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!!

Are you looking to learn more about Cisco equipment? Well, here’s a selection of a few books that I’ve found useful over the years:

Cisco: A Beginner’s Guide

CCNA – Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide

Cisco Networking for Dummies

Cisco IOS in a Nutshell – O’Reilly