Hot Swapping / Removing Cisco 3660 Network Modules
I’ve got a Cisco 3660 that supports hot swapping of components: power supplies (yup – there’s two of them!), chassis fans – but also the network modules (NM-) too. So here’s something I’ve been wondering for a while – how to actually do this within the IOS! Not suprisingly, it’s easier than I thought! Just enter config mode, shutdown all the modules interfaces, remove the module and (optionally) replace the card and “no shutdown” each interface.
If you’re still reading, you want to know how to do it. Ok! First identify what module and so what interfaces you want to swap over (’sh int’ or ’sh diag’ will do). Say we want to swap over an NM-1FE1R2W in slot #3 with a WIC1-ADSL:
phbrouter# conf t
phbrouter(config)# interface FastEthernet3/0
phbrouter(config-if)# shutdown
phbrouter(config-if)# exit
phbrouter(config)# interface TokenRing3/0
phbrouter(config-if)# shutdown
phbrouter(config-if)# exit
phbrouter(config)# interface ATM3/0
phbrouter(config-if)# shutdown
phbrouter(config-if)# exit
phbrouter(config)# exit
phbrouter#
Next, physically remove the slot #3 module. If you’re on the console or have logging enabled, you should see something like:
* Jun 5 22:07:53: %OIR-6-REMCARD: Card removed from slot 3, interfaces disabled
You could stop here (make sure you install filler plate), or you could replace it with a similar card and repeat the steps above substituting ’shutdown’ for ‘no shutdown’.
Done!!
Did you find this hint useful? Are you looking to learn more? Well, here’s a few books that I’ve found useful – have a goosie!
![]() Cisco: A Beginner’s Guide |
![]() CCNA – Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide |
![]() Cisco Networking for Dummies |
![]() Cisco IOS in a Nutshell – O’Reilly |





