Replacing DRAM on the Route Switch Processor

This chapter describes the procedures for upgrading or replacing dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) on each of the RSPs used in the Cisco 7500 series routers. The RSP2 uses DRAM single in-line memory modules (SIMMS), and the RSP4 and RSP8 use DRAM dual in-line memory modules (DIMMS).

Upgrading or Replacing DRAM SIMMs on the RSP2

This section describes the procedures for replacing up to four DRAM SIMMs on your RSP2. You obtain the SIMMs from Cisco Systems.

The system DRAM resides in up to four SIMM sockets in two memory banks, 0 and 1. The DRAM SIMM sockets are U21 and U33 for bank 0, and U4 and U12 for bank 1. (See Figure 9-1.) The default DRAM configuration is 16 MB (two 8-MB SIMMs in bank 0).

The total number of memory devices per SIMM differs for each manufacturer. The SIMMs in the following illustrations are generic representations of the actual DRAM SIMMs for your RSP2. To ensure that you are using the correct SIMMs, refer to the specific part or product numbers indicated by your DRAM upgrade requirements. DRAM upgrades require the removal of the RSP2, so plan your DRAM upgrade to minimize your system downtime.

The SIMM sockets use thumb tabs that are often used in PCs and other computer equipment. Each RSP2 SIMM socket has two metal retaining springs, one at each end. When a SIMM is fully seated in the socket, the retaining springs snap over the ends of the SIMM to lock it in the socket.

To upgrade DRAM, you install SIMMs in one or two banks. Table 9-1 lists the various configurations of DRAM SIMMs that are available. Note which banks are used given the combinations of available SIMM sizes and the maximum DRAM you require.

Note Depending on your router configuration, your Cisco IOS software release might require more than 16 MB of DRAM for your RSP2. Upgrade your system DRAM based on your current configuration and this potential requirement.

The RSP2 supports high system availability (HSA), which is a feature in Cisco IOS Release 11.1(4) or later, allowing two RSP2s to be used simultaneously in a Cisco 7507 or Cisco 7513 router. Each RSP2 must have the same DRAM configuration, with 24 MB of DRAM as the required minimum. The Cisco 7576 does not support HSA.

Table 9-1 DRAM SIMM Configurations for the RSP1
DRAM Bank 0	Quantity	DRAM Bank 1	Quantity	Total DRAM	Product Numbers
U33 and U21	2 8-MB SIMMs	U12 and U4	-	16 MB	MEM-RSP-16M
U33 and U21	2 8-MB SIMMs	U12 and U4	2 4-MB SIMMs	24 MB¹	MEM-RSP-24M
U33 and U21	2 16-MB SIMMs	U12 and U4	-	32 MB²	MEM-RSP-32M(=)
U33 and U21	2 32-MB SIMMs	U12 and U4	-	64 MB	MEM-RSP-64M(=)
U33 and U21	2 32-MB SIMMs	U12 and U4	2 32-MB SIMMs	128 MB	MEM-RSP-128M(=)

¹The 24-MB DRAM configuration is the minimum requirement for the HSA feature. The DRAM is available as an 8-MB upgrade to the standard 16-MB configuration by adding DRAM Product Number MEM-RSP-8M= (consisting of two 4-MB DRAM SIMMs, for a total of 24 MB).

²The 32-MB DRAM default configuration is the default for RSP2s shipped in a Cisco 7507 and Cisco 7513 router.

Removing RSP2 SIMMs

Step 1

Turn off the system power and remove the RSP2. (If you have a Cisco 7507 or Cisco 7507-MX, see the procedure in Figure 3-8; if you have a Cisco 7513, Cisco 7513-MX, or a Cisco 7576, see the procedure in Figure 3-14.)

Step 2

Place the RSP2 on an antistatic mat or pad, and ensure that you are wearing an antistatic device, such as a wrist strap. Position the RSP2 so that the faceplate is away from you and the edge connector is toward you—the opposite of the position shown in Figure 9-1.

Step 3

Locate the DRAM SIMMs on the RSP2. The SIMMs occupy U33 and U21 in bank 0, and U12 and U4 in bank 1.

Step 4

Release the spring clips from the SIMM you want to remove and release the SIMM from the socket. (See Figure 9-2.)

Step 5

When both ends of the SIMM are released from the socket, grasp the ends of the SIMM with your thumb and forefinger and pull the SIMM completely out of the socket. Handle the edges of the SIMM only; avoid touching the memory module or pins and the metal traces (the metal fingers along the connector edge of the SIMM) along the socket edge.

Step 6

Place the SIMM in an antistatic bag to protect it from ESD damage. You can use the SIMMs that you remove in compatible equipment.

Step 7

Repeat Step 4 through Step 6 for the remaining SIMMs, as required for your upgrade.

Installing New RSP2 SIMMs

Step 1

Ensure that the RSP2 is in the same orientation as the preceding procedure (with the handle away from you and the edge connector toward you).

Step 3

Hold the SIMM component-side up, with the connector edge (the metal fingers) closest to you. Hold the sides of the SIMM between your thumb and middle finger, with your forefinger against the far edge, opposite the connector edge.

Step 4

Tilt the SIMM to approximately the same angle as the socket and insert the entire the connector edge into the socket. (Install the first SIMM in the slot farthest away from you. Install the last SIMM in the slot closest to you.)

Step 5

Gently push the SIMM into the socket until the spring clips snap over the ends of the SIMM. If necessary, rock the SIMM gently back and forth to seat it properly.

Step 7

When all SIMMs are installed, check all alignment holes (two on each SIMM) to ensure that the spring retainer is visible. If it is not, the SIMM is not seated properly. If any SIMM appears misaligned, carefully remove it and reseat it in the socket. Push the SIMM firmly back into the socket until the retainer springs snap into place.

Step 8

Replace the RSP2. (If you have a Cisco 7507 or Cisco 7507-MX, see the procedure in Figure 3-8; if you have a Cisco 7513, Cisco 7513-MX, or a Cisco 7576, see the procedure in Figure 3-14.)

After you have correctly installed RSP2 DRAM SIMMs, reinstalled the RSP2, and turned on the system power, the system should reboot properly.

If the system fails to boot properly, or if the console terminal displays a checksum or memory error, check the following:

•

Ensure that all SIMMs are installed correctly. If necessary, shut down the system and remove the RSP2. Check the SIMMs by looking straight down on them to inspect them at eye level. The SIMMs should all be aligned at the same angle and the same height when properly installed. If a SIMM appears to stick out or rest in the socket at a different angle from the others, remove the SIMM and reinsert it. Then replace the RSP2 and reboot the system for another installation check.

•

Each DRAM SIMM bank must contain SIMMs of the same size and speed or the system will not operate. SIMMs must be 60 ns or faster. The speed is printed along one edge of the SIMM.

If after several attempts the system fails to restart properly, contact a service representative for assistance. Before you call, make note of any error messages, unusual LED states, or any other indications that might help solve the problem.

Note The time required for the system to initialize varies with different router configurations. Routers with 128 MB of DRAM will take longer to boot than those with 16 MB of DRAM.

Upgrading or Replacing DRAM DIMMs on the RSP4 and RSP8

This section describes the procedures for replacing up to two dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) on your RSP4 or RSP8. You obtain the DIMMs from Cisco Systems.

The system DRAM resides in up to two DIMM sockets in two memory banks, 0 and 1. The DRAM DIMM sockets on the RSP4 are U10 (bank 0) and U13 (bank 1). The default DRAM configuration is 32 MB (one 32-MB DIMM in U10). The DRAM DIMM sockets on the RSP8 are U12 (bank 0) and U15 (bank 1). The default DRAM configuration is 64 MB (two 32-MB DIMMs or one 64-MB DIMM).

Note The total number of memory devices per DIMM differs for each manufacturer. The DIMMs in the following illustrations are generic representations of the actual DRAM DIMMs for your RSP4 or RSP8. To ensure that you are using the correct DIMMs, refer to the specific part or product numbers indicated by your DRAM upgrade requirements, or to the Cisco part numbers on the DIMMs. DRAM upgrades require the removal of the RSP4 or RSP8, so plan your DRAM upgrade to minimize your system downtime.


1	MEMD SRAM	6	Flash EPROM (ROMmon) U5
2	Bus connector	7	Auxiliary port
3	CPU	8	Flash memory SIMM holder
4	DRAM DIMMs (bank 0: bottom) U10 DRAM DIMMs (bank 1: top) U13	9	PC Card slot 0: bottom PC Card slot 1: top (For Flash memory cards)
5	Console port

Note Each RSP4 DIMM socket has one plastic lever on one end, which is used to remove the DIMM from its socket.


1	MEMD SRAM	6	Flash EPROM (ROMmon)
2	Bus connectors	7	Auxiliary port
3	CPU	8	Flash memory SIMM holder
4	DRAM DIMMs (bank 0: bottom) DRAM DIMMs (bank 1: top)	9	PC Card slot 0: bottom PC Card slot 1: top (for Flash Disks or Memory Cards
5	Console port

Note Each RSP8 DIMM socket has one plastic lever on one end, which is used to remove the DIMM from its socket.

Table 9-2 lists the various configurations of DRAM DIMMs that are available for the RSP4 and Table 9-3 lists the various configurations of DRAM DIMMs that are available for the RSP8. These tables also provide the number of DIMMs for each configuration, and the DRAM banks they occupy. Note which banks are used given the combinations of available DIMM sizes and the maximum DRAM you require.

Note Depending on your router configuration and the protocols and features your system is running, you might require more than the 32 MB of default DRAM for your RSP4, and more than the 64 MB of default DRAM for your RSP8. Upgrade your system DRAM based on your current configuration, this potential requirement, and the information in Table 9-2 and Table 9-3 .

Table 9-2 DRAM DIMM Configurations for the RSP4
Quantity	Totals	Product Numbers
One 32-MB DIMM	32 MB	MEM-RSP4-32M¹
One 32-MB DIMM	32 MB	MEM-RSP4-32M=²
Two 32-MB DIMMs or one 64-MB DIMM³	64 MB	MEM-RSP4-64M=
One 128-MB DIMM	128 MB	MEM-RSP4-128M=
Two 128-MB DIMMs	256 MB	MEM-RSP4-256M=

¹The 32-MB DRAM configuration is the default for RSP4s shipped in a Cisco 7507, Cisco 7513, and
Cisco 7576 router.

²This DRAM product spare option assumes you already have one 32-MB DRAM DIMM installed in an RSP4 and want to upgrade to 64 MB of DRAM by adding a second 32-MB DRAM DIMM.

³When using the MEM-RSP4-64M= Product Number to order spare DRAM, note that two 32-MB DIMMs are currently shipped. As DRAM supplies warrant, these orders may be fulfilled with one 64-MB DIMM in the future.

Table 9-3 DRAM DIMM Configurations for the RSP8
Quantity	Totals	Product Numbers
One 64-MB DIMM¹	64 MB	MEM-RSP8-64M²
One 128-MB DIMM	128 MB	MEM-RSP8-128M=
Two 128-MB DIMMs	256 MB	MEM-RSP8-256M=

¹When using the MEM-RSP8-64M= Product Number to order spare DRAM, note that two 32-MB DIMMs are currently shipped. As DRAM supplies warrant, these orders may be fulfilled with one 64-MB DIMM in the future.

²The 64-MB DRAM configuration is the default for RSP8s shipped in a Cisco 7507-MX and Cisco 7513-MX router. Order this DRAM if you already have 64MB of DRAM in one DIMM socket and want to upgrade to 128 MB of DRAM by adding 64 MB of DRAM in the other DIMM socket.

Removing RSP4 and RSP8 DIMMs

If you are upgrading from 64 MB to 256 MB, you must replace both DRAM DIMMs; therefore, the following procedure is required; however, this procedure is not required if you want to add one DIMM to a DRAM configuration that uses only one DIMM. For example, if you want to upgrade from 32 MB to 64 MB or from 128 MB to 256 MB, you need to add one DRAM DIMM to U13 (RSP4) or U15 (RSP8); therefore, proceed to the section "Installing New RSP4 or RSP8 DIMMs" section.

Step 1

Turn off the system power and remove the RSP4 or RSP8. (If you have a Cisco 7505, see the procedure in Figure 3-3; if you have a Cisco 7507 or 7507-MX, see the procedure in Figure 3-8; if you have a Cisco 7513, Cisco 7513-MX, or a Cisco 7576, see the procedure in Figure 3-14.)

Step 2

Place the RSP4 or RSP8 on an antistatic mat or pad and ensure that you are wearing an antistatic device, such as a wrist strap.

Step 3

Position the RSP4 or RSP8 so that the faceplate is toward you and the edge connector is away from you .

Step 4

Locate the DRAM DIMMs on the RSP4 or RSP8. The DIMMs occupy U10 bank 0 and U13 bank 1 (RSP4), and U12 bank 0 and U15 bank 1 (RSP8).

Step 5

For the DIMM you want to remove, pull down the lever on the DIMM socket to release the DIMM from the socket.

Step 6

When one end of the DIMM is released from the socket, grasp each end of the DIMM with your thumb and forefinger and pull the DIMM completely out of the socket. Handle the edges of the DIMM only; avoid touching the memory module or pins and the metal traces (the metal fingers along the connector edge of the DIMM) along the socket edge.

Step 7

Place the DIMM in an antistatic bag to protect it from ESD damage. You can use the DIMMs that you remove in other compatible equipment.

Step 8

Repeat Step 4 through Step 7 for the remaining DIMM if required for your upgrade.

This completes the DIMM removal procedure. Proceed to the next section to install the new DIMMs.

Installing New RSP4 or RSP8 DIMMs

Note If you are upgrading from 32 MB to 64 MB or from 128 MB to 256 MB, you need to add one DRAM DIMM to U13 (RSP4), or U15 (RSP8); therefore, the following procedure is required. Use the following procedure to install the new DIMMs:

Step 1

Place the RSP4 or RSP8 on an antistatic mat or pad, and ensure that you are wearing an antistatic device, such as a wrist strap.

Step 2

Position the RSP4 or RSP8 so that the faceplate is toward you and the edge connector is away from you—this position is shown in Figure 9-4 for the RSP4 and Figure 9-5 for the RSP8.

Step 4

Hold the DIMM component-side up, with the connector edge (the metal fingers) closest to you. Hold the ends of the DIMM between your thumb and forefinger.

Step 5

Tilt the DIMM to approximately the same angle as the socket and insert the connector edge into the socket. Note the two notches (keys) on the connector edge of the DIMM. These keys are intended to ensure correct orientation of the DIMM in the socket.

Step 6

Note the orientation of the socket key on the DIMM and the DIMM socket and gently push the DIMM into the socket until the lever is flush against the side of the DIMM socket, and the DIMM edge connector is fully inserted. If necessary, rock the DIMM gently back and forth to seat it properly.

Step 7

When the DIMM is installed, check that the release lever is flush against the side of the DIMM socket. If it is not, the DIMM might not be seated properly. If the DIMM appears misaligned, carefully remove it according to the removal procedure, and reseat it in the socket. Push the DIMM firmly back into the socket until the release lever is flush against the side of the DIMM socket.

Step 8

Repeat Step 3 through Step 7 for the remaining DIMM, as required for your DRAM configuration.

Step 9

Replace the RSP4 or RSP8. If you have a Cisco 7505, see the procedure in Figure 3-3; if you have a Cisco 7507 or Cisco 7507-MX, see the procedure in Figure 3-8; if you have Cisco 7513, Cisco 7513-MX, or a Cisco 7576, see the procedure in Figure 3-14.)

After you have correctly installed RSP4 or RSP8 DRAM DIMMs and reinstalled the RSP4 or RSP8, and turned on the system power, the system should reboot properly.

If the system fails to boot properly or if the console terminal displays a checksum or memory error after you have installed new DIMMs, check the following:

•

Ensure that all DIMMs are installed correctly. If necessary, shut down the system and remove the RSP4 or RSP8. Check the DIMMs by looking straight down on them to inspect them at eye level. The DIMMs should all be aligned at the same angle and the same height when properly installed. If a DIMM appears to stick out or rest in the socket at a different angle from the others, remove the DIMM and reinsert it. Then replace the RSP4 or RSP8 and reboot the system for another installation check.

•

In DRAM configurations with two DRAM DIMMs, both banks must contain DIMMs of the same size and speed, or the system will not operate. DIMMs must be 60 ns or faster. The speed is printed along one edge of the DIMM.

Note The time required for the system to initialize might vary with different router configurations and DRAM configurations. Routers with 256 MB of DRAM might take longer to boot than those with less DRAM.

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