Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco 8300 Series Secure Routers

Install Cisco Catalyst Service Module

Updated: July 31, 2025

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Introduces Cisco Catalyst Service Module installation, covering preparatory steps, necessary equipment, and step-by-step instructions to safely remove and install service modules for efficient device integration.

This section describes how to install the Cisco Catalyst Service Modules on the Cisco 8300 Series Secure Routers. The service modules supported on the on the Cisco 8300 Series Secure Routers are:

C-SM-16P4M2X

For additional information on the supported SMs, see the Cisco 8300 Series Secure Routers' datasheet on cisco.com.

Note

Only one service module is supported within a single chassis at a time

Reload the system when you need to switch between the switching modes

You can perform online insertion and removal of the modules. After installing the service module, you must reload the system to enable and activate the next-generation switching feature set.

Prepare for installation

This section describes safety warnings, general maintenance guidelines, and safety recommendations that you must read before installing and using the service module:

Equipment that you need

Ratcheting torque screwdriver with a number-2 Phillips head that exerts a maximum of 15 pound-force inches (lbf-in.) of pressure
Wire-stripping tools
12-gauge copper ground wire (insulated or not) for the single-hole ground connection
Single-hole ground lug and screw (included in the accessory kit)
Four leads of 14-gauge copper wire

Remove the Cisco Catalyst Service Module

Perform these steps to remove the service modules from the chassis:

Procedure

	1.	Read the Safety Warnings before you perform any module replacement.
	2.	Locate the service module(s) to be removed
	3.	Unscrew the captive mounting screws on the module faceplate using a number 1 Phillips or flat-blade screwdriver.
	4.	Pull the module out of the chassis.
	5.	For the module, keep the latches in open position and pull the module out of the chassis.
	6.	Place the service module in an antistatic bag to protect it from electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.

Install a Cisco Catalyst Service Module

This section describes how to install the service modules.

Note

For illustration purposes, we have used image of Cisco C-SM-X-16P4M2X.

After the device boots up, insert the C-SM-X-16P4M2X module into the slot of the chassis. A system message displays: : Jun 10 13:58:14.367 CST: %IOMD-3-UNSUPPORTED_NGSWITCH: R0/0: iomd:

The message denotes that the system is in legacy switching mode. For the legacy switching mode to take effect, you need to reload the slot 1 bay 0 of the switch module for the SM-X-16P4M2X service module. Also, you need to reload the device to get the module working.

Caution

Always wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD)-preventive wrist strap and ensure that it makes good contact with your skin when you install or remove the C-SM-X-16P4M2X service module. Connect the equipment end of the wrist strap to the metal part of the chassis.

Caution

Handle your service modules only by their edges. Service modules are ESD-sensitive components and can be damaged by mishandling.

Figure 1. Front panel of the single-wide Service Module


1	GE copper port	3	1G/10G SFP/SFP+ port
2	2.5G mGiG copper port

To install a service module on your device, perform these steps:

Procedure

	1.	Read the Safety Warnings before you perform any module replacement.
	2.	For the module, remove the blank faceplate installed over the slot you intend to use.
	3.	For the module, remove both the blank faceplates and the divider installed over the slot you intend to use.
	4.	With the service module, push the module into place until you feel the edge connector seat securely into the connector on the backplane. The module faceplate should contact to the chassis panel.
	5.	Using a number 1 Phillips or flat-blade screwdriver, tighten the captive mounting screws on the module faceplate.

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