Maintaining MX104 Interface Modules
Maintaining the MX104 MICs and Network Ports
Purpose
For optimum performance, verify the condition of the network ports.
Action
On a regular basis:
Check the port LEDs. The meaning of the LED states differs for various uplink ports. For more information, see MX104 LEDs Overview. If the router detects a port failure, the router generates an alarm message to be sent to the Routing Engine.
A green status LED indicates that the port is functioning normally.
From the CLI, issue the
show chassis fpc pic-status
command.user@host> show chassis fpc pic-status Slot 0 Online PIC 0 Online 10x 1GE(LAN) SFP PIC 1 Online 10x 1GE(LAN) SFP PIC 2 Online 1xCOC12/4xCOC3 CH-CE Slot 1 Online PIC 0 Online 10x 1GE(LAN) SFP PIC 1 Online 10x 1GE(LAN) SFP Slot 2 Online PIC 0 Online 4x 10GE(LAN) SFP+
Meaning
Online
is displayed
in the second column if a MIC is functioning normally.
For further description of the output from the command, see the show chassis fpc command summary in the CLI Explorer.
See Also
Replacing an MX104 MIC
Removing an MX104 MIC
MICs are hot-insertable and hot-removable. When you remove a MIC, the router continues to function, although the MIC interfaces being removed no longer function.
In the MX104 router, the MICs can be installed in four slots in the front of the router. A MIC weighs less than 2 lb (0.9 kg).
To remove a MIC (see Figure 1):

Replacing an MX104 Transceiver
Small form-factor pluggable transceivers (SFPs) are optical transceivers that are installed in the front panel of the MX104 router. Transceivers are hot-insertable and hot-removable.
Removing an MX104 Transceiver
Removing a transceiver does not interrupt router functioning, but the removed transceiver no longer receives or transmits data.
To remove a transceiver (see Figure 3):
After removing a transceiver from the chassis, wait at least 30 seconds before reinserting it or inserting a transceiver into a different slot.
See Also
Installing an MX104 Transceiver
To install a transceiver:
See Also
Maintaining Cables That Connect to MX104 Network Ports
Purpose
For optimum router performance, verify the condition of the cables that connect to the network ports.
Action
On a regular basis:
Use the cable management bracket to support cables and prevent cables from dislodging or developing stress points.
Place excess cable out of the way in the cable management bracket. Do not allow fastened loops of cable to dangle from the connector or cable management bracket, because this stresses the cable at the fastening point. Putting fasteners on the loops helps to maintain their shape.
Keep the cable connections clean and free of dust and other particles, which can cause drops in the received power level. Always inspect cables, and clean them if necessary before connecting an interface.
Label both ends of the cables to identify them.
The following guidelines apply specifically to fiber-optic cables:
When you unplug a fiber-optic cable, always place a rubber safety plug over the transceiver on the faceplate and on the end of the cable.
Anchor fiber-optic cables to avoid stress on the connectors. Be sure to secure fiber-optic cables so that they do not support their own weight as they hang to the floor. Never let fiber-optic cable hang free from the connector.
Avoid bending fiber-optic cable beyond its bend radius. An arc smaller than a few inches can damage the cable and cause problems that are difficult to diagnose.
Frequent plugging and unplugging of fiber-optic cable into and out of optical instruments can cause damage to the instruments that is expensive to repair. Instead, attach a short fiber extension to the optical equipment. Any wear and tear due to frequent plugging and unplugging is then absorbed by the short fiber extension, which is easy and inexpensive to replace.
Keep fiber-optic cable connections clean. Small microdeposits of oil and dust in the canal of the transceiver or cable connector could cause loss of light, reducing signal power and possibly causing intermittent problems with the optical connection.
To clean the transceivers, use an appropriate fiber-cleaning device, such as RIFOCS Fiber Optic Adaptor Cleaning Wands (part number 946). Follow the directions for the cleaning kit you use.
After you clean an optical transceiver, make sure that the connector tip of the fiber-optic cable is clean. Use only an approved alcohol-free fiber-optic cable cleaning kit, such as the Opptex Cletop-S Fiber Cleaner. Follow the directions for the cleaning kit you use.