Removing and Installing Port Adapters

This chapter describes how to remove the PA-T3 port adapter from supported platforms and also how to install a new or replacement port adapter. This chapter contains the following sections:

Installation Overview

Each port adapter circuit board is mounted to a metal carrier and is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.

Note When a port adapter slot is not in use, a blank port adapter must fill the empty slot to allow the router or switch to conform to electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions requirements and to allow proper airflow across the port adapters. If you plan to install a new port adapter in a slot that is not in use, you must first remove the blank port adapter.

Handling Port Adapters

Caution Always handle the port adapter by the carrier edges and handle; never touch the port adapter components or connector pins. (See Figure 3-1.)

Figure 3-1: Handling a Port Adapter

Online Insertion and Removal

Several platforms support online insertion and removal (OIR) of port adapters; therefore, you do not have to power down routers when removing and replacing a PA-T3 on Cisco 7100 series routers, Cisco 7200 series routers, or Cisco uBR7200 series routers.

Although the VIP2, VIP4, and the Catalyst RSM/VIP2 support online insertion and removal, individual port adapters do not. To replace port adapters, you must first remove the VIP or Catalyst RSM/VIP2 from the chassis and then install or replace port adapters as required. If a blank port adapter is installed on the VIP or Catalyst RSM/VIP2 on which you want to install a new port adapter, you must first remove the VIP or Catalyst RSM/VIP2 from the chassis and then remove the blank port adapter.

Caution To prevent system problems, do not remove port adapters from the VIP or Catalyst RSM/VIP2 motherboard or attempt to install other port adapters on the motherboard when the system is operating. To install or replace port adapters, first remove the VIP or Catalyst RSM/VIP2 from its interface processor slot.

Note As you disengage the port adapter from the router or switch, online insertion and removal (OIR) administratively shuts down all active interfaces in the port adapter.

Note Before you begin installation, read "Preparing for Installation" for a list of parts and tools required for installation.

Warnings and Cautions

Observe the following warnings and cautions when installing or removing port adapters.

Caution Do not slide a port adapter all the way into the slot until you have connected all required cables. Trying to do so disrupts normal operation of the router or switch.

Note If a port adapter lever or other retaining mechanism does not move to the locked position, the port adapter is not completely seated in the midplane. Carefully pull the port adapter halfway out of the slot, reinsert it, and move the port adapter lever or other mechanism to the locked position.

Caution To prevent jamming the carrier between the upper and the lower edges of the port adapter slot, and to ensure that the edge connector at the rear of the port adapter mates with the connection at the rear of the port adapter slot, make certain that the carrier is positioned correctly, as shown in the cutaway in the following illustrations.

Warning When performing the following procedures, wear a grounding wrist strap to avoid ESD damage to the card. Some platforms have an ESD connector for attaching the wrist strap. Do not directly touch the midplane or backplane with your hand or any metal tool, or you could shock yourself.

Table of Contents