Cisco 8500 Series Secure Routers Hardware Installation Guide

Install and remove SFP and SFP+ modules

Updated: September 9, 2025

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Details installation and removal of SFP and SFP+ modules, including laser safety guidelines and proper removal of small form pluggable modules to ensure compliant and secure connectivity.

Before you begin

See the Cisco Optics-to-Device Compatibility Matrix for a list of supported SFP and SFP+ modules. Use only supported SFP/SFP+ modules on the platform.

Warning
Class 1 laser product. Statement 1008

Note

We recommend that you wait 30 seconds between removal and insertion of an SFP on an interface module. This time is recommended to allow the transceiver software to initialize and synchronise with the standby RSP. Changing an SFP more quickly could result in transceiver initialization issues that disable the SFP

Do not remove the dust plugs from the SFP and SFP+ modules or the rubber caps from the fiber-optic cable until you are ready to connect the cable. The plugs and caps protect the module ports and cables from contamination and ambient light.
Removing and installing an SFP and SFP+ module can shorten its useful life. Do not remove and insert any SFP/SFP+ module more often than is necessary.
To prevent ESD damage, follow your normal board and component handling procedures when connecting cables to the switch and other devices.
When you insert several SFP and SFP+ modules in multiple ports, wait for 5 seconds between inserting each SFP/SFP+. This will prevent the ports from going into error disabled mode. Similarly, when you remove an SFP and SFP+ from a port, wait for 5 seconds before reinserting it.

Procedure

	1.	Attach an ESD-preventive wrist strap to your wrist and to an earth ground surface.
	2.	Find the send (TX) and receive (RX) markings that identify the top of the SFP/SFP+ module. On some SFP/SFP+ modules, the send and receive (TX and RX) markings might be shown by arrows that show the direction of the connection.
	3.	If the SFP/SFP+ module has a bale-clasp latch, move it to the open, unlocked position.
	4.	Align the module in front of the slot opening, and push until you feel the connector snap into place.
	5.	If the module has a bale-clasp latch, close it to lock the SFP/SFP+ module in place.
	6.	Remove the SFP and SFP+ dust plugs and save.
	7.	Connect the SFP and SFP+ cables.

Laser safety guidelines

Optical Small-Form Pluggable (SFPs) use a small laser to generate the fiber-optic signal. Keep the optical transmit and receive ports covered whenever a cable is not connected to the port.

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

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

Warning
Pluggable optical modules comply with IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3 and 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 with or without exception for conformance with IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3 as described in Laser Notice No. 56, dated May 8, 2019. Statement 1255.

To install an SFP module in your device, perform these steps:

Procedure

	1.	Read the Safety Warnings section and attach an ESD-preventive wrist strap to your wrist and to the ESD ground connector or a bare metal surface on your chassis.
	2.	Slide the SFP into the device connector until it locks into position Tip If the SFP uses a bale-clasp latch (see Laser Safety Guidelines section, the handle should be on top of the SFP module. Figure 1. Install a Small-Form Pluggable Module Caution Do not remove the optical port plugs from the SFP until you are ready to connect cabling.
	3.	Connect the network cable to the SFP module.

Remove small form pluggable modules

Follow these steps to remove a Small Form Pluggable (SFP) from the device:

Procedure

Read the Safety Warnings section and disconnect the power supply before you perform any module replacement.

Disconnect all cables from the SFP.

Warning

Statement 1051—Laser Radiation

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

Caution
The latching mechanism used on many SFPs locks the SFP into place when cables are connected. Do not pull on the cabling in an attempt to remove the SFP.

Disconnect the SFP latch.

Note
SFP modules use various latch designs to secure the module in the SFP port. Latch designs are not linked to SFP model or technology type. For information on the SFP technology type and model, see the label on the side of the SFP.

Figure 2. Disconnecting SFP Latch Mechanisms


1	Sliding latch	3	Bale-clasp latch
2	Swing and slide latch	4	Plastic collar latch

Tip

Use a pen, screwdriver, or other small straight tool to gently release a bale-clasp handle if you cannot reach it with your fingers.

Grasp the SFP on both sides and remove it from the device.

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