Connecting the Cables
21
Connecting Cables to SFP Ports
If you have installed an SFP interface module on the appliance, you can
use the ports on the module as either copper or fiber ports by inserting
a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver for a copper or fiber-optic
cable into the ports.
To connect cables to SFP ports
1.
Insert the SFP transceiver in the port slot until you feel the
connector on the transceiver snap into place. The illustration
below shows the correct position of inserting the SFP transceiver.
2.
If the SFP transceiver has a rubber plug, remove the plug after
inserting the transceiver in the slot.
3.
Connect the copper or fiber-optic cable to the SFP transceiver.
Cable Types
Make sure that the copper cables are correctly rated (CAT 5e or CAT 6 in
gigabit networks).
Speed/Duplex Settings
Network cards at both ends of each cable must have identical speed/
duplex settings. This also applies to the automatic negotiation setting: if
one end of the cable is set to autonegotiate, the other end must also be
set to autonegotiate. Gigabit standards require interfaces to use
autonegotiation—fixed settings are not allowed at gigabit speeds.
Note –
Make sure that the latch on the SFP transceiver is up (see the
illustration above) when you insert the SFP transceiver in the port
slot.
Note –
Each SFP port must match the wavelength specifications at
the other end of the cable. The cable must not exceed the
stipulated cable length for reliable communications.
SFP transceiver
for copper cable
Rubber plug
SFP transceiver for
fiber-optic cable
