5-2
Cisco Nexus 2000 Series Hardware Installation Guide
Chapter5 Connecting a Cisco Nexus Fabric Extend er
Preparing for Network Connections
Preparing for Network Connections
When preparing your site for network connections to the Cisco Nexus FEX, consider the following for
each type of interface, and gather all the required equipment before connecting the ports:
•Cabling required for each interface type
•Distance limitations for each signal type
•Additional interface equipment required
Connecting to the 1-Gigabit Ethernet Port
This section describes how to connect a 1-Gigabit Ethernet port to a host.
The 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports have RJ-45 interfaces. There are 48 1-Gigabit Ethernet server ports.
To connect a 1-Gigabit Ethernet port to a host, follow these steps:
Step1 Connect the appropriate modular cable to the 1-Gigabit Ethernet port.
Step2 Connect the other end of the cable to the device.
Connecting to a 10-Gigabit and 40-Gigabit Ethernet Port
This section describes how to connect a 10-Gigabit or 40-Gigabit Ethernet port to a host. There are four
network facing 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports for the Cisco Nexus 2148T and 2248TP, eight for the Cisco
Nexus 2232TM, 2232TM-E, and 2232PP, and two on the Cisco Nexus 2224TP. An SFP+ transceiver is
used to connect to a 10-Gigabit Ethernet port. The Cisco Nexus 2300 Series platform FEXs provide six
network facing 40-Gigabit uplink ports. A QSFP+ transceiver is used to connect to a 40-Gigabit Ethernet
port.
This section includes the following topics:
•Removing and Installing SFP+ Transceivers, page5-2
•Removing and Installing Cables into SFP+ Transceivers, page5-4
•Maintaining SFP+ Transceivers and Cables, page5-6

Removing and Installing SFP+ Transceivers

Caution Excessively removing and installing an SFP transceiver can shorten its life. Do not remove and insert
SFP+ transceivers more often than is necessary. We recommend that you disconnect cables before
installing or removing SFP transceivers to prevent damage to the cable or transceiver.
This section describes how to install and remove an SFP+ transceiver. This section includes the
following topics:
•Installing an SFP+ Transceiver, page5-3