Second-Generation Channel Interface Processor (CIP2) Installation and Configuration 17
Installation Prerequisites
Tools and Parts Required
You need the following tools and parts to install or replace a CIP2. If you need additional equipment,
contact a customer service representative for ordering information.
•
Number 2 Phillips or one-quarter-inch flat-blade screwdriver for the captive installation screws
on the CIP2. (Although most interface processors use slotted screws, some interface processor
carriers use Phillips screws.)
•
A new CIP2 with one of the product numbers listed on page 1 or in the section “CIP2 Model
Numbers” on page 5.
•
The appropriate cables for your CIP2 type: bus and tag for a PCA (with terminal blocks or 78-pin
connectors) and/or ESCON fiber with duplex connectors for an ECA.
•
ESD-preventive wrist strap or other device for preventing ESD damage.
•
Interface processor filler (MAS7K-BLANK) if you are removing a CIP2 and not installing a new
CIP2 or other interface processor in the empty slot.
Microcode Overview
Microcode, also known as firmware, is a set of processor-specific software instructions that enables
and manages the features and functions of a specific processor type. At system startup or reload, the
system loads the microcode for each processor type present in the system.
The CIP2 microcode boot image resides in a Flash memory device on the CIP2 motherboard. The
entire CIP2 microcode image is delivered on a Flash memory card, on floppy disks, or is available
via download from CCO.
New microcode is released to enable new features, improve performance, or fix bugs in earlier
versions. The Cisco 7000 series and Cisco 7500 series routers feature downloadable software and
microcode for most upgrades. These features enable you to download new (upgraded) images
remotely, store the images in router memory, and load the new images at system startup without
having to physically access the router. You can store multiple versions for a specific processor type
in Flash memory, and use configuration commands to specify which version the system should load
at startup. All interfaces of the same type (for example, all CIP2s) use the same microcode image.
Caution
To ensure proper operation of the CIP2, and to preclude system problems, you should use
only the CIP2 microcode image that is recommended for the version of Cisco IOS you are running.
By default, the CIP2 microcode is loaded from either the flash memory (if you have a 7000 and 7010
with a RP) or the Flash memory card in slot0. The default version can be found by entering the show
microcode command.
