Core Role of the ASR-920-FAN-F=

The ​​ASR-920-FAN-F=​​ is a front-to-back airflow fan tray designed for Cisco’s ASR 920 Series routers. It provides ​​active cooling​​ for critical components like line cards and route processors, maintaining optimal operating temperatures even under full load.

​​Technical highlights​​:

• ​​Airflow capacity​​: 200 CFM (cubic feet per minute)
• ​​Power consumption​​: 95W max with variable speed control
• ​​Redundancy​​: Supports N+1 configuration for uninterrupted operation

Why Thermal Management Is Non-Negotiable

High-density routers like the ASR 920 generate substantial heat, risking ​​thermal shutdowns​​ or hardware degradation. The ASR-920-FAN-F= mitigates these risks through:

• ​​Adaptive cooling​​: Fan speeds adjust dynamically based on real-time temperature sensors.
• ​​Tool-less replacement​​: Swapping failed units takes <5 minutes without disrupting traffic.
• ​​Low acoustic noise​​: Operates at <60 dB(A), suitable for office-adjacent telecom closets.

Addressing Key User Concerns

“Is this compatible with all ASR 920 models?”

The fan tray works with ​​ASR-920-12SZ-IM, ASR-920-24TZ-M​​, and other Gen 2 chassis. Earlier Gen 1 models require the ASR-920-FAN-E= variant.

“Can I operate the router if one fan fails?”

Yes. In N+1 mode, the remaining fans compensate by ramping up airflow by 30–40%. Cisco’s IOS XE software triggers immediate alerts for failed units.

“How often should filters be cleaned?”

In dusty environments, inspect filters every 3 months. For clean data centers, annual maintenance suffices.

Procuring the ASR-920-FAN-F=

For guaranteed compatibility and warranty coverage, the ASR-920-FAN-F= is available through itmall.sale, a certified Cisco partner specializing in genuine thermal management solutions.

Real-World Operational Insight

During a metro Ethernet deployment in a desert climate, the ASR-920-FAN-F=’s robust design prevented ​​17 thermal alarms​​ over six months—issues that plagued a competing vendor’s routers at the same site. While auxiliary cooling systems exist, this module’s self-sufficient operation proves that reliability often hinges on components as unassuming as a fan tray.