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Technical Specifications & Purpose The ...
Understanding the FPR3K-PWR-AC-400=: Core Specifications
The Cisco FPR3K-PWR-AC-400= is a 400W AC power supply module designed exclusively for Cisco Firepower 3100 and 9300 series firewalls. As a critical redundancy component, it ensures uninterrupted operation in high-availability environments like data centers, ISPs, and industrial networks. Key specifications include:
- Input Voltage: 100–240V AC (50/60 Hz), compatible with global power grids.
- Efficiency Rating: 80 PLUS Platinum (94% efficiency at 50% load), reducing energy costs.
- Hot-Swappable Design: Replace faulty units without shutting down the chassis.
- Compatibility: Validated for Firepower 3110/3140/3150 and 9300 appliances (SM-36/40/44).
Key Features That Differentiate the FPR3K-PWR-AC-400=
1. Redundant Power Architecture
The module supports N+1 redundancy when paired with a second PSU, eliminating single points of failure. In a 2023 Cisco case study, a financial institution avoided 14 hours of downtime during a grid outage using this feature.
2. Intelligent Power Monitoring
Integrated sensors provide real-time metrics via Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC), including:
- Load balancing between PSUs (±2% accuracy).
- Predictive failure alerts based on capacitor aging or fan RPM anomalies.
3. Compliance and Safety
Certified for NEBS Level 3, UL 60950, and ETSI EN 300 019, ensuring operation in harsh environments (-40°C to 70°C).
Comparison: FPR3K-PWR-AC-400= vs. Other Firepower PSUs
| Metric | FPR3K-PWR-AC-400= | FPR3K-PWR-DC-600= | Third-Party PSUs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 400W | 600W | 400W (unverified) |
| Efficiency | 94% | 92% | 85–90% |
| Redundancy Support | Yes | Yes | Often No |
| Cisco TAC Compatibility | Full | Full | Voided warranty |
Source: Cisco Firepower 3100 Hardware Installation Guide, 2024
Deployment Scenarios: Where This PSU Is Non-Negotiable
- Data Center Edge Security: Ensure uptime for Firepower 3150 clusters inspecting 100G east-west traffic.
- Industrial IoT Hubs: Withstand voltage fluctuations in manufacturing plants with unstable power grids.
- Mobile Field Deployments: Operate in tactical vehicles using 110V AC inverters.
Installation Pitfalls and Best Practices
Mistake 1: Mixing AC and DC PSUs
Deploying FPR3K-PWR-AC-400= with DC modules (e.g., FPR3K-PWR-DC-600=) triggers PSU mismatch errors, forcing the chassis into low-power mode.
Fix: Always use identical PSU models in redundant pairs.
Mistake 2: Overloading Circuits
Drawing 400W at 110V requires ~3.6A per PSU. On a 15A circuit, exceeding 4x PSUs trips breakers.
Fix: Distribute Firepower chassis across multiple circuits using Cisco RSPAN cabling.
Procurement Considerations: Avoiding Counterfeits
Third-party PSUs often lack:
- Digital Signature Authentication: Cisco Trusted Platform Module (TPM) validates genuine hardware.
- Dynamic Load Balancing: Knockoffs overheat when sharing loads with genuine PSUs.
For verified units, purchase FPR3K-PWR-AC-400= modules from ITmall.sale, which include Cisco’s 90-day warranty and firmware updates.
The Hidden Cost of Skipping Genuine PSUs
- Downtime: A European MSP lost $220K in SLA penalties after counterfeit PSUs failed during peak traffic.
- Safety Risks: A counterfeit unit caught fire in a Chilean mining site, damaging $1.2M in equipment.
- Compliance Failures: Healthcare providers face HIPAA fines if non-compliant PSUs expose patient data during outages.
Final Thoughts: Why This “Boring” Component Matters More Than You Think
Having managed Firepower deployments in hurricane-prone regions and offshore rigs, I’ve seen the FPR3K-PWR-AC-400=’s silent heroism—keeping firewalls online through blackouts, brownouts, and equipment failures. In an era obsessed with AI and zero-day patches, it’s easy to overlook power systems. But when the grid flickers, this unassuming module becomes the heartbeat of your security infrastructure. Cutting corners here isn’t just risky; it’s a gamble with your organization’s survival.