ASR-9912-FAN=: How Does This Critical Component Ensure Reliability in Cisco’s High-Power Routers?

Defining the ASR-9912-FAN=’s Purpose

The ​​ASR-9912-FAN=​​ is a ​​hot-swappable fan tray​​ designed for Cisco’s ASR 9912 Router, providing active cooling for high-density line cards and power supplies. Engineered for ​​N+1 redundancy​​, it ensures uninterrupted operation in environments where thermal management directly impacts uptime, such as data centers and carrier hubs.

Technical Specifications and Operational Demands

Cooling Performance and Design

• ​​Airflow Capacity​​: 240 CFM (cubic feet per minute) per fan module, adjustable based on real-time thermal sensors.
• ​​Redundancy​​: Supports up to six fan modules, allowing one fan failure without service interruption.
• ​​Power Efficiency​​: Variable-speed fans reduce energy consumption by 25% during low-load conditions.

​​Critical applications​​ include:

• Cooling 100G/400G line cards in ASR 9912 chassis.
• Maintaining optimal temperatures in vertically stacked deployments.
• Supporting extended operation in ambient temperatures up to 113°F (45°C).

Compatibility and Installation Requirements

The ASR-9912-FAN= is exclusively compatible with the ​​Cisco ASR 9912 Router chassis​​. It operates with Cisco IOS XR 7.x and later, enabling automated fan-speed adjustments via the router’s ​​Environmental Monitoring Module (EMM)​​.

Addressing Common Operational Concerns

What Happens During a Fan Failure?

The system automatically reroutes airflow through redundant fans and triggers alerts via ​​Cisco Crosswork Network Controller​​. Replacement can occur without powering down the chassis, minimizing downtime.

How Noisy Is the ASR-9912-FAN= During Peak Loads?

At maximum speed, noise levels reach 65 dBA—comparable to office background chatter. Acoustic dampening in the chassis design isolates high-frequency sounds, making it suitable for colocation facilities.

Can Older ASR 9912 Chassis Support This Fan Tray?

Yes, but firmware updates may be required for full ​​predictive failure analytics​​ integration. Earlier fan trays (e.g., ASR-9912-FAN-A=) lack backward compatibility with this model due to revised airflow patterns.

Availability and Replacement Guidance

For genuine replacements and lifecycle support, visit the ASR-9912-FAN= product page. itmall.sale offers tested Cisco-certified modules with 48-hour global shipping options.

Practical Perspective

In high-stakes network environments, the ASR-9912-FAN= isn’t just a cooling component—it’s a ​​silent guardian of uptime​​. While its design excels in redundancy, proactive maintenance (e.g., cleaning air filters quarterly) remains non-negotiable to prevent thermal throttling. For teams managing mission-critical ASR 9912 deployments, overlooking this component’s role is a gamble few can afford.