A method and apparatus of a network element that authenticates a field replaceable unit of the network element is described. The network element authenticates a field replaceable unit of the network element by generating a nonce. In addition, the network element generates a signature using a nonce and a private encryption key that is securely stored in the field replaceable unit. The network element further verifies the signature using a public encryption key that is a pair to the private encryption key and is not securely stored in the field replaceable unit. If the field replaceable unit is verified, the network element uses the field replaceable unit to operate the network element. Otherwise, the network element disables the field replaceable unit.