Field Notice: FN - 63972 - Cisco C2960X-STACK= Module Might Display Authentication Failure Error Message - Replace on Failure

Notice

THIS FIELD NOTICE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND DOES NOT IMPLY ANY KIND OF GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY. YOUR USE OF THE INFORMATION ON THE FIELD NOTICE OR MATERIALS LINKED FROM THE FIELD NOTICE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. CISCO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE THIS FIELD NOTICE AT ANY TIME.

Revision History

Products Affected

Defect Information

Problem Description

An incorrect license was programmed into a limited number of Cisco 2960X FlexStack-Plus modules (C2960X-STACK=). With the incorrect license, the FlexStack module does not pass the SmartChip authentication during boot up, so the module is not recognized or supported by the switch chassis.

Background

Cisco has found that less than 0.03% of the C2960X-STACK= module installation base was programmed with the incorrect license during the manufacturing process.

Problem Symptom

When a Cisco Catalyst 2960X Series switch is booted up with an affected C2960X-STACK= module, there are two error messages that might appear.

Here is the first error message that can appear:

POST: ACT2 Authentication : Begin  
POST: ACT2 Authentication : End, Status Passed FlexStack Module SmartChip
                            Authentication Failed

Here is the second error message that can appear:

%ILET-1-DEVICE_AUTHENTICATION_FAIL: The FlexStack Module inserted in this switch
 may not have been manufactured by Cisco or with Cisco's authorization. If your
 use of this product is the cause of a support issue, Cisco may deny operation of
 the product, support under your warranty or under a Cisco technical support program
 such as Smartnet.  Please contact Cisco's Technical Assistance Center for more
 information.

Workaround/Solution

In order to proactively determine whether a C2960X-STACK= module is affected by this issue, use the Serial Number Validation Tool for FN #63972.

If a C2960X-STACK= module exhibits abnormal behavior as per this Field Notice and is identified as Affected in the Serial Number Validation Tool, please contact TAC for Fix on Failure.

How To Identify Affected Products

In order to obtain the serial number of a C2960X-STACK= module, perform a physical inspection of the Serial Number label on the module:

For More Information

If you require further assistance, or if you have any further questions regarding this field notice, please contact the Cisco Systems Technical Assistance Center (TAC) by one of the following methods:

• Open a service request on Cisco.com
• By email
• By telephone

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