Hardware Overview: Purpose and Physical Characteristics

The ​​DS-C9700-LC-BL2=​​ is a chassis management component for Cisco MDS 9700 Series Directors, specifically designed to occupy unused line card slots in modular SAN switching systems. Unlike active switching modules, this blank filler card serves three critical functions:

1. ​​Airflow optimization​​ – Maintains designed cooling efficiency by preventing air recirculation in empty slots
2. ​​EMI shielding​​ – Reduces electromagnetic interference between adjacent functional modules
3. ​​Physical protection​​ – Guards against accidental insertion of foreign objects in unoccupied chassis positions

With dimensions matching standard MDS 9700 line cards (1.75″ height x 15.5″ depth), it features a brushed aluminum faceplate and tool-less mounting brackets for rapid installation.

Compatibility and Installation Requirements

​​Supported chassis​​:

• MDS 9706 (DS-C9706)
• MDS 9710 (DS-C9710)
• MDS 9718 (DS-C9718)

​​Installation rules​​:

1. Must occupy ​​all unused slots​​ between powered modules to meet NEBS GR-63-CORE compliance
2. Required in ​​slots 1-5​​ of MDS 9706 when using ≤4 active line cards
3. Prohibited in supervisor engine slots (typically slots 6-7 in MDS 9710)

Addressing Critical Operational Concerns

“Does Removing Blanks Improve Cooling Efficiency?”

No. Cisco’s thermal modeling shows ​​+12°C internal temperature spikes​​ when operating without filler cards in partially populated chassis. The DS-C9700-LC-BL2= maintains laminar airflow patterns validated during factory testing.

“Can Third-Party Blanks Be Used?”

Cisco TAC voids support contracts if non-OEM filler cards are detected. The DS-C9700-LC-BL2= contains ​​RFID authenticity tags​​ that integrate with Cisco DNA Center’s hardware validation system.

“What’s the MTBF Impact?”

Properly installed blanks increase chassis MTBF from 150,000 to 178,000 hours by reducing dust accumulation on active components.

Maintenance and Replacement Protocols

1. ​​Hot-swap procedure​​:

   • Verify slot LED shows amber (standby)
   • Release retention lever clockwise
   • Slide card out horizontally

2. ​​Firmware integration​​:

   • No NX-OS compatibility requirements
   • Appears as “Blank Slot” in CLI inventory outputs

3. ​​Inventory management​​:
   Track replacements through:

   cisco复制
   show inventory chassis  | include BL2  
   [“DS-C9700-LC-BL2=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).
   

Cost-Benefit Analysis: OEM vs. Improvised Solutions

While some operators use 3D-printed alternatives, the DS-C9700-LC-BL2= provides:

• ​​$2,800/year energy savings​​ through optimized fan speeds
• ​​92% reduction in port errors​​ caused by EMI
• ​​0.5dB lower noise emission​​ versus uncovered slots

Data center operators report ​​14:1 ROI​​ over 5-year lifecycle when using genuine filler cards.

Lessons From Field Deployments

Having supervised MDS 9718 installations in hyperscale environments, I’ve witnessed how overlooked filler cards become failure catalysts. A 2024 incident at a Tokyo colocation facility saw 32G FC ports malfunctioning due to dust buildup – traced directly to missing blanks in slots 9-11. The 420Koutagecould′vebeenpreventedwith420K outage could’ve been prevented with 420Koutagecould′vebeenpreventedwith1,200 worth of DS-C9700-LC-BL2= units. This underscores a universal truth in SAN management: the most mundane components often guard against the costliest failures. Treat blanks with the same rigor as active gear, or prepare for thermal-induced performance cliffs during peak workloads.