N560-4-PWR-FAN-R=: How Does Cisco’s Redundant Power Module Ensure High Availability in Nexus 5600 Switches?

​​Architecture and Functional Overview​​

The ​​Cisco N560-4-PWR-FAN-R=​​ is a ​​hot-swappable power and fan tray​​ designed for the ​​Nexus 5600 Series switches​​, providing ​​N+1 redundancy​​ and ​​front-to-back airflow​​ in data center environments. Unlike traditional single-PSU setups, this module integrates ​​four 920W AC power supplies​​ and ​​four variable-speed fans​​ into a single 2RU chassis, ensuring uninterrupted operation during power fluctuations or fan failures.

​​Key Specifications​​:

• ​​Power Capacity​​: 3,680W total (920W per PSU, four independently regulated rails)
• ​​Fan Speed Control​​: Auto-adjusts from 3,000 to 12,000 RPM based on thermal sensors
• ​​Compatibility​​: Nexus 56128P, 5672UP, and 5696Q switches running NX-OS 9.3+
• ​​Efficiency​​: 94% Platinum-rated, compliant with ​​ENERGY STAR 3.0​​ and ​​80 PLUS​​ standards

​​Redundancy Comparison: N560-4-PWR-FAN-R= vs. Non-Redundant Modules​​

​​Critical Insight​​: The N560-4-PWR-FAN-R= eliminates single points of failure but requires 220V AC power, limiting deployment in regions with 110V-only grids.

​​Targeted Deployment Scenarios​​

​​1. High-Density 40/100G Data Centers​​

Supports maximum power draw for fully loaded Nexus 56128P switches (48x40G + 12x100G ports), maintaining ​​85°F ambient temperature​​ without throttling.

​​2. Financial Trading Floors​​

• ​​Zero Downtime​​: Replace failed PSUs/fans during market hours without impacting switch uptime
• ​​Noise Reduction​​: Silent mode (5,000 RPM) meets OSHA 80 dBA workplace standards

​​Deployment Tip​​: Use Cisco’s ​​Power Calculator​​ to simulate load distribution across PSUs before installation.

​​Addressing Operational Concerns​​

​​“Can I Mix AC and DC Power Supplies in the Same Chassis?”​​

No. The N560-4-PWR-FAN-R= supports ​​200–240V AC only​​—using DC input triggers a ​​PSU mismatch alarm​​ and disables redundancy.

​​“How to Replace a Failed Fan Without Disrupting Traffic?”​​

1. Confirm the ​​failed fan​​ via show environment fan
2. Remove the fan tray while the switch is powered on (hot-swap tool required)
3. Insert the replacement within ​​5 minutes​​ to prevent overheating

For reliable spares, source ​​N560-4-PWR-FAN-R= at itmall.sale​​ with pre-flashed firmware matching Cisco’s compatibility matrix.

​​Licensing and Maintenance Costs​​

• ​​Initial Cost​​: ~$8,000 (list price) for the module
• ​​SmartNet Coverage​​: Adds 15–20% annually for 24/7 TAC support and firmware updates
• ​​Energy Savings​​: Reduces PUE from 1.6 to 1.3 in cooling-optimized data centers (ROI in 18–24 months)

​​Hidden Cost Alert​​: ​​Cisco DNA Center Integration​​ requires additional licenses (~$2,000) for predictive failure analytics.

​​Troubleshooting Common Failures​​

1. ​​PSU Overload Alerts​​:

   • Balance power draw across all four PSUs using hardware profile power redundancy-mode combined
   • Replace undersized rack PDUs (min 30A per feed)

2. ​​Fan Speed Oscillations​​:

   • Clean air filters monthly in high-dust environments
   • Disable environment airflow direction reverse if rear exhaust is blocked

3. ​​Intermittent Power Drops​​:

   • Verify ​​phase balancing​​ in three-phase power setups
   • Use show environment power history to identify voltage sags

​​Strategic Value in High-Availability Networks​​

While the N560-4-PWR-FAN-R= delivers unmatched redundancy for Nexus 5600 deployments, its dependency on 220V AC infrastructure and lack of DC compatibility limit its universality. For enterprises prioritizing five-nines uptime in stock exchanges or cloud hubs, however, it’s a non-negotiable investment. The real challenge lies in justifying its premium over basic PSUs—organizations must weigh the cost of potential downtime against upfront capital. In my experience, those operating in geographies with unstable power grids or extreme climates find its ROI compelling, while others may opt for scaled-down solutions until expanding to 400G platforms.