Installing a QSFP transceiver

Before you begin

Consider the following when installing these transceivers:
  • The device supports only IBM-qualified transceivers. If you use an unqualified transceiver, the switchshow command output shows the port in a Mod_Inv state. Fabric OS also logs the issue in the system error log.
  • On Gen 6 platforms, 16Gb/s QSFPs might negotiate the link speed to 8Gb/s when connecting a breakout cable. To avoid this, disable, then re-enable the port that negotiated the speed to 8Gb/s or connect the cable to the QSFP first, and then install the QSFP into the switch.

About this task

To insert an QSFP transceiver, complete the following steps:

Note: QSFP transceivers have pull tabs rather then bails. Always use the pull tab to insert or remove the QSFP transceivers, as the QSFP might be hot.

Procedure

  1. Use the pull tab on these transceivers to help push the transceiver into the port. Transceivers are keyed so that they can only be inserted with the correct orientation. If a transceiver does not slide in easily, ensure that it is correctly oriented. Push the correctly oriented transceiver into the port until it is firmly seated and the latching mechanism clicks.
    Figure 1. Installing a 32-Gbps QSFP transceiver in an upper port
    32-Gbps QSFP transceiver installed in a port
    • 1 - Pull tab
    • 2 - QSFP cable
    • 3 - QSFP transceiver
  2. Position a cable so that the key (the ridge on one side of the cable connector) is aligned with the slot in the transceiver. Insert the cable into the transceiver until the latching mechanism clicks.
    Note: Cables are keyed so that they can be inserted in only one way. If a cable does not slide in easily, ensure that it is correctly oriented. Do not insert any unsupported cable intended for an other type of transceiver into a regular QSFP transceiver. You may damage the cable as well as the transceiver.