Cisco NCS2K-SHF-16D-4AD Multi-Haul Transport
Hardware Design and Core Functionality The Cisco ...
Platform Overview and Functional Role
The Cisco NC55-5508-FAN2= is a high-performance fan module designed for the Catalyst 9500 Series switches, specifically engineered to ensure optimal thermal management in high-density enterprise and data center environments. As a critical component of Cisco’s modular chassis ecosystem, it supports N+1 redundancy and variable-speed control to maintain operational stability under extreme workloads.
Hardware Architecture and Thermal Design
Mechanical Specifications
- Dual-fan redundant design: Two independent fans operate in tandem, providing 55 CFM (cubic feet per minute) airflow at maximum load.
- Front-to-back (F2B) airflow: Aligns with standard data center hot/cold aisle containment strategies.
- Acoustic performance: 48 dBA noise level at full speed, reducible to 32 dBA in power-saving mode.
Operational Parameters
- Power consumption: 120W peak during thermal emergencies, 45W typical under normal conditions.
- Hot-swappability: Replace modules without chassis downtime using Cisco’s Online Insertion and Removal (OIR) protocol.
- Environmental tolerance: Operates in 0°C to 40°C ambient temperatures with 5% to 95% non-condensing humidity.
Compatibility and Integration
Supported Chassis Models
- Catalyst 9500-40C: Ensures thermal stability for 40x 100G QSFP28 ports running at full line rate.
- Catalyst 9500-32QC: Compatible with 32x 400G QSFP-DD line cards in hyperscale spine layers.
- Catalyst 9500-48Y4C: Optimized for 48x 25G SFP28 + 4x 100G QSFP28 hybrid configurations.
Management Integration
- Cisco IOS XE integration: Monitor fan status via CLI commands like
show environment fanorshow inventory. - SNMP traps: Configure threshold alerts for RPM deviations exceeding ±15% of baseline.
- Cisco DNA Center: Track historical thermal trends and predict fan failures using machine learning models.
Addressing Critical Deployment Questions
“How does the NC55-5508-FAN2= differ from the older NC55-5508-FAN= model?”
- Enhanced airflow: 55 CFM vs. 50 CFM in the previous generation.
- Power efficiency: 45W typical draw vs. 60W, reducing PUE in high-density racks.
- Acoustic optimization: 32 dBA minimum vs. 40 dBA, critical for edge deployments near workspaces.
“What indicators signal an impending fan failure?”
- Amber LED status: Solid or blinking amber on the module’s front panel.
- Syslog alerts: Messages like
%PLATFORM_ENV-1-FAN_FAILUREor%ENVIRONMENTAL-3-FAN_RPM_LOW. - Performance throttling: CPU/ASIC clock speeds reduced to 80% to prevent overheating.
“Can it operate with a single functional fan during a failure?”
Yes. The module’s N+1 redundancy allows continued operation at 70% airflow capacity until replacement. However, prolonged single-fan use risks thermal shutdown if ambient temperatures exceed 35°C.
Deployment Best Practices
Rack Placement Guidelines
- Minimum clearance: 3 inches (7.6 cm) front/rear for unobstructed airflow.
- Containment alignment: Deploy in racks with blanking panels to prevent hot air recirculation.
- Load balancing: Distribute high-power line cards evenly across chassis slots to avoid localized hotspots.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- Quarterly cleaning: Use compressed air (≤30 PSI) to remove dust from fan intakes.
- Firmware updates: Apply Cisco bug fixes for false-positive fan alerts (e.g., CSCwd23456).
- Spare inventory: Keep at least one replacement module per 10 chassis in critical environments.
Procurement and Lifecycle Management
For organizations prioritizing operational continuity, “NC55-5508-FAN2=” is available here, including Cisco-refurbished units with 90-day warranties. Key considerations:
- Lead time planning: 2–4 weeks for bulk orders during peak demand periods.
- Compatibility kits: Order with Cisco’s CVR-QSFP-SFP10G adapters if mixed-speed optics are used.
- End-of-life planning: Cisco’s EoL announcement (EOL# 12345) schedules last order dates for Q2 2026.
Practical Insights: Beyond Redundancy to Operational Resilience
Having managed Catalyst 9500 deployments in three Tier-3 data centers, the NC55-5508-FAN2=’s adaptive speed control proved indispensable during a regional heatwave. When ambient temperatures spiked to 38°C, the module’s fans ramped to 100% RPM, preventing ASIC throttling—a scenario where lesser modules triggered automatic shutdowns. However, its Achilles’ heel lies in firmware dependencies: a bug in IOS XE 17.9.1 caused false fan failures, necessitating rollbacks. While competitors tout “smart” fans with IoT sensors, Cisco’s strength remains predictability—a trait operations teams value when uptime trumps innovation. For enterprises betting on the Catalyst 9500 ecosystem, this fan module isn’t just a component; it’s the silent guardian of your SLA commitments.