What Is the Cisco C8300-FAN-2R-R=? Redundancy, Thermal Management, and Deployment Guidelines



​Overview of the Cisco C8300-FAN-2R-R=​

The Cisco C8300-FAN-2R-R= is a ​​redundant dual-fan module​​ designed for Catalyst 8300 Series routers, ensuring optimal thermal performance and hardware reliability in high-temperature or dense deployment environments. This module provides ​​N+1 redundancy​​ to prevent overheating in mission-critical networks, such as data centers, industrial sites, or branch offices with limited cooling infrastructure.


​Key Technical Specifications​

  • ​Compatibility​​: Exclusively designed for ​​Catalyst 8300 Series routers​​, including C8300-1N1S-6T and C8300-2N2S-6T models.
  • ​Airflow Design​​: ​​Side-to-side airflow​​ (front-to-back optional with chassis reconfiguration) to align with standard data center cooling layouts.
  • ​Redundancy​​: Dual fans operate in ​​active-standby mode​​, automatically switching during fan failure to maintain continuous operation.
  • ​Power Draw​​: 30W max per module, compatible with the router’s internal power supply without requiring external sources.

​Addressing Core User Concerns​

​Q: Why is redundant cooling critical for Catalyst 8300 routers?​

Catalyst 8300 routers handling ​​SD-WAN, encrypted VPNs, or high-density PoE​​ generate significant heat. The C8300-FAN-2R-R= ensures sustained performance by preventing thermal throttling or hardware shutdowns during fan failures.

​Q: Can this module be installed without downtime?​

Yes. The ​​hot-swappable design​​ allows replacement or maintenance without powering down the router, critical for 24/7 operational environments like hospitals or financial trading floors.


​Comparison: C8300-FAN-2R-R= vs. Single-Fan Modules​

​Feature​ ​C8300-FAN-2R-R=​ ​Non-Redundant Fan Modules​
Redundancy Dual fans (N+1) Single fan (no redundancy)
Failure Recovery Automatic switch to standby fan Manual replacement required
Ideal Use Case High-availability networks Low-risk, temperature-controlled sites
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) 200,000 hours 100,000 hours

​Deployment Best Practices​

  • ​Data Centers​​: Align side-to-side airflow with hot/cold aisle containment systems to maximize cooling efficiency.
  • ​Industrial Sites​​: Deploy in Catalyst 8300 routers managing IoT gateways or edge compute nodes exposed to dusty or high-ambient-temperature conditions.
  • ​Branch Offices​​: Pair with surge-protected power sources to mitigate electrical fluctuations that strain cooling systems.

For teams prioritizing ​​hardware uptime and longevity​​, the C8300-FAN-2R-R= is available here, ensuring enterprise-grade thermal resilience for Catalyst 8300 deployments.


​Final Perspective​

The C8300-FAN-2R-R= isn’t just a spare part—it’s a ​​strategic safeguard​​ for networks where downtime translates to revenue loss or operational risk. While redundant cooling may seem excessive for small offices, it’s non-negotiable in environments like manufacturing plants or emergency response centers. When specifying Catalyst 8300 routers for harsh conditions, this module should be a default inclusion in your bill of materials. Just ensure periodic maintenance checks to preempt dust buildup, which can gradually impair airflow efficiency.

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