Cisco plans global recall of switch line

Cisco Systems has started a worldwide recall of some of its multiport 10Base-T Ethernet switch modules because an unknown number have a manufacturing defect.

The network equipment giant has acknowledged that about 15 per cent, or 11,250, of its 75,000 WS-X5012, 48-port Ethernet modules might short out and disable networks without warning.

In a recall note, it explained that the defect "will cause the power supplies to go into over-current shutdown, cutting off power to the system. The short may also cause smoke to be generated, but will not produce fire or sparks. The failure may also cause damage to the switch backplane."

The affected modules fall within a certain serial number range - 9880340 to 9883950, 10120340 to 10125399, 10172043 to 10175339, 10290340 to 10295339 and 10510340 to 10515339.

Cisco has admitted to 14 incidents having occurred globally since the defect was discovered in early December, but a spokesperson said that no geographical pattern has been established.

"What we've found is the issue has been isolated to a copper defect in the module's printed circuit board. With the wide range of environments the cards were placed in, we found some impurities introduced in the different layers," he said.

He added that the recalled modules were one of a dozen line-cards that worked with the firm's 10Base-T Ethernet modules, and claimed: "Overall it is going very smoothly. There are no hiccups with the magnitude of cards."

Cisco plans to provide customers with support, and will replace hardware and software for free through the product recall scheme.