Catalyst 4500 Series Module Installation Guide
Preparing for Installation

Table Of Contents

Preparing for Installation

Connecting a Terminal to the Management Port

Connecting a Terminal to the Console Port

Connecting Ethernet Ports with MT-RJ Connectors

Attaching Module Interface Cables

Installing, Removing, and Maintaining GBICs

Overview of GBICs

Overview of CWDM GBICs

WS-G5483 Copper GBIC

Port Cabling Specifications

Maximum Cable Distances

Using a Patch Cord

GBIC Optical Power Characteristics

GBIC Cabling Restrictions

Installing GBICs

Removing GBICs

GBIC Maintenance Guidelines

Patch Cord

Patch Cord Configuration Example

Patch Cord Installation

Installing SFP Modules

Mylar Tab SFP Modules

Actuator/Button SFP Modules

Bale Clasp SFP Modules


Preparing for Installation



Warning Read the installation instructions before connecting the system to the power source. Statement 1004



Warning Only trained and qualified personnel should be allowed to install, replace, or service this equipment. Statement 1030



Warning Ultimate disposal of this product should be handled according to all national laws and regulations. Statement 1040



Warning Class 1 laser product. Statement 1008


This chapter describes how to prepare your Catalyst 4500 series switch for the installation of the supervisor engines and switching modules. The information is presented in these major sections:

Connecting a Terminal to the Management Port

Connecting a Terminal to the Console Port

Connecting Ethernet Ports with MT-RJ Connectors

Installing, Removing, and Maintaining GBICs

Installing SFP Modules

This chapter does not tell you how to install your Catalyst 4500 series switch. For that information, see "Installing the Modules."

Connecting a Terminal to the Management Port

The Ethernet management port, located on the front panel of the Catalyst 4500 series supervisor engine, is shown in the previous chapter in Figure 1-1 through Figure 1-8. The Ethernet management port uses an RJ-45 media-dependent interface crossed-over (MDIX) connector (see Figure 2-1).


Note The MDIX ports are crossed over internally. For media-dependent interface (MDI)-to-MDI or MDIX-to-MDIX connection, use a crossover cable. For an MDI-to-MDIX connection, use a straight-through cable, which allows the Tx pins to connect with the Rx pins.


See the tables in "Port Pinouts, Environmental Specifications, and Power Consumption Information," for port pinouts.

Figure 2-1 100BASE-TX RJ-45 Connector Type

Connecting a Terminal to the Console Port

The console port, located on the front panel of the Catalyst 4500 series supervisor engine, is shown in the previous chapter in Figure 1-1 through 1-8. The console port for the Supervisor Engine I is a DCE DB-25 receptacle (see Figure 2-2), which supports a DCE EIA/TIA-232 interface. EIA/TIA-232 supports unbalanced circuits at signal speeds up to 64 kbps. See the tables in "Port Pinouts, Environmental Specifications, and Power Consumption Information," for port pinouts. All other supervisor engine console ports use an RJ-45 connector.

Figure 2-2 DCE DB-25 Connector

Use a null-modem cable to connect the switch to a remote DCE device, such as a modem or data service unit (DSU). Use a straight-through cable to connect the switch to a DTE device, such as a terminal or PC. Figure 2-3 shows the DTE and DCE cable connectors.

Figure 2-3 EIA/TIA-232 Adapter Cable Connectors, Network End

Connecting Ethernet Ports with MT-RJ Connectors

Use the guidelines shown in Table 2-1 for switching modules that have MT-RJ connectors (see Figure 2-4).

Table 2-1 MT-RJ Connector Guidelines

Specification
Measurement

Optical transmit power

-19 to -14 dbm1 average for 62.5/125 um fiber;
-23.5 to -14 dbm average for 50/125 um fiber

Receiver sensitivity

-33.5 dbm average at window edge;
34.5 dbm average at window center

1 dbm = decibels per milliwatt


Figure 2-4 MT-RJ Connector

Attaching Module Interface Cables

Figure 2-5 through Figure 2-11 show the connector types used to attach interface cables to the supervisor engine and switching modules.

Figure 2-5 RJ-21 Telco Interface 90-Degree Cable Connector

Figure 2-6 RJ-21 Telco Interface 180-Degree Cable Connector

Figure 2-7 RJ-45 Connector

Figure 2-8 Single LC Connector

Figure 2-9 Double LC Connector

Figure 2-10 SC-Type Fiber-Optic Connector


Note Always keep caps and plugs on the fiber-optic connectors on the cable and the switch when they are not in use.



Warning Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from disconnected fibers or connectors. Do not stare into beams or view directly with optical instruments. Statement 1051


Figure 2-11 MT-RJ Fiber-Optic Connector

When you are connecting MT-RJ cables to a module, make sure that you firmly press the network cable plug into the socket. The upper edge of the plug must snap into the upper front edge of the socket. You might hear an audible click. Gently pull on the plug to determine whether or not the plug is locked into the socket.

To disconnect the plug from the socket, press down on the raised portion on top of the plug, releasing the latch. You should hear an audible click, which would indicate that the latch has released. Carefully pull the plug out of the socket.


Note When you disconnect the fiber-optic cable from the module, grip the body of the connector. Do not grip the connector jacket sleeve. Gripping the sleeve can, over time, compromise the integrity of the fiber-optic cable termination in the MT-RJ connector.


Always make sure that you insert the connector completely into the socket. This is especially important when you are making a connection between a module and a long-distance (2 km) or possibly a highly attenuated network. If the link LED does not light, try removing the network cable plug and reinserting it firmly into the module socket.

Dirt or skin oils also may have accumulated on the plug faceplate (around the optical-fiber openings), which can generate significant attenuation and reduce the optical power levels below threshold levels so that a link cannot be made.

To clean the MT-RJ plug faceplate, follow this procedure:


Step 1 Using a lint-free tissue soaked in 99 percent pure isopropyl alcohol, gently wipe the faceplate.

Step 2 Remove any residual dust from the faceplate with compressed air before installing the cable.


Warning Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from disconnected fibers or connectors. Do not stare into beams or view directly with optical instruments. Statement 1051




Note Make sure that dust caps are installed on all unused module connectors and unused network fiber-optic cable connectors.


Installing, Removing, and Maintaining GBICs

The following sections describe Gigabit Interface Converters (GBICs) and how to install, remove, and maintain them.

Overview of GBICs

GBICs are online swappable I/O devices that plug into a Gigabit Ethernet port of a module, and links the module with a fiber-optic network. Figure 2-12 shows a GBIC.

Figure 2-12 GBIC

GBICs use SC-type connectors. The GBICs fit through cutouts in the front of the module and plug into connectors on the module. You can install any combination of GBICs in the Gigabit Ethernet switching module.

The following GBIC media types are supported in all GBIC ports on all Catalyst 4500 series supervisor engines and switching modules:

1000BASE-T (WS-G5483)

1000BASE-SX (WS-G5484)

1000BASE-LX/LH (WS-G5486)

1000BASE-ZX (WS-G5487)

CWDM (CWDM-GBIC-xxxx=, which codes 8 different wavelengths)

DWDM (DWDM-GBIC-xx.xx=, which codes 32 different wavelengths)


Note WS-X4418-GB does not support WS-G5483, which is the 1000BASE-T GBIC.



Note Cisco 1000BASE-LX/LH interfaces fully comply with the IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-LX standard. However, their higher optical quality allows them to reach 6.2 miles (10 km) over SMF cable versus 3.1 miles (5 km) specified in the standard.



Note A maximum of 12 1000BASE-ZX GBICs can be installed in a switch chassis.


If an LX/LH GBIC designed for operation on an SMF cable is directly coupled to an MMF cable, an effect known as Differential Mode Delay (DMD) might occur. See "Differential Mode Delay," for more information on DMD.


Caution Because of interoperability issues, Cisco does not support GBICs purchased from third-party vendors.

GBICs are Class 1 laser products. Read the Regulatory Safety and Compliance Information document for information related to working with lasers.

Overview of CWDM GBICs

Eight GBICs are available for use with the Coarse Wave Division Multiplexer (CWDM) Passive Optical System. Figure 2-13 shows a CWDM GBIC. Table 2-2 lists the CWDM GBICs, all of which are used with single-mode fiber-optic cable. These eight GBICs can be installed in the Catalyst 4500 series modules that support GBICs and are used with the CWDM Passive Optical System. For more information on the CWDM Passive Optical System, refer to the Installation Note for the CWDM Passive Optical System.

Figure 2-13 CWDM GBIC

Table 2-2 CWDM GBICs 

Model Number
CWDM GBIC Wavelength

CWDM-GBIC-1470

1470 nm laser single mode

CWDM-GBIC-1490

1490 nm laser single mode

CWDM-GBIC-1510

1510 nm laser single mode

CWDM-GBIC-1530

1530 nm laser single mode

CWDM-GBIC-1550

1550 nm laser single mode

CWDM-GBIC-1570

1570 nm laser single mode

CWDM-GBIC-1590

1590 nm laser single mode

CWDM-GBIC-1610

1610 nm laser single mode


WS-G5483 Copper GBIC


Note The WS-G5483 copper GBIC is only supported by Catalyst 4500 series switches with Catalyst Operating System software, release 7.2 or later.


The WS-G5483 GBIC, shown in Figure 2-14, uses Category 5 UTP/FTP cable to provide 1000BASE-T full-duplex connectivity between the Ethernet module or supervisor engine and the network up to a distance of 328 feet (100 m). Refer to your release notes or the online 1000BASE-T GBIC Switch Compatibility Matrix posted with the GBIC documentation on Cisco.com for the list of modules and the required software release level necessary to support this GBIC. For more information about the WS-G5483 GBIC, refer to the 1000BASE-T GBIC Installation Notes.


Caution To comply with GR-1089 intra-building lightning immunity requirements, you must use grounded, foil twisted-pair (FTP), Category 5 cabling.


Caution To comply with FCC Class A requirements, you can install up to 12 WS-G5483 GBICs in a Catalyst 4500 series switch chassis.

Figure 2-14 Copper GBIC (WS-G5483)

Port Cabling Specifications

The length of your networks and the distances between connections depend on the type of signal, the signal speed, and the transmission medium (the type of cabling used to transmit the signals). The distance and rate limits in this chapter are the IEEE-recommended maximum speeds and distances for signaling. Table 2-3 shows the transmission speed versus the distance.

Table 2-3 EIA/TIA-232 Transmission Speed Versus Distance 

Rate (bps)
Distance (feet)
Distance (meters)

2400

200

60

4800

100

30

9600

50

15

19,200

25

7.6

38,400

12

3.7

56,000

8.6

2.6


This section includes the following topics:

Maximum Cable Distances

Patch Cord

Maximum Cable Distances

Table 2-4 shows the maximum cable distances for transceiver speed and cable type.

Table 2-4 Maximum Cable Distances 

Transceiver Speed
Cable Type
Duplex Mode
Maximum Distance Between Stations

10 Mbps

Category 3 UTP

Half or full

328 ft (100 m)

10 Mbps

MMF

Half or full

1.2 mi (2 km)

100 Mbps

Category 5 UTP

Half or full

328 ft (100 m)

100 Mbps

MMF

Half

1312 ft (400 m)

100 Mbps

MMF

Full

1.2 mi (2 km)


Table 2-5 provides cabling specifications for the GBICs that you install in the Gigabit Ethernet port modules. All GBIC ports have SC-type connectors, and the minimum cable distance for all GBICs listed is 6.5 feet (2 meters).

Table 2-5 GBIC Port Cabling Specifications 

GBIC
Wavelength (nm)
Fiber Type
Core Size (micron)
Modal Bandwidth
(MHz/km)
Cable Distance

BASE-T

-

Category 5 UTP

-

-

328 ft (100 m)

SX1

850

MMF

62.5

160

722 ft (220 m)

     

62.5

200

902 ft (275 m)

     

50.0

400

1640 ft (500 m)

     

50.0

500

1804 ft (550 m)

LX/LH

1300

MMF2

62.5

500

1804 ft (550 m)

     

50.0

400

1804 ft (550 m)

     

50.0

500

1804 ft (550 m)

   

SMF

9/10

-

6.2 mi (10 km)

ZX

1550

SMF

9/10

-

43.5 mi (70 km)

   

SMF3

9/10

-

62.1 mi (100 km)

1 MMF only.

2 Patch cord required. (See the "Patch Cord" section for details.)

3 Dispersion-shifted single-mode fiber-optic.


The maximum cable distance for CWDM and DWDM cabling depends on fiber type, fiber quality, and number of WDM filters in the design, and can vary widely.

Using a Patch Cord

When using the LX/LH GBIC with 62.5-micron diameter MMF, you must install a mode-conditioning patch cord (Cisco product number CAB-GELX-625 or equivalent) between the GBIC and the MMF cable on both the transmit and receive ends of the link.

The patch cord is required for link distances greater than 984 feet (300 meters) and must comply with IEEE standards. The IEEE found that link distances could not be met with certain types of fiber-optic cable due to a problem in the center of some fiber-optic cable cores. The solution is to launch light from the laser at a precise offset from the center by using the patch cord. At the output of the patch cord, the LX/LH GBIC is compliant with the IEEE 802.3z standard for 1000BASE-LX. For a detailed description of this problem, refer to the Catalyst 4000 Series Installation Guide or Catalyst 4500 Series Installation Guide.


Note We do not recommend using the LX/LH GBIC with MMF without a patch cord for very short link distances (tens of meters). The result could be an elevated bit error rate (BER).


Cisco Gigabit Ethernet products have been tested and evaluated to comply with the standards listed in Appendix A, "Specifications," of the Catalyst 4000 Series Installation Guide or Catalyst 4500 Series Installation Guide. All equivalent cables should also meet these standards.

GBIC Optical Power Characteristics

Table 2-6 provides the GBIC optical power characteristics.

Table 2-6 GBIC Optical Power Characteristics 

Parameter
1000BASE-SX
(WS-G5484)
1000BASE-LX/LH
(WS-G5486)
1000BASE-ZX
(WS-G5487)

Transmitter output power (min/max)

0/-9.5 dBm1

-3/-9.5 dBm

0/4.77 dBm

Receiver maximum input power

0 dBm

-3 dBm

-3 dBm

Receiver sensitivity

-17 dBm

-19 dBm

-23 dBm

Channel insertion loss

     

50/125 micron2 MMF

3.4 dBm

4.4 dBm

62.5/125 micron MMF

3.2 dBm

6 dBm

9/10 micron SMF

6.5 dBm

21.5 dBm

1 dBm = decibels per milliwatt

2 1 micron equals 1 micrometer or 10-6 meters


GBIC Cabling Restrictions

You must observe the following optical-fiber cabling restrictions when cabling GBICs:

The minimum cabling distance for 1000BASE-SX and 1000BASE-LX/LH GBICs is 6.5 feet (2 meters).

When using the 1000BASE-LX/LH GBIC with 62.5-micron diameter MMF, you must install a mode-conditioning patch cord between the MMF fiber-optic network and the GBIC. The mode-conditioning patch cord (CAB-GELX-625 or equivalent) is required to comply with IEEE standards.

The IEEE found that link distances could not be met with certain types of fiber-optic cable cores. The solution is to launch light from the laser at a precise offset from the center by using the mode-conditioning patch cord. At the output of the patch cord, the LX/LH GBIC is compliant with the IEEE 802.3z standard for 1000BASE-LX. See "Differential Mode Delay," for more information.

You must insert a 10-dB inline optical attenuator between the single-mode fiber-optic network and the receiving port on the 1000BASE-ZX GBIC at each end of the link if the link length is less than 15.5 miles (25 kilometers).

You must insert a 5-dB inline optical attenuator between the single-mode fiber-optic network and the receiving port on the 1000BASE-ZX GBIC at each end of the link if the link is greater than 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) but less than 31 miles (50 kilometers).

Installing GBICs

A module can be shipped with or without GBICs installed. If you need to install a GBIC, follow the procedures in this section.


Caution When removing or inserting a GBIC, always wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap connected to the ESD wrist strap connector.


Caution Unnecessary removal or insertion of a GBIC can lead to premature failure of the GBIC. A GBIC has a lifetime of 100 to 500 removals and insertions.

To install a GBIC, follow these steps:


Step 1 Remove the GBIC from its protective packaging.

Step 2 Verify that the GBIC is the correct type for your network by checking the part number. The number indicates whether it is 1000BASE-SX, 1000BASE-LX/LH, or 1000BASE-ZX.

Step 3 Grip the sides of the GBIC with your thumb and forefinger; insert the GBIC into the slot on the front of the module. (See Figure 2-15.)


Note GBICs are keyed to prevent insertion into the wrong slot.


Figure 2-15 Installing a GBIC

Step 4 Slide the GBIC into the slot until you hear a click. The click indicates that the GBIC is locked into the slot.


Warning Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from disconnected fibers or connectors. Do not stare into beams or view directly with optical instruments. Statement 1051


Step 5 When you are ready to attach the fiber-optic cable, remove the plug from the GBIC and save it for future use.


Caution Do not remove the plug from the GBIC optical bores or the fiber-optic cable until you are ready to connect the cable. The plug protects the GBIC optical bores and cable from contamination.

Step 6 Remove the plug from the SC-type connector (see Figure 2-16) on the fiber-optic cable. Insert the connector into the GBIC.



Note When you plug the SC-type connector into the GBIC, make sure that both the Tx and Rx fiber-optic cables are fully inserted into the SC-type connector.



Note If you are using the LX/LH GBIC with MMF, you need to install a patch cord between the GBIC and the MMF cable. See the "Patch Cord" section for details.


Figure 2-16 SC-Type Connector

Removing GBICs

This section describes how to remove GBICs from a supervisor engine or switching module.


Warning Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from disconnected fibers or connectors. Do not stare into beams or view directly with optical instruments. Statement 1051


To remove a GBIC, follow these steps:


Step 1 Disconnect the fiber-optic cable from the GBIC SC-type connector.

Step 2 Release the GBIC from the slot by simultaneously squeezing the plastic tabs (one on each side of the GBIC).

Step 3 Pull the GBIC out of the slot.

Step 4 Install the plug in the GBIC optical bores and place the GBIC in protective packaging.


GBIC Maintenance Guidelines

Follow these GBIC maintenance guidelines:

GBICs are static sensitive. To prevent ESD damage, follow your normal board and component handling procedures.

GBICs are dust sensitive. When the GBIC is stored or when a fiber-optic cable is not plugged in, always keep plugs in the GBIC optical bores.

The most common source of contaminants in the optical bores is debris picked up on the ferrules of the optical connectors. Use an alcohol swab or Kim-Wipe to clean the ferrules of the optical connector.

Patch Cord

When using the LX/LH GBIC with a 62.5-micron diameter MMF, you must install a mode-conditioning patch cord (Cisco product number CAB-GELX-625, or equivalent) between the GBIC and the MMF cable on both the transmit and receive ends of the link. The patch cord is required for link distances greater than 984 feet (300 meters).


Note We do not recommend using the LX/LH GBIC with MMF without a patch cord for very short link distances (tens of meters). The result could be an elevated bit error rate (BER).



Note The patch cord is required for compliance with IEEE standards. The IEEE found that link distances could not be met with certain types of fiber-optic cable due to a problem in the center of some fiber-optic cable cores. The solution is to launch light from the laser at a precise offset from the center by using the patch cord. At the output of the patch cord, the LX/LH GBIC is compliant with the IEEE 802.3z standard for 1000BASE-LX. For a detailed description of this problem, see "Differential Mode Delay."



Note Cisco Gigabit Ethernet products have been tested and evaluated to comply with the standards listed in "Port Pinouts, Environmental Specifications, and Power Consumption Information." If you choose to use different cables, make sure that they are equivalent and meet these standards.


Patch Cord Configuration Example

Figure 2-17 shows a typical configuration that uses the patch cord.

Figure 2-17 Patch Cord Configuration

Patch Cord Installation


Warning Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from disconnected fibers or connectors. Do not stare into beams or view directly with optical instruments. Statement 1051


The patch cord is 3 m (9.84 feet) long and has duplex SC-type male connectors at each end. Plug the end of the patch cord labeled "To equipment" into the GBIC (see Figure 2-18). Plug the end labeled "To cable plant" into the patch panel.

Figure 2-18 Patch Cord Installation

Installing SFP Modules

The 48-port Gigabit Ethernet optical line terminator switching module has 48 ports that can be configured with any combination of small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules. This switching module uses 1000BASE-LX SFP modules (30-1299-01) with LC connectors, as shown in Figure 2-19.


Warning Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from disconnected fibers or connectors. Do not stare into beams or view directly with optical instruments. Statement 1051



Caution Protect your SFP modules by inserting clean dust plugs into the SFPs after the cables are extracted from them. Be sure to clean the optic surfaces of the fiber cables before you plug them back into the optical bores of another SFP module. Avoid getting dust and other contaminants into the optical bores of your SFP modules: The optics will not work correctly when obstructed with dust.

Figure 2-19 Connecting LC Connectors to the SFP Module

The SFP modules have three different types of latching devices used to secure and detach the SFP module from a switching module port. The three types of SFP modules are described in the following sections:

Mylar Tab SFP Modules

Actuator/Button SFP Modules

Bale Clasp SFP Modules

Mylar Tab SFP Modules

The Mylar tab SFP module (see Figure 2-20) has a tab that you must pull in order to remove the module from a switching module port.

Figure 2-20 Mylar Tab SFP Module

To insert the Mylar tab SFP module into a switching module port, line up the SFP module with the port, and slide it into place (see Figure 2-21).

Figure 2-21 Inserting a Mylar Tab SFP Module


Caution When pulling the tab to remove the SFP module, be sure to pull in a straight outward motion. Do not twist or forcibly pull the tab because you may disconnect it from the SFP module.

To remove the SFP module from the switching module port, pull the tab gently until the SFP module disengages from the port, and then pull the SFP module out (see Figure 2-22).

Figure 2-22 Removing a Mylar Tab SFP Module

Actuator/Button SFP Modules

The actuator/button SFP module (see Figure 2-23) has a button that you must push in order to remove the SFP module from a switching module port.

Figure 2-23 Actuator/Button SFP Module

To insert the actuator/button SFP module into a switching module port, line up the SFP module with the port and slide it in until the actuator/button clicks into place (see Figure 2-24). Be sure not to press the actuator/button as you insert the SFP module because you might inadvertently disengage the SFP module from the port.

Figure 2-24 Inserting an Actuator/Button SFP Module

To remove an actuator/button SFP module from a switching module port, perform the following steps:


Step 1 Gently press the actuator/button on the front of the SFP module until it clicks and the latch mechanism activates, releasing the SFP module from the port (see Figure 2-25).

Step 2 Grasp the actuator/button between your thumb and index finger and carefully pull the SFP module from the port.

Figure 2-25 Press the Actuator/Button to Remove an SFP Module


Bale Clasp SFP Modules

The bale clasp SFP module (see Figure 2-26) has a bale clasp that you use to secure the SFP module in a switching module port.

Figure 2-26 Bale Clasp SFP Module

To insert a bale clasp SFP module into a switching module port, perform the following steps:


Step 1 Close the bale clasp in the upward direction before inserting the SFP module.

Step 2 Line up the SFP module with the port and slide it into the port (see Figure 2-27).

Figure 2-27 Inserting a Bale Clasp SFP Module into a Switching Module Port


To remove a bale clasp SFP module from a switching module port, perform the following steps:


Step 1 Open the bale clasp on the SFP module: With your index finger, press the clasp downward as shown in Figure 2-28. If the bale clasp is obstructed and you cannot use your index finger to open it, use a small, flat-blade screwdriver or other long, narrow instrument to open the bale clasp as shown in Figure 2-29.

Step 2 Grasp the SFP module between your thumb and index finger and carefully remove it from the switching module port as shown in Figure 2-28.

Figure 2-28 Removing a Bale Clasp SFP Module

Figure 2-29 Opening a Bale Clasp with a Flat-Blade Screwdriver