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NX-Platform Hardware Installation and Safety
Note:
When you hot-insert a BIOM, it remains in bypass mode until an administrator removes it from
bypass mode through the CLI, LSM, or SMS. Rebooting the IPS after a hot-insertion also brings
the module into normal (non-bypass) mode. After the system has fully rebooted, it is ready for
inspection.
BIOM connectors and speeds
The fiber BIOMs are distinguished by speed and type of fiber.
The 10GbE Fiber BIOMs have internal dual-rate SFP+ transceivers that can operate at either 1Gbps (the
default) or 10Gbps speeds. For the 10GbE Fiber BIOMs to operate at 10Gbps speeds, the system software
determines the module's data rate with the auto-negotiate feature and sets the link speed accordingly.
The BIOM network connections are as follows:
• The NX IPS 4-segment Gig-T Bypass Module (JC877A) can accept network connections for up to four
10/100/1000Mbps copper/RJ45 network segments.
• The NX IPS 2-segment 1Gbps Fiber SR Bypass Module (JC878A) can accept two 1Gbps Short Reach/
Multimode (850nm) fiber network segments.
• The NX IPS 2-segment 10Gbps Fiber SR Bypass Module (JC880A) can accept two10Gbps/1Gbps
Short Reach/Multimode (850nm) fiber network segments.
• The NX IPS 2-segment 1Gbps Fiber LR Bypass Module (JC879A) can accept two1Gbps Long Reach/
Single-mode (1310nm) fiber network segments.
• The NX IPS 2-segment 10Gbps Fiber LR Bypass Module (JC881A) can accept two10Gbps/1Gbps
Long Reach/Single-mode (1310nm) fiber network segments.
Notable BIOM behavior
When deploying BIOMs, ensure that traffic passes in the normal inspection mode in addition to when the
module is in bypass mode.
BIOMs should continue to pass traffic even while not connected to the NX-Platform device, or while the
device is powered off or administratively placed in bypass mode. If the module does not pass traffic under
these conditions, ensure that you have the appropriate cable for your network. In many cases, replacing a
straight-through cable with a cross-over cable will resolve link issues.
For a list of SFP+ direct access cables currently supported on NX-Platform devices, refer to the
TippingPoint
Operating System (TOS) Release Notes Version 3.8.0
.
As long as the network cables are connected, BIOMs can operate in bypass mode even while the module is
not inserted into the chassis.
Because the BIOM bypasses passively, a BIOM that is inline and in bypass mode must adhere to the length
requirement between a cable’s source and destination. For example, if the maximum cable length budget