Cable and Connector Specifications

Table Of Contents

Cable and Connector Specifications

Limiting Connection Distances

Uplink Port Transceiver Modules

1GE Uplink Ports and Cabling Specifications

10GE Uplink Ports and Cabling Specifications

GBIC Module Cabling Specifications

Console Port Cabling Specifications and Pinouts

Console Port Cabling Specifications

Console Port Signals and Pinouts

Identifying a Rollover Cable

DB-9 Adapter (for Connecting to a PC)

DB-25 Adapter (for Connecting to a Terminal)

Modem Adapter

Console Port Mode 2 Signaling and Pinouts (Sup2 Only)

RJ-45 Connector

Fiber-Optic Connectors

SC Connectors

MT-RJ Connectors

LC Connectors

Cleaning the Fiber-Optic Connectors

LX/LH GBIC and MMF Cable Considerations

Patch Cord

Patch Cord Configuration Example

Patch Cord Installation


Cable and Connector Specifications


This appendix lists the cable and connector specifications for the Cisco 7600 route switch processors (RSPs) and supervisor engines. It contains the following information:

Limiting Connection Distances

Uplink Port Transceiver Modules

Console Port Cabling Specifications and Pinouts

RJ-45 Connector

Fiber-Optic Connectors

LX/LH GBIC and MMF Cable Considerations

Limiting Connection Distances

The length of your networks and the distances between connections depend on the type of signal, the signal speed, and the transmission media (the type of cabling used to transmit the signals). For example, fiber-optic cable has a greater channel capacity than twisted-pair cabling. The distance and rate limits in this appendix are the IEEE-recommended maximum speeds and distances for signaling. You can get good results with rates and distances greater than those described here, although you do so at your own risk. You need to be aware of the electrical problems that may arise and compensate for them.

Uplink Port Transceiver Modules

Transceiver modules that plug into the front panel of the supervisor engine or route switch processor provide the uplink ports for the router. Several types of transceiver modules are available: small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules, X2 modules, XENPAK modules, and Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) modules.

Table B-1 lists the orderable part numbers for supported transceiver modules. In addition, the following tables provide information about the modules and their cabling specifications:

Table B-2 and Table B-3 provide information about 1GE uplink ports.

Table B-4 and Table B-5 provide information about 10GE uplink ports.

Table B-6 provides information about 1GE GBIC modules.

Table B-1 Uplink Port Transceiver Modules 

Supervisor Engine or RSP
Transceiver Module Part Numbers

RSP720 and
RSP720-10GE

10GE Uplink Ports (RSP720-10GE only):

X2-10GB-SR
X2-10GB-LR
X2-10GB-ER
X2-10GB-LX4
X2-10GB-CX4
X2-10GB-LRM
X2 10GB-ZR

1GE Uplink Ports:

GLC-SX-MM
GLC-LH-SM
GLC-ZX-SM
GLC-T
GLC-BX-D
GLC-BX-U

SFP-GE-S
SFP-GE-L
SFP-GE-T

Supervisor Engine 720

GLC-SX-MM
GLC-LH-SM
GLC-ZX-SM
GLC-T

Supervisor Engine 32

10GE Uplink Ports (WS-SUP32-10GE-3B only):

XENPAK-10GB-CX4
XENPAK-10GB-SR
XENPAK-10GB-LX4
XENPAK-10GB-LR
XENPAK-10GB-ER

1GE Uplink Ports (WS-SUP32-GE-3B):

GLC-SX-MM
GLC-LH-SM
GLC-ZX-SM
GLC-T

Supervisor Engine 2

1000BASE-X GBIC modules, which are preinstalled


1GE Uplink Ports and Cabling Specifications

Table B-2 describes the 1GE SFP transceiver modules that are used for Cisco 7600 uplink ports. Table B-3 provides cabling specifications.


Note Use Category 5 Shielded Twisted Pair cable at the port that supports the10/100/1000-Mbps RJ-45 connector for the RSP720-10GE.


Table B-2 1GE SFP Transceiver Modules 

Product ID
Description
Copper Modules

GLC-SX-MM

1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver module for multimode fiber (MMF), 850-nm wavelength, LC connector

GLC-LH-SM

1000BASE-LX/LH SFP transceiver module for MMF and single-mode fiber (SMF), 1300-nm wavelength, LC connector

GLC-ZX-SM

1000BASE-ZX SFP transceiver module for SMF,
1550-nm wavelength, LC connector

GLC-T

1000BASE-T SFP transceiver module for Category 5, 5e, or 6 copper wire; 10/100/1000-Mbps RJ-45 connector

GLC-BX-D

1000BASE-BX10 SFP module for single-strand SMF,
1490-nm TX/1310-nm RX wavelength (downstream use in bidirectional single fiber applications), with Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM), LC connector

GLC-BX-U

1000BASE-BX10 SFP module for single-strand SMF,
1310-nm TX/1490-nm RX wavelength (upstream use in bidirectional single fiber applications), with DOM, LC connector

Fiber Modules

SFP-GE-S

1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver module for MMF,
850-nm wavelength, extended operating temperature range and DOM support, LC connector

SFP-GE-L

1000BASE-LX/LH SFP transceiver module for MMF and SMF, 1300-nm wavelength, extended operating temperature range and DOM support, LC connector

SFP-GE-T

1000BASE-T SFP transceiver module for Category 5, 5e, or 6 copper wire, extended operating temperature range and DOM support (NEBS 3ESD); 10/100/1000-Mbps RJ-45 connector


Table B-3 lists the cabling specifications for the 1GE uplink ports, which are located on SFP transceiver modules that plug into the front panel.

Table B-3 1GE Cabling Specifications 

SFP Module
(Product ID)
Wavelength (nm)
Fiber Type (MHz km)
Core Size (micron)
Modal Bandwidth (MHz km)
Maximum Cable Distance

GLC-SX-MM

SFP-GE-S

850

MMF 1

62.5
62.5
50
50

160
200
400
500

722 ft (220 m)
902 ft (275 m)
1640 ft (500 m)
1804 ft (550 m)

GLC-LH-SM

SFP-GE-L

1300

MMF 2

62.5
50
50

500
400
500

1804 ft (550 m)
1804 ft (550 m)
1804 ft (550 m)

SMF 3

9/10

6.2 mi (10 km)

GLC-ZX-SM

1550

SMF

9/10

43.5 mi (70 km)

SMF 4

8

62.1 mi (100 km)

GLC-T

SFP-GE-T

Cat 5, 5e, or 6 copper wire

328 ft (100 m)

GLC-BX-D

1490-nm TX 1310-nm RX

SMF 3

6.21 mi (10 km)

GLC-BX-U

1310-nm TX 1490-nm RX

SMF 3

6.21 mi (10 km)

1 Multimode fiber (MMF) only.

2 A mode-conditioning patch cord is required when using the GLC-LH-SM module with 62.5-micron diameter MMF for link distances greater than 984 ft (300 m). In addition, we do not recommend using the GLC-LH-SM module and MMF without a patch cord for very short link distances (tens of meters) because it may result in an elevated bit error rate (BER).

Install the patch cord between the module and the MMF cable on both the transmit and receive ends of the link. For more information about the patch cord, see the "Mode-Conditioning Patch Cord Description" section of the document at the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/routers/ps341/prod_module_installation_guide09186a00801cc731.html#wp29618

3 ITU-T G.652 SMF as specified by the IEEE 802.3z standard.

4 Dispersion-shifted single-mode fiber-optic cable.


10GE Uplink Ports and Cabling Specifications

Table B-4 describes the X2 and XENPAK transceiver modules used for the 10GE uplink ports on the RSP720-10GE and WS-SUP32-10GE-3B. Table B-5 provides cabling specifications.

Table B-4 10GE X2 and XENPAK Transceiver Modules 

Product ID
Description

X2-10GB-SR

XENPAK-10GB-SR

10GBASE-SR X2 or XENPAK transceiver module for MMF, 850-nm wavelength, SC duplex connector

X2-10GB-LR

XENPAK-10GB-LR

10GBASE-LR X2 or XENPAK transceiver module for SMF, 1310-nm wavelength, SC duplex connector

X2-10GB-ER

XENPAK-10GB-ER

10GBASE-ER X2 or XENPAK transceiver module for SMF, 1550-nm wavelength, SC duplex connector

X2-10GB-LX4

XENPAK-10GB-LX4

10GBASE-LX4 X2 or XENPAK transceiver module for MMF, 1310-nm wavelength, SC duplex connector

X2-10GB-CX4

XENPAK-10GB-CX4

10GBASE-CX4 X2 or XENPAK transceiver module for CX4 copper cable, Infiniband 4X connector

X2-10GB-LRM

10GBASE-LRM X2 transceiver module for MMF, dual SC connector

X2-10GB-ZR

Cisco 10GBASE-ZR X2 transceiver module for SMF, dual SC connector


Table B-5 lists the cabling specifications for 10GE uplink ports, which are located on X2 or XENPAK transceiver modules that plug into the RSP720-10GE and WS-SUP32-10GE-3B front panel.


Note The 10GE uplink ports on the RSP720-10GE support X2 transceiver modules only.


Table B-5 10GE Cabling Specifications 

X2 Device
(Product ID)
Wavelength (nm)
Fiber Type (MHz km)
Core Size (micron)
Modal Bandwidth (MHz km)
Cable Distance 1

X2-10GB-SR

XENPAK-10GB-SR

850

MMF

62.5
62.5
50
50
50

160
200
400
500
2000

85.3 ft (26 m)
108.3 ft (33 m)
216.5 ft (66 m)
269.0 ft (82 m)
984.3 ft (300 m)

X2-10GB-LR

XENPAK-10GB-LR

1310

SMF

ITU-T G.652

6.2 mi (10 km)

X2-10GB-ER 2

XENPAK-10GB-ER

1550

SMF

ITU-T G.652

24.9 mi (40 km) 3

X2-10GB-LX4

XENPAK-10GB-LX4

1310

MMF

62.5
50
50

500
400
500

984.3 ft (300 m)
787.4 ft (240 m)
984.3 ft (300 m)

X2-10GB-CX4

XENPAK-10GB-CX4

CX4 (copper)

49.2 ft (15 m)

X2-10GB-LRM

1310

MMF

62.5
50.0
50.0

500
400
500

220 m (722 feet)
100 m (328 feet)
220 m (722 feet)

X2-10GB-ZR

1550

SMF

G.652 fiber

80 km (49.72 miles)4

1 Minimum cabling distance for -LR, -SR, -LX4, and -ER modules is 2 m, according to the IEEE 802.3ae standard.

2 Requires 5 dB 1550 nm fixed loss attenuator for < 20 km. Attenuator is available as a spare. The part number is WS-X6K-5DB-ATT=.

3 Links longer than 30 km are considered engineered links.

4 When shorter distances of SMF are used, an inline optical attenuator (10 dB) must be used to avoid overloading and damaging the receiver.


GBIC Module Cabling Specifications

Table B-6 provides cabling specifications for the 1000BASE-X interfaces on the Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) modules installed in the Supervisor Engine 2. All GBIC interfaces have SC connectors, and the minimum cable distance for all GBICs listed (MMF and SMF) is 6.5 feet (2 meters).

Table B-6 Gigabit Ethernet Maximum Transmission Distances 

GBIC
Wavelength (nm)
Fiber Type (MHz km)
Core Size1 (micron)
Modal Bandwidth (MHz km)
Cable Distance2

SX3

850

MMF

62
62
50
50

160
200
400
500

722 ft (220 m)
902 ft (275 m)
1640 ft (500 m)
1804 ft (550 m)

LX/LH

1300

MMF4
 
 

62
50
50

500
400
500

1804 ft (550 m)
1804 ft (550 m)
1804 ft (550 m)

   

SMF (LX/LH)

9/10

-

6.2 mi (10 km)

ZX5

1550

SMF6

9/10
8

-
-

43.5 mi (70 km)7
62.1 mi (100 km)

1 Core size refers to the core diameter. The cladding diameter is usually 25 microns.

2 Cable distances are based on fiber loss.

3 MMF only.

4 Patch cord required.

5 A maximum of 24 1000BASE-ZX GBICs is allowed for each system to comply with FCC Class A regulations.

6 Dispersion-shifted single-mode fiber-optic cable.

7 The minimum link distance for ZX GBICs is 6.2 miles (10 km) with an 8-dB attenuator installed at each end of the link. Without attenuators, the minimum link distance is 24.9 miles (40 km).


Console Port Cabling Specifications and Pinouts

The console port, which is located on the front panel of the supervisor engine or route switch processor, provides access to the Cisco 7600 router. The following sections provide information about the console port cabling specifications and the port's signals and pinouts.

Console Port Cabling Specifications

Console Port Signals and Pinouts

Console Port Mode 2 Signaling and Pinouts (Sup2 Only)

Console Port Cabling Specifications

Table B-7 lists the maximum transmission distances for console port cables. See the "Console Port Signals and Pinouts" section for console port and cable pinout information.

The accessories kit that is shipped with your router contains the necessary cable and adapters to connect a terminal or modem to the front-panel console port.

Table B-7 EIA/TIA-232 Transmission Speed Versus Distance 

Rate (bps)
Distance (feet)
Distance (meters)

2400

200

60

4800

100

30

9600

50

15

19,200

25

7.6

38,400

12

3.7

56,000

8.6

2.6


Console Port Signals and Pinouts

The Cisco 7600 series router is shipped with an accessories kit that contains the cable and adapters you need to connect a console (an ASCII terminal or PC running terminal emulation software) or modem to the console port on the front panel of the supervisor engine or route switch processor. For information about the signals and pinouts for the Supervisor Engine 2 console port in mode 2, see the "Console Port Mode 2 Signaling and Pinouts (Sup2 Only)" section.

The accessories kit includes these items:

RJ-45-to-RJ-45 rollover cable

RJ-45-to-DB-9 female DTE adapter (labeled "Terminal")

RJ-45-to-DB-25 female DTE adapter (labeled "Terminal")

RJ-45-to-DB-25 male DCE adapter (labeled "Modem")

Identifying a Rollover Cable

You can identify a rollover cable by comparing the two ends of the cable. Holding the cables side-by-side, with the tab at the back, the wire connected to the pin on the outside of the left plug should be the same color as the wire connected to the pin on the outside of the right plug. (See Figure B-1.) If you purchased your cable from Cisco Systems, pin 1 is white on one connector, and pin 8 is white on the other (a rollover cable reverses pins 1 and 8, 2 and 7, 3 and 6, and 4 and 5).

Figure B-1 Identifying a Rollover Cable

DB-9 Adapter (for Connecting to a PC)

Use the RJ-45-to-RJ-45 rollover cable and RJ-45-to-DB-9 female DTE adapter (labeled "Terminal") to connect the console port to a PC running terminal emulation software. Table B-8 lists the pinouts for the asynchronous serial console port, the RJ-45-to-RJ-45 rollover cable, and the RJ-45-to-DB-9 female DTE adapter.

Table B-8 Console Port DB-9 Adapter Pinouts 

Console Port
RJ-45-to-RJ-45
Rollover Cable
RJ-45-to-DB-9 Terminal Adapter
Console
Device
Signal
RJ-45 Pin
RJ-45 Pin
DB-9 Pin
Signal

RTS

11

8

8

CTS

DTR

2

7

6

DSR

TxD

3

6

2

RxD

GND

4

5

5

GND

GND

5

4

5

GND

RxD

6

3

3

TxD

DSR

7

2

4

DTR

CTS

81

1

7

RTS

1 Pin 1 is connected internally to Pin 8.


DB-25 Adapter (for Connecting to a Terminal)

Use the RJ-45-to-RJ-45 rollover cable and RJ-45-to-DB-25 female DTE adapter (labeled "Terminal") to connect the console port to a terminal. Table B-9 lists the pinouts for the asynchronous serial console port, the RJ-45-to-RJ-45 rollover cable, and the RJ-45-to-DB-25 female DTE adapter.

Table B-9 Console Port DB-25 Adapter Pinouts 

Console Port
RJ-45-to-RJ-45 Rollover Cable
RJ-45-to-DB-25 Terminal Adapter
Console
Device
Signal
RJ-45 Pin
RJ-45 Pin
DB-25 Pin
Signal

RTS

11

8

5

CTS

DTR

2

7

6

DSR

TxD

3

6

3

RxD

GND

4

5

7

GND

GND

5

4

7

GND

RxD

6

3

2

TxD

DSR

7

2

20

DTR

CTS

81

1

4

RTS

1 Pin 1 is connected internally to Pin 8.


Modem Adapter

Use the RJ-45-to-RJ-45 rollover cable and RJ-45-to-DB-25 male DCE adapter (labeled "Modem") to connect the console port to a modem. Table B-10 lists the pinouts for the asynchronous serial console port, the RJ-45-to-RJ-45 rollover cable, and the RJ-45-to-DB-25 male DCE adapter.

Table B-10 Console Port Modem Adapter Pinouts 

Console Port
RJ-45-to-RJ-45
Rollover Cable
RJ-45-to-DB-25 Modem Adapter
Modem
Signal
RJ-45 Pin
RJ-45 Pin
DB-25 Pin
Signal

RTS

11

8

4

RTS

DTR

2

7

20

DTR

TxD

3

6

3

TxD

GND

4

5

7

GND

GND

5

4

7

GND

RxD

6

3

2

RxD

DSR

7

2

8

DCD

CTS

81

1

5

CTS

1 Pin 1 is connected internally to Pin 8.


Console Port Mode 2 Signaling and Pinouts (Sup2 Only)

Table B-11 lists the pinouts for the Supervisor Engine 2 console port mode switch in mode 2 (switch in the out position). In this mode, you can connect a terminal to the supervisor engine using a Catalyst 5000 family Supervisor Engine III console cable and adapter (not provided). For instructions, see "Supervisor Engine 2" in the "Connecting a Terminal" section on page 3-9.

Table B-11 Console Port Pinouts (Supervisor Engine 2, Port Mode Switch Out) 

Console Port
Console Device
Pin (Signal Name)
Input/Output

1 (RTS)1

Output

2 (DTR)

Output

3 (RxD)

Input

4 (GND)

GND

5 (GND)

GND

6 (TxD)

Output

7 (DSR)

Input

8 (CTS)1

Input

1 Pin 1 is connected internally to Pin 8.


RJ-45 Connector

The RJ-45 connector is used to connect a Category 3, Category 5, Category 5e, or Category 6 FTP from the external network to the module interface connector. (See Figure B-2.) Table B-12 lists the connector pinouts and signal names for a 10/100BASE-T crossover (MDI-X) cable. Figure B-3 shows a schematic of the 10/100BASE-T crossover cable. Table B-13 lists the connector pinouts and signal names for a 1000BASE-T crossover (MDI-X) cable. Figure B-4 shows a schematic of the 1000BASE-T crossover cable.


Caution Category 5e and Category 6 cables can store high levels of static electricity because of the dielectric properties of the materials used in their construction. Always ground the cables (especially in new cable runs) to a suitable and safe earth ground before connecting them to the module.


Caution To comply with Telcordia GR-1089 intrabuilding, lightning-immunity requirements, you must use foil-twisted pair (FTP) cable that is properly grounded at both ends.

Inline power for IP phones uses connector pins 1, 2, 3, and 6 in a Category 5, Category 5e, or Category 6 cable to transmit power (6.3 W) from the router. This method of supplying power is sometimes called phantom power because the IP phone power travels over the same pairs of wires used to transmit the Ethernet signals. The IP phone voltage is completely transparent to the Ethernet signals and does not interfere with their operation.

Figure B-2 RJ-45 Interface Cable Connector

Table B-12 10/100BASE-T Crossover Cable Pinout (MDI-X)

Side 1 Pin (Signal)
Side 2 Pin (Signal)

1 (RD+)

3 (TD+)

2 (RD-)

6 (TD-)

3 (TD+)

1 (RD+)

6 (TD-)

2 (RD-)

4 (Not used)

4 (Not used)

5 (Not used)

5 (Not used)

7 (Not used)

7 (Not used)

8 (Not used)

8 (Not used)


Figure B-3 Twisted-Pair Crossover 10/100BASE-T Cable Schematic

Table B-13 1000BASE-T Crossover Cable Pinout (MDI-X) 

Side 1 Pin (Signal)
Side 2 Pin (Signal)

1 (TP0+)

3 (TP1+)

2 (TP0-)

6 (TP1-)

3 (TP1+)

1 (TP0+)

6 (TP1-)

2 (TP0-)

4 (TP2+)

7 (TP3+)

5 (TP2-)

8 (TP3-)

7 (TP3+)

4 (TP2+)

8 (TP3-)

5 (TP2-)


Figure B-4 Twisted-Pair Crossover 1000BASE-T Cable Schematic

Fiber-Optic Connectors

This section describes the SC, MT-RJ, and LC fiber-optic connectors and provides instructions for cleaning the fiber-optics connectors. It contains the following sections:

SC Connectors

MT-RJ Connectors

LC Connectors

Cleaning the Fiber-Optic Connectors

SC Connectors


Warning Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from disconnected fibers or connectors. Do not stare into beams or view directly with optical instruments. Statement 1051


The SC single-mode fiber connector is used to connect fiber-optic module ports with the external network. (See Figure B-5.)

Figure B-5 SC Optical Connector

\

Always make sure that you insert the connector completely into the socket. This action is especially important when you are making a connection between a module and a long distance (1.24 miles [2 kilometers]) or a suspected highly attenuated network. If the LINK LED on the supervisor engine or route switch processor does not light, try removing the network cable plug and reinserting it firmly into the module socket. It is possible that enough dirt or skin oils have accumulated on the plug faceplate (around the optical-fiber openings) to generate significant attenuation, reducing the optical power levels below threshold levels so that a link cannot be made.


Caution Use extreme care when removing or installing connectors so that you do not damage the connector housing or scratch the end-face surface of the fiber. Always install protective covers on unused or disconnected components to prevent contamination. Always clean fiber connectors before installing them.

For fiber-optic connector cleaning instructions, see the "Cleaning the Fiber-Optic Connectors" section.

MT-RJ Connectors


Warning Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from disconnected fibers or connectors. Do not stare into beams or view directly with optical instruments. Statement 1051


The MT-RJ style connector is used on fiber-optic modules to increase port density. (See Figure B-6.)

Figure B-6 MT-RJ Optical Connector

When you are connecting MT-RJ cables to a module, make sure you firmly press the connector plug into the socket. The upper edge of the plug must snap into the upper front edge of the socket. You may or may not hear an audible click. Gently pull on the plug to confirm whether or not the plug is locked into the socket. To disconnect the plug from the socket, press down on the raised portion on top of the plug (releasing the latch). You should hear an audible click indicating that the latch has released. Carefully pull the plug out of the socket.

Make sure that you insert the connector completely into the socket. This action is especially important when you are making a connection between a module and a long distance (1.24 miles [2 kilometers]) or a suspected highly attenuated network. If the LINK LED on the supervisor engine or route switch processor does not light, try removing the network cable plug and reinserting it firmly into the module socket. It is possible that enough dirt or skin oils have accumulated on the plug faceplate (around the optical-fiber openings) to generate significant attenuation, reducing the optical power levels below threshold levels so that a link cannot be made.


Caution Use extreme care when removing or installing connectors so that you do not damage the connector housing or scratch the end-face surface of the fiber. Always install protective covers on unused or disconnected components to prevent contamination. Always clean fiber connectors before installing them.

For fiber-optic connector cleaning instructions, see the "Cleaning the Fiber-Optic Connectors" section.

When you disconnect the fiber-optic cable from the module, grip the body of the connector. Do not grip the connector jacket-sleeve. Gripping the sleeve can, over time, compromise the integrity of the fiber-optic cable termination in the MT-RJ connector.

LC Connectors

The small form-factor pluggable (SFP) tranceiver modules used on the Supervisor Engine 720, Route Switch Processor 720, and RSP720-10GE uplink ports use either MT-RJ connectors or LC connectors depending on the SFP module vendor. Figure B-7 shows an LC connector.

Figure B-7 LC Fiber-Optic Connector


Caution Use extreme care when removing or installing connectors so that you do not damage the connector housing or scratch the end-face surface of the fiber. Always install protective covers on unused or disconnected components to prevent contamination. Always clean fiber connectors before installing them.

For fiber-optic connector cleaning instructions, see the "Cleaning the Fiber-Optic Connectors" section.

When you disconnect the fiber-optic cable from the module, grip the body of the connector. Do not grip the connector jacket-sleeve. Gripping the sleeve can, over time, compromise the integrity of the fiber-optic cable termination in the LC connector.

Cleaning the Fiber-Optic Connectors

Fiber-optic connectors are used to connect two fibers together. When these connectors are used in a communications system, proper connection is critical.

Fiber-optic connectors differ from electrical connectors or microwave connectors. In a fiber-optic system, light is transmitted through an extremely small fiber core. Because fiber cores are often 62.5 microns or less in diameter in multimode fiber (MMF) and 8.3 to 10 microns in single-mode fiber (SMF), dust particles and any contamination on the face of the fiber core can degrade the performance of the connector interface where the two cores meet. The connector must be precisely aligned, and the connector interface must be absolutely free of trapped contaminants.


Caution Use extreme care when removing or installing connectors so that you do not damage the connector housing or scratch the end-face surface of the fiber. Always install protective covers on unused or disconnected components to prevent contamination. Always clean fiber connectors before installing them.

To clean the fiber-optic connectors, use a CLETOP cassette cleaner (type A for SC connectors or type B for MT-RJ connectors) and follow the product instructions. If a CLETOP cassette cleaner is not available, follow these steps:


Step 1 Gently wipe the ferrules and end-face surfaces of the connector with an alcohol pad. Be sure that the pad makes full contact with the end-face surfaces. Wait five seconds for the surfaces to dry and repeat.

Step 2 Blow dry the connectors with canned, dry, oil-free, compressed air.

Step 3 Use a magnifying glass or inspection microscope to inspect the ferrule. If contaminants are visible, repeat the cleaning procedure.


The connectors used inside the system have been cleaned by the manufacturer and connected to the adapters in the proper manner. The operation of the system should be error-free if the customer provides clean connectors on the application side, follows the previous directions, and follows the listed guidelines:

Clean the connectors using lens tissues before connecting to the adapters. Use pure alcohol to remove contamination.

Do not clean the inside of the connector adapters.

Do not use force or quick movements when connecting the fiber-optic connectors in the adapters.

Cover the connector adapters to avoid contaminating the inside of the adapters while cleaning the chassis.

Cover the connectors and adapters to prevent the inside of the adapters or the surface of the connectors from getting dirty when not using the connectors.


Note If the surface of the fiber-optic connector is not clean or does not have an even shine, repeat the process using a fresh surface of the alcohol pad.


LX/LH GBIC and MMF Cable Considerations

The following sections describe the things you should consider if you are using a Supervisor Engine 2 with a long wavelength/long haul (LX/LH) GBIC with 62.5-micron diameter MMF cable.

Patch Cord

When using the long wavelength/long haul (LX/LH) GBIC with 62.5-micron diameter MMF on links that span more than 984 feet (300 meters), a mode-conditioning patch cord is required. You must install the patch cord (Cisco product number CAB-GELX-625 or equivalent) between the GBIC and the MMF cable on both the transmit and receive ends of the link.


Note We also recommend using a patch cord between the LX/LH GBIC and MMF cable for very short link distances (10 to 100 meters). Without a patch cord, the link can have an elevated bit error rate (BER).



Note The patch cord is required to comply with IEEE standards. The IEEE found that link distances could not be met with certain types of fiber-optic cable due to a problem in the center of some fiber-optic cable cores. The solution is to launch light from the laser at a precise offset from the center by using the mode-conditioning patch cord. At the output end of the patch cord, the LX/LH GBIC complies with the IEEE 802.3z standard for 1000BASE-LX.


Patch Cord Configuration Example

Figure B-8 shows a typical patch cord configuration.

Figure B-8 Patch Cord Configuration

Patch Cord Installation


Warning Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from disconnected fibers or connectors. Do not stare into beams or view directly with optical instruments. Statement 1051


Plug the end of the patch cord labeled "To Equipment" into the GBIC (see Figure B-9). Plug the end labeled "To Cable Plant" into the patch panel. The patch cord is 9.84 feet (3 meters) long and has duplex SC male connectors at each end.

Figure B-9 Patch Cord Installation