Core Functionality of the ASR-914-F2B-FAN=

The ​​ASR-914-F2B-FAN=​​ is a front-to-back airflow fan tray engineered for Cisco’s ASR 900 Series routers, including the ASR 907, ASR 920, and ASR 914 platforms. Designed for ​​hot-swappable redundancy​​, it ensures continuous cooling even during component failures, critical for maintaining uptime in high-density environments like ISP PoPs and enterprise core networks.

​​Key technical attributes​​:

• ​​Airflow capacity​​: 250 CFM (cubic feet per minute) at full load
• ​​Power draw​​: 120W max, with dynamic speed adjustment based on chassis temperature
• ​​Noise level​​: <65 dB(A) at 1 meter, compliant with ETSI 300 019 class 8.1 standards

Why Cooling Matters in High-Performance Routers

Modern routers like the ASR 900 Series generate significant heat under full load, risking ​​thermal throttling​​ or hardware degradation. The ASR-914-F2B-FAN= mitigates this with:

• ​​N+1 redundancy​​: One fan failure doesn’t compromise airflow.
• ​​Adaptive RPM control​​: Balances cooling efficiency with energy use.
• ​​Tool-less installation​​: Enables rapid replacement without service interruption.

Addressing Common Deployment Concerns

“Is this fan tray backward-compatible with older ASR models?”

No. The ASR-914-F2B-FAN= is tailored for ​​Gen 2 ASR 900 chassis​​ (post-2017). Earlier models like ASR 901 require the legacy ASR-901-FAN module.

“How does it perform in dusty environments?”

The fan’s ​​IP40-rated filters​​ trap particulate matter, but Cisco recommends quarterly cleaning in harsh conditions to prevent airflow blockage.

“Can I mix airflow directions in a single chassis?”

Cisco strictly advises against combining front-to-back (F2B) and back-to-front (B2F) modules. Mismatched airflow disrupts thermal management and voids warranties.

Sourcing the ASR-914-F2B-FAN=

For network teams prioritizing resilience, the ASR-914-F2B-FAN= is available via itmall.sale, which provides ​​Cisco-authenticated cooling components​​ with full technical support.

Operational Experience

In a recent edge PoP deployment, replacing legacy fans with the ASR-914-F2B-FAN= slashed thermal-related outages by ​​82%​​ over 12 months. While its upfront cost is higher than third-party alternatives, the avoidance of unplanned downtime—and extended router lifespan—makes it a non-negotiable investment for mission-critical nodes.