Exchange the FC-AL cable, optical

Before you begin

Icon for electrostatic discharge wrist strapUse approved ESD procedures to prevent damage.

Attention:
  • This procedure is not a stand-alone procedure. Customer disruption and damage to the hardware might occur when microcode and power boundaries are not in the proper conditions for this service action.
  • If a serviceable event FRU repair directed you to this procedure, the microcode and power boundaries are already set.
  • If a serviceable event FRU repair did not direct you to this procedure, see MAP1230 Replace a FRU without using a serviceable event.
Notes:
  • All the cables and FRUs to be removed must be uniquely identified so they can be reinstalled correctly.
  • If an installed earthquake resistance kit prevents you from accessing this FRU, refer to MAP1600.
Note: An FC-AL cable can connect an I/O enclosure device adapter card to the Fibre channel interface card in a storage enclosure or it can connect a Fibre channel interface card in one storage enclosure to the Fibre channel interface card in another storage enclosure.

Remove FC-AL cable

Procedure

  1. To locate this FRU, take one of the following actions and then return here and continue to replace the FRU:
    • If this FRU has a FRU identify indicator, use the FRU identify indicator, which is listed in MAP1240 Locating FRUs by using identify indicators. If not, use the location code.
      Note: There might be cases where the FRU failure or fencing conditions prevent the FRU LED indicator from being lit even if the FRU has power.
    • Use the location code, which is listed in MAP1245 Finding FRUs by using location codes.
    • If there is no FRU identify indicator or location code, you were sent here by an isolation MAP or symbolic FRU procedure. Use the information in that procedure and the figures in this procedure to locate the proper part to exchange.
  2. Most, but not all, FRUs have identify indicators. Use the flashing amber or solid blue FRU identify indicators to ensure that you are working on the correct enclosure or FRU.
  3. The serviceable event FRU list should display the location code of both ends of the FC-AL cable. If the location code of both ends are not listed, do the following:
    1. Stop and contact your next level of support.
    2. Refer to the information center. Navigate to Reference > Cable diagrams > FC-AL cables. See the section for your model to help determine the location of the end that is not listed in the FRU list.
    3. Manually trace the old cable from one end to the other (this process can be very difficult).
  4. Read the following information on FC-AL cables.
    • The individual cables are semi-permanently bundled in groups of 10 or more in the rack.
    • The cables are bundled in groups of 4 or more in the rack.
    • Replacement bundles are not field stocked.
    • Four general length FC-AL cables are stocked. When you enter the P/N of the cable bundle that contains the cable to be replaced, the parts ordering system will substitute one of the four generic length cables that is long enough.
    • The old cable will be left in the cable bundle. The new cable will be routed alongside the existing cable bundle. After the repair is successful, the connectors on both ends of the old cable should be cut off.
    • See Table 2 and Table 3 in the Storage Enclosure part numbers section of the service information center.
  5. At the rear of the rack, ensure that the FC-AL cables Callout label 1 are properly labeled and disconnect them.
    Note: An FC-AL cable that has been replaced will have no location label. Mark the cable so you can reconnect it to the same port later in this procedure.

    Do one or both of the following steps as needed.

    1. To disconnect the cable at an I/O enclosure device adapter card connector (Cx), squeeze the connector to unlatch it, then gently unplug the connector. See Figure 1.
      Figure 1. Model 951/95E, 961/96E location codes for the device adapter card
      Model 951 Location codes for the device adapter card
    2. To disconnect the cable at a storage enclosure fiber channel interface card (C1 and C2), squeeze the connector to unlatch it, then gently unplug the connector clear. See Figure 2.
      Figure 2. Storage enclosure locations rear (model 951/95E/961/96E/98X)
      Storage enclosure locations rear (model 951/95E)
  6. Do not attempt to remove the cable from the cable bundle. After the repair has been completed successfully, fold each cable end back so it will not be used. Secure it to the cable bundle with tape or the cable ties.

Install FC-AL cable

Procedure

  1. Route the new cable alongside the cable bundle containing the old cable.
    Important: The optical cable plugs (LC connectors) and ports (SFPs) must be cleaned before connecting them. Use cleaning tool 54Y4392 or IBM-approved alternative. After cleaning SFPs with the tool, use air bulb 45D2645 or IBM-approved alternative. For detailed procedures, refer to current DS8000 Info Alerts or contact your next level of support.
  2. Do one or both of the following steps as needed.
    1. Connect the cable to the I/O enclosure device adapter card connector (Cx). See Figure 1.
    2. Connect the cable to the storage enclosure fiber channel interface card connector. See Figure 2.
  3. Neatly store the extra cable length away from either end of the cable.
  4. Use the existing cable retention hardware to also fasten the new cable.
  5. Exit this service information center parts exchange procedure and return to the procedure that sent you here.