How to Installing or Removing SFP Modules
With the development of network technology, SFP/SFP+ transceiver is widely used in Gigabit Ethernet. To master the skill of installing and removing SFP and SFP+ transceiver becomes very important and necessary. Since my last blog post has explained how to installing or removing GBIC modules, we will continue introducing the SFP/SFP+ installing and removing steps.
SFP/SFP+ Installing Steps
SFP modules can have 3 different types of latching devices which secure the SFP into the module socket, so please determine which latching device your module has before installation or removal of the device.
step 1: Firstly you should attach your ESD preventive wrist strap to your wrist as well as to the ESD ground connector. A metal surface on your chassis is also acceptable.
step 2: Next, remove the SFP transceiver module from its packaging.
(Please note: You shouldn't remove the optical bore dust plugs yet.)
step 3: Check the SFP transceiver to ensure that it is the correct model for the network
step 4: Locate the send (TX) and receive (RX) markings. These will allow you to identify the top of the SFP transceiver module.
(Please note: Certain SFP transceiver modules may represent the TX and RX marking with arrowheads. The direction of these will allow you to determine the send and receive.)
Pointing from the SFP transceiver module connector = Transmit/TX Pointing toward the connector = Receive/RX
step 5: Align the SFP transceiver module with the module port.
(Please Note: Devices can have different SFP module socket configurations. It is possible to have either a latch-up or a latch-down orientation. Firstly make sure that you are installing an SFP transceiver module with the correct latch orientation for your device.)
step 6: Insert the SFP Transceiver Module into the socket until you feel the SFP's connector latch into place. Ensure that you press the SFP firmly into the slot using your thumb.
(Please note: For those SFP transceiver modules which have an actuator latch, you must press on both the transceiver faceplate and the actuator button to ensure that the transceiver is correctly connected.)
step 7: Verify the SFP transceiver module installation. Attempt to remove the SFP without releasing the latch, if it cannot be removed then it is correctly seated. If it can be removed reinsert the SFP and press harder with your thumb, until you can verify that it is correctly seated.
step 8: You can now remove the dust plugs from the network interface cable LC connectors. You should save the dust plugs for future use.
step 9: Inspect and clean the fibre-optic end-faces on the LC connector.
step 10: You can now remove the dust plugs from the SFP transceiver module's optical bores. As soon as this has been completed you must attach the network interface cable LC connector to the SFP.
(Please note: If you are connecting a 1000BASE-T SFP transceiver module to a copper network you should firstly insert the Category 5 network cable RJ-45 connector into the SFP transceiver module RJ-45 connector. Then Insert the other end of the network cable into an RJ-45 connector on a 1000BASE-T-compatible target device.See what is SFP RJ45 module)
step 11: Check the port status LED, if it turns green the SFP transceiver module has established a link with the target device. If the LED is off please ensure that the target device is powered on before troubleshooting. The LED will turn amber for approximately 30 seconds prior to turning green.
step 12: Reconfigure and reboot the target device if required.
SFP/SFP+ Removing Steps
Please be aware that SFP transceiver modules are static sensitive so you should always use an ESD wrist strap or similar grounding device when coming into contact with the device. Transceiver modules can also reach high temperatures so may be too hot to be removed with bare hands.
step 1: Attach your ESD wrist strap and the ESD ground connector to a metal surface on the device chassis.
step 2: Next disconnect the network cable from the SFP transceiver module connector. You should then reinstall the dust plugs on the optical bores and fibre optic cable LC connectors.
step 3: Release and remove the SFP transceiver module from the socket connector. Mylar Tab Latch: for SFPs with a Mylar Tab Latch, you should first pull the tab in a downward direction until the SFP is released from the socket connector. Then the SFP module can be pulled directly out, ensuring not to twist or pull the Mylar tab.
Actuator Button Latch: for SFPs with an Actuator Button Latch, you should gently press the button on the front of the transceiver until it clicks. This should release the SFP transceiver module from the socket connector, following which the SFP transceiver module can be carefully removed from the module slot. This should be done straight, ensuring not to twist or bend the module.
Bail Clasp Latch: For SFPs with a Bail Clasp Latch, the latch should be pulled out and down to eject the SFP transceiver module from its socket.
step 4: The removed SFP transceiver module should now be placed safely in a protective environment such as an antistatic bag.
Warm Tips About how to install or remove XENPAK, X2, XFP, QSFP/QSFP+ and CFP will be continued next week. Please focus on my blog update on next Monday.
Article Source: A Complete Guide of Installing or Removing Transceiver Modules (Part I)