How to install an Cisco SFP transceiver module

Step 1 Attach an ESD-preventive wrist strap to your wrist and to the ESD ground connector or a bare metal surface on your chassis.

Step 2 Remove the SFP transceiver module from its protective packaging.

Note Do not remove the optical bore dust plugs until directed to do so later in the procedure.

Step 3 Check the label on the SFP transceiver module body to verify that you have the correct model for your network.

Step 4 Find the send (TX) and receive (RX) markings that identify the top side of the SFP transceiver module.

Note On some SFP transceiver modules, the TX and RX marking might be replaced by arrowheads pointing from the SFP transceiver module connector (transmit direction or TX) and toward the connector (receive direction or RX).

Step 5 Position the SFP transceiver module in front of the socket opening.

Note Different Cisco devices have different SFP module socket configurations. Your Cisco device could have either a latch-up or a latch-down orientation. Ensure that you are installing the SFP transceiver module in the correct orientation for your Cisco device. For more details, see the hardware installation instructions that came with your Cisco device.

Step 6 Holding it as shown in Figure 8, insert the SFP into the socket until you feel the connector latch into place.

Step 7 Press the SFP into the slot firmly with your thumb as shown in Figure 9.

Note For SFP transceiver modules equipped with an actuator latch, you must press firmly on both the transceiver faceplate and the actuator button to ensure that the transceiver is properly latched in the socket.


Step 8 To verify that the SFP is seated and latched properly:

a. Grasp the SFP as shown in Figure 10 and try to remove it without releasing the latch.

b. If the SFP can not be removed, it is installed and seated properly. If the SFP can be removed, reinsert it and press harder with your thumb, repeating if necessary until it is latched securely into the socket.

Step 9 Remove the dust plugs from the network interface cable LC connectors. Save the dust plugs for future use.

Step 10 Inspect and clean the LC connector's fiber-optic end-faces. See the following Tip for a pointer to a fiber-optic inspection and cleaning white paper.

Step 11 Remove the dust plugs from the SFP transceiver module optical bores.

Step 12 Immediately attach the network interface cable LC connector to the SFP transceiver module.

Step 13 To connect 1000BASE-T SFP transceiver modules to a copper network.

Step 14 Observe the port status LED:

The LED turns green when the SFP transceiver module and the target device have an established link.

The LED turns amber while the STP feature discovers the network topology and searches for loops. This process takes about 30 seconds, and then the LED turns green.

If the LED is off, the target device might not be turned on, there might be a cable problem, or there might be a problem with the adapter installed in the target device. See the Troubleshooting section of your switch hardware guide for solutions to cabling problems.

Step 15 Reconfigure and reboot the target device if necessary.