When you insert a GLC-T module without any previous configuration, you are likely to get the error ” SFP Validation Failed”, even if using a compatible module. This is because not all ports are capable to “downgrade” their functional speed to 1GbE : you have to insert the SFP in an eligible port and configure it. Best practice is to configure the port’s speed setting before inserting the SFP module.
GLC-T is the generic SKU for a Gigabit Ethernet SFP.
- Set the port speed
conf
int e1/1
speed 1000
- Insert the SFP in a 1/10GbE compatible port :
– for Nexus 5010 : ports 1 to 8,
– for Nexus 5020 : ports 1 to 16,
– for Nexus 5500/5600 : ports 1 to 32.
Note : On 5500/5600, when a port is configured with speed auto it will automatically select the right speed based on the inserted module.
References
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/datacenter/nexus5000/sw/configuration/guide/cli/CLIConfigurationGuide/BasicEthernet.html
A Cisco Nexus 5000 Series switch has a number of fixed 10-Gigabit ports, each equipped with SFP+ interface adapters. The Nexus 5010 switch has 20 fixed ports, the first eight of which are switchable 1-Gigabit/10-Gigabit ports. The Nexus 5020 switch has 40 fixed ports, the first 16 of which are switchable 1-Gigabit/10-Gigabit ports.
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/datacenter/nexus5500/sw/interfaces/7x/b_5500_Interfaces_Config_Guide_Release_7x/b_5500_Interfaces_Config_Guide_Release_7x_chapter_01.html
The 5596T switch has 48 base board ports and 3 GEM slots. The first 32 ports are 10GBase-T ports the last 16 ports are SFP+ ports. The 10GBase-T ports support a speed of 1-Gigabit, 10-Gigabit, or Auto. The Auto setting automatically negotiates with the link parser to select either 1-Gigabit or 10-Gigabit speed.
http://serverfault.com/questions/339957/how-do-i-get-past-sfp-validation-failed-on-a-sfp-ge-t-transceiver-on-a-nexus-5
https://supportforums.cisco.com/discussion/11510966/nexus-5020-and-glc-t
Nice tips and good job for your blog