Removing and Installing the VPN Acceleration Module

This chapter describes how to remove the VPN acceleration module (VAM) from the supported platforms and how to install a new or replacement VAM.

The VAM is a single-width circuit board mounted on a metal carrier. In the SA-VAM, the printed circuit board is mounted to the bottom of the metal carrier (see Figure 3-1) and in the SM-VAM, the printed circuit board is mounted to the top of the metal carrier (see Figure 3-2).

Note To ensure proper airflow in the router and compliance with EMI prevention standards, an empty port adapter slot must have a blank port adapter installed in it.

Caution

When powering off the router, wait a minimum of 30 seconds before powering it on again.

Handling the VAM

Caution

Always handle the VAM by the carrier edges and handle; never touch the VAM components or connector pins. (See Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2.)

Online Insertion and Removal

The SA-VAMs support online insertion and removal (OIR) in the Cisco 7100 series routers, Cisco 7200 series routers, and the Cisco 7401ASR router. You do not need to power routers down when removing and replacing the SA-VAMs.

However, the SM-VAM on the Cisco 7100 series routers does not support OIR. You need to power down the Cisco 7100 series router when removing and replacing the SM-VAM.

It is wise to gracefully shut down the system before removing a port adapter that has active traffic moving through it. Removing a module while traffic is flowing through the ports can cause system disruption. Once the module is inserted, the ports can be brought back up.

Note As you disengage the module from the router or switch, online insertion and removal (OIR) administratively shuts down all active interfaces in the module.

OIR allows you to install and replace modules 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 module 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 module in a supported platform, refer to the "VAM Removal and Installation" section.

Each module has a bus connector that connects it to the router. The connector has a set of tiered pins in three lengths that send specific signals to the system as they make contact with the module. The system assesses the signals it receives and the order in which it receives them to determine if a module is being removed from or introduced to the system. From these signals, the system determines whether to reinitialize a new interface or to shut down a disconnected interface.

Specifically, when you insert a module, the longest pins make contact with the module first, and the shortest pins make contact last. The system recognizes the signals and the sequence in which it receives them.

When you remove or insert a module, the pins send signals to notify the system of changes. The router then perfoms the following procedure:

Initializes newly inserted port adapters or administratively shuts down any vacant interfaces.

Brings all previously configured interfaces on the module back to their previously installed state. Any newly inserted interface is put in the administratively shutdown state, as if it was present (but not configured) at boot time. If a similar module type is reinserted into a slot, its ports are configured and brought online up to the port count of the originally installed module of that type.

Caution

Online removal will disrupt existing tunnels. You will need to re-establish your tunnels. See Site-to-Site and Extranet VPN Business Scenarios for additional information on configuring tunnels.

Warnings and Cautions

Observe the following warnings and cautions when installing or removing VPN acceleration modules.

Warning Blank faceplates and cover panels serve three important functions: they prevent exposure to hazardous voltages and currents inside the chassis; they contain electromagnetic interference (EMI) that might disrupt other equipment; and they direct the flow of cooling air through the chassis. Do not operate the system unless all cards, faceplates, front covers, and rear covers are in place.

Warning The safety cover is an integral part of the product. Do not operate the unit without the safety cover installed. Operating the unit without the cover in place will invalidate the safety approvals and pose a risk of fire and electrical hazards.

Warning Before working on equipment that is connected to power lines, remove jewelry (including rings, necklaces, and watches). Metal objects will heat up when connected to power and ground and can cause serious burns or weld the metal object to the terminals.

Warning Keep hands and fingers out of the power supply bays. High voltage is present on the power backplane when the system is running.

Caution

To prevent jamming the carrier between the upper and the lower edges of the VAM slot, and to ensure that the edge connector at the rear of the VAM mates with the connection at the rear of the VAM slot, make certain that the carrier is positioned correctly, as shown in the cutaway in the "Cisco 7100 Series—Removing and Installing the VAM" section

VAM Removal and Installation

In this section, the illustrations that follow give step-by-step instructions to remove and install the VAM. This section contains the following illustrations:

Warning When performing the following procedures, wear a grounding wrist strap to avoid ESD damage to the card. Some platforms have an ESD connector for attaching the wrist strap. Do not directly touch the midplane or backplane with your hand or any metal tool, or you could shock yourself.

Note If a VPN acceleration module lever or other retaining mechanism does not move to the locked position, the module is not completely seated in the midplane. Carefully pull the module out of the slot, reinsert it, and move the VPN accelerator module lever or other mechanism to the locked position.

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