Port Connection Guidelines
Depending on the chassis and installed line cards, you can use Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (QSFP+), QSFP28, QSFP-DD, SFP, SFP+, CFP-DCO, and RJ-45 connectors to connect the ports on the line cards to other network devices.
To prevent damage to the fiber-optic cables when installing a transceiver in the line card, we recommend that you disconnect the transceiver from its fiber-optic cables. Before removing the transceiver from the router, remove the cable from the transceiver. You can change or remove the cable without removing the transceiver.
To maximize the effectiveness and life of your transceivers and optical cables, do the following:
-
Wear an ESD-preventative wrist strap that is connected to an earth ground whenever handling transceivers. The router is typically grounded during installation and provides an ESD port to which you can connect your wrist strap.
-
Do not remove and insert a transceiver more often than is necessary. Repeated removals and insertions can shorten its useful life.
-
Keep the transceivers and fiber-optic cables clean and dust free to maintain high signal accuracy and to prevent damage to the connectors. Attenuation (loss of light) is increased by contamination and should be kept below 0.35 dB.
-
Clean these parts before installation to prevent dust from scratching the fiber-optic cable ends.
-
Clean the connectors regularly; the required frequency of cleaning depends upon the environment. In addition, clean connectors when 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.
-
Do not touch the ends of connectors. Touching the ends can leave fingerprints and cause other contamination.
-
-
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.
![]() 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. |
Connect to the Console Port
Before you create a network management connection for the router or connect the router to the network, you must create a local management connection through a console terminal and configure an IP address for the router. You also can use the console to perform the following functions (each of which can be performed through the management interface after you make that connection):
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Configure the router using the command-line interface (CLI).
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Monitor network statistics and errors.
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Configure Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agent parameters.
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Download software updates.
The system console port is an RJ-45 receptacle for connecting a data terminal to perform the initial configuration of NCS 5500 fixed-port chassis. The console cable is shipped with the hardware.
![Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (2) Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/i/300001-400000/360001-370000/366001-367000/366363.eps/_jcr_content/renditions/366363.jpg)
![Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (3) Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/i/300001-400000/360001-370000/367001-368000/367347.jpg)
![Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (4) Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/i/300001-400000/360001-370000/369001-370000/369398.jpg)
1 | Management Ethernet port | 2 | Console port |
3 | Time of Day (ToD) port |
Follow this procedure to connect a data terminal to the console port.
Before you begin
-
The router must be fully installed in its rack, connected to a power source, and grounded.
(Video) Cisco NCS540 - IOS XR SOFTWARE UPGRADE - Exclusive -
The necessary cabling for the console, management, and network connections must be available.
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An RJ-45 rollover cable and DB9F/RJ-45 adapter are provided in the router accessory kit.
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Network cabling should already be routed to the location of the installed router.
-
Procedure
Step1 | Set your terminal to these operational values: 115200 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bits (115200 8N1). |
Step2 | Attach the terminal end of the cable to the interface port on the data terminal. |
Step3 | Attach the other end of the cable to the console port. |
RJ-45 Pin | Signal |
---|---|
1 | — |
2 | — |
3 | Tx |
4 | Ground (GND) |
5 | GND |
6 | Rx |
7 | — |
8 | — |
Create the Initial Router Configuration
You must assign an IP address to the router management interface so that you can then connect the router to the network.
When you initially power up the router, it boots up and asks a series of questions to help configure the router. To enable you to connect the router to the network, you can use the default choices for each configuration except for the IP address, which you must provide.
![]() Note | These routers are designed to boot up in less than 30 minutes, provided the neighboring devices are in full operational state. |
![]() Note | |
Before you begin
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A console device must be connected with the router.
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The router must be connected to a power source.
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Determine the IP address and netmask needed for the Management interfaces:
MgmtEth0/RP0/CPU0/0
andMgmtEth0/RP1/CPU0/0
:
Procedure
Step1 | Power up the router. The LEDs on each power supply light up (green) when the power supply units are sending power to the router, and the software asks you to specify a password to use with the router. | ||||
Step2 | When the system is booted up for the first time, a new username and a password is to be created. The following prompt appears: | ||||
Step3 | Enter a new password to use for this router. The software checks the security strength of it and rejects your password if it is not considered to be a strong password. To increase the security strength of your password, make sure that it adheres to the following guidelines:
If you enter a strong password, the software asks you to confirm the password. | ||||
Step4 | Reenter the password. When you enter the same password, the software accepts the password . | ||||
Step5 | Enter the IP address for the management interface. | ||||
Step6 | Enter a network mask for the management interface. | ||||
Step7 | The software asks whether you want to edit the configuration. Enter no to not edit the configuration. | ||||
Step8 | The software asks whether you want to save the configuration. Enter yes to save the configuration. |
Connect to the Management Ethernet Port
The management Ethernet port provides out-of-band management, which enables you to use the command-line interface (CLI) to manage the router by its IP address. This port uses a 10/100/1000 Ethernet connection with an RJ-45 interface.
![]() Note | |
To connect cables to the system management port, attach Category 5 cables directly to the RJ-45 receptacle on the management Ethernet port.
![Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (8) Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (8)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/i/300001-400000/360001-370000/366001-367000/366363.eps/_jcr_content/renditions/366363.jpg)
![Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (9) Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (9)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/i/300001-400000/360001-370000/367001-368000/367347.jpg)
![Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (10) Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (10)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/i/300001-400000/360001-370000/369001-370000/369398.jpg)
1 | Management Ethernet port | 2 | Console port |
![]() Note | |
Before you begin
You must have completed the initial router configuration.
Procedure
Step1 | Plug the cable directly into the RJ-45 receptacle. |
Step2 | Connect the network end of your RJ-45 cable to a switch, hub, repeater, or other external equipment. |
Installing and Removing Modular Port Adapters
The following sections describe how to install or remove MPA:
Handling Modular Port Adapters
Each modular port adapter (MPA) circuit board is mounted to a metal carrier and is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
![]() Caution | |
When a bay is not in use, a blank MPA Slot Filler must fill the empty bay to allow the router or switch to conform to electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions requirements and to allow proper airflow across the installed modules. If you plan to install a MPA in a bay that is not in use, you must first remove the blank.
![Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (13) Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (13)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/i/300001-400000/360001-370000/367001-368000/367352.jpg)
1 | Printed Circuit Board | 2 | Metal Carrier |
3 | Grounding Strap |
Online Insertion and Removal
![]() Caution | |
Cisco NCS 5500 series modular port adapters (MPAs) support online insertion and removal (OIR).
Modular port adapters (MPAs) support the following types of OIR:
-
Soft OIR
Soft OIR uses the IOS XR hw-module subslot rack/slot/subslot reload , hw-module subslot rack/slot/subslot shutdown , and no hw-module subslot rack/slot/subslot shutdown commands to complete online insertion and removal.
(Video) Deep-dive into Cisco Network Convergence System 500 Series -
Managed OIR
A managed online insertion and removal of Modular port adapters (MPAs) is comprised of the following steps:
-
Shut down the MPA with the hw-module subslot rack/slot/subslot shutdown command.
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Confirm that the LEDs have gone from green to off.
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Execute the do show platform command to verify that the MPA to be removed is in the disabled state.
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Physically remove the MPA to be replaced.
-
Physically insert the replacement MPA. After inserting the MPA in the slot, tighten the MPA screw located on the right side within 10 seconds. Ensure that you first tighten the right screw and then the left.
NoteTighten the captive screws on the MPA within 10 seconds. Otherwise, the MPA shuts down and moves to Disabled state. To recover the MPA, tighten both the captive screws and then execute the hw-module subslot rack/slot/subslot reload command.
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Return the MPA to the up state with the no hw-module subslot rack/slot/subslot shutdown command.
-
- Hard OIR
You can perform the OIR in a running system, by performing the following steps, without executing any commands:
-
Loosen the right ejector screw.
-
Loosen the left ejector screw.
-
Remove and replace the MPA.
-
Modular Port Adapter Installation and Removal
This section provides step-by-step instructions for removing and installing a modular port adapter (MPA) in a Cisco NCS 55A2-MOD-S, Cisco NCS 55A2-MOD-SE-S or Cisco NCS 55A2-MOD-HD-S router.
![]() Note | After you remove the MPA from the slot, wait for 60 seconds before you reinsert the MPA. |
![]() Note | After you unscrew both ejector screws, wait for 15 seconds before removing MPA from the slot. |
![]() Warning | |
To remove and install a MPA, do the following:
-
To insert the MPA, locate the guide rails inside the chassis that hold the MPA in place. They are at the bottom left and bottom right of the MPA slot and are recessed about an inch.
-
Carefully slide the MPA all the way in the chassis until the MPA is firmly seated in the MPA interface connector. When fully seated, the MPA might be slightly behind the faceplate.
NoteThe MPA will slide easily into the slot if it is properly aligned on the tracks. If the MPA does not slide easily, do NOT force it. Remove the MPA and reposition it, paying close attention to engaging it on the tracks. Push the MPA inside the slot until you hear a click. Continue to push the MPA further until you hear a second click. The MPA is fully seated only after the second click is heard. -
After the MPA is properly seated, use a number 2 Phillips screwdriver to tighten the captive screws on the MPA. Ensure that you first tighten the right screw and then the left.
NoteTighten the captive screws on the MPA within 10 seconds. Otherwise, the MPA shuts down and moves to Disabled state. To recover the MPA, tighten both the captive screws and then execute the hw-module subslot rack/slot/subslot reload command.
NoteAvoid over torquing the MPA captive screws when installing the MPA. Tighten the captive screws on the MPA to a torque of 6 +/-0.5 inch-pound. -
To remove the MPA from the chassis, use a number 2 Phillips screwdriver to loosen the captive screws on the MPA. Ensure that you first loosen the right screw and then the left.
(Video) Cisco NCS 5700 Router Technical Overview -
Grasp the MPA and pull the MPA from the chassis. (You have already disconnected the cables from the MPA.)
Installing Dust Caps
Install dust caps to protect unused or unconnected optical ports on the NCS-55A2-MOD chassis and MPAs.
The following list provides the product IDs (PIDs) for the dust caps that are available for each port type:
PID | Description |
---|---|
NC55-SFP-DCAP(=) | Cisco NCS5500 Series Dust cover for SFP/ZSFP (Qty: 1 per Kit) |
NC55-QSFP-DCAP(=) | Cisco NCS5500 Series Dust cover for QSFP/ZQSFP (Qty: 1 per Kit) |
NC55-CFP2-DCAP(=) | Cisco NCS5500 Series Dust cover for CFP2 (Qty: 1 per Kit) |
![]() Note | |
![Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (23) Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (23)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/i/300001-400000/360001-370000/362001-363000/362790.tif/_jcr_content/renditions/362790.jpg)
To install the dust cap:
-
Hold the dust cap by its handle.
-
Insert the dust cap in to the appropriate unused ports (SFP, QSFP, CFP2) on the chassis or MPA front panel.
Install and Remove Transceiver Modules
Install and Remove SFP Modules
Before you remove or install an SFP or SFP+ module, read the installation information in this section.
![]() Warning | |
![]() Caution | |
![Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (26) Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (26)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/i/300001-400000/360001-370000/362001-363000/362790.tif/_jcr_content/renditions/362790.jpg)
![]() Caution | |
![]() Caution | |
![]() Note | |
Bale Clasp SFP or SFP+ Module
The bale clasp SFP or SFP+ module has a clasp that you use to remove or install the module (see the figure below).
![Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (30) Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (30)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/i/000001-100000/60001-65000/63001-64000/63067.ps/_jcr_content/renditions/63067.jpg)
Install a Bale Clasp SFP or SFP+ Module
To install this type of SFP or SFP+ module, follow these steps:
Procedure
Step1 | Attach an ESD-preventive wrist or ankle strap and follow its instructions for use. | ||
Step2 | Close the bale clasp before inserting the SFP module. | ||
Step3 | Line up the SFP module with the port and slide it into the port (see the figure below). ![]()
|
Remove a Bale Clasp SFP or SFP+ Module
To remove this type of SFP or SFP+ module, follow these steps:
Procedure
Step1 | Attach an ESD-preventive wrist or ankle strap and follow its instructions for use. | ||
Step2 | Disconnect and remove all interface cables from the ports; note the current connections of the cables to the ports on the line card. | ||
Step3 | Open the bale clasp on the SFP module with your index finger, as shown in the figure below. If the bale clasp is obstructed and you cannot use your index finger to open it, use a small flat-blade screwdriver or other long, narrow instrument to open the bale clasp. | ||
Step4 | Grasp the SFP module between your thumb and index finger and carefully remove it from the port, as shown in the figure below.
![]() | ||
Step5 | Place the removed SFP module on an antistatic mat, or immediately place it in a static shielding bag if you plan to return it to the factory. | ||
Step6 | Protect your line card by inserting a clean SFP module cage covers into the optical module cage when there is no SFP module installed. |
Install and Remove QSFP Transceiver Modules
![]() Note | In this section, QSFP refers to QSFP+, QSFP28, and QSFP-DD. Refer to the Cisco Optical Transceiver Handling Guide for additional details on optical transceivers. |
This section provides the installation, cabling, and removal instructions for the Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable (QSFP) transceiver modules. The modules are hot-swappable input/output (I/O) devices that connect the system’s module port electrical circuitry with either a copper or a fiber-optic network.
The following figure shows the 400-Gigabit QSFP-DD transceiver module.
![Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (34) Hardware Installation Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Fixed-Port Routers - Connect Router to the Network [Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series] (34)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/i/500001-600000/520001-530000/520001-521000/520383.jpg)
1 | Pull-tab | 2 | QSFP-DD transceiver body |
3 | Electrical connection to the module circuitry |
![]() Warning | Statement 1079—Hot Surface This icon is a hot surface warning. Use precaution when working near the hot surface. ![]() |
Required Tools and Equipment
You need these tools to install the transceiver modules:
-
Wrist strap or other personal grounding device to prevent ESD occurrences.
-
Antistatic mat or antistatic foam to set the transceiver on.
-
Fiber-optic end-face cleaning tools and inspection equipment.
For information on inspecting and cleaning fiber-optic connections, see Maintaining Transceivers and Optical Cables.
Installing the QSFP Transceiver Module
![]() Caution | |
The QSFP transceiver module has a pull-tab latch. To install a QSFP transceiver module, follow these steps:
Procedure
Step1 | Attach an ESD wrist strap to yourself and a properly grounded point on the chassis or the rack. | ||
Step2 | Remove the transceiver module from its protective packaging. | ||
Step3 | Check the label on the transceiver module body to verify that you have the correct model for your network. Do not remove the dust plug until you’re ready to attach the network interface cable. Dust plug is not shown in the images. | ||
Step4 | Hold the transceiver by the pull-tab so that the identifier label is on the top. | ||
Step5 | Align the transceiver module in front of the module’s transceiver socket opening and carefully slide the transceiver into the socket until the transceiver makes contact with the socket electrical connector (see the figure below). ![]() | ||
Step6 | Press firmly on the front of the transceiver module with your thumb to fully seat the transceiver in the module’s transceiver socket (see the below figure).
![]() |
Attach the Optical Network Cable
Before you begin
Before you remove the dust plugs and make any optical connections, follow these guidelines:
-
Keep the protective dust plugs installed in the unplugged fiber-optic cable connectors and in the transceiver optical bores until you are ready to make a connection.
-
Inspect and clean the MPO connector end faces just before you make any connections. For complete information on inspecting and cleaning fiber-optic connections, see the Inspection and Cleaning Procedures for Fiber-Optic Connections document.
-
Grasp the MPO connector only by the housing to plug or unplug a fiber-optic cable.
![]() Note | |
![]() Note | |
Procedure
Step1 | Remove the dust plugs from the optical network interface cable MPO connectors. Save the dust plugs for future use. |
Step2 | Inspect and clean the MPO connector’s fiber-optic end faces. |
Step3 | Remove the dust plugs from the transceiver module optical bores. |
Step4 | Immediately attach the network interface cable MPO connectors to the transceiver module (see the figure below). ![]() |
Removing the QSFP Transceiver Module
![]() Caution | |
To remove a QSFP transceiver module, follow these steps:
Procedure
Step1 | Disconnect the network interface cable from the transceiver connector. |
Step2 | Install the dust plug immediately into the transceiver’s optical bore |
Step3 | Grasp the pull-tab and gently pull to release the transceiver from the socket. ![]() |
Step4 | Slide the transceiver out of the socket. |
Step5 | Place the transceiver module into an antistatic bag. |
Installing and Removing CFP2 Modules
Before you remove or install a CFP2 module, read the installation information in this section.
![]() Warning | |
![]() Caution | |
Installing a CFP2 Module
To install a CFP2 module, follow these steps:
Procedure
Step1 | Attach an ESD-preventive wrist or ankle strap and follow its instructions for use. |
Step2 | Align the CFP2 module into the transceiver port socket of the line card. ![]() |
Step3 | Slide the CPT2 module in until the EMI gasket flange makes contact with the line card faceplate. |
Step4 | Press firmly on the front of the CFP2 module with your thumbs to fully seat it in the transceiver socket. The CFP2 module is properly seated in the slot by applying symmetrical force of at least 80N on its front surface, along the centerline. The latching mechanisms on both the sides of the pluggable should be fully engaged, and the electrical connectors should be completely mated. ![]() |
Step5 | When you are ready to attach the network cable interface, remove the dust plugs and inspect and clean fiber connector end faces, and then immediately attach the network interface cable connectors into the CFP2 module optical bores. |
Removing a CFP2 Module
To remove a CFP2 module, follow these steps:
Procedure
Step1 | Attach an ESD-preventive wrist or ankle strap and follow its instructions for use. |
Step2 | Disconnect and remove all interface cables from the ports; note the current connections of the cables to the ports on the line card. |
Step3 | Open the bail latch on the CFP2 module with your index finger. If the bail latch is obstructed and you cannot use your index finger to open it, use a small flat-blade screwdriver or other long, narrow instrument to open the bail latch. |
Step4 | Grasp the CFP2 module between your thumb and index finger and carefully remove it from the port. |
Step5 | Place the removed CFP2 module on an antistatic mat, or immediately place it in a static shielding bag if you plan to return it to the factory. |
Connect Interface Ports
You can connect optical interface ports on line cards with other devices for network connectivity.
Connect 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 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.
![]() Caution | Removing and installing a transceiver can shorten its useful life. Do not remove and insert transceivers more than it is absolutely necessary. We recommended that you disconnect cables before installing or removing transceivers to prevent damage to the cable or transceiver. |
Disconnect Optical Ports from the Network
When you need to remove fiber-optic transceivers, you must first remove the fiber-optic cables from the transceiver before you remove the transceiver from the port.
Connecting a Cable to the GNSS Antenna Interface
The GNSS LED is located on the rear side of the NCS-55A2-MOD-SL, NCS-55A2-MOD-HD-S, NCS-55A2-MOD-HX-S, NCS-55A2-MOD-SE-S, NCS-55A1-48Q6H, and NCS-55A1-24Q6H-S/NCS-55A1-24Q6H-SS chassis.
Procedure
Step1 | Connect one end of a shielded coaxial cable to the GNSS RF IN port. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Step2 | Connect the other end of the shielded coaxial cable to the GNSS antenna after the primary protector.
![]() The GNSS RF In coaxial cable shield must be connected to the Facility Equipment Ground through the chassis. The chassis must have the ground wire connected to the Facility Equipment Ground. GPS Port Pinouts The platform is capable of receiving or sourcing GPS signals of 1 PPS & 10 MHz. These interfaces are provided by two mini-coax 50-Ohm, 1.0/2.3 DIN series connector on the front panel. Similarly there are two mini-coax 50-Ohm connectors provided in the front panel to output this 1PPS and 10MHz. The table below summarizes the GPS port pinouts.
|
Maintain Transceivers and Optical Cables
To maintain high signal accuracy and to prevent damage to the connectors, transceivers and fiber-optic cables must be kept clean and free of dust. 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 than it is necessary. Repeated removals and insertions can shorten its useful life.
-
Keep all optical connections covered when not in use. Clean them before use to prevent dust from scratching the fiber-optic cable ends.
-
Do not touch the ends of connectors. Touching the ends would leave fingerprints and cause other contamination.
(Video) Cisco Service Provider NCS 500 Overview -
Clean the connectors regularly; the required frequency of cleaning depends upon the environment. In addition, clean connectors if they are exposed to dust or have been 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. Clean and then inspect fiber ends under a microscope to determine whether any damage has occurred.