C H A P T E R 7

Installing PA-FE Port Adapter Interface Cables

To continue your PA-FE-TX and PA-FE-FX port adapter installation, you must install the port adapter’s interface cables. The following instructions apply to all supported platforms. This chapter contains the following sections:

PA-FE Port Adapter RJ-45 and MII Connections, page 7-1

Attaching PA-FE Port Adapter Interface Cables, page 7-1

PA-FE Port Adapter RJ-45 and MII Connections

On a single PA-FE, you can use either the RJ-45 (or SC for PA-FE-FX) connection or the MII connection. (RJ-45, SC, and MII cables are not available from Cisco Systems; they are available from outside commercial cable vendors.) If you have two PA-FE port adapters on your VIP2, you can use the RJ-45 (or SC for PA-FE-FX) connection on one port adapter and the MII connection on the other port adapter.

Caution Before you attach your MII transceiver to the MII receptacle on your PA-FE, ensure that your MII transceiver responds to physical sublayer (PHY) address 0 per section 22.2.4.4. “PHY Address” of the IEEE 802.3u specification; otherwise, interface problems might result. Confirm that this capability is available on your MII transceiver with the transceiver’s vendor or in the transceiver’s documentation. If a selection for Isolation Mode is available, we recommend you use this setting (if no mention is made of PHY addressing).

Attaching PA-FE Port Adapter Interface Cables

Use the following procedure to connect RJ-45, SC (PA-FE-FX), or MII cables:

Step 1 If you have MII connections, attach an MII cable directly to the MII receptacle on the PA-FE or attach a 100BaseT transceiver, with the media appropriate to your application, to the MII receptacle on the PA-FE. (See Figure 7-1 for the PA-FE-TX and Figure 7-2 for the PA-FE-FX.)

If you have RJ-45 connections, attach the Category 5 UTP cable directly to the RJ-45 port on the PA-FE. (See Figure 7-1 for PA-FE-TX and Figure 7-2 for PA-FE-FX.) The PA-FE is an end station device and not a repeater. You must connect the PA-FE to a repeater or hub.

If you have an SC connection (PA-FE-FX), attach the cable directly to the SC port on the PA-FE-FX. (See Figure 7-2.) Use either one duplex SC connector or two simplex SC connectors, and observe the correct relationship between the receive (R) and transmit (T) ports on the PA-FE-FX and your repeater.

Installing PA-FE Port Adapter Interface Cables 7-1

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Cisco Systems PA-FE-FX manual Installing PA-FE Port Adapter Interface Cables, PA-FE Port Adapter RJ-45 and MII Connections

PA-FE-FX, PA-FE-TX specifications

Cisco Systems PA-FE-TX and PA-FE-FX are essential components in the realm of network switching and connectivity. These Peripheral Adapter modules are designed for use in Cisco 7000 series routers, catering to the needs of high-performance networking and offering robust features.

The PA-FE-TX module is equipped with fast Ethernet ports that provide high-speed network connectivity through twisted-pair cabling. This module supports 10/100 Mbps data rates, making it ideal for connecting end-user devices to the network while ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure. Its auto-sensing capability facilitates smooth integration into varying network environments, allowing for seamless communication and data transfer.

On the other hand, the PA-FE-FX module is tailored for fiber optic connections, enabling high-speed data transmission over longer distances. This module supports multimode and single-mode fiber options, catering to diverse connectivity requirements. The PA-FE-FX is essential for organizations that require extended reach and minimal signal degradation, making it suitable for large campuses, data centers, and urban networking.

Both modules leverage Cisco's advanced technologies, including Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities and enhanced security features. These protocols ensure efficient bandwidth management and prioritize critical applications, improving overall network performance. Additionally, they support features such as VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) tagging, enabling network segmentation and improved traffic management.

The physical design of these modules adheres to Cisco's standards, ensuring easy installation and hot-swappable capabilities. This means network administrators can replace or upgrade the modules without taking the entire system offline, providing greater flexibility and reducing downtime.

In summary, Cisco's PA-FE-TX and PA-FE-FX modules are integral components for organizations seeking to enhance their networking infrastructure. With their support for both copper and fiber optic connections, they provide versatile options for connecting devices, extending network reach, and improving data transfer speeds. Their compatibility with advanced networking technologies further emphasizes Cisco's commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable networking solutions for businesses of all sizes.