The Cisco MDS 9700 Series switch provides the following types of ports:

• Console port (supervisor modules) —An RS-232 port that you can use to create a local management connection.

• MGMT 10/100/1000 Ethernet port (supervisor module)—An Ethernet port that you can use to access and manage the switch by IP address, such as through Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM).

• Fibre Channel ports (switching modules)—Fibre Channel (FC) ports that you can use to connect to the SAN or for in-band management.

• Fibre Channel over Ethernet ports (switching modules)—Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) ports that you can use to connect to the SAN or for in-band management.

The Cisco MDS 9700 Series switch has two USB drives (in each Supervisor-1 module). A simple USB interface that allows you to connect to different devices supported by Cisco MDS NX-OS. In the supervisor module, there are two USB drives, Slot 0 and LOG FLASH. The LOG FLASH and Slot 0 USB ports use different formats for their data.

Caution

When running power and data cables in overhead or subfloor cable trays, we strongly recommend that power cables and other potential noise sources be located as far away as is practical from network cabling that terminates on Cisco equipment. In situations where long parallel cable runs cannot be separated by at least 3.3 ft (1 m), we recommend shielding any potential noise sources by housing them in a grounded metallic conduit.

When preparing your site for network connections to the Cisco MDS 9700 Series switch, consider the following for each type of interface, and obtain all of the required equipment before connecting the ports:

• Cabling required for each interface type

• Distance limitations for each signal type

• Additional interface equipment required

Caution

Removing and installing an SFP+ or QSFP+ transceiver can shorten its useful life. Do not remove and insert SFP+ or QSFP+ transceivers more often than is absolutely necessary. We recommend disconnecting cables before installing or removing these transceivers to prevent damage to the cable or transceiver.

Note

Use only Cisco SFP+ or QSFP+ transceivers on the Cisco MDS 9700 Series. Each Cisco SFP+ or QSFP+ transceiver is encoded with model information that enables the switch to verify that the SFP+ or QSFP+ transceiver meets the requirements for the switch. For instructions specific to the transceiver type, see the “SFP+ Transceiver Specifications”.

The Cisco MDS 9000 Family supports SFP+ and QSFP+ transceivers with the following two types of latching devices:

• Mylar tab latch

  

• Bale-clasp latch

  

SFP+ and QSFP+ transceivers and fiber-optic cables must be kept clean and dust-free to maintain high signal accuracy and prevent damage to the connectors. Attenuation (loss of light) is increased by contamination and should be below 0.35 dB.

Follow these maintenance guidelines:

• SFP+ and QSFP+ transceivers are static sensitive. To prevent ESD damage, wear an ESD-preventive wrist strap that is connected to the chassis.

• Do not remove and insert a transceiver more often than is necessary. Repeated removals and insertions can shorten its useful life.

• Keep all optical connections covered when not in use. If they become dusty, clean before using to prevent dust from scratching the fiber-optic cable ends.

• Do not touch ends of connectors to prevent fingerprints and other contamination.

• Clean regularly; the required frequency of cleaning depends upon the environment. In addition, clean connectors if they are exposed to dust or accidentally touched. Both wet and dry cleaning techniques can be effective; refer to your site’s fiber-optic connection cleaning procedure.

• Inspect routinely for dust and damage. If damage is suspected, clean and then inspect fiber ends under a microscope to determine if damage has occurred.