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This preface describes about this guide, conventions, and related documentation. It also provides information on how to obtain other documentation.
This document uses the following conventions for notes, cautions, and safety warnings. Notes and cautions contain important information that you should know.
| Means reader take note. Notes contain helpful suggestions or references to material not covered in the manual. | |
| Means reader be careful. Cautions contain information about something you might do that could result in equipment damage or loss of data. |
Safety warnings appear throughout this guide in procedures that, if performed incorrectly, can cause physical injuries. A warning symbol precedes each warning statement.
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See Figure 1.
The Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller provides centralized control, management, and troubleshooting for high-scale deployments in service provider and large campus deployments. It offers flexibility to support multiple deployment modes in the same controller: for example, centralized mode for campus, Cisco FlexConnect mode for lean branches managed over the WAN, and mesh (bridge) mode for deployments where full Ethernet cabling is unavailable. As a component of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network, this controller provides real-time communications between Cisco Aironet access points, the Cisco Prime Infrastructure, and the Cisco Mobility Services Engine, and is interoperable with other Cisco controllers.
For more information about features and benefits, see the Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller Data Sheet.

| Table 1: Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller Features | |
| Feature | Description |
| Chassis Height | Two rack-unit (2RU) |
| Throughput | 40 Gbps |
| AP Support | 6000 |
| Client Support | 64000 |
| Data Ports | 4x SFP+ |
| Storage | Dual SSD with Hardware RAID |
| Storage Temperature | –40 to 149°F (–40 to 65°C) |
| Operating Temperature | 41 to 104°F (5 to 40°C) |
| Operating Humidity | 10 – 90% (noncondensing) |
| Power Options | 1200 W AC, 930 W DC Redundant PSUs |
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller supports several buttons, LED indicators, and a KVM connector on the front panel. See Figure 2

| 1 | Power button/power status LED | 5 | Temperature status LED |
| 2 | Locator (Unit identification) button LED | 6 | Power supply status LED |
| 3 | System status LED | 7 | Network link activity LED (this indicates the network activity only on Service port, RP port, and CIMC port) |
| 4 | Fan status LED | 8 | KVM connector (used with KVM cable that provides two USB 2.0, one VGA, and one serial connector) |
Front Panel LEDs Definitions of States
| Table 2: Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller Front Panel LEDs, Definitions of States | ||
| LED Name | Function | State |
| Power Button | Indicates the system power status | Off—System power is off Amber On—Soft off Green On—System power is on |
| Locator (Unit Identification) Button | A Unit Identify push button with integrated LED is available on the front panel and rear panel. Each press on the button toggles between active and non-active states | Off—The unit identification function is not in use Blue—The unit identification function is activated |
| System Status | Indicates the overall system health | Green On—System is in normal operating condition Amber On—System is in a degraded operational state Amber Blinking—Critical Fault State |
| Fan Status | Indicates the fan health | Green On—Fans are operating and no error condition has been detected Amber On—Fans are in a degraded operational state. One of N fans has a fault Amber Blinking—Critical fault state. Two or more fans have a fault |
| Temperature Status | Indicates whether or not the system is operating within acceptable temperature limits. | Green On—System is operating at normal temperature Amber On—One or more temperature sensors reaches UCR threshold Amber Blinking—One or more temperature sensors reaches UNR threshold |
| Power Supply Status | Indicates the functioning of the power supply | Green On—AC power supplies are operating and no error condition has been detected Amber On—One or more power supplies are in a degraded operational state Amber Blinking—One or more power supplies are in a critical fault state |
| Network Link Activity | Indicates the network activity only on Service port, RP port, and CIMC port | Green On—Link on any of the ports, but no activity Green Blinking—Activity on any of the ports |
Front Panel KVM Break-out Connector
A single female connector provides access to video, two USB ports for keyboard and mouse, and an RS-232C console serial port. An external breakout connector to industry standard interfaces is required.
The following figure shows an example cable.

The interfaces for the cable are as follows:

See Figure 3
| 1 | Two Type A 3.0 USB ports | 5 | Redundancy Port (RP) |
| 2 | CIMC port 10/100/1000 Base-T | 6 |
|
| 3 | SerialCOM Connector—Standard RS-232 Serial COM port using RJ-45 connector | 7 | ID Switch and LED |
| 4 | Ethernet Service Port (SP)—Management 10/100/1000 Base-T |

See Figure 4 for Rear Panel SFP Ports and LEDs
| 1 | 10 G | 4 | Port-n Link Activity |
| 2 | Pwr OK | 5 | Four 1/10 G SFP/SFP+ Ports |
| 3 | Port-n Link Status |
Rear Panel LEDs Definitions of States
| Table 3: Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller Rear Panel LEDs, Definitions of States | ||
| LED Name | Function | State |
| Pwr OK | — | Amber On—Power is good |
| 10 G | — | Amber On—10 G mode Amber Off—1 G mode |
| Port-n Link Status | — | Green On—Link is up in 10 GbE mode Amber On—Link is up in 1 GbE mode Off—Link status is down |
| Port-n Link Activity | — | Green blinking—Link activity |
| Service Port and Redundancy Port LED (present on the port) | Interface Port Speed (the left LED on the port) | Off—Link Speed = 10 Mbps Amber On—Link Speed = 100 Mbps Green On—Link Speed = 1 Gbps |
| Interface Port Status (the right LED on the port) | Off—No link Green On—Link Blinking—Traffic present | |
Setting up the CIMC Interface
Perform these tasks to set up the CIMC interface:
Note You can also set up CIMC via console during bootup from power reset. You can use the F8 key to configure the CIMC.
Note CIMC web interface is for advanced debugging for TAC and escalation use only. Changing of settings in the CIMC by customers can cause adverse impact on controller software and functionality.
Switching Between 10 G and 1 G
Note
We do not recommend a mix of 1G and 10G SFPs. In case they are different, port 1 SFP determines the mode of operation and functionality on the other SFPs may not work. The SFP/SFP+ must be MSA-compliant for the units to configure the 1G/10G modes correctly.
| Table 4: Functionality of Cisco 8540 WLC when OIR occurs | |||||
| Hot Swap of SFP/SFP+ | Port1 | Port2 | Port3 | Port4 | Remarks |
| 1G to 1G | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Cisco 8540 WLC requires reboot for Port1 OIR in 1G |
| 1G to 10G | No | No | No | No | Cisco 8540 WLC requires reboot between 1G and 10G |
| 10G to 1G | No | No | No | No | Cisco 8540 WLC requires reboot between 10G and 1G |
| 10G to 10G | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No reboot required |
SFP Support
Network ports for Cisco 8540 Wireless Controllers support the following Cisco SFP/SFP+ modules:
Note
* Needs GLC-T on Port 1.
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller has a minimal amount of separate orderable items, including all of the following:
References
Note
Only HDD01 and HDD02 drives on the 8-drive version are applicable to Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller.
This chapter describes how to install the controller.
When handling internal controller components, wear an ESD strap and handle modules by the carrier edges only.
Tip
Keep the shipping container in case the controller requires shipping in the future.
Note
The chassis is thoroughly inspected before shipment. If any damage occurred during transportation or any items are missing, contact your customer service representative immediately.
This section provides information about preparing for controller installation.
Read the installation instructions before using, installing or connecting the system to the power source Statement 1004
This product relies on the building's installation for short-circuit (overcurrent) protection. Ensure that the protective device is rated not greater than: 20A. Statement 1005
The plug-socket combination must be accessible at all times, because it serves as the main disconnecting device.Statement 1019
A readily accessible two-poled disconnect device must be incorporated in the fixed wiring. This is applicable to systems with DC power supply only. Statement 1022
This equipment must be grounded. Never defeat the ground conductor or operate the equipment in the absence of a suitably installed ground conductor. Contact the appropriate electrical inspection authority or an electrician if you are uncertain that suitable grounding is available. Statement 1024
This unit might have more than one power supply connection. All connections must be removed to de-energize the unit.Statement 1028
Only trained and qualified personnel should be allowed to install, replace, or service this equipment.Statement 1030
Ultimate disposal of this product should be handled according to all national laws and regulations.Statement 1040
To prevent the system from overheating, do not operate it in an area that exceeds the maximum recommended ambient temperature of: 40°C (104°F). Statement 1047
Invisible Laser Radiation. Do not expose users of telescopic optics. Class 1/1M Laser Products. Statement 1055

Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from the end of the unterminated fiber cable or connector. Do not view directly with optical instruments. Viewing the laser output with certain optical instruments (for example, eye loupes, magnifiers, and microscopes) within a distance of 100 mm may pose an eye hazard. Statement 1056
| Fiber type and Core diameter (μm) | Wavelength (nm) | Max. Power (mW) |
| SM 11 | 1200-1400 | 39 - 50 |
| MM 62.5 | 1200-1400 | 150 |
| MM 50 | 1200-1400 | 135 |
| SM 11 | 1400-1600 | 112 - 145 |
Installation of the equipment must comply with local and national electrical codes.Statement 1074
Pluggable optical modules comply with IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3 and 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 with or without exception for conformance with IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3 as described in Laser Notice No. 56, dated May 8, 2019. Statement 1255
To ensure proper airflow it is necessary to rack the controllers using rail kits. Physically placing the units on top of one another or "stacking" without the use of the rail kits blocks the air vents on top of the controllers, which could result in overheating, higher fan speeds, and higher power consumption. We recommend that you mount your controllers on rail kits when you are installing them into the rack because these rails provide the minimal spacing required between the controllers. No additional spacing between the controllers is required when you mount the units using rail kits.
Avoid UPS types that use ferroresonant technology. These UPS types can become unstable with systems such as the Cisco UCS, which can have substantial current draw fluctuations from fluctuating data traffic patterns.
This section provides the requirements for the standard open racks.
The rack must be of the following type:
The slide rails supplied by Cisco Systems for this controller do not require tools for installation if you install them in a rack that has square 0.38-inch (9.6 mm), round 0.28-inch (7.1 mm), or #12-24 UNC threaded holes.
The slide rails for this controller have an adjustment range of 26 to 36 inches (660 to 914 mm).
This section describes how to install the controller in a rack using the rack kits that are sold by Cisco.
To prevent bodily injury when mounting or servicing this unit in a rack, you must take special precautions to ensure that the system remains stable. The following guidelines are provided to ensure your safety:
This unit should be mounted at the bottom of the rack if it is the only unit in the rack.
When mounting this unit in a partially filled rack, load the rack from the bottom to the top with the heaviest component at the bottom of the rack.
If the rack is provided with stabilizing devices, install the stabilizers before mounting or servicing the unit in the rack.
Statement 1006
| 1 | Front of controller | 2 | Locking clip on inner rail |
| 1 | Front mounting pegs | 3 | Securing plate shown pulled back to open position |
| 2 | Rack post |
This controller can weigh up to 44 pounds (approximately 20 kilograms) when fully loaded with components. We recommend that you use a minimum of two people or a mechanical lift when lifting the controller. Attempting this procedure alone could result in personal injury or equipment damage.
| 1 | Inner rail release clip | 3 | Outer rail attached to rack post |
| 2 | Inner rail attached to controller |
(Optional)
Note
The CMA is reversible left to right. To reverse the CMA, see Reversing the Cable Management Arm before installation.

| 1 | CMA tab on arm farthest from controller and end of stationary outer slide rail | 3 | CMA tab on width-adjustment slider and end of stationary outer slide rail |
| 2 | CMA tab on arm closest to the controller and end of inner slide rail attached to controller | 4 | Rear of controller |
(Optional)

| 1 | CMA tab on end of width-adjustment slider | 2 | Metal button for rotating |
For instructions on performing initial setup of controller, see the Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller Deployment Guide.
The BIOS and Cisco IMC firmware need not be upgraded when you first bring up the unit.
When you upgrade the BIOS firmware, you must also upgrade the Cisco IMC firmware to the same version or the controller does not boot. Do not power off the controller until the BIOS and Cisco IMC firmware are matching or the controller does not boot.
Cisco provides the Cisco Host Upgrade Utility to assist with simultaneously upgrading the BIOS, Cisco IMC, and other firmware to compatible levels.
After the firmware is upgraded, do not reset the system to factory default. Doing so will delete the initial BIOS setup and boot orders.
The controller uses firmware obtained from and certified by Cisco. Cisco provides release notes with each firmware image.
The only supported method to update the firmware is using the Cisco Host Upgrade Utility.
You can change the BIOS settings for your controller. Detailed instructions are also printed on the BIOS screens.
| Physical Specifications | |
| Table 5: Physical Specifications for the Controller | |
| Description | Specification |
| Height | 3.4 in. (8.70 cm) |
| Width (including slam latches) | 19.0 in. (48.26 cm) |
| Depth | 29.0 in. (73.70 cm) |
| Depth, including slam latches and power supply handles | 31.5 in. (80.00 cm) |
| Maximum Weight (fully loaded) | SFF 8-drive: 52.9 lb. (24.0 Kg) |
| Power Specifications | |
| 1200 W AC Power Supply Table 6: 1200 W AC Power Supply Specifications | |
| Description | Specification |
| AC input voltage range | 90 to 264 VAC (self-ranging, 180 to 264 VAC nominal) |
| AC input frequency | Range: 47 to 63 Hz (single phase, 50 to 60Hz nominal) |
| AC line input current (steady state) | 11A peak at 100 VAC 7 A peak at 208 VAC |
| Maximum output power for each power supply | 1200 W |
| Power supply output voltage | Main power: 12 VDC Standby power: 12 VDC |
| 930 W DC Power Supply Table 7: 930 W DC Power Supply Specifications | |
| Description | Specification |
| Class | RSP1 |
| Input | |
| DC input voltage range | –48 to –60 VDC nominal (self-ranging, –40 to –72 VDC) |
| DC line input current (steady state) | 23 A peak at –48 VDC |
| Output | |
| 12 V main power output | 930 W |
| 12 V standby power output | 30 W |
| Power supply output voltage | Main power: 12 VDC Standby power: 12 VDC |
| Environmental Specifications Table 8: Environmental Specifications for the Controller | |
| Description | Specification |
| Temperature, operating | 41° to 95°F (5° to 35°C) Derate the maximum temperature by 1°C per every 305 meters of altitude above sea level |
| Temperature, nonoperating (when the controller is in storage or is transported) | –40° to 149°F (–40° to 65°C) |
| Humidity (RH), noncondensing | 10 to 90% |
| Altitude, operating | 0 to 10,000 feet |
| Altitude, nonoperating (when the controller is in storage or is transported) | 0 to 40,000 feet |
| Sound power level Measure A-weighted per ISO7779 LwAd (Bels) Operation at 73°F (23°C) | 5.8 |
| Sound pressure level Measure A-weighted per ISO7779 LpAm (dBA) Operation at 73°F (23°C) | 43 |
Supported Power Cords and Plugs
Each power supply has a separate power cord. Standard power cords or jumper power cords are available for connection to the controller. The jumper power cords, for use in racks, are available as an optional alternative to the standard power cords.
Note
Only the approved power cords or jumper power cords provided with the controller are supported.
Table 9: Supported Power Cords for the Controller lists the power cords for the controller power supplies.
| Table 9: Supported Power Cords for the Controller | |||
| Description | Feet | Meters | Power Cord Reference Illustration |
| SFS-250V-10A-AR Power Cord, 250 VAC 10 A IRAM 2073 Plug, Argentina | 8.2 | 2.5 | Figure SFS-250V-10A-AR. |
| CAB-9K10A-AU 250 VAC 10 A 3112 Plug, Australia | 8.2 | 2.5 | Figure CAB-9K10A-AU. |
| SFS-250V-10A-CN Power Cord, 250 VAC 10 A GB 2009 Plug China | 8.2 | 2.5 | Figure SFS-250V-10A-CN. |
| CAB-9K10A-EU Power Cord, 250 VAC 10 A M 2511 Plug Europe | 8.2 | 2.5 | Figure CAB-9K10A-EU. |
| SFS-250V-10A-ID Power Cord, 250 VAC 16A EL-208 Plug South Africa, United Arab Emirates, India | 8.2 | 2.5 | Figure SFS-250V-10A-ID. |
| SFS-250V-10A-IS Power Cord, 250 VAC 10 A SI32 Plug Israel | 8.2 | 2.5 | Figure SFS-250V-10A-IS. |
| CAB-9K10A-IT Power Cord, 250 VAC 10 A CEI 23-16 Plug Italy | 8.2 | 2.5 | Figure CAB-9K10A-IT. |
| CAB-9K10A-SW Power Cord, 250 VAC 10 A MP232 Plug Switzerland | 8.2 | 2.5 | Figure CAB-9K10A-SW. |
| CAB-9K10A-UK Power Cord, 250 VAC 10 A BS1363 Plug (13 A fuse) United Kingdom | 8.2 | 2.5 | Figure CAB-9K10A-UK. |
| CAB-AC-250V/13A Power Cord, 250 VAC 13 A IEC60320 Plug North America | 6.6 | 2.0 | Figure CAB-AC-250V/13A. |
| CAB-N5K6A-NA Power Cord, 250 VAC 13 A NEMA 6-15 Plug, North America | 8.2 | 2.5 | Figure CAB-N5K6A-NA. |
| CAB-9K12A-NA Power cord, 125 VAC, 13 A, NEMA 5-15 Plug North America | 8.2 | 2.5 | Figure CAB-9K12A-NA. |
| CAB-C13-CBN Cabinet Jumper Power Cord, 250 VAC 10 A, C13-C14 Connectors | 2.2 | 0.68 | Figure CAB-C13-CBN, Jumper Power Cord (0.68 m). |
| CAB-C13-C14-2M Cabinet Jumper Power Cord, 250 VAC 10 A, C13-C14 Connectors | 6.6 | 2.0 | Figure CAB-C13-C14-2M, Jumper Power Cord (2 m). |
| CAB-C13-C14-AC Cabinet Jumper Power Cord, 250 VAC 10 A, C13-C14 Connectors | 9.8 | 3.0 | Figure CAB-C13-C14-AC, Jumper Power Cord (3 m). |
AC Power Cord Illustrations
This section includes the AC power cord illustrations. See Figure 10: SFS-250V-10A-AR to Figure 24: CAB-C13-C14-AC, Jumper Power Cord (3 m)






This warning symbol means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury. Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and be familiar with standard practices for preventing accidents. Use the statement number provided at the end of each warning to locate its translation in the translated safety warnings that accompanied this device.
Statement 1071
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Americas Headquarters
Cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-1706
USA
http://www.cisco.com
Tel: 408 526-4000
800 553-NETS (6387)
Fax: 408 527-0883
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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