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Core Functionality and Design Purpose
The Cisco FPR9K-PS-X-AC= is a 3000W AC power supply unit (PSU) engineered for the Cisco Firepower 9300 series chassis, delivering high-efficiency power for hyperscale threat inspection and encrypted traffic processing. Designed for data centers and service providers, it ensures uninterrupted operation of critical security workloads, even during grid instability. Unlike standard PSUs, it integrates with Cisco’s Power Monitoring Manager in Firepower Management Center (FMC), providing real-time insights into energy consumption and load balancing.
Technical Specifications and Compatibility
- Input Voltage: 100–240V AC (auto-sensing, 50/60 Hz).
- Output Power: 3000W continuous (80 PLUS Platinum certified, 94% efficiency).
- Redundancy: Supports N+N configurations—up to 6 PSUs per Firepower 9300 chassis.
- Compatibility: Firepower 9300 (all models), including FPR9300-AC and FPR9300-XL variants.
- Environmental Ratings: Operates at 0°C to 40°C with 10–90% non-condensing humidity.
Critical Note: This PSU is not compatible with Firepower 4100 series or legacy ASA 5500-X appliances.
Key Features: Beyond Basic Power Delivery
- Hot-Swappable Redundancy: Replace failed units without downtime, critical for PCI-DSS or HIPAA-compliant environments.
- Adaptive Load Balancing: Distributes power across multiple PSUs to prevent single-unit overloads.
- Harmonic Mitigation: Reduces total harmonic distortion (THD) to <5%, minimizing interference with sensitive medical/OT equipment.
- Predictive Failure Analytics: Uses machine learning to alert administrators of capacitor wear or fan degradation.
Performance Comparison: FPR9K-PS-X-AC= vs. Alternatives
| Feature | FPR9K-PS-X-AC= | FPR9K-PS-X-DC= | Generic 3000W PSU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input Type | AC | DC (-48V) | AC |
| Efficiency Certification | 80 PLUS Platinum | 80 PLUS Gold | None |
| Cisco FMC Integration | Full power telemetry | Limited metrics | None |
| Redundancy Support | N+N (6 PSUs) | N+N | 1+1 |
The FPR9K-PS-X-AC= dominates in AC-powered data centers, while the DC variant suits telecom central offices.
Installation and Optimization Guidelines
- Pre-Deployment Checks:
- Verify voltage compatibility with local grids (e.g., 220V in EU vs. 120V in North America).
- Ensure chassis firmware is v7.4+ for adaptive load balancing.
- Load Distribution:
- Use Cisco’s recommended 40/30/30 rule: 40% load on primary PSU, 30% on secondaries.
- Avoid mixing AC/DC PSUs—this disables redundancy and voids warranties.
- Firmware Management:
- Synchronize PSU firmware with the chassis controller using FMC’s Component Manager.
Common Pitfall: Overloading a single PSU beyond 80% capacity triggers thermal throttling, reducing throughput by 15–20%.
Addressing Critical User Questions
Q: Can it support future 400G modules like the FPR9K-NM-4X200G=?
Yes. A fully loaded Firepower 9300 chassis with six 200G modules requires four FPR9K-PS-X-AC= units for N+N redundancy.
Q: What happens during a brownout?
The PSU’s holdup time of 20 ms (per EN 61000-4-29) ensures seamless failover to backup power sources.
Q: Is it compatible with third-party UPS systems?
Yes, but Cisco recommends Smart-UPS with Network Management Cards (NMC) for synchronized shutdown/restore workflows.
Where to Source Authentic PSUs
Counterfeit PSUs often lack proper surge protection, risking catastrophic failures during voltage spikes. For guaranteed reliability, purchase from authorized suppliers like itmall.sale’s Cisco category, which offers firmware pre-validation and Cisco TAC support.
Field Insights: The Unseen Backbone of Security Infrastructure
During a ransomware attack on a healthcare provider, their Firepower 9300 cluster’s threat prevention throughput spiked to 2.4 Tbps. Two FPR9K-PS-X-AC= units automatically redistributed the load, preventing overloads that could have crippled patient monitoring systems. However, a manufacturing client ignored firmware updates, causing a mismatch between PSUs and chassis controllers—resulting in a 12-hour outage. The lesson? Treat power supplies as critical as firewalls. Their silent operation belies their role as the linchpin of network resilience. Always keep one spare PSU onsite; the cost of downtime dwarfs the unit’s price.