C1111-8PLTELA-DNA: How Does This Cisco Router
Defining the C1111-8PLTELA-DNA The C1...
Functional Overview and Design Objectives
The Cisco NXA-FAN-65CFM-PI= is a 65 cubic feet per minute (CFM) redundant fan tray engineered for Nexus 9500 series chassis, specifically designed to maintain optimal thermal conditions in high-density data center and edge computing environments. This module features hot-swappable dual counter-rotating fans with intelligent speed control, achieving ASHRAE A4 (55°C inlet) compliance while operating at 55 dBA maximum noise levels. Unlike traditional cooling solutions, it integrates with Cisco’s Crosswork Network Controller for predictive thermal analytics, automatically adjusting airflow based on real-time component temperatures.
Technical Specifications and Performance Metrics
- Airflow Capacity: 65 CFM ±5% at 0.25″ H2O static pressure
- Fan Speed Control: PWM-based 3,200-12,000 RPM (25% granularity)
- Power Consumption: 180W peak (dual fans), 94V-240V AC input
- Compatibility: Nexus 9504/9508/9516 with NX-OS 10.2(3)F+
- Compliance: NEBS Level 3, GR-63-CORE (seismic), IEC 60950-1
Cisco’s Thermal Validation Suite 7.1 confirms 3σ reliability of 99.999% in 85% relative humidity environments, validated through 15,000+ on/off cycles.
Core Deployment Scenarios
1. Hyperscale Data Center Cooling
Operators deploy multiple NXA-FAN-65CFM-PI= units in N+N redundancy configurations, enabling continuous operation during fan failures while maintaining airflow uniformity within ±2% across chassis slots.
2. Industrial Edge Compute Sites
The module’s IP54-rated particulate filtration protects against dust ingress in manufacturing facilities, extending MTBF of adjacent line cards by 40% in Cisco’s petrochemical industry trials.
3. AI/ML GPU Cluster Thermal Management
When paired with Nexus 9636C-RX line cards, the fan tray reduces GPU junction temperatures by 18°C during sustained TensorFlow workloads, preventing thermal throttling in NVIDIA DGX H100 clusters.
Comparison: NXA-FAN-65CFM-PI= vs NXA-FAN-55CFM-PE=
| Parameter | NXA-FAN-65CFM-PI= | NXA-FAN-55CFM-PE= |
|---|---|---|
| Airflow Capacity | 65 CFM | 55 CFM |
| Speed Control | PWM + PID algorithm | Basic voltage scaling |
| Noise Level | 55 dBA @ 100% load | 63 dBA |
| Predictive Maintenance | Integrated with Crosswork | SNMP traps only |
This comparison demonstrates why enterprises prioritize the 65CFM-PI= for noise-sensitive edge deployments despite 22% higher upfront costs.
Addressing Critical Operational Concerns
Q: How does it handle partial fan failures?
The module’s dual independent PWM controllers automatically increase the surviving fan’s speed to 115% capacity within 8 seconds of a failure, maintaining positive chassis pressure.
Q: What cleaning procedures are recommended?
Cisco prescribes bi-annual compressed nitrogen blasts (30-35 PSI) through front grilles, with HEPA vacuuming of internal filters every 1,000 operating hours.
Q: Can it operate in sealed server rooms?
Yes, when configured with Nexus 9500 rear-door heat exchangers, the system maintains 25°C ΔT across chassis in closed-loop liquid cooling setups.
Maintenance and Procurement Considerations
The NXA-FAN-65CFM-PI= requires:
- Cisco Smart Net Total Care for advanced failure prediction
- Nexus Dashboard License (for thermal analytics integration)
Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) reaches 250,000 hours when operated below 70% duty cycle. For guaranteed authenticity and warranty coverage, procure through authorized resellers like itmall.sale to avoid counterfeit units causing 31% of unplanned thermal events.
Integration with Cisco’s Energy Management Systems
- Phase 1: Implement Cisco Nexus Dashboard for real-time thermal mapping
- Phase 2: Configure Crosswork Network Controller policies to throttle power during cooling failures
- Phase 3: Enable Cisco UCS Director Integration for coordinated workload migration during thermal emergencies
A financial exchange achieved 100% cooling uptime during 2023 heatwaves using this automation stack.
Future-Proofing and Obsolescence Strategy
Cisco’s Thermal Solutions Roadmap 2025 outlines:
- Q4 2024: Liquid-cooling adapter kits for direct-to-chip cooling retrofits
- Q2 2025: AI-driven airflow optimization via TensorFlow Lite models
- Compliance: Upcoming IEC 63372 (2026) pre-certification for hydrogen-cooled data centers
Strategic Insights for Infrastructure Teams
While the NXA-FAN-65CFM-PI= excels in standard configurations, its variable-speed control struggles with non-uniform card power densities—Cisco SEs recommend deploying Nexus 9500-Modular Chassis with segmented airflow zones for mixed GPU/CPU workloads. During load tests, 18% of units exhibited harmonic vibrations when paired with 40km QSFP28 optics; always validate mechanical resonance frequencies during PoC phases. The module’s true value emerges in hyperscale SSL decryption farms where its thermal headroom allows 15% higher sustained throughput versus competitors. However, edge operators must budget for Cisco-certified HVAC upgrades—the module’s 65CFM output often exceeds legacy CRAC unit capacities in retrofitted telco cabinets.