Connecting a Fiber-Optic Port to the Network
Depending on the line card model that you are using, you can use either QSFP+ or QSFP28 transceivers.
Some of these transceivers work with fiber-optic cables that you attach to the transceivers and other transceivers
work with pre-attached copper cables. When installing fiber-optic cables for a port, you must install SFP
transceivers for 1-Gigabit optical ports or install SFP+ transceivers for 10-Gigabit optical ports or QSFP+
transceivers for 100-Gigabit ports before installing the fiber-optic cable in the transceivers.
Removing and installing a transceiver can shorten its useful life. Do not remove and insert transceivers
more often than is absolutely necessary. It is recommended that you disconnect cables before installing
or removing transceivers to prevent damage to the cable or transceiver.
Caution
Disconnecting Optical Ports from the Network
When removing fiber-optic transceivers, you must remove the fiber-optic cables from a transceiver before
removing the transceiver from the port.
Maintaining Transceivers and Optical Cables
Transceivers and fiber-optic cables must be kept clean and dust free to maintain high signal accuracy and
prevent damage to the connectors. Attenuation (loss of light) is increased by contamination and should be
below 0.35 dB.
Consider the following maintenance guidelines:
•
Transceivers are static sensitive. To prevent ESD damage, wear an ESD-preventative wrist strap that is
connected to the grounded chassis.
•
Do not remove and insert a transceiver more often than is necessary. Repeated removals and insertions
can shorten its useful life.
•
Keep all optical connections covered when not in use. Clean them before using to prevent dust from
scratching the fiber-optic cable ends.
•
Do not touch the ends of connectors. Touching the ends can leave fingerprints and cause other
contamination.
•
Clean the connectors regularly; the required frequency of cleaning depends upon the environment. In
addition, clean connectors if they are exposed to dust or accidentally touched. Both wet and dry cleaning
techniques can be effective; refer to your site's fiber-optic connection cleaning procedures.
•
Inspect routinely for dust and damage. If you suspect damage, clean and then inspect fiber ends under
a microscope to determine if damage has occurred.
Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers
49
Connect Router to the Network
Connecting a Fiber-Optic Port to the Network
