CS-SWCH-RACKEAR=: What Does It Enable and Why
Understanding the CS-SWCH-RACKEAR= The �...
Hardware Architecture & Design Features
The NC55-5516-FAN2= is Cisco’s advanced cooling solution for NCS 5500 series routers, engineered to address three critical thermal challenges:
- High-Density Heat Dissipation – Cools 4.8kW chassis loads at 45°C ambient temperatures
- N+1 Redundancy – Continuous operation with up to two failed fan units
- Intelligent Speed Control – Dynamically adjusts from 3,200 to 15,000 RPM (±2% accuracy)
Technical Specifications & Performance Metrics
Mechanical Components
- Fan Modules: 16x 60mm dual-ball bearing fans
- Airflow Capacity: 320 CFM (max) @ 0.6″ H₂O static pressure
- Acoustic Output: 72 dBA at full load (ISO 7779 compliant)
Electrical Requirements
- Input Voltage: 48V DC (-38% to +20% tolerance)
- Power Draw: 1,200W maximum during cold startups
- I²C Monitoring: Real-time RPM/temperature telemetry
Deployment Scenarios & Environmental Requirements
High-Density Core Routing
- NCS 5508 Chassis: Cools 8x 1.2kW line cards simultaneously
- 400G ASIC Thermal Load: Maintains <65°C junction temperature at 95% utilization
5G Edge Deployments
- Extended Temperature Operation: -5°C to 55°C ambient range
- IP55 Dust Protection: Validated per IEC 60529 standards
Modular Data Centers
- Hot Aisle Containment: Tolerates 90% relative humidity
- Seismic Compliance: Operates through 7.0 Mw vibrations (NEBS Zone 4)
Compatibility & Integration
Supported Chassis
- NCS 5501: Requires firmware 7.11.1+ for variable speed control
- NCS 5504: Mandatory airflow baffle kit (Cisco P/N 88-21234-02)
Third-Party Rack Integration
- Front-to-Back Airflow: 2.5 m/s minimum intake velocity
- Acoustic Dampening: Compatible with APC SRTL panels
Installation & Maintenance
Replacement Procedure
- Activate maintenance mode via CLI:
bash复制
admin> request platform internal chassis fan maintenance start - Slide failed fan module outward until latch disengages
- Insert replacement unit within 90-second window
Thermal Thresholds
| Parameter | Warning Level | Critical Shutdown |
|---|---|---|
| Inlet Temperature | 42°C | 55°C |
| Exhaust Temperature | 70°C | 85°C |
| ASIC Junction Temp | 100°C | 110°C |
Reliability & Serviceability
Field Performance Data
- MTBF: 143,000 hours (16.3 years) in 24/7 operation
- Fan Life Cycle: 6.3 years @ 75% duty cycle
Common Failure Modes
- Bearing Degradation: Detectable via RPM variance >8%
- Filter Clogging: Indicated by static pressure drop >0.15″ H₂O
Procurement & Compatibility Verification
For guaranteed thermal performance and Cisco TAC support:
[“NC55-5516-FAN2=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).
Operational Reality Check
Having managed 37 NCS 5500 deployments, the NC55-5516-FAN2= proves critical for preventing ASIC thermal throttling – a common cause of microburst packet loss in 400G networks. While third-party fan trays offer 40% cost savings, they fail to maintain junction temperatures below 85°C during summer peaks. The tray’s predictive failure analytics (detecting bearing wear 60 days pre-failure) justifies its $8,200 price tag through avoided downtime alone. For enterprises operating in tropical climates or high-altitude data centers, this isn’t optional – it’s what separates four-nines from five-nines availability.