Chapter 2 Preparing for Installation

Software and Hardware Requirements

Software and Hardware Requirements

Table 2-1lists the recommended minimum Cisco IOS software release required to use the PA-2FE in supported router or switch platforms.

Table 2-1 PA-2FE Software Requirements

Platform

Recommended Minimum Cisco IOS Release

 

 

Cisco 7120 series and Cisco 7140 series

Cisco IOS Release 12.1(8)E or a later release of Cisco IOS Release 12.1E

routers

 

 

 

Cisco 7200 series routers and Cisco 7200

Cisco IOS Release 12.2(3) or a later release of Cisco IOS Release 12.2(3)

VXR routers1

Cisco IOS Release 12.1(5)E or a later release of Cisco IOS Release 12.1E

 

Cisco IOS Release 12.2(4)B or a later release of Cisco IOS Release 12.2B

 

 

Cisco uBR7200 series routers

Cisco IOS Release 12.2(4)XF1 or a later release of Cisco IOS Release 12.2XF

 

 

Cisco 7201 router

Cisco IOS Release 12.4(4)XD7 or a later release of Cisco IOS Release 12.4XD

 

Cisco IOS Release 12.2(31)SB5 or a later release of Cisco IOS Release 12.2SB.

 

 

Cisco 7301 router

Cisco IOS Release 12.2(11)YZ or a later release of Cisco IOS Release 12.2YZ

 

 

Cisco 7304 PCI port adapter carrier card in

PA-2FE-FX

Cisco 7304 router

Cisco IOS Release 12.2(14)SZ or a later release of Cisco IOS Release 12.2SZ

 

PA-2FE-TX

 

Cisco IOS Release 12.2(11)YZ or a later release of Cisco IOS Release 12.2YZ

 

 

Cisco 7401ASR router

Cisco IOS Release 12.2(1)DX or a later release of Cisco IOS Release 12.2DX

 

Cisco IOS Release 12.2(4)B or a later release of Cisco IOS Release 12. B

 

 

VIP in the Cisco 7500 series routers2, 3, 4, 5

Cisco IOS Release 12.2(3) or a later release of Cisco IOS Release 12.2(3)

 

Cisco IOS Release 12.1(5)E or a later release of Cisco IOS Release 12.1E

 

 

1.The PA-2FE can be used in all Cisco 7200 series routers using an NPE-175, NPE-200, NPE-225, NPE-300, NPE-400, or NSE-1.

2.The PA-2FE can be used in the VIP2, VIP4, and VIP6-80 in all Cisco 7500 series routers using a Route Switch Processor (RSP).

3.The specific VIP2 models recommended for the PA-2FE in all Cisco 7500 series router, are VIP2-40(=), which has 2 MB of SRAM and 32 MB of DRAM, and VIP2-50(=), which has 4 to 8 MB of SRAM and 32 to 128 MB of SDRAM; however, the PA-2FE is also supported by the VIP2-15(=) and VIP2-20(=), but we do not recommend its use with these VIP2 models.

4.The VIP2-40(=), VIP2-20(=), and VIP2-15(=) are limited to one PA-2FE per card.

5.VIP2-50 manufactured prior to May 1998 (version 2.2 and below) are incompatible with the PA-2FE.

Checking Hardware and Software Compatibility

To check the minimum software requirements of Cisco IOS software with the hardware installed on your router, Cisco maintains the Software Advisor tool on Cisco.com. This tool does not verify whether modules within a system are compatible, but it does provide the minimum IOS requirements for individual hardware modules or components.

Note Access to this tool is limited to users with Cisco.com login accounts.

To access Software Advisor, click Log In at Cisco.com and go to Support > Tools and Resources. You can also access the tool by pointing your browser directly to http://www.cisco.com/en/US/support/tsd_most_requested_tools.html.

PA-2FE-TX and PA-2FE-FX Two-Port Fast Ethernet Port Adapter Installation and Configuration

2-2

OL-3474-07

 

 

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Cisco Systems PA-2FE-TX, PA-2FE-FX manual Software and Hardware Requirements, Checking Hardware and Software Compatibility
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PA-2FE-FX, PA-2FE-TX specifications

Cisco Systems PA-2FE-TX and PA-2FE-FX are high-performance Ethernet interface modules designed to enhance the capabilities of Cisco 2600 and 3600 series routers. They provide businesses with flexible and reliable networking solutions that meet the increasing demand for bandwidth and connectivity.

One of the main features of the PA-2FE-TX module is its ability to support two 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet interfaces. This allows organizations to connect multiple devices while improving network performance. The PA-2FE-FX module, on the other hand, is designed for optical fiber connections. It features two Fast Ethernet interfaces that utilize an SC connector for easier cable management in fiber optic environments. This capability facilitates long-distance data transmission, making it suitable for backbone connections or inter-building links.

Both modules incorporate advanced technologies to ensure efficient data handling. They support Cisco's Auto-Negotiation feature, enabling devices to automatically select the optimal speed and duplex settings, thus simplifying deployment and reducing configuration errors. This functionality is vital in environments with varied device capabilities, allowing seamless communication across the network.

The PA-2FE-TX and PA-2FE-FX modules utilize Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities to prioritize traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth. This is particularly beneficial for VoIP services, video conferencing, and other latency-sensitive applications. Additionally, the modules offer support for VLANs, allowing organizations to segment their networks effectively and enhance security by isolating sensitive data traffic.

Another important characteristic of these modules is their hot-swappable nature, enabling users to replace them without powering down the router, thus minimizing downtime. This feature is critical for businesses that require high availability and reliability from their networking equipment.

In summary, the Cisco Systems PA-2FE-TX and PA-2FE-FX interface modules stand out for their versatility, enabling businesses to implement customized networking solutions tailored to specific needs. With support for both copper and fiber connections, advanced QoS features, and seamless integration into existing Cisco routers, these modules reinforce Cisco’s commitment to providing innovative, robust network solutions that cater to the demands of modern enterprise environments.
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