Overview
Figure 10:
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3
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Hardware Bypass Network Modules
Hardware bypass (also known as fail-to-wire) is a physical layer (Layer 1) bypass that allows paired interfaces
to go into bypass mode so that the hardware forwards packets between these port pairs without software
intervention. Hardware bypass provides network connectivity when there are software or hardware failures.
Hardware bypass is useful on ports where the Firepower security appliance is only monitoring or logging
traffic. The hardware bypass network modules have an optical switch that is capable of connecting the two
ports when needed. The hardware bypass network modules have built-in SFPs.
Hardware bypass is supported only on a fixed set of ports. You can pair Port 1 with Port 2, Port 3 with Port
4, but you cannot pair Port 1 with Port 4 for example.
Power LED
Network activity LEDs
• Off—No connection or port is not in use.
• Amber—No link or network failure.
• Green—Link up.
• Green, flashing—Network activity.
Ethernet X/2
Hardware Bypass Network Modules
2
Network activity LEDs
• Off—No connection or port is not in use.
• Amber—No link or network failure.
• Green—Link up.
• Green, flashing—Network activity.
4
Ethernet X/1
6
Captive screw/handle
Overview
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