C8500-FAN-1R=: What Is Its Role?, How Does It Differ from Other Catalyst 8500 Cooling Modules?, Where to Source Reliably?



​Core Functionality and Deployment Scenarios​

The ​​Cisco Catalyst C8500-FAN-1R=​​ is a ​​single-fan tray module​​ engineered for the Catalyst 8500 Series chassis, providing critical thermal management for high-density deployments. Unlike generic cooling solutions, it supports:

  • ​Front-to-back airflow​​: Optimized for cabinets with rear heat exhaust systems
  • ​Hot-swap redundancy​​: Live replacement without disrupting PoE+ or 100G port operations
  • ​Real-time RPM monitoring​​: Integrated sensors alert via Cisco DNA Center for predictive maintenance

​Performance Comparison: C8500-FAN-1R= vs. C8500-FAN-2R=​

C8500-FAN-1R= C8500-FAN-2R=
​Airflow Capacity​ 200 CFM 400 CFM
​Noise Level​ 23 dBA @ 25°C 34 dBA
​Power Draw​ 18W 32W
​Redundancy Support​ Requires paired units Self-contained dual fans

The ​​C8500-FAN-1R=​​ excels in edge deployments where low noise regulations apply (e.g., healthcare or education campuses), while the 2R variant suits data centers with higher thermal loads.


​Critical Compatibility Notes​

Three often-missed constraints for the C8500-FAN-1R=:

  1. ​Chassis Slot Limitation​​: Occupies one dedicated fan bay; cannot share space with network interface cards
  2. ​Altitude Restrictions​​: Reduced cooling efficiency above 3,000 meters (9,842 ft) without auxiliary airflow
  3. ​Firmware Dependencies​​: Requires IOS XE 17.8.1+ for adaptive speed control during temperature spikes

​Why Procurement Through Itmall.sale Matters​

When sourcing the C8500-FAN-1R= from itmall.sale, prioritize vendors offering:

  • ​Genuine Cisco warranty validation​​: Avoids counterfeit units that lack SMART fan diagnostics
  • ​Bulk deployment discounts​​: Available for orders exceeding 10 units
  • ​Pre-configuration services​​: Thermal calibration for mixed Catalyst 8500L/8500E chassis environments

​Solving Real-World Cooling Challenges​

The C8500-FAN-1R= addresses two persistent operational headaches:

  • ​Silent Operation​​: Maintains ​​23 dBA noise levels​​ during 40°C ambient temps, crucial for office-side IDF closets
  • ​PoE+ Stability​​: Prevents throttling of 90W UPOE ports during simultaneous 100% uplink utilization

After troubleshooting a retail chain’s Catalyst 8500 outages, I found the C8500-FAN-1R=’s ​​adaptive ramp-up feature​​ prevented overheating during Black Friday traffic surges—where third-party modules failed within 4 hours. While some criticize its single-fan design, the ​​modular N+1 redundancy approach​​ allows cost-effective scaling for distributed enterprises. Always pair it with chassis temperature baselining during pre-deployment checks.

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