces,
Auto-MDI/MDIX functionality is disabled by default. 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 (such as 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.

Important: Starting with BIG-IP software versions 9.4.8 and 10.1.0, Auto-MDI/MDIX functionality is
retained when you manually configure an interface to use specific speed and duplex settings. With these
versions of the BIG-IP system, you can use either a straight-through cable or a crossover cable when media
settings are forced, and you will be able to successfully link to either DTE or DCE devices.

Viewing valid media types for an interface using tmsh

You can use tmsh to view the valid media types for an interface.

Note: This platform might not support all of the media type options that are available in tmsh.

1. Open the Traffic Management Shell (tmsh).

tmsh

2. Change to the network module.

net
The system prompt updates with the module name: user@bigip01(Active)(/Common)(tmos.net)#.
3. Display the valid media types for a specific interface.

show running-config interface <interface_key> media-capabilities

Important: In all Gigabit Ethernet modes, the only valid duplex mode is full duplex.

The following is an example of the output you might see when you issue this command on interface
1.3:

net interface 1.3 {

media-capabilities {

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 Platform Guide: 6900

none
auto
10T-FD
10T-HD
100TX-FD
100TX-HD
1000T-FD
1000T-HD
}
}

Valid media types

The following table lists the valid media types for the tmsh interface command.

Note: This platform might not support all of the media type options that are available in tmsh.

10BaseT half 100BaseTX full

10BaseT full 1000BaseLX full
10GBaseER full 1000BaseCX full
10GBaseLR full 1000BaseT half
10GBaseSR full 1000BaseT full
10GBaseT full 1000BaseSX full
10SFP+Cu full auto
40GBaseSR4 full none
40GBaseLR4 full no-phy
100BaseTX half

Network interface LED behavior

The appearance and behavior of the network interface LEDs on the platform indicate network traffic activity,
interface speed, and interface duplexity.

RJ45 Copper interface LED behavior

The appearance and behavior of the RJ45 network interface LEDs indicate network traffic activity, interface
speed, and interface duplexity.

Link Speed LED Activity LED

No Link Not lit Not lit
10Mbit/s, half duplex Yellow blinking Yellow solid
10Mbit/s, full duplex Yellow blinking Green blinking
100Mbit/s, half duplex Yellow solid Yellow blinking
100Mbit/s, full duplex Yellow solid Green blinking
1Gbit/s, half duplex Green solid Yellow blinking

19
The 6900 Platform

Link Speed LED Activity LED

1Gbit/s, full duplex Green solid Green blinking

SFP port LED behavior

The appearance and behavior of the SFP optic interface LEDs indicate network traffic activity, interface
speed, and interface duplexity.

Link Speed LED Activity LED

No link Not lit Not lit
10 Mbit/s, half duplex Yellow blinking Yellow solid
10 Mbit/s, full duplex Yellow blinking Green blinking
100 Mbit/s, half duplex Yellow solid Yellow blinking
100 Mbit/s, full duplex Yellow solid Green blinking
1 Gbit/s, half duplex Green solid Yellow blinking
1 Gbit/s, full duplex Green solid Green blinking

Transceiver module specifications

For current specification information for optical transceivers that are supported by this platform, see F5®
Platforms: Accessories.

Cable pinout specifications

The following pinouts describe how specified connectors are wired. Pinouts are helpful when building and
testing connectors, cables, and adapters.

RJ-45 connector pinouts for the console port

This table lists the pinouts for the RJ-45 console (upper) port.

Pin number Name

1 RTS
2 DTR
3 TX
4 GND
5 GND
6 RX
7 DSR (no connect)
8 CTS

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 Platform Guide: 6900

RJ-45 connector pinouts for the failover port

This table lists the pinouts for the RJ-45 failover (lower) port.

Pin number Name

1 RTS
2 DTR
3 CTS
4 GND
5 GND
6 DSR
7 TX
8 RX

Always-On Management
The Always-On Management (AOM) subsystem enables you to manage the BIG-IP® system remotely using
SSH or serial console, even if the host is powered down. The AOM Command Menu operates independently
of the BIG-IP Traffic Management Operating System® (TMOS).
You can use the command menu to reset the unit if TMOS® has locked up, or get access to TMOS directly,
so that you can configure it from the command line interface.
AOM consists of the host console shell (hostconsh) and the AOM Command Menu, which contains the
options for AOM.

Note: The available functionality and options in AOM vary depending on the platform type.

AOM Command Menu options

The AOM Command Menu provides Always-On Management options for the BIG-IP system.

Number/Letter Option Description

1 Connect to Host subsystem Exits the AOM Command Menu and returns to terminal
console emulation mode.
2 Reboot Host subsystem (sends Reboots the host subsystem. In this case, the Traffic
reboot command) Management Operating System (TMOS) is rebooted.
3 Reset Host subsystem (issues Resets the host subsystem. In this case, TMOS is halted.
hardware reset--USE WITH
CARE!) Important: We do not recommend using this option
under normal circumstances. It does not allow for
graceful shutdown of the system.

21
The 6900 Platform

Number/Letter Option Description

4 Reset AOM subsystem (issues Resets the AOM subsystem. In this case, the system is
hardware reset--USE WITH reset with a hardware reset.
CARE!)
Important: We do not recommend using this option
under normal circumstances. It does not allow for
graceful shutdown of the system.

5 Power off/on Host subsystem Powers off the Host subsystem. In this case, TMOS is
(issues hardware powered off. If the Host subsystem is already powered
shutdown--USE WITH CARE!) off, this option powers on the Host subsystem.
B AOM baud rate configurator Configures the baud speed for connecting to AOM using
the serial console.
L AOM subsystem login Presents a logon prompt for the AOM subsystem. This
subsystem cannot be configured by end users.
N AOM network configurator Runs the AOM network configuration utility. This utility
enables you to reconfigure the IP address, netmask, and
default gateway used by AOM. If you use this option
while connected using SSH, your session will be
disconnected as a part of the network configuration
operation.
P AOM platform information Displays information about the platform, including serial
number and MAC address.

Accessing the AOM Command Menu from the serial console

You can access the AOM Command Menu through the host console shell (hostconsh) using the front panel
serial console.
1. Connect to the system using the serial console.
2. Open the AOM Command Menu.
Esc (

Setting up Always-On Management SSH access

You can use the AOM Command Menu to set up remote SSH access to the system and then connect remotely
using an SSH client.
1. Connect to the system using the serial console.
2. Open the AOM Command Menu.
Esc (
3. Type n to open the AOM network configuration utility.
4. Configure an IP address and gateway for the AOM subsystem.

22
 Platform Guide: 6900

Accessing the AOM Command Menu using SSH

You can access the AOM Command Menu through the host console shell (hostconsh) remotely through
SSH, provided you have configured an IP address for AOM.
1. Open an SSH session, where <ip addr> is the IP address that you configured for AOM:
ssh root@<ip addr>

2. Type the root password.

3. Open the hostconsh shell.
hostconsh

4. Open the AOM Command Menu.

Esc (

23
Platform Installation

About platform installation

After you have reviewed the hardware requirements and become familiar with the 6900 platform, you can
install the unit.

Determining which rack mounting kit to use

The 6900 platform comes with two types of rack mounting kits: stationary front-mounting and sliding
rail-mounting. An advantage of installing the sliding rail-mounting kit is that you can then slide the unit in
and out of the rack as needed.
The tasks required to install the platform differ depending on the type of rack mount you decide to use or
which type of cabinet unit you are installing into (single two-post cabinet or four-post cabinet).

About general recommendations for rack mounting

Although not required, a 1U space between units makes it easier for you to remove the unit from the rack
if that the unit requires service. A 1U space between units also provides additional cable routing options.
Leaving at least 100 mm spacing from the front panel of the unit to the rack front or rack door provides
enough room for you to route the cables without excessive bending or insulation damage.
A shelf or similar device is required to support the unit if only one person is installing the unit.

Caution: To prevent personal injury or damage to the unit, F5 Networks strongly recommends that at least
two people perform the installation.

Important: This product is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). F5 Networks recommends that you
use proper ESD grounding procedures and equipment when you install or maintain the unit.

About the front-mounting kit

You can use the front-mounting kit if you are installing into a two-post rack.

Front-mounting kit hardware

The front-mounting kit includes these parts.
Platform Installation

Quantity Hardware
2 front-mounting brackets
8 M4 x 10mm flat head screws

Installing using a front-mounting kit

Before you install this platform, review the environmental guidelines to make sure that you are installing
and using the platform in the appropriate environment.
This platform includes front-mounting brackets, which you can use to attach the unit directly to the rack.
1. Align the bracket's keyhole slots with the PEM fasteners on the side of the unit.
2. Slide the bracket toward the front of the unit to lock the bracket into place.

Note: You must secure the bracket to the unit using four of the flat head screws provided with the
platform.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other bracket.

4. Secure the front-mounting brackets to the rack using eight rack manufacturer-provided screws.
The unit must be securely fastened to the rack to provide adequate stability and to prevent the unit from
falling out of the rack.

5. Attach the front bezel to the unit by grasping the bezel on either side using the indentations provided.

Note: Failure to use the indentations could result in pinched fingers.

If the rack you have does not provide adequate support for the unit, you might need a shelf kit. We recommend
that you use a shelf kit created by the rack manufacturer, if available.

About the quick-install rail kit

Use the quick-install rail kit if you want to be able to slide the unit in or out of the rack for maintenance
activities.

26
 Platform Guide: 6900

The kit includes the following hardware:

• two rails (left and right)
• eight #8-32 thumb screws
The rails snap into place in the rack, and no tools are required to install a platform using this kit. The rails
are optimized for installation into square hole cabinets, but they can be installed in other cabinet styles, such
as round hole cabinets, using the screws provided. The rails are easily converted to mount to either cabinet
style.

Figure 4: Quick-install rail kit

For information about installing the platform using the quick-install rail kit, see the instruction guide provided
by the manufacturer, which is included with the kit hardware.

Note: Before you install this platform, review the environmental guidelines to make sure that you are
installing and using the platform in the appropriate environment.

Figure 5: An example of a platform installed using the quick-install rail kit

After installing the platform, you should secure it to the rack using the included rail locks. You should also
attach the front bezel to the unit by grasping the bezel on either side using the indentations provided.

Installing the rail lock brackets

The rail lock brackets help secure a rail kit-mounted platform to the rack.
1. Attach the rail lock brackets to each side of the unit using the rail lock screws that are included in the
kit.

27
Platform Installation

2. Secure the rail lock brackets to the rack on each side of the unit using either a rack manufacturer-provided
screw or one #10-32 and one #8-32 screw provided with the kit per side.
The #8-32 screw goes through the bottom hole on the bracket, and the #10-32 screw goes through the
top hole.
Use 6 to 7 inch-pounds (0.7 to 0.8 Newton-meters) of torque on these screws.

About grounding the platform

You should ground the platform after you install it in a rack. The chassis ground lug is located on the back
of the platform.
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.

28
 Platform Guide: 6900

Important: All copper grounding cable compression-type terminal lugs used for grounding must meet all
appropriate UL standards.

Note: The platform must be grounded to a common bonding network (CBN).

Figure 6: Chassis ground lug

Connecting the ground lug to the ground terminal

After the unit is installed in the rack and before you provide power to the system, you need to connect the
grounding hardware.
1. Attach a two-hole grounding terminal lug to 12 AWG copper ground wire.
2. Install the M6 Keps nuts on the ground terminal lugs.
Use 60 to 70 inch-pounds (6.8 to 8.0 Newton-meters) of torque on these Keps nuts.
3. Connect the ground wire to a common bonding network (CBN).

Connecting the cables and other hardware

After you have installed the unit into the rack, connect the cables and other hardware.
1. Connect an Ethernet cable to the MGMT port if you are using the default network configured on the
management interface.

Note: For EMI compliance, shielded cables are required for the MGMT port.

2. Connect the serial console cable supplied by F5® Networks to the CONSOLE port.

Important: In the event that network access is impaired or not yet configured, the serial console might
be the only way to access the unit. F5 Networks recommends that you perform all installations and
upgrades using the serial console, as these procedures require reboots, in which network connectivity
is lost temporarily.

Note: The default baud rate is 19200,n,8,1.

3. For AC-powered systems, connect the power cable to the power input panel, and then connect the cable
to the power source. For DC-powered systems, wire the DC power terminal block and connect the power
supply to a DC power source.

29
Platform Installation

4. Connect the serial failover cable to the failover port on each unit if you plan to set up device service
clustering (DSC™) with hard-wired failover capacity.
For more information about configuring failover, see BIG-IP® Device Service Clustering: Administration.
5. If you have not already done so, power on the unit.

You can now assign a management IP address to the system, and then license and provision the software.
Optionally, you should run the latest version of the qkview utility. This utility collects configuration and
diagnostic information about your system into a single file that you can provide to F5 Technical Support
to aid in troubleshooting. For more information, see
http://support.f5.com/kb/en-us/solutions/public/1000/800/sol1858.html.

Configuring a management IP address

You can use the LCD panel to configure the management IP address. The management IP address enables
you to access the Configuration utility to configure other aspects of the product, such as the product license,
VLANs, and trunks. The options are located in the System menu.

Note: When using the LCD panel to configure the unit, be sure to use the Commit option to save all settings.

1. Press the X button to activate Menu mode for the LCD.

2. Use the arrow keys to select System, and then press the Check button.
3. Press the Check button to select Management.
4. Press the Check button to select Mgmt IP.
5. Enter your management IP address using the up and down arrow keys, and then press the Check button.
6. Use the arrow keys to select Mgmt Mask, and then press the Check button.
7. Enter the netmask using the up and down arrow keys, and then press the Check button.
8. Use the arrow keys to select Mgmt Gateway, and then press the Check button.
9. Enter your default route using the up and down arrow keys, and then press the Check button. If you do
not have a default route, enter 0.0.0.0.
10. Use the arrow keys to select Commit, and then press the Check button.
11. Press the Check button to select OK.

Licensing the platform

After the management IP address is configured for the platform, you can use the browser-based Configuration
utility to license the appropriate BIG-IP software.
1. Using a Web browser, navigate to the management IP address that you assigned to the platform.
Use the following format where <mgmt_ip_address> is the management IP address you assigned:
https://<mgmt_ip_address>
2. Type admin as the user name and admin as the password.
If this is the first time you have accessed the Configuration utility, the first screen you see is the License
screen.

30
 Platform Guide: 6900

3. Follow the instructions in the Configuration utility to license the platform.

For more information about licensing the system, click the Help tab.

31
Platform Maintenance

About platform maintenance

The 6900 platform contains several components that can be replaced individually without exchanging the
entire system. This platform contains the following replaceable components:
• AC power supply
• DC power supply
• Fan tray
• Hard drive

About AC power supplies

BIG-IP® platforms can support up to two AC power supplies. Some platforms come with only one power
supply by default. You can hot swap power supplies if there are two installed in your system.

Figure 7: A power supply partially removed from the platform

The platform supports power redundancy, which ensures that the system is unaffected if a single power
supply fails in a system containing more than one power supply.

Caution: Running without power supplies installed in all available bays in the platform can affect cooling
and electromagnetic interference (EMI). If you need to run the unit with fewer power supplies, you must
install a blank supply bracket into any empty power supply bays. The blank supply bracket is required to
maintain proper airflow in the system. If you do not have a blank supply bracket, leave all supplies installed
and unplug any unused power supplies.

Caution: As a safety precaution, the socket outlet must be installed near the equipment and be easily
accessible.
Platform Maintenance

Important: This product is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). F5 Networks recommends that you
use proper ESD grounding procedures and equipment when you install or maintain the unit.

Important: F5 Networks strongly recommends that you use only one power supply type (AC or DC) in a
platform.

Note: Depending on the model and revision of the power supply, you might need either a Phillips or a
slotted screwdriver to replace the power supply.

Installing an AC power supply

In the event of a power supply failure, you can replace an AC power supply without powering down the
system, provided that there is at least one power supply operating during the replacement process.
1. Disconnect the AC power cord or DC terminal block from the power supply.
2. Loosen the power supply screw by turning it counterclockwise with an appropriate screwdriver, if
necessary.

Note: The screw that holds the ejector handle in place is captive and cannot be removed from the
assembly.

3. Grasp the ejector handle and rotate it downward to eject the power supply from the system.

4. Remove the power supply from the system by pulling straight toward you.
5. Ensure that the latch on the new power supply is in the down position and slide the power supply into
the power supply slot until the latch engages.
6. Rotate the latch upward to fully seat the power supply.
7. Tighten the screw into place.
The power supply is connected to the system when you tighten the screw completely.
8. Attach the power cord to the new power supply.

34
 Platform Guide: 6900

9. Ensure that the power switch, located on the power supply next to the screw, is in the ON position.

About DC power supplies

The BIG-IP® platforms support DC power supplies. You can hot swap power supplies if there are two
installed in your system. The DC power supply does not have an on/off switch. You can control the power
from the rack switch or the DC power source.
The DC power supply includes a DC terminal block that connects the power supply to the DC power source.
The platform supports power redundancy, which ensures that the system is unaffected if a single power
supply fails in a system containing more than one power supply.

Figure 8: The 6900 platform DC power supply and terminal block

Figure 9: DC terminal block components

Caution: Before installing a DC power supply, be sure that the DC power source for the rack is powered
off.

Caution: Running without power supplies installed in all available bays in the platform can affect cooling
and electromagnetic interference (EMI). If you need to run the unit with fewer power supplies, you must
install a blank supply bracket into any empty power supply bays. The blank supply bracket is required to
maintain proper airflow in the system. If you do not have a blank supply bracket, leave all supplies installed
and unplug any unused power supplies.

35
Platform Maintenance

Caution: Before you begin to work with one of these platforms, refer to the DC-powered equipment
environmental warnings for this platform and review any safety requirements for the facilities where the
DC-powered platforms will be installed.

Important: This product is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). F5 Networks recommends that you
use proper ESD grounding procedures and equipment when you install or maintain the unit.

Important: The platform must be installed in a RESTRICTED ACCESS LOCATION, such as a central
office or customer premises environment.

Note: All copper grounding cable used for grounding must meet all appropriate UL standards.

Note: 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.

Note: The platform must be grounded to a common bonding network (CBN).

Note: The battery return terminals on the platform are in an isolated DC return (DC-I) configuration.

Wiring the DC power supply terminal block

You will need the following tools to assemble and wire the DC terminal block:
• Wire stripping tool
• Small Phillips screwdriver
• Small flat head screwdriver
The DC power supply for the 6900 platform includes a DC terminal block. You connect the wires to the
terminal block and then insert the terminal block into the DC power supply.
1. Review the DC power supply label and determine the correct wire size for your installation.
2. Use the wire stripping tool to remove 3/8 inch (9.56 mm) of insulation.

Important: Be sure to remove the appropriate amount of insulation from each wire. If you remove too
much insulation, exposed wire protruding from the terminal block can create an electrical hazard. If
you do not remove enough insulation, the wire might not make proper contact with the terminal.

3. Thread the wires through the bottom of the terminal block, with the positive DC wire (typically red) on
the left, the chassis ground wire in the middle, and the negative DC wire (typically black) on the right.
Note the orientation of the keying notch on the terminal block. When the keying notch is up, the positive
terminal is on the left.

36
 Platform Guide: 6900

4. Insert each exposed wire into the appropriate connector on the terminal block.
If necessary, use a small flat head screwdriver to loosen the screws above the openings in the terminal
block to open the terminal connectors.
5. Attach the wired half of the terminal block to the other half of the terminal block, and then connect the
top of the terminal block until the two halves click into place.
6. Tighten the wire clamp screws on the bottom of the terminal block using a small flat head screwdriver.
7. Insert the two gold screws that are provided with the DC power supply kit into the top and bottom of
the terminal block, and then use a Phillips screwdriver to secure the two halves.

Installing a DC power supply

After you have assembled and wired the terminal block, you can install the DC power supply into the
platform and connect the platform to the DC power source. The DC power supply does not have an on/off
switch. You can control the power from the rack switch or the DC power source.

Important: When you connect the DC power source, F5 Networks recommends that you follow the safety
requirements defined for the facilities where the DC-powered platforms will be installed.

1. Make sure that the power from the DC power source is off.
2. Ensure that the terminal block is not connected to the power supply before adding it to the unit.
3. Remove the existing AC or DC power supply, if one is installed.
a) Disconnect the AC power cord or DC terminal block from the power supply.
b) Loosen the power supply screw by turning it counterclockwise with an appropriate screwdriver, if
necessary.

Note: The screw that holds the ejector handle in place is captive and cannot be removed from the
assembly.

37
Platform Maintenance

c) Grasp the ejector handle and rotate it downward to eject the power supply from the system.

d) Remove the power supply from the system by pulling straight toward you.
e) Ensure that the latch on the new power supply is in the down position, and then slide the power
supply into the power supply slot until the latch engages.
f) Rotate the latch upward to fully seat the power supply.
g) Tighten the screw into place.
Use 4 to 5 inch-pounds (0.45 to 0.56 Newton-meters) of torque on the screw. The power supply is
connected to the system when you tighten the screw completely.

4. Loosen the power supply screw on the DC power supply by using an appropriate screwdriver, if necessary.
5. Slide the DC power supply into the power supply slot.
6. Connect the terminal block that you assembled earlier to the DC power source and be sure to connect
the ground wire to a common bonding network (CBN).
7. Power on the DC power source.
If the system does not boot after you power on the DC power source, press the Check button on the LCD
panel to begin booting the system.

About the fan tray

The 6900 platform has a removable fan tray that is designed to maintain airflow throughout the chassis.
You can change or replace the fan tray as part of the routine maintenance of the unit, or in the event of a
fan failure. The fans in the fan tray run constantly while the unit is on. Over time, the fans can wear out,
requiring you to replace the fan tray.

Important: This product is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). F5 Networks recommends that you
use proper ESD grounding procedures and equipment when you install or maintain the unit.

38
 Platform Guide: 6900

Figure 10: An example of a fan tray in a platform

Replacing the fan tray

You do not need special tools to replace the fan tray. You do not need to power down the unit when replacing
the fan tray; however, F5 Networks highly recommends that you do not leave the unit operating without a
fan tray for longer than 30 seconds.

Caution: Operating the unit without a fan tray for more than 30 seconds might cause permanent damage.

1. Stand at the back of the platform and locate the ejector handle on the fan tray.
2. Loosen the fan tray screws by turning them counterclockwise with a Phillips screwdriver, if necessary.

Note: The screws that hold the ejector handle in place are captive and cannot be removed from the
assembly.

3. Grasp the ejector handle and rotate it downward to eject the fan tray from the system.
4. Remove the fan tray from the system by pulling straight toward you.
5. Ensure that the handle on the new fan tray is in the down position and slide the fan tray into the fan tray
slot until the latch engages.
6. Rotate the handle upward to fully seat the fan tray.
7. Tighten the screws into place.
The fan tray is connected to the system when you tighten the screws completely. Once seated, the fan
tray automatically powers up and begins circulating air through the chassis.

About the hard disk drives

The BIG-IP® 6900 platform has two hot swappable hard disk drives (HDDs). You can change or replace
the drives as part of routine maintenance of the unit or in the event of a drive failure.

Troubleshooting a failed hard disk drive

The tasks you perform if you experience a hard disk drive failure vary, depending on the BIG-IP® software
version installed on your system.

BIG-IP Version Recovery Procedure

10.1 and later If your system is running a manufacturing installation
of 10.1 or later, it supports hard disk drive mirroring

39
Platform Maintenance

BIG-IP Version Recovery Procedure

using RAID (redundant array of independent disks)
by default. For more information, see About hard
disk drive replacement on a 10.1 and later system.
10.0.0 If your system is running version 10.0.0, and your
primary hard disk drive (the disk located in the
right-hand bay) fails, you have two options. For more
information, see About hard disk drive replacement
on a 10.0 or 9.x system.
9.x If your system is running version 9.x, and your
primary hard disk drive (the disk located in the
right-hand bay) fails, you have two options. For more
information, see About hard disk drive replacement
on a 10.0 or 9.x system.

About hard disk drive replacement on a 10.1 and later system

If you are running a manufacturing installation of BIG-IP® software version 10.1 or later, your system
supports hard disk drive mirroring using RAID. You can install the replacement drive that you received
from F5 Networks into the system.

Figure 11: The front of a platform with front bezel removed and the orientation of the drive bays

1. Drive bay 1
2. Drive bay 2

Figure 12: An example of a hard disk drive shown partially removed from the system

40
 Platform Guide: 6900

Identifying the faulty hard disk drive

To access the hard disk drives (HDDs), you must first remove the bezel from the unit.
Before you remove the hard disk drive from the system, you should first identify the faulty drive.
1. Open the Traffic Management Shell (tmsh).
2. View the status of the drives:
tmsh show sys raid
A disk summary similar to the following displays:

Sys::Raid::Array: MD1
---------------------
Size (MB) 305245

Sys::Raid::ArrayMembers
Bay ID Serial Number Name Array Member Array Status
---------------------------------------------------------
1 WD-WCAT1E477614 HD2 yes failed
2 WD-WCAT1E420107 HD1 yes ok

Sys::Raid::Bay: 1
---------------------------------------------------------
Name Serial Number Array Member Array Status
HD2 WD-WCAT1E477614 yes failed

Sys::Raid::Bay: 2
---------------------------------------------------------
Name Serial Number Array Member Array Status
HD1 WD-WCAT1E420107 yes ok

Sys::Raid::Disk
Name Serial Number Array Member Array Status
------------------------------------------------------
CF1 C932427402720909XX02 no undefined
HD1 WD-WCAT1E420107 yes ok
HD2 WD-WCAT1E477614 yes failed

3. Make note of the bay number and serial number for the faulty hard disk drive.

Note: You can also locate the last seven digits of the serial number on the front of the drive. The serial
number is printed in its entirety on the labels, on top of the drive.

4. Before you physically remove the hard disk drive from the system, type the following command to
remove the faulty hard disk drive (HD2 in the example) from the array:
tmsh modify sys raid array MD1 remove HD2

5. (Optional) To ensure that you remove the correct drive, you can make the LED blink for that bay (bay
1 in the example.
tmsh modify sys raid bay 1 flash-led
The LED continues to blink until the new hard drive begins the replication process.

Note: If the drive is no longer responsive, the LED might not blink.

Next, you can physically remove the hard disk drive and replace it with the new one that you received from
F5 Networks. You do not have to power down the system before you remove the hard disk drive.

41
Platform Maintenance

Replacing a hard disk drive

After you have identified and removed the faulty hard disk drive (HDD) from the platform, you can install
the replacement drive that you received from F5®.
1. Remove the front bezel from the unit.
2. Verify the location of the faulty hard disk drive by comparing the serial number and drive bay that you
noted earlier.

Note: The last seven digits of the serial number are printed on the front of the hard disk drive, behind
the metal grille.

Note: The STAT LED for the failed hard disk drive will be lit solid amber.

3. Remove the faulty hard disk drive:

a) Loosen the hard disk drive screw by turning it counterclockwise with an appropriate screwdriver, if
necessary.

Note: The screw that holds the ejector handle in place is captive and cannot be removed from the
assembly.

b) Grasp the ejector handle and pull straight toward you to eject the hard disk drive from the system.

4. Slide the new hard disk drive into the empty hard drive bay.
5. Tighten the screw into place.
Use 4 to 5 inch-pounds (0.45 to 0.56 Newton-meters) of torque on the screw. The hard disk drive is
connected to the system when you tighten the screw completely.
6. Type the following command to see the status of the hard disk drives:
tmsh show sys raid disk
A disk summary similar to the following displays:

Sys::Raid::Disk
Name Serial Number Array Member Array Status
------------------------------------------------------
CF1 C932427402720909XX02 no undefined
HD1 WD-WCAT1E420107 yes ok
HD2 WD-WCAT10944438 yes undefined

The status of the replacement hard disk drive is undefined, and the serial number should match that of
the replacement drive.

Note: If after a few seconds, you do not see the recently-added hard disk drive in the disk summary,
the drive might not be seated properly. If this occurs, remove and reinsert the hard disk drive.

7. Add the replacement drive (HD2 in the example) to the array by typing the following command:
tmsh modify sys raid array MD1 add HD2
The status of the replacement drive should change to replicating, and the STAT LED should change to
solid green. The replication process typically takes between 15 and 45 minutes.
8. Attach the front bezel to the unit by grasping the bezel on either side using the indentations provided.

Note: Failure to use the indentations could result in pinched fingers.

42
 Platform Guide: 6900

About hard disk drive replacement on a 10.0 or 9.x system

After you receive a replacement hard disk drive (HDD) from F5®, you can add it to the system; however,
you can get the system up and running while you wait.

Figure 13: The front of a platform with front bezel removed and the orientation of the primary and
secondary hard disk drives

1. Primary hard disk drive

2. Secondary hard disk drive

Replacing a hard disk drive on a BIG-IP 10.0 or 9.x system

You can get the system up and running while you wait for a replacement hard drive from F5®.
1. Physically swap the hard disk drives.
a) Loosen the hard disk drive screw for the primary drive (located in the right-hand bay) by turning it
counterclockwise with an appropriate screwdriver, if necessary.

Note: The screw that holds the ejector handle in place is captive and cannot be removed from the
assembly.

b) Grasp the ejector handle and pull straight toward you to eject the hard disk drive from the system.
c) Move the primary hard drive from drive bay 1 to drive bay 2.
d) Tighten the screw into place.
The hard disk drive is connected to the system when you tighten the screw completely.

2. Reinstall the BIG-IP® software.

3. Copy a backup configuration file to the system.
4. Replace the failed hard disk drive (the one you moved to the left-hand bay) with the new hard disk drive
that you receive from F5.

43
Environmental Guidelines

General environmental and installation guidelines

The 6900 platform is an industrial network appliance that is designed to be mounted in a standard 19-inch
EIA rack. Follow these guidelines to adhere to safety precautions:
• 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 platform, the power supply and the vents on both
the front and back of the unit remain unobstructed. The platform must have adequate ventilation around
the unit at all times.
• Although not required, a 1U space between units makes it easier for you to remove the unit from the
rack in the event that the unit requires service. A 1U space between units also provides additional cable
routing options.
• Leaving at least 100 mm of space from the front panel of the unit to the rack front or rack door provides
enough room for you to route the cables without excessive bending or insulation damage.
• Do not allow the air temperature in the room to exceed 104°F (40°C).

Note: NEBS-certified units can withstand air temperatures up to 131°F (55°C). The maximum
temperature is only required to be met for a short period of time.

• 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.

Important: This product is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). F5 Networks recommends that you
use proper ESD grounding procedures and equipment when you install or maintain the unit.

Caution: Customers should not attempt to replace batteries. There is a risk of explosion if a battery is
replaced with an incorrect type. Field technicians should dispose of used batteries according to the
instructions.

Attention: Il y a risque d'explosion si la batterie est remplacée par une batterie de type incorrect. Mettre
au rebut les batteries usagées conformément aux instructions.
Environmental Guidelines

Guidelines for AC-powered equipment

An AC-powered installation must meet the following requirements:
• Use a 20 amp external branch circuit protection device to install the unit.
• Use one power feed for each individual power supply.

Important: The platform must be installed in a RESTRICTED ACCESS LOCATION, such as a central
office or customer premises environment.

Note: The following guidelines apply to STATIONARY PLUGGABLE EQUIPMENT TYPE A with
simultaneous multiple connections to the AC MAINS SUPPLY:
• The building installation shall provide a means for connection to protective earth; and
• The equipment is to be connected to that means; and
• A SERVICE PERSON shall check whether or not the socket-outlet from which the equipment is to be
powered provides a connection to the building protective earth. If not, the SERVICE PERSON shall
arrange for the installation of a PROTECTIVE EARTHING CONDUCTOR from the separate protective
earthing terminal to the protective earth wire in the building.

Note: High leakage current. Earth connection essential before connecting supply.

46
 Platform Guide: 6900

Guidelines for DC-powered equipment

A DC-powered installation must meet the following requirements:
• Use a 25 amp external branch circuit protection device to install the unit.
• For permanently connected equipment, incorporate a readily accessible disconnect in the fixed wiring.
• Use only copper conductors.
• Ground the cabling for the system on both sides.
• Use one power feed for each individual power supply.

NEBS platform guidelines

The following information applies to the Network Equipment-Building System (NEBS) version of the 6900
platform.
This equipment meets NEBS requirements per GR-63-CORE.
This equipment is suitable for installation in the following:
• Network Telecommunication Facilities
• Locations where the National Electrical Code (NEC) applies

Important: 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.

Note: 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.

Platform airflow diagram

The platform employs a negative pressure fan system, which draws cold air in from the front of the chassis
and exhausts hot air out the back of the chassis.

47
Environmental Guidelines

Figure 14: Airflow in the 6900 platform

48
Platform Specifications

General specifications for system features

This table lists general specifications for BIG-IP® system features for the 6900 platform.

Item Specification
Server/Node operating system compatibility Load balancing of any TCP/IP operating system: 32-
and 64-bit Windows® operating systems; all UNIX®
platforms; and Mac OS
Internet/Intranet protocol support All TCP services, UDP, SIP, and SSL; nearly all
IP-based protocols
Administrative environment support DNS proxy, SMTP, SSH, SNMP, dynamic/static network
monitoring, scheduled batch job processing, system
status reports, and alarms event notification
Network management and monitoring Secure SSL browser-based interface, remote encrypted
logon and file transfer using SSH monitor, BIG-IP
system network monitoring utilities and additional
contributed software; SNMP gets and traps; iControl
API using CORBA and SOAP/XML
Dynamic content support ASP, VB, ActiveX, Java, VRML, CGI, Cool Talk, Net
Meeting, Real Audio, Real Video, Netshow, QuickTime,
PointCast, or any HTTP-encapsulated data
Device redundancy Watchdog timer, failsafe cable (primary and secondary)
SFP hot swap Support for hot swap of the SFP modules
Web server application compatibility Any IP-based web or application server
Routing protocols RIP, OSPF, and BGP with optional ZebOS Advanced
Routing Modules
Jumbo frames Support for maximum Ethernet frame size of 1818 bytes
and MTU of 1800 bytes

Important: Specifications are subject to change without notification.

Platform hardware specifications

This table lists hardware specifications for the 6900 platform.
Platform Specifications

Item Specification
Dimensions H: 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) x W: 17.75 inches (45.09 cm)
x D: 20.75 inches (52.71 cm) (per unit) 2U industry
standard rack-mount chassis
Weight 45.5 pounds (20.64 kg) with two power supplies, two
hard drives, and bezel installed (per unit)
• Front mount rack brackets add 1 pound (0.45 kg).
• Quick install rail kit adds 5.5 pounds (2.27 kg).
• Hard drives add 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg) each.

Processor 2 x Dual-Core AMD Opteron® processors

Network interface 16 x 10/100/1000 copper ports
8 x 1000Base-SX SFP fiber ports

Note: SFP modules will not operate at 1Gbps speeds

in an SFP+ port.

1 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet Management port

Hard drive capacity 2 x 320 GB
RAM 8 GB
AC power supply 2 x 850 W 90 - 125 VAC(+/- 10%) or 200 - 240 VAC(+/-
10%) AUTO Switching
2 x NEMA 5-15P power cords
DC power supply 2 x 850W DC
Operating range: 44 to 72 VDC
Minimum start up voltage: 44 VDC

Note: Power supply will not start below 44 VDC.

Important: Specifications are subject to change without notification.

Important: F5 Networks only provides support for F5-branded optical modules.

Platform environmental operating specifications

This table lists platform environmental operating specifications.

Item Specification
Operational temperature 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C)
Operational relative humidity 10 to 90% (40°C)
Non-operational temperature -40 to 158°F (-40 to 70°C)
Non-operational relative humidity 5 to 95% (40°C) non-condensing

Important: Specifications are subject to change without notification.

50
 Platform Guide: 6900

Platform power specifications

This table lists power specifications for the 6900 platform.

Item Specification
Typical power draw (dual AC power supplies; 110VAC input: 321 W
50% load; temp 25°C) 220VAC input: 335 W
Typical power draw (dual DC power supplies; 48VDC input: 291 W
50% load; temp 25°C)
Maximum power draw (AC power) 220VAC input: 440 W
Maximum power draw (DC power) 48VDC input: 338 W
Typical heat generated (AC power) 110VAC input: 1024 BTU/hour
220VAC input: 1126 BTU/hour
Typical heat generated (DC power) 48VDC input: 993 BTU/hour
Maximum heat generated (AC power) 1502 BTU/hour
Maximum heat generated (DC power) 1154 BTU/hour

Important: Specifications are subject to change without notification.

Safety requirements
This equipment complies with the following requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC.
EC Type Examination Certificates:
EN 6090-1:2006+A11:2009
IEC 60950-1:2005, 2nd Edition
CB Scheme
UL 60950-1 2nd Edition, CSA C22.2 No. Master Contract 252302
60950-1-07

Important: Specifications are subject to change without notification.

EMC requirements

USA--FCC Class A, Canada--Industry Canada Class A

This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This equipment may not cause harmful interference.

51
Platform Specifications

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

European Union
This equipment complies with the following requirements of the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC:
As Telecommunication Network Equipment (TNE) in Both Telecom Centers and Other than Telecom
Centers per (as applicable):
Directive Required Limits
ESTI EN 300 386 V1.3.3 (2005-04)
EN 55022:2006 + C1:2006 Class A
EN 61000-3-2:2006
EN 61000-3-3:1995 + A1:2001 +
A2:2005
IEC61000-4-2 6 kV (Direct), 8 kV (Air)
IEC61000-4-3 3 V/m 80-1000MHz, 10 V/m 800-960
MHz and 1400-2700 MHz
IEC61000-4-4 1 kV AC and DC Power Lines, 0.5 kV
Signal Lines
IEC61000-4-5 2 kV AC Line-Gnd, 1 kV AC Line-Line
and Outdoor Signal Lines, 0.5 kV Indoor
Signal Lines > 10m
IEC61000-4-6 3V
IEC61000-4-11

As Information Technology Equipment (ITE) Class A per (as applicable):

EN 55024:1998 + A1:2001 +
A2:2003
EN 55022:2006 + C1:2006 Class A Class A
EN 61000-3-3:1995 + A1:2001 +
A2:2003
EN 55024:1998 + A1:2001 +
A2:2003
IEC61000-4-2 4 kV (Direct), 8 kV (Air)
IEC61000-4-3 3 V/m
IEC61000-4-4 1 kV AC Power Lines, 0.5 kV Signal, and
DC Power Lines
IEC61000-4-5 1 kV AC Line-Line and Outdoor Signal
Lines, 2 kV AC Line-Gnd, 0.5 kV DC
Power Lines
IEC61000-4-6 3V
IEC61000-4-11

Important: Specifications are subject to change without notification.

52
 Platform Guide: 6900

Acoustic, airflow, and altitude specifications

This table lists acoustic levels, airflow movement, and operational altitude specifications for the 6900
platform.

Specification type Detail Units Value

1
Acoustic Front dBA 66
Left dBA 72
Right dBA 61
Rear dBA 64
Top 67
Altitude 2 Operational Feet 13,000
Non-operational Feet 40,000
Airflow 3 Open air CFM 260 (max)

Important: Specifications are subject to change without notification.

1
All measurements taken at 0.6 meter with one power supply operational and fans at 75% duty cycle. Measurements
recorded in Decibels A-weighting.
2
Per BELCORE GR-63-CORE, section 4.1.3: This unit is functional when installed at elevations between 60m (197 feet)
below sea level and 1800m (6000 feet) above sea level at the aisle ambient temperatures of 40°C.
3
Fan Tray airflow measurements taken at 100% duty cycle and in open air.

53
China RoHS Requirements

Hazardous substance levels for China

This table shows how the F5 Networks® 6900 platform components conform to the Restriction of Hazardous
Substances Directive (RoHS) standards for China.
Returned Material Data Security Statement

About returned material data security

Follow these data security guidelines when returning equipment to F5® Networks for reprocessing or repair.
The guidelines include reprocessing procedures and optional customer-end procedures.

About memory technologies used in F5 equipment

F5® Networks equipment contains volatile, battery-backed volatile, and non-volatile memory. Volatile
memory loses all traces of data on power down. Battery-backed volatile memory retains data as long as
battery charge is maintained. Non-volatile memory retains data indefinitely.

Volatile memory
Volatile memory loses all traces of data on power down; therefore, customer data that is stored in volatile
memory is secure when power is removed from the platform. No further action is required by customers
for equipment that includes volatile memory.

Battery-backed volatile memory

This F5® platform contains a coin battery for maintaining BIOS settings and the system clock. All data
maintained by the coin battery is used only for system specific tasks. No customer data is maintained by
the battery-backed volatile memory. No further action is required by customers for equipment that includes
volatile memory.

Non-volatile memory
F5® platforms include various non-volatile memory components. These non-volatile memory components
can be categorized as either user inaccessible or user accessible.
Inaccessible non-volatile memory components are programmed during manufacture or software installation.
The data stored in user inaccessible non-volatile memory is used for setting voltage levels, determining the
sequence of operational events, and the managing appliance operational condition. Data held within user
inaccessible, non-volatile memory represents no data security risk to customers. User inaccessible, non-volatile
memory cannot be modified by appliance users, and therefore, contains no customer data.

Inaccessible non-volatile memory

This table lists the inaccessible non-volatile memory in this system.
Returned Material Data Security Statement

Description Data Customer data

Programmable firmware stores Firmware No
Switch Card SEEPROM Platform ID, serial number, part number, and No
so on.
PHY EEPROMs PHY MAC address No

Accessible non-volatile memory

This table lists the accessible non-volatile memory in this system. Not all platform variants include all of
these non-volatile memory items.

Description Data Customer data Data security method

®
Hard disk drive (HDD) F5 product software, Yes Standard reprocessing or
customer configuration, customer removal
and log files
Solid-state drive (SSD) F5 product software, Yes Standard reprocessing or
customer configuration customer removal
and log files
Removable F5 product software, Yes Standard reprocessing or
CompactFlash (CF) card customer configuration customer removal
Always-On Management AOM boot code and Yes Standard reprocessing or
(AOM) Flash chip customer custom customer action
(soldered-down flash configuration
chip)
FIPS card (if present) FIPS security domain and Yes Standard reprocessing or
private keys customer action

About removing data from F5 components

For components that contain sensitive customer data and cannot be removed from your F5® Networks
system, you can take optional steps to remove the data from these components before you return the system
to F5 for processing.

Removing sensitive data from storage drives

The hard disk drive (HDD) and solid-state drive (SSD) components included in F5® platforms might include
sensitive customer data. If you purchase the HDD removal SKU, you can remove the HDD/SSD,
CompactFlash (CF), and coin battery, and these components will be replaced during F5 reprocessing.
Otherwise, HDD, SSD, and CF components are processed by F5 through standard processing. You can
perform a disk erase operation on your system to remove sensitive customer data.
Perform a disk erase operation using one of these methods:
• On systems running BIG-IP® software version 11.6.0 and later, you can use the F5 Disk Erase
utility to remove all data on hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs) using a single-pass,

58
 Platform Guide: 6900

zero write disk erase operation. For more information, see

http://support.f5.com/kb/en-us/solutions/public/15000/500/sol15521.html.
• On systems running earlier versions of BIG-IP software, you can create and use a bootable USB
drive to rebuild the system with a clean image of BIG-IP software. This runs a disk erase operation
and removes the master boot record (MBR). For more information see
http://support.f5.com/kb/en-us/solutions/public/13000/100/sol13164.html.

Removing IP address data from Always-On Management

If you have configured an IP address for the Always-On Management (AOM) subsystem, you can remove
the customized IP address from the system before returning it to F5® Networks.
1. Connect to the system using the serial console.
2. Open the AOM Command Menu.
Esc (
3. Assign a new management IP address, netmask, and gateway:
• To use DHCP to assign the addresses, type y when prompted about using DHCP.
• To manually assign the addresses, type n when prompted about using DHCP. At the prompts, type
values for IP address (required), netmask (required), and gateway (optional).
A confirmation message displays the configured management IP address, netmask, and gateway.
4. (Optional) Type i to verify the assigned addresses.

Removing sensitive data from an internal hardware security module (HSM)

You can remove the sensitive customer data from the hardware security module (HSM) installed in the
system before returning it to F5® Networks.

Note: The HSM cannot be removed from the platform.

1. Use the Configuration utility to delete all key/certificate pairs.

a) On the Main tab, click System > File Management > SSL Certificate List.
This displays the list of certificates installed on the system.
b) Select the certificates that you want to delete and click Delete.

This removes all .crt, .exp, and .key files from the system.
2. Log on to the command line of the system using an account with root access.
3. Initialize the HSM and reconfigure it using fictitious data.
run util fips-util -f init

Important: This deletes all keys and makes any previously exported keys unusable.

59
 Index

Index
A data terminal equipment (DTE) 17
Date and Time screen 11
acoustic specifications 53 DC-powered equipment
AC-powered equipment guidelines 47
guidelines 46 NEBS guidelines 47
AC power supply DC power supply
about 33 connecting the DC power source 37
hot swapping 33 hot swapping 35
administrative environment support 49 terminal block 36
airflow specifications 53 wiring the DC power supply terminal 37
Alarm LED wiring the DC terminal block 36
behavior 14 DC terminal block
alerts assembling and preparing 36
clearing 13 device redundancy 49
defining custom alerts 15 device service clustering 29
altitude specifications, operational 53 DSC, See device service clustering.
Always-On Management duplex mode 17
setting up remote SSH access 22 dynamic content support 49
Always-On Management (AOM)
hostconsh 21
AOM, See Always-On Management (AOM).
E
AOM Command Menu electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) certifications 51
21 electrostatic discharge (ESD) 25, 45
accessing using serial console 22 EMC certifications 51
accessing using SSH 23 environmental 55
options for 21 See also China RoHS Directive standards.
AOM IP address data guidelines 45
removing 59 operating specifications 50
Authorization requests screen 11 See also China RoHS Directive standards.
Auto-MDI/MDIX 17 ESD, See electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Ethernet hub requirements 10
C
cables
F
connecting 29 failover cable 29
CD/DVD-ROM drives fan tray
support for 10 about 38
chassis replacing the fan tray 39
DC power supplies 37 FIPS cards, See hardware security module (HSM).
chassis ground front mount
location of 9 kit hardware 25
chassis ground wire 36 front-mounting kit
Check button installing 26
clearing alerts 13
for power on 13
China material content listing, See China RoHS Directive G
standards.
Gigabit Ethernet 10
China RoHS Directive standards 55
grounding the platform 28
clear alert operation 13
ground lug
Configuration utility
connecting to ground terminal 29
licensing the platform 30
guidelines
cooling system
AC-powered equipment 46
platform 47
DC-powered equipment 47
CPU usage screen 11
environmental 45
NEBS 47
D
data communications equipment (DCE) 17

61
Index

H L
halting 12 LCD config menu 11
halt operation 13 LCD menus
hard disk drive (HDD) 11
39 using 12
failure 39 LCD panel
identifying a faulty hard disk drive 41 11
replacing on a BIG-IP 10.1 and later system 40 backlight option 11
replacing on a BIG-IP version 10.0 system 43 brightness option 11
replacing on a BIG-IP version 10.1 or later 42 contrast option 11
replacing on a BIG-IP version 9.x system 43 control buttons 11
troubleshooting 39 menus 11
hard drive failure pausing on a screen 12
recovering on a BIG IP 10.0 system 43 license
recovering on a BIG IP 9.x system 43 configuring 30
hardware
for AC-powered equipment 46
for DC-powered equipment 47
M
installation planning 25 MAC addresses screen 11
requirements for peripherals 10 maintenance
hardware security module (HSM) AC power supply 34
removing data 59 DC power supply 37
hardware specifications 49 fan tray 39
hard-wired failover 29 management interface
hazardous substance restrictions, See China RoHS Directive 29
standards. setting the gateway 12
Hold mode 12 setting the IP address 12
hostconsh shell setting the netmask 12
defined 21 management IP address
hot swap configuring using LCD panel 30
DC power supply 35, 37 memory technologies
of power supply 33 about 57
of SFP modules 49 battery-backed volatile memory 57
hubs 10 non-volatile memory 57
volatile memory 57
I Memory usage screen 11

indicator LEDs
about 13
N
additional status conditions 16 NEBS
behavior 14 air temperature 45
for alert conditions 14 guidelines 47
locating 9 platform 9
interface command negative pressure fan system 47
valid media types 19 netbooting 12
interface media type 17 network interface LEDs
interface mode 17 appearance of 19
interfaces RJ45 19
duplex mode 17 SFP 20
media type 17 network interface specifications, See optical transceiver
viewing status of all interfaces using Configuration utility specifications.
17 network management and monitoring 49
viewing status of all interfaces using tmsh 17 non-volatile memory
viewing status of a specific interface using tmsh 16 types 57
viewing valid media types 18
Internet/Intranet protocol support 49
O
J optical interfaces
configuring 16
jumbo frames 49 managing 16
optical transceiver specifications 20

62
 Index

P rail mount
installing rail lock brackets 27
pinouts quick-install rail kit 26
for cables 20 rebooting 12
for console port 20 redundancy
for failover port 21 system 29
specifications 20 redundant system configuration 16, 29
platform See also device service clustering.
about 9 remote administration 10
airflow 47 replaceable components
components provided 10 33
cooling system 47 AC power supply 33
FIPS 9 DC power supply 35, 37
grounding 28 fan tray 38
installing 25 hard disk drive (HDD) 39
NEBS 9 reset operation 13
replaceable components 33 returned material data security
SSL 9 about 57
ventilation 45, 47 accessible non-volatile memory 58
platform specifications battery-backed volatile memory 57
49 hard disk drive (HDD) 58
environmental 50 inaccessible non-volatile memory 57
operating 50 memory technologies 57
power 51 non-volatile memory 57
power cable 29 removing data from components 58
power cord volatile memory 57
adding an AC power supply 34 RJ45 interface LEDs 19
powering off Rotate mode 12
host subsystem 13 routing protocols 49
power on operation 13
power specifications 51
power supply
S
installing a DC power supply 37 safety agency approvals 51
replacing a DC power supply 37 Screens menu 11
replacing an AC power supply 34 serial failover 29
wiring the DC terminal block 36 serial port
power supply LED setting baud rate 12
states 14 serial terminal
Product version screen 11 hardware installation 10, 29
PXE server server/node operating system compatibility 49
installing software from 12 SFP hot swap 49
SFP interface LEDs 20
Q specifications
acoustic 53
qkview utility 29 airflow 53
quick-install rail kit 26 altitude, operational 53
for China RoHS 55
for hardware 49
R for hardware operation 50
rack mount ears, See front-mounting brackets. for power 51
rack mounting for system features 49
front mount 25–26 SSL
general environmental guidelines 45 platform 9
quick-install rail kit 26 standby mode 13
screws 26 Statistics screen 11
unit spacing 25 Status LED
rack mounting kits states 14
types of 25 when intermittently blinking yellow 16
rack rail , See rail mount. when solid green 16
rail lock brackets when solid yellow 16
installing 27 storage drives
rail locks 27 removing sensitive data 58

63
Index

switches 10 U
system
resetting 21 USB port
resolving when locked up 21 supported CD/DVD-ROM drives 10
System information screen 11
System menu 12
V
T ventilation 47

TMOS, See Traffic Management Operating System (TMOS).

tmsh, See Traffic Management Shell.
W
Traffic Management Operating System (TMOS) warnings
relation to AOM 21 environmental 45
Traffic Management Shell 16 Web server application compatibility 49
two-post rack 25

64