2nd December 2011

Using non Cisco SFPs in Cisco equipment

My thanks to Jason at Paradigm Networks for this little gem…

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Ever wondered what would happen if you tried to inter-connect ProCurve and Cisco switches with a low cost 10 GbE DAC cable?

The Cisco switch would grumble about the HP SFP.

Here’s a way round it:

switch(config)# service unsupported-transceiver
switch(config)# no errdisable detect cause gbic-invalid

After issuing the first command, you will get the following :
Warning: When Cisco determines that a fault or defect can be traced to
the use of third-party transceivers installed by a customer or reseller,
then, at Cisco’s discretion, Cisco may withhold support under warranty or
a Cisco support program. In the course of providing support for a Cisco
networking product Cisco may require that the end user install Cisco
transceivers if Cisco determines that removing third-party parts will
assist Cisco in diagnosing the cause of a support issue.

Barry Hesk