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#341991 - 07/02/2011 15:40 Wall-mounting a large router
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
I need some help here. Looks like I didn't put enough thought into equipment purchasing, and that combined with a smaller space than expected requires that I find some way to mount something to a wall that isn't intended to mount to a wall.

I'm working with a telephone closet that's not deep at all (maybe a foot at most), but I have plenty of surface area to work with. I'm trying to find some way to attach to this surface a Cisco 2921 Integrated Services Router.

Cisco is no help to me (I was on the phone for an hour this morning getting bounced around to at least 8 different people). I totally understand that this device was not meant to be attached to a wall, and that's my fault. I'm just trying to figure out if there's any way to do it. Hell, I'm fine with setting it on its side on a ledge of some sort if that's what has to be done. I just need to get it figured out and soon.

I won't be doing the physical installation, so it doesn't have to be something that I'm capable of doing wink

Any ideas?
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Matt

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#341992 - 07/02/2011 15:44 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: Dignan]
hybrid8
carpal tunnel

Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
Seems simple enough.

It looks like the router has threaded holes on its sides - is this correct? Just use some L (angle) tabs. The tabs screw to the router and the wall. You can have them facing inward (mount to wall first) our outward (doesn't matter if you mount to wall or router first). The router can then sit flat against the wall.
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Bruno
Twisted Melon : Fine Mac OS Software

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#341993 - 07/02/2011 15:49 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: hybrid8]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
Originally Posted By: hybrid8
Seems simple enough.

It looks like the router has threaded holes on its sides - is this correct? Just use some L (angle) tabs. The tabs screw to the router and the wall. You can have them facing inward (mount to wall first) our outward (doesn't matter if you mount to wall or router first). The router can then sit flat against the wall.

Unfortunately I don't have the router near me, and it's oddly difficult to find good photos of the router online...
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Matt

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#341995 - 07/02/2011 15:51 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: hybrid8]
tman
carpal tunnel

Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
You shouldn't just leave it on its side as there are vent holes which will get blocked.

That router should come with a rackmount kit. Get some L brackets, put those onto the wall, hang the router by the rackmount ears off the brackets and screw or bolt it in. That'd be the cheapest option and not risk damaging the router.

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#341996 - 07/02/2011 15:54 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: tman]
tman
carpal tunnel

Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
Sort of like this. The LLLLL bit is the L bracket. Make sure its rated to handle something as heavy as a 2921 hanging off it though!
Code:
 |
 | L
W| L
A| L __________
L| LLLLLLLLLLLL
L|   +        +
 |   +        +
 |   + ROUTER +
 |   +        +
 |   +        +
 |   +        +

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#341998 - 07/02/2011 15:56 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: Dignan]
tman
carpal tunnel

Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
Originally Posted By: Dignan
Unfortunately I don't have the router near me, and it's oddly difficult to find good photos of the router online...

Big photo

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#341999 - 07/02/2011 15:57 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: tman]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
Originally Posted By: tman
You shouldn't just leave it on its side as there are vent holes which will get blocked.

That router should come with a rackmount kit. Get some L brackets, put those onto the wall, hang the router by the rackmount ears off the brackets and screw or bolt it in. That'd be the cheapest option and not risk damaging the router.

That's how the guy installed all the switches, so I would have thought he'd try that on the router too. I think he stopped because there wasn't any mounting stuff included in the box...

Originally Posted By: tman
Originally Posted By: Dignan
Unfortunately I don't have the router near me, and it's oddly difficult to find good photos of the router online...

Big photo

Yeah, I saw that one, but it doesn't show much...


Edited by Dignan (07/02/2011 15:58)
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Matt

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#342002 - 07/02/2011 16:00 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: Dignan]
tman
carpal tunnel

Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
Originally Posted By: Dignan
That's how the guy installed all the switches, so I would have thought he'd try that on the router too. I think he stopped because there wasn't any mounting stuff included in the box...

It should be included according to Cisco. I've not used a 2921 but the 2951s and 2911s I've used have always come with the kit in the box.

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#342004 - 07/02/2011 16:07 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: Dignan]
tman
carpal tunnel

Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
Originally Posted By: Dignan
Yeah, I saw that one, but it doesn't show much...

The side of rackmount gear is uninteresting so nobody photographs it smile

Rackmount installation guide for a 2921

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#342007 - 07/02/2011 16:23 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: tman]
siberia37
old hand

Registered: 09/01/2002
Posts: 702
Loc: Tacoma,WA
You could also resort to an Ikea solution: LackRack.

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#342012 - 07/02/2011 16:43 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: siberia37]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
Originally Posted By: tman
Originally Posted By: Dignan
That's how the guy installed all the switches, so I would have thought he'd try that on the router too. I think he stopped because there wasn't any mounting stuff included in the box...

It should be included according to Cisco. I've not used a 2921 but the 2951s and 2911s I've used have always come with the kit in the box.

Interesting! I didn't see that in the box.

But the problem with those and with the mounting holes in general is that they're in a rectangular pattern, not square. The switches were in a square, so rotating the mounting brackets was possible, even though the switches weren't intended for wall mounting either. It doesn't look like I'd be able to rotate the mounting brackets even if they were included...

Originally Posted By: siberia37
You could also resort to an Ikea solution: LackRack.

Heh, I like it, but I'd then have to saw the legs off and find a way to mount the table to the wall. I'd rather just mount the router directly smile
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Matt

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#342015 - 07/02/2011 16:48 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: Dignan]
hybrid8
carpal tunnel

Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
Use only two holes on each bracket Matt. It'll be plenty strong enough with 2 -4 brackets used. Then in the wall, use toggle anchors, or hit a stud if you can. Nothing is going to bring that thing down off the wall.
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Bruno
Twisted Melon : Fine Mac OS Software

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#342017 - 07/02/2011 16:50 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: Dignan]
tman
carpal tunnel

Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
Originally Posted By: Dignan
But the problem with those and with the mounting holes in general is that they're in a rectangular pattern, not square. The switches were in a square, so rotating the mounting brackets was possible, even though the switches weren't intended for wall mounting either. It doesn't look like I'd be able to rotate the mounting brackets even if they were included...

I was thinking of putting L brackets on the wall and then hanging the router off those by the rackmount ears which you attach normally. That way it doesn't matter what arrangement the actual attachment holes are on the router because you only care that the rackmount ears will fit which they should do as its a Cisco part.

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#342021 - 07/02/2011 17:01 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: tman]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
Originally Posted By: tman
Originally Posted By: Dignan
But the problem with those and with the mounting holes in general is that they're in a rectangular pattern, not square. The switches were in a square, so rotating the mounting brackets was possible, even though the switches weren't intended for wall mounting either. It doesn't look like I'd be able to rotate the mounting brackets even if they were included...

I was thinking of putting L brackets on the wall and then hanging the router off those by the rackmount ears which you attach normally. That way it doesn't matter what arrangement the actual attachment holes are on the router because you only care that the rackmount ears will fit which they should do as its a Cisco part.

Ohhh, I see what you're saying now. That sounds like a pretty good idea... Now I just need to see if the brackets are included...
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Matt

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#342022 - 07/02/2011 17:03 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: Dignan]
wfaulk
carpal tunnel

Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
Well, if you already have rackmount equipment, and you can find the ears, then you're good to go, but I thought I would point out that most Cisco equipment I've worked with has had the ability to mount the ears on the device rotated 90° specifically so that you can mount it directly on a wall.
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Bitt Faulk

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#342027 - 07/02/2011 17:14 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: hybrid8]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
Originally Posted By: wfaulk
Well, if you already have rackmount equipment, and you can find the ears, then you're good to go, but I thought I would point out that most Cisco equipment I've worked with has had the ability to mount the ears on the device rotated 90° specifically so that you can mount it directly on a wall.

Yeah, and that's what I got with the switches, but as you can see in the guide Trevor linked to, the brackets are rectangular.

Originally Posted By: hybrid8
Use only two holes on each bracket Matt. It'll be plenty strong enough with 2 -4 brackets used.

I'd be fine with two holes, but the brackets are rectangular, so wouldn't that mean only one hole would be usable?
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Matt

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#342029 - 07/02/2011 17:15 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: wfaulk]
tman
carpal tunnel

Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
Originally Posted By: wfaulk
Well, if you already have rackmount equipment, and you can find the ears, then you're good to go, but I thought I would point out that most Cisco equipment I've worked with has had the ability to mount the ears on the device rotated 90° specifically so that you can mount it directly on a wall.

The 2921 and 2951 have a rectangular arrangement for the rackmount attachment holes and doesn't support turning the brackets 90 degrees. The smaller 1U 2900s do let you do that however.

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#342030 - 07/02/2011 17:16 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: Dignan]
hybrid8
carpal tunnel

Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
That's what a drill is for Matt. But even a single hole on 4 brackets would be plenty.

When I made my initial suggestion, I assumed you didn't have the rack-mont parts, so I specifically didn't mention using/repurposing them. Lots of other angles available at the hardware store though.
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Bruno
Twisted Melon : Fine Mac OS Software

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#342031 - 07/02/2011 17:16 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: wfaulk]
andym
carpal tunnel

Registered: 17/01/2002
Posts: 3995
Loc: Manchester UK
Assuming you have the ears, I'd look at using this:

http://www.racksolutions.co.uk/server-racks/wall-mount-racks/wall-racks.html


Attachments
wall-mount-brackets-3v.jpg


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Cheers,

Andy M

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#342033 - 07/02/2011 17:21 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: andym]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
Ooo, those look perfect. Damn, now I need to drive into the city tomorrow to see if the mounting brackets are included...
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Matt

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#342035 - 07/02/2011 17:24 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: Dignan]
hybrid8
carpal tunnel

Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
Keep in mind that 2 steel L brackets from the hardware store will probably cost you $3 and work perfectly well for a single router as Trevor suggested.
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Bruno
Twisted Melon : Fine Mac OS Software

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#342036 - 07/02/2011 17:40 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: hybrid8]
andym
carpal tunnel

Registered: 17/01/2002
Posts: 3995
Loc: Manchester UK
Originally Posted By: hybrid8
Keep in mind that 2 steel L brackets from the hardware store will probably cost you $3 and work perfectly well for a single router as Trevor suggested.

Obviously.

If I were doing the job for myself I'd go to the local hardware store. However if I tried that at work, our group IT manager would probably pop a nut given the value of the Cisco CPE that it would be supporting.
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Cheers,

Andy M

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#342037 - 07/02/2011 17:45 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: andym]
tman
carpal tunnel

Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
I'm curious as to why you've got a 2921 though. What WAN connection do you have? Any features enabled?

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#342040 - 07/02/2011 18:14 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: tman]
hybrid8
carpal tunnel

Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
Oh, if billing someone else for it, just go the dedicated vertical rack like Andy suggested. I thought this was for Matt's own personal install.
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Bruno
Twisted Melon : Fine Mac OS Software

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#342042 - 07/02/2011 18:59 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: hybrid8]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
Originally Posted By: tman
I'm curious as to why you've got a 2921 though. What WAN connection do you have? Any features enabled?

Honestly in the end I didn't pick the model. For the WAN we'll be using two 50/10Mbps Comcast cable connections.

Originally Posted By: hybrid8
Oh, if billing someone else for it, just go the dedicated vertical rack like Andy suggested. I thought this was for Matt's own personal install.

If I had that much money I'd buy a Xoom. wink
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Matt

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#342044 - 07/02/2011 19:37 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: Dignan]
tman
carpal tunnel

Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
Originally Posted By: Dignan
Honestly in the end I didn't pick the model. For the WAN we'll be using two 50/10Mbps Comcast cable connections.

Ah. There are better options out there if you're just doing that and the WAN side presented as just regular ethernet but as it wasn't your decision there isn't much you can do about it. What feature set do you have enabled for the 2921? You going to have to configure it or do you have a Cisco person?

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#342046 - 07/02/2011 19:41 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: Dignan]
tman
carpal tunnel

Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
Originally Posted By: Dignan
If I had that much money I'd buy a Xoom. wink

Nah. You'd buy an Xoom, Antrix and the two docks separately wink

The Xoom is just stupid. $800 so its even more than an iPad and to enable WiFi, you have to subscribe for at least 1 month to a data plan! Okay, the feature set isn't the same when compared to an iPad but most consumers aren't going to look that closely at the specs.

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#342051 - 07/02/2011 20:05 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: tman]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
Originally Posted By: tman
Originally Posted By: Dignan
Honestly in the end I didn't pick the model. For the WAN we'll be using two 50/10Mbps Comcast cable connections.

Ah. There are better options out there if you're just doing that and the WAN side presented as just regular ethernet but as it wasn't your decision there isn't much you can do about it. What feature set do you have enabled for the 2921? You going to have to configure it or do you have a Cisco person?

Unfortunately I'm going to have to configure it myself and I'm a little nervous because I haven't dealt with this level of networking before smile

Fortunately I don't want to do anything extremely fancy. I want to do whatever I can to make the network solid and if you have tips on how to secure it against a dumb kid plugging in a router incorrectly that would be great. I'll be doing some QoS to limit the P2P stuff too.

One thing I'm not certain about is the wireless access points. The customer and the architect didn't listen to me very well and decided that, in the four floors of living space, they wanted a total of seven APs. How on earth do I configure that? Should the all have the same SSID? Should they all be on the same channel or different ones? Should I just disconnect half of them and not tell anyone? smile
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Matt

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#342054 - 07/02/2011 20:19 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: Dignan]
drakino
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/06/1999
Posts: 7868
Same SSID, same security, different channels. Assuming they all connect to the same LAN, this allows clients to roam between access points.

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#342055 - 07/02/2011 20:23 Re: Wall-mounting a large router [Re: siberia37]
Taym
carpal tunnel

Registered: 18/06/2001
Posts: 2504
Loc: Roma, Italy
Originally Posted By: siberia37
You could also resort to an Ikea solution: LackRack.
That's so good to know! I've had Lack tables around forever, and never noticed it is standard rack-size wide! smile
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MK2a #040103216 * 100Gb *All/Colors* Radio * 3.0a11 * Hijack = taympeg

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