Maintaining Expansion Module in an EX4550 Switch
Removing an Expansion Module from an EX4550 Switch
The expansion modules in EX4550 switches are hot-removable and hot-insertable field-replaceable units (FRUs): You can remove and replace them without powering off the switch or disrupting switch functions.
Before you begin removing an expansion module from the switch:
Ensure that you have taken the necessary precautions to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage (see Prevention of Electrostatic Discharge Damage).
If there are any transceivers installed in the expansion module, remove them before you remove the expansion module. For instructions on removing transceivers, see Remove a Transceiver.
Ensure that you have the following parts and tools available:
ESD grounding strap
Phillips screwdriver, number 2
A replacement optional module or cover panel
An antistatic bag or antistatic mat
We recommend that you install either a replacement optional module or a cover panel in the empty module slot to avoid chassis overheating and dust accumulation.
- Attach the ESD grounding strap to your bare wrist, and connect the strap to the ESD point on the chassis.
- Unscrew both captive screws on the faceplate of the expansion module by using your fingers. If you are unable to unscrew the captive screws by using your fingers, use the screwdriver.
- Hold both the captive screws and gently pull the expansion module outward and out of the module slot.
- Place the expansion module in an antistatic bag or on an antistatic mat placed on a flat, stable surface.
- If you are not replacing the expansion module with an
optional module, install the cover panel over the slot.
Note After you have removed an expansion module, wait for at least 5 seconds before you install an expansion module. If you do not wait for at least 5 seconds, the interfaces on the expansion module might not come up.
Figure 1 shows removing an SFP+ expansion module from the front panel of an EX4550–32F switch.

Figure 2 shows removing a 10GBASE-T expansion module from the front panel of an EX4550-32T switch.

Figure 3 shows removing a QSFP+ expansion module from the front panel of an EX4550-32T switch.

Installing an Expansion Module in an EX4550 Switch
The 8-port SFP+ expansion module, the 8-port 10GBASE-T expansion module, and the 2-port QSFP+ expansion module in EX4550 switches are hot-removable and hot-insertable field-replaceable units (FRUs): You can remove and replace these modules without powering off the switch or disrupting switch functions.
You can install up to two expansion modules in the module slots; one each on the front panel and the rear panel of an EX4550 switch chassis.
When an expansion module is installed in the switch or an existing expansion module is replaced with another expansion module, the switch detects the ports on the expansion module. The switch creates the required interfaces when transceivers are installed in these ports.
Before you begin installing an expansion module in the switch, ensure that you have taken the necessary precautions to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage (see Prevention of Electrostatic Discharge Damage).
Ensure that you have the following parts and tools available:
ESD grounding strap. If a grounding strap is not available, follow the alternative grounding method described in Step 1 of the following procedure.
Phillips (+) screwdriver, number 2
- Attach the ESD grounding strap to your bare wrist, and
connect the strap to the ESD point on the chassis.
If a grounding strap is not available, hold the expansion module in its antistatic bag in one hand and touch the exposed metallic part of the switch with the other hand to ground yourself and the component.
- If the module slot has a cover panel on it, remove the cover panel by using the screwdriver and save it for later use.
- Taking care not to touch module components, pins, leads, or solder connections, remove the expansion module from its bag.
- Loosen the captive screws on the front faceplate of the expansion module by using your fingers. If you are unable to loosen the captive screws by using your fingers, use the screwdriver.
- Using both hands, place the expansion module in the empty
slot and slide it in gently until it is fully seated.
Note After you have removed an expansion module, wait for at least 5 seconds before you install an expansion module. If you do not wait for at least 5 seconds, the interfaces on the expansion module might not come up.
- Tighten the captive screws by using your fingers or the
screwdriver. When the status (
ST
) LED turns green, the expansion module is ready for use.
Figure 4 shows how to install an SFP+ expansion module on the front panel of an EX4550-32F switch.

Figure 5 shows how to install a 10GBASE-T expansion module on the front panel of an EX4550-32T switch.

Figure 6 shows how to install a QSFP+ expansion module on the front panel of an EX4550-32T switch.

If you have a Juniper J-Care service contract, register any addition, change, or upgrade of hardware components at https://www.juniper.net/customers/support/tools/updateinstallbase/ . Failure to do so can result in significant delays if you need replacement parts. This note does not apply if you replace existing components with the same type of component.