Installing or Replacing Transceivers

This section describes how to install or replace SFPs, XFPs, and XENPAK module transceivers.

Installing or Replacing SFP or XFP Transceivers

SFPs and XFPs are hot-insertable and hot-removable transceivers. A PIC supports either SFPs or XFPs, but not both. A compact FPC (cFPC) supports only one XFP. For PICs with multiple ports, you can install any combination of transceivers supported for that PIC.

Transceivers that you remove from a PIC or cFPC can no longer transmit or receive data, but the other transceivers in PICs with multiple ports remain operational. When replacing an SFP or XFP, make sure that you open the ejector handle completely before gently pulling it out of the PIC or cFPC.

Tools and Parts Required

To remove and replace an SFP or XFP, you need the following tools and parts:

• Needlenose pliers (required only for the 10-port Gigabit Ethernet PIC)
• Electrostatic bag or antistatic mat, one for each transceiver removed
• ESD grounding wrist strap
• Rubber safety caps to cover each unused cable and transceiver

Removing an SFP or XFP

To remove an SFP or XFP (see Figure 17):

1. Have ready a replacement transceiver, or a transceiver slot plug, an antistatic mat, and a rubber safety cap for the transceiver.
2. Attach an ESD wrist strap to your bare wrist and connect the wrist strap to one of the ESD points on the chassis.
3. Label the cables connected to the transceiver so that you can reconnect them correctly later.

   Warning: Do not look directly into a fiber-optic transceiver or into the end of a fiber-optic cable. Fiber-optic transceivers contain laser light sources that can damage your eyes.

4. Remove the cable connector plugged into the transceiver.
5. Carefully drape the disconnected cable over the bobbins in the cable management system below the FPC card cage to prevent the cable from developing stress points.

   Caution: Avoid bending fiber-optic cable beyond its minimum bend radius. An arc smaller than a few inches in diameter can damage the cable and cause problems that are difficult to diagnose.

6. Pull the ejector handle out from the transceiver to unlock the transceiver.

   Caution: Make sure that you open the ejector handle completely (you will hear it click). This prevents damage to the transceiver.

   For the 10-port Gigabit Ethernet PIC, use needlenose pliers to pull the ejector handle out from the SFP.

7. Grasp the transceiver ejector handle and pull the transceiver approximately 0.5 in (1.3 cm) out of the PIC or cFPC.

   For the 10-port Gigabit Ethernet PIC, use needlenose pliers to grasp the SFP ejector and pull the SFP approximately 0.5 in (1.3 cm) out of the PIC.

8. Using your fingers, grasp the body of the transceiver and pull it the rest of the way out of the PIC or cFPC.

   Figure 17: Removing SFPs or XFPs

   

9. Place a rubber safety cap over the transceiver.
10. Place the removed transceiver on an antistatic mat or in an electrostatic bag.

Installing an SFP or XFP

To install an SFP or XFP (see Figure 17):

1. Attach an ESD wrist strap to your bare wrist and connect the wrist strap to one of the ESD points on the chassis.
2. Take each transceiver to be installed out of its electrostatic bag and identify the slot on the PIC or cFPC where it will be installed.
3. Verify that each transceiver is covered by a rubber safety cap. If it is not, cover the transceiver with a safety cap.
4. Carefully align the transceiver with the slots in the PIC or cFPC. The connectors should face the PIC or cFPC.
5. Slide the transceiver until the connector is seated in the PIC or cFPC slot. If you are unable to fully insert the transceiver, make sure the connector is facing the right way.
6. Remove the rubber safety cap from the transceiver and the end of the cable. Insert the cable into the transceiver.

Installing or Replacing a XENPAK Module

XENPAK modules are hot-insertable and hot-removable. Removing a XENPAK module does not interrupt PIC functioning, but the removed transceiver no longer receives or transmits data.

Tools and Parts Required

To remove and replace a XENPAK module, you need the following tools and parts:

• Electrostatic bag or antistatic mat, one for each XENPAK module removed
• ESD grounding wrist strap
• Rubber safety caps to cover each unused cable and transceiver
• Small slotted screwdriver

Removing a XENPAK Module

To remove a XENPAK module (see Figure 18):

1. Place an electrostatic bag or antistatic mat on a flat, stable surface to receive the XENPAK module. Have ready a rubber safety cap for the XENPAK module and the cable.
2. Attach an ESD grounding strap to your bare wrist and connect the strap to one of the ESD points on the chassis.
3. Label the cable connected to the XENPAK module so that you can later reconnect it to the correct transceiver.
4. Disconnect the cable from the XENPAK module. Immediately cover the transceiver and the end of the cable with a rubber safety cap.
5. Arrange the cable in the cable management system to prevent it from dislodging or developing stress points. Secure the cable so that it is not supporting its own weight as it hangs to the floor. Place excess cable out of the way in a neatly coiled loop in the cable management system. Placing fasteners on the loop helps to maintain its shape.
6. Use the screwdriver to unscrew the thumbscrews at the top and bottom of the XENPAK module.
7. Slide the transceiver out of the PIC and place it in the electrostatic bag or on the antistatic mat.

   Figure 18: Removing a XENPAK Module

   

Installing a XENPAK Module

To install a replacement XENPAK module (see Figure 19):

1. Attach an ESD grounding strap to your bare wrist and connect the strap to one of the ESD points on the chassis.
2. Verify that a rubber safety cap covers the XENPAK module. Install one if necessary.
3. Orient the XENPAK module so that the optical port faces out and the transmit (TX) port is above the receive (RX) port.

   Caution: You must orient the XENPAK module in the slot so that the XENPAK module does not touch the sides of the faceplate opening (see Figure 19).

4. Slide the XENPAK module into the slot.
5. Use the screwdriver to tighten the thumbscrews at the top and bottom of the XENPAK module. Verify that the transceiver is seated properly.
6. Remove the rubber safety cap from the transceiver and the end of the cable. Insert the cable into the transceiver.

   Figure 19: Installing a XENPAK Module