Specifications

3-2
PA-8E 10BaseT Ethernet Port Adapter Installation and Configuration
OL-3494-04
Chapter 3 Removing and Installing Port Adapters
Online Insertion and Removal
Figure 3-1 Handling a Port Adapter
Online Insertion and Removal
Several platforms support online insertion and removal (OIR) of port adapters; therefore, you do not
have to power down routers when removing and replacing a PA-8E in the Cisco 7100 series routers,
Cisco 7200 series routers, Cisco 7200 VXR routers, Cisco uBR7200 series routers, Cisco 7201 router,
Cisco 7301 router, or Cisco 7401ASR router.
Although the Catalyst RSM/VIP2, Cisco 7304 PCI port adapter carrier card, and VIP support online
insertion and removal, individual port adapters do not. To replace port adapters, you must first remove
the Catalyst RSM/VIP2, Cisco 7304 PCI port adapter carrier card, or VIP from the router and then install
or replace port adapters as required. If a blank port adapter is installed on the Catalyst RSM/VIP2,
Cisco 7304 PCI port adapter carrier card, or VIP on which you want to install a new port adapter, you
must first remove the Catalyst RSM/VIP2, Cisco 7304 PCI port adapter carrier card, or VIP from the
router and then remove the blank port adapter.
Caution To prevent system problems, do not remove port adapters from the Catalyst RSM/VIP2, Cisco 7304 PCI
port adapter carrier card or VIP, or attempt to install other port adapters when the system is operating.
To install or replace port adapters, first remove the Catalyst RSM/VIP2, Cisco 7304 PCI port adapter
carrier card or VIP from the router.
It is wise to gracefully shut down the system before removing a port adapter that has active traffic moving
through it. Removing a port adapter while traffic is flowing through the ports can cause system
disruption. Once the port adapter is inserted, the ports can be brought back up.
Note As you disengage the port adapter from the router or switch, online insertion and removal (OIR)
administratively shuts down all active interfaces in the port adapter.
OIR allows you to install and replace port adapters while the router is operating; you do not need to
notify the software or shut down the system power, although you should not run traffic through the port
adapter you are removing while it is being removed. OIR is a method that is seamless to end users on
the network, maintains all routing information, and preserves sessions.
The following is a functional description of OIR for background information only; for specific
procedures for installing and replacing a port adapter in a supported platform, refer to the “Port Adapter
Removal and Installation” section on page 3-4.
H6420
Metal carrier
Printed circuit board