Maintaining the MX5, MX10, MX40, and MX80 MICs and Transceivers
Maintaining the MX5, MX10, MX40, and MX80 MICs
Purpose
For optimum router performance, verify the condition of the MICs.
Action
On a regular basis:
Check the LEDs on MIC faceplates. The meaning of the LED states differs for various MICs. For more information, see the MX Series Interface Module Reference. If the router detects a MIC failure, the router generates an alarm message to be sent to the Routing Engine.
Issue the CLI
show chassis fpc pic-status
command. The MIC slots in the MX5, MX10, MX40, and modular MX80 router are numbered 1/MIC 0 and 1/MIC 1. The fixed MIC is numbered 0/MIC 0.user@host> show chassis fpc pic-status Slot 0 Online PIC 0 Online 4x 10GE XFP PIC 2 Online 1x 10GE XFP PIC 3 Online 1x 10GE XFP Slot 1 Online PIC 0 Online 1x 10GE XFP PIC 1 Online 1x 10GE XFP PIC 2 Online 1x 10GE XFP PIC 3 Online 1x 10GE XFP
See Also
Replacing an MX5, MX10, MX40, and MX80 MIC
- Removing an MX5, MX10, MX40, and MX80 MIC
- Installing an MX5, MX10, MX40, and MX80 MIC
- Installing an MX10, MX40, MX80, and MX104 Dual-Wide MIC
Removing an MX5, MX10, MX40, and MX80 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 MX5, MX10, MX40, and modular configuration of the MX80 router, the MICs can be installed in two slots in the front of the router. A MIC weighs less than 2 lb (0.9 kg).


Installing an MX5, MX10, MX40, and MX80 MIC
To install a MIC (see Figure 4):
The MIC can be installed in either the front slots or the rear slot.

Installing an MX10, MX40, MX80, and MX104 Dual-Wide MIC
Replacing an MX5, MX10, MX40, and MX80 SFP or XFP Transceiver
Small form-factor pluggable transceivers (SFPs) and 10-gigabit small form-factor pluggables (XFPs) are optical transceivers that are installed in a MIC. SFPs and XFPs are hot-insertable and hot-removable.
- Removing an MX5, MX10, MX40, and MX80 Transceiver
- Installing an MX5, MX10, MX40, and MX80 Transceiver
Removing an MX5, MX10, MX40, and MX80 Transceiver
Removing an SFP or XFP transceiver does not interrupt MIC functioning, but the removed SFP or XFP no longer receives or transmits data.
To remove an SFP or XFP transceiver (see Figure 7):
After removing a transceiver from the chassis, wait at least 30 seconds before reinserting it or inserting a transceiver into a different slot.
Installing an MX5, MX10, MX40, and MX80 Transceiver
To install an SFP or XFP:
Maintaining Cables That Connect to MX5, MX10, MX40, and MX80 MICs
Purpose
For optimum router performance, verify the condition of the cables that connect to the MICs.
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.