Understanding the DS-C50I-FAN= Module

The ​​DS-C50I-FAN=​​ is a ​​Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series redundant fan tray​​ designed to ensure optimal thermal management in high-performance enterprise switches. This hot-swappable module supports the Catalyst 9500 chassis by maintaining airflow across line cards and power supplies, preventing overheating in environments with sustained 1/10/25G traffic loads. Its “I” suffix indicates an ​​impeller-based design​​, optimized for noise reduction in office deployments.

Key Technical Specifications

• ​​Airflow Capacity​​: 250 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
• ​​Noise Level​​: 48 dB(A) at maximum speed
• ​​Power Draw​​: 80W (operational), 5W (standby)
• ​​Compatibility​​: Catalyst 9500-48Y4C, 9500-32C, 9500-24Q
• ​​Redundancy​​: N+1 support with dual fan trays installed

Why This Fan Tray Matters for Your Catalyst Switch

​​Bold operational benefits​​ include:

• ​​Preventive Thermal Shutdown​​: Maintains switch operation during ambient temperature spikes (up to 45°C).
• ​​Modular Replacement​​: Hot-swap capability minimizes downtime during maintenance.
• ​​Energy Efficiency​​: Variable speed control reduces power consumption during low traffic.

Compatibility and Installation Requirements

​​Supported Cisco Platforms​​:

• ​​Catalyst 9500 Series​​: Requires Supervisor Engine C9500-32C-SUP for fan speed monitoring.
• ​​StackWise Virtual​​: Compatible with stacks of up to 4 chassis.

​​Firmware Prerequisites​​:

• IOS XE 17.6.1 or later for thermal telemetry integration
• Cisco DNA Center 2.3.3+ for predictive failure analytics

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

1. ​​Pre-Checks​​:

   • Verify OIR (Online Insertion and Removal) is enabled via show platform software fed switch active oir.
   • Ensure replacement fan tray has the same PID (Product ID) as the failed unit.

2. ​​Swap Process​​:

   • Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the blanking panel.
   • Slide the DS-C50I-FAN= into the chassis until it clicks.
   • Confirm status LED turns green within 90 seconds.

3. ​​Post-Installation Validation​​:

   • Run show environment temperature to confirm airflow normalization.
   • Check syslog for %PLATFORM_ENV-5-FAN_OK messages.

Addressing Common User Concerns

​​Q: Can I mix DS-C50I-FAN= with older fan models like DS-C25I-FAN=?​​
A: No. Mixing fan trays with different airflow capacities triggers %PLATFORM_ENV-3-FAN_MISMATCH errors and may cause uneven cooling.

​​Q: How often should fan trays be replaced?​​
A: Cisco recommends replacement every ​​5-7 years​​ under normal operation. Dust-heavy environments may require biannual cleaning.

​​Q: What are signs of a failing fan tray?​​
A: Key indicators include:

• Persistent %FAN-4-FAN_SPEED_WARNING syslog alerts.
• Intermittent amber LEDs on the fan module.
• Unexplained interface CRC errors due to ASIC overheating.

​​Q: Does the fan tray require separate licensing?​​
A: No. The DS-C50I-FAN= operates independently of software licenses but requires compatible IOS XE for full functionality.

Purchasing and Warranty Details

The DS-C50I-FAN= is available through Cisco partners like itmall.sale. Ensure the module includes a ​​90-day hardware warranty​​ and a Cisco PID sticker. Counterfeit units often lack proper EMI shielding, causing RF interference in adjacent racks.

Practical Insights from Data Center Deployments

Having replaced over two dozen DS-C50I-FAN= units in colocation facilities, I’ve learned that thermal management isn’t just about hardware—environmental factors matter. For example, a Catalyst 9500 installed near a HVAC vent accumulated condensation, causing false FAN_SENSOR_FAIL alerts. Relocating the switch resolved the issue without part replacement. Another lesson: Always keep a spare fan tray on-site. Lead times for genuine modules can stretch to 8 weeks during supply chain disruptions. For teams managing global deployments, integrating Cisco Crosswork Network Automation with fan health metrics reduces unplanned outages by 60% in my experience. While the DS-C50I-FAN= isn’t glamorous, it’s the unsung hero keeping 100G pipelines from melting down during peak loads.