Adding a SM-ES3-=16-P module to a 2921 router.

I've been using a 2921 router to explore it's features.  One attractive feature is the ability for the router to do both routing and perhaps access switch features all in one box.  If using a software simulator such as GNS3, adding such an expansion card seems trivial.  For example, in GNS3, I can just shut down the router, edit properties to add a card and new Ethernet ports become instantly visible!  However, I was about to find that real equipment offered a significantly different experience. 

First, just installing a second hand card from Ebay, shown on right, didn't instantly give me additional Ethernet ports.  When I first installed the card, it didn't work.  However, I soon discovered the reason was that it required a higher rated power supply.  So, returned to Ebay to buy a larger power supply, CISCO PWR-2921-51-POE.  

Note, to replace the power supply, you need to remove the router's plastic face-plate.  To do this there are 4 small screw cover doors on the right and left edges of the plastic plate.  Flip open those little covers and some Phillips head screws are then exposed to allow easy removal of the face-plate.  Once plastic cover is removed, the power supply slot can be accessed and you can not only upgrade the power supply, but can install an optional redundant power supply too. 

Next, I found the card I bought still had old configuration which included a login which I didn't have the user/pass combo to log in!   After some googling, I found a procedure on how to set the card back to factory defaults.  That procedure is later in the document.

PROCEDURE TO SET ETHERNET EXPANSION CARD BACK TO DEFAULTS

Check that the 16 port module is installed on left port and the larger power supply supporting POE is installed

#sh inv

Should see among other entries...

NAME: "SM-ES3-16-P: EtherSwitch SM L3 + PoE + 15 10/100 + 1 10/100/1000 on Slot 1", DESCR: "SM-ES3-16-P: EtherSwitch SM L3 + PoE + 15 10/100 + 1 10/100/1000"

PID: SM-ES3-16-P       , VID: V01 , SN: FOC153108SY

NAME: "C2921/C2951 AC-POE Power Supply", DESCR: "C2921/C2951 AC-POE Power Supply"

To access the card, you'll first need to assign a temporary IP and NM to it.  As far as I can tell, the IP/NM can be most anything as long as it's unique.

in config mode, edit interface 1/0

(conf)#interface GigabitEthernet1/0

(conf-if)#ip address 20.0.0.1 255.255.255.0

(conf-if)# no shut

#exit

Now, back to  Enable mode.  Check status.

#service-module gigabitEthernet 1/0 status

Shows a bunch of stuff.  Note, the binary image it uses and it's path will be something similar to.

flash:/c3560e-universalk9-mz.122-52.EX1.bin

Let's try logging in.

#service-module gigabitEthernet 1/0 session

If it's a second hand unit, probably will show a login & you won't know the password.  No problem...

If you want to wipe it entirely, can do so by....

#service-module gigabitEthernet 1/0 password-reset

#service-module gigabitEthernet 1/0 reset

Then, use this command to log in.

#service-module gigabitEthernet 1/0 session

As it's logging in, hit 

CTRL-SHIFT-6, CTRL-SHIFT-6 then X.

You'll then get a switch prompt. You'll then be able to Delete the old configuration to set it back to factory defaults.

switch:dir 

(Shows among other things flash:config.text)

switch:delete flash:config.text

switch:boot flash:/c3560e-universalk9-mz.122-52.EX1.bin

Once booted, you'll now have a nice blank switch module!

You can now switch back and forth from card prompt back to router prompt

to toggle back and forth hit CTR-SHIFT 6 then x