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3-4
Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Hardware Installation Guide
OL-25338-04
Chapter 3 Connecting to the Network
Connecting to a Server
shorter copper cables, which can connect to another 40-Gigabit QSFP+ port or four 10-Gigabit SFP+
ports. If the servers or switches are further than 16.4 feet (5 meters), it is best to use the optical cable
that has 40-Gigabit transceivers on both ends.
For the Cisco Nexus 3048 switch, you must use RJ-45 connectors on copper cables to make the
10/100/1000 Ethernet downlink connections, and you must use SFP transceivers on copper or optical
cables or SFP+ transceivers on optical cables to make the 1- or 10-Gigabit Ethernet uplink connections.
For the Cisco Nexus 3064 switch, you must use RJ-45 connectors on copper cables to make the downlink
connections and SFP transceivers on copper or optical cables or SFP+ transceivers on optical cables to
make the 1- or 10-Gigabit Ethernet uplink connections.
This section includes the following topics:
• Installing and Replacing SFP or SFP+ Transceivers, page 3-4
• Installing Optical Cables into SFP or SFP+ Transceivers, page 3-5
Installing and Replacing SFP or SFP+ Transceivers
Caution Excessively removing and installing an SFP or SFP+ transceiver can shorten its life. Unless it is
absolutely necessary, do not remove and insert SFP or SFP+ transceivers. To prevent damage to an
optical cable and transceiver, we recommend that you disconnect cables before installing or removing
transceivers.
This section includes the following topics:
• Installing an SFP or SFP+ Transceiver, page 3-4
• Replacing an SFP or SFP+ Transceiver, page 3-5

Installing an SFP or SFP+ Transceiver

To install an SFP or SFP+ transceiver, follow these steps:
Step 1 Attach an ESD-preventive wrist strap and follow its instructions for use.
Step 2 Remove the dust cover from the port cage.
Step 3 Remove the dust cover from the port end of the transceiver.
Step 4 Insert the transceiver into the port as follows:
• If the transceiver has a Mylar tab latch, position the transceiver with the tab on the bottom, and then
gently insert the transceiver into the port until it clicks into place.
• If the transceiver has a bale clasp latch, position the transceiver with the clasp on the bottom, close
the clasp by pushing it up over the transceiver, and then gently insert the transceiver into the port
until it clicks into place.
Caution If the transceiver does not install easily, ensure that it is correctly positioned and the tab or
clasp are in the correct position before continuing.