Unsupported transceivers ( cisco ASR routers )

I just recently ran into some  issues with a few 1gige  copper SFP ( GLC-T )  provided a via cisco reseller  Network Hardware Reseller.

It looks like they have their own  transceivers &  labeled with their  name, They are  offering these as new GLC-T copper 1gige transceivers. You can see them in this photo ( bottom  transceiver is from NHR )  Http://www.networkhardware.com/‎

But their's a twist, they didn't work in our AS1K , nor our ASR9K routers, until we executed some commands to bypass the eeprom checksum code for the pid.

Here's how you can do it;


( ASR9K  IOS-Xr version 4.2.3 )

( transceiver permit pid all    "ignore the load-interval in this output )

( ASR1K   IOS-XE 15.1.3 )


( service  unsupported-transceiver    Beaware of the warnning banner that cisco   outputs to your screen )

The ASR1K is shows them in the show inv details, but they are not working as of yet. We are still investigating why & I will post an update once we get a resolution.

NOTE:  These GLC-Ts  did work in  every model of switch that we had,  and in our WS-X6724-sfp linecard for  the 6500 series.


Keep these thoughts in mind;

•  it's best to always  use  the  mfg'er supported SFP/SFP+  transceiver in your you gear
•  cisco TAC support,  might not support your 3rd-party transceivers
•  cisco TAC might not RMA 3rd party  transceivers, & if they believe they are the culprit
•  other problems might come up or develop
• TAC is known to always ask for you to install a "cisco brand" transceiver during trouble shooting  if  they find out you have a non-cisco transceiver
• it best to keep a few  cisco brand SFPs around
• YMMV

In my own experience & with using  the lesser priced transceivers ( copper or optic );

• transition network seems to have a wide choice of 1gige transceivers, &  that works in various cisco switches & routers

http://www.transition.com/TransitionNetworks/Products2/Family.aspx?Name=TN-GLC-xxx

• prolabs provides some very good transceivers

http://www.prolabs.com/products/transceivers/

Ken Felix

Freelance Network / Security Engineer

kfelix  ----a---t---socpuppets ---d---o---t---com

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