Includes redundant fan tray and dual power supply slots.
Chassis Base
WS-C4510R
5.0
Standard fan tray, standard power supply slots.
Supervisor Module
C45-SUP… (e.g., C45-SUP6-LE)
0.5
Each supervisor module adds significant weight.
Line Card Module
C45-1Gb, C45-10Gb, etc.
1.2
Weight varies slightly by card density and type.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
C45-1200W, C45-2500W, etc.
1.5
Heavier models and more units increase total weight.
Fan Tray
WS-C4510-FAN-T, etc.
0.8
Standard and redundant fan trays have slightly different weights.
What is Cisco Chassis 4510 Weight Calculation? The Cisco Chassis 4510 Weight Calculation refers to the process of determining the total physical weight of a Cisco Catalyst 4510 modular chassis by summing the weights of its individual components: the base chassis, installed supervisor modules, line card modules, power supply units (PSUs), and fan trays. This calculation is crucial for network engineers, data center technicians, and IT professionals when planning for rack space, structural load-bearing capacities, shipping logistics, and physical installation procedures within network closets or data centers. Understanding the exact weight ensures that equipment racks can safely support the deployed hardware, preventing potential structural issues or safety hazards. It helps in verifying equipment specifications against the requirements of the installation environment, especially in high-density deployments where every kilogram counts. Network administrators also use this information for inventory management and to ensure they have the correct handling equipment available.
Cisco Chassis 4510 Weight Calculator: Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The Cisco Chassis 4510 weight calculation is a straightforward additive formula. It takes into account the fixed weight of the base chassis and then adds the weighted contribution of each type of module installed. The formula is represented as:
Total Weight = (Chassis Base Weight) + (Number of Supervisors * Supervisor Module Weight) + (Number of Line Cards * Line Card Module Weight) + (Number of PSUs * Power Supply Unit Weight) + (Number of Fan Trays * Fan Tray Weight)
Variable Explanations and Table
Each component in the Cisco Catalyst 4510 chassis contributes to the overall weight. The variables used in the calculation are defined below:
Cisco Chassis 4510 Weight Variables
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range / Values
Chassis Base Weight
The inherent weight of the empty Cisco Catalyst 4510 chassis, including its frame and backplane.
kg
5.0 kg to 5.8 kg (depending on model: WS-C4510R vs. WS-C4510R-E)
Supervisor Module Weight
The weight of a single installed supervisor engine module.
kg
~0.5 kg per module
Line Card Module Weight
The weight of a single installed line card (or interface module).
kg
~1.2 kg per module (varies by port density and speed)
Power Supply Unit (PSU) Weight
The weight of a single installed power supply unit.
kg
~1.5 kg per PSU (varies by wattage)
Fan Tray Weight
The weight of a single installed fan tray assembly.
kg
~0.8 kg per tray
Number of Supervisors
Count of installed supervisor modules (typically 0, 1, or 2).
Unitless
0, 1, 2
Number of Line Cards
Count of installed line card modules (up to 8 slots).
Unitless
0 to 8
Number of PSUs
Count of installed power supply units (typically 2, 3, or 4 for 4510R).
Unitless
2, 3, 4
Number of Fan Trays
Count of installed fan trays (typically 2 or 3).
Unitless
2, 3
Practical Examples of Cisco Chassis 4510 Weight Calculation
Let's illustrate the Cisco Chassis 4510 weight calculation with a couple of realistic scenarios:
Example 1: High-Density Deployment
A network engineer is deploying a Cisco Catalyst 4510R-E chassis in a data center rack. The configuration includes:
Chassis Model: WS-C4510R-E
Supervisor Modules: 2
Line Card Modules: 8 (mix of 1Gb and 10Gb)
Power Supply Units: 4 (high wattage)
Fan Trays: 3 (redundant)
Calculation using approximate weights:
Base Chassis (WS-C4510R-E): 5.8 kg
Supervisors: 2 * 0.5 kg = 1.0 kg
Line Cards: 8 * 1.2 kg = 9.6 kg
PSUs: 4 * 1.5 kg = 6.0 kg
Fan Trays: 3 * 0.8 kg = 2.4 kg
Total Estimated Weight: 5.8 + 1.0 + 9.6 + 6.0 + 2.4 = 24.8 kg
Interpretation: This configuration is quite heavy. The engineer must ensure the rack can support over 25 kg for this single chassis, plus other equipment. Proper lifting equipment might be necessary for installation.
Example 2: Core Distribution with Minimal Configuration
A network team is setting up a Cisco Catalyst 4510R chassis for a building distribution layer. The configuration is:
Chassis Model: WS-C4510R
Supervisor Modules: 2
Line Card Modules: 3 (only 1Gb interfaces needed)
Power Supply Units: 2 (standard wattage)
Fan Trays: 2
Calculation using approximate weights:
Base Chassis (WS-C4510R): 5.0 kg
Supervisors: 2 * 0.5 kg = 1.0 kg
Line Cards: 3 * 1.2 kg = 3.6 kg
PSUs: 2 * 1.5 kg = 3.0 kg
Fan Trays: 2 * 0.8 kg = 1.6 kg
Total Estimated Weight: 5.0 + 1.0 + 3.6 + 3.0 + 1.6 = 14.2 kg
Interpretation: This configuration is significantly lighter. While still requiring careful handling, it poses less of a structural load concern for standard racks. This lighter weight is beneficial for easier installation and potentially allows for higher density of other equipment in the same rack.
How to Use the Cisco Chassis 4510 Weight Calculator
Using our Cisco Chassis 4510 Weight Calculator is simple and designed for quick, accurate results. Follow these steps:
Select Chassis Model: Choose your specific 4510 chassis model from the dropdown (e.g., WS-C4510R-E or WS-C4510R). This sets the base chassis weight.
Enter Supervisor Count: Input the number of supervisor modules you have installed. This is typically 2 for redundancy, but could be 0 or 1 if not fully populated.
Enter Line Card Count: Specify the number of line card modules currently in the chassis. The maximum is 8.
Select PSU Count: Choose the number of power supply units installed. The 4510R typically supports 2, 3, or 4 depending on the model and power needs.
Select Fan Tray Count: Indicate the number of fan trays installed. This is usually 2 or 3.
Calculate Weight: Click the "Calculate Weight" button.
Reading the Results
The calculator will display:
Total Estimated Weight: The primary result, shown prominently in kilograms (kg).
Component Weights: Individual breakdowns for the base chassis, supervisors, line cards, PSUs, and fan trays, showing their contribution to the total weight.
Formula Explanation: A clear statement of the calculation method used.
Weight Distribution Chart: A visual pie chart illustrating the percentage contribution of each component type to the total weight.
Component Weight Table: A detailed table providing approximate weights for various Cisco 4510 components for reference.
Decision-Making Guidance
The calculated weight is essential for:
Rack Planning: Ensuring your equipment rack has adequate weight capacity and proper mounting points.
Physical Installation: Determining if specialized lifting equipment or multiple personnel are needed to safely move and install the chassis.
Shipping and Logistics: Estimating shipping costs and handling requirements.
Data Center Design: Verifying compliance with floor load ratings and environmental specifications.
Key Factors That Affect Cisco Chassis 4510 Weight Results
While the calculation itself is straightforward, several factors influence the accuracy and importance of the resulting Cisco Chassis 4510 weight:
Chassis Model Variant: As seen, the WS-C4510R-E is slightly heavier than the standard WS-C4510R due to its redundant power supply and fan tray housing. Always select the correct base model.
Module Density and Type: Higher port-density line cards (e.g., 48-port 1GbE) or specialized modules might weigh more than lower-density ones. While the calculator uses an average, specific datasheets should be consulted for exact figures if precision is paramount.
Power Supply Wattage: Higher wattage PSUs, needed for more power-hungry configurations, are often physically larger and heavier. The calculator assumes a typical PSU weight, but this can vary.
Number of Installed Components: The most direct impact comes from the quantity of each module. Each additional supervisor, line card, PSU, or fan tray adds its specific weight.
Redundant vs. Non-Redundant Configurations: The choice between redundant supervisors, PSUs, and fan trays significantly increases the component count and thus the total weight. The calculator accounts for the number, not necessarily the redundancy feature itself directly, but the feature implies more components.
Environmental Factors (Indirect): While not directly affecting the hardware's weight, factors like extreme heat (requiring more powerful, potentially heavier, cooling solutions in the room) or the need for reinforced racks in high-seismic zones indirectly tie into the importance of accurate weight data for overall infrastructure planning.
Shipping Materials: When considering shipping, the weight of packaging, crates, or pallets must be added to the hardware weight for a complete logistical picture.
Internal vs. External Components: The calculator focuses on internal hardware weight. External cabling, transceivers, and mounting brackets add further weight and bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the approximate weight of a Cisco Catalyst 4510 chassis?
The base weight of the Cisco Catalyst 4510 chassis ranges from about 5.0 kg (WS-C4510R) to 5.8 kg (WS-C4510R-E). This does not include any installed modules.
Do all line cards for the 4510 chassis weigh the same?
No, while our calculator uses an average approximation (~1.2 kg), line cards can vary slightly in weight depending on their port density and type (e.g., Ethernet, Fiber, specific speeds).
How much does a Cisco 4510 power supply weigh?
A typical Cisco 4510 power supply unit (PSU) weighs around 1.5 kg. Higher wattage PSUs might be slightly heavier.
Is the weight different for the WS-C4510R vs. WS-C4510R-E?
Yes, the WS-C4510R-E is slightly heavier due to its design accommodating redundant fan trays and power supplies. The base weight difference is approximately 0.8 kg.
Can I install more than 8 line cards in a 4510 chassis?
No, the Cisco Catalyst 4510 chassis has a maximum of 8 line card slots.
What are the typical number of PSUs and fan trays for a 4510R?
The 4510R typically uses 2 or more PSUs for redundancy and power, and 2 or 3 fan trays for cooling. The WS-C4510R-E model specifically comes with slots for redundant components.
How does the weight calculation help in data center planning?
Accurate weight data is crucial for ensuring equipment racks can safely support the total load, preventing structural damage, and planning for safe physical installation, especially in high-density environments. It also informs shipping and logistics considerations.
Where can I find the exact weight specifications for specific Cisco 4510 modules?
For precise weights, consult the official Cisco datasheets for the specific chassis model and the individual module part numbers (e.g., supervisor module datasheet, line card datasheet).