What Is the DS-C9710-FAN?

The ​​DS-C9710-FAN​​ is a ​​redundant airflow subsystem​​ designed specifically for Cisco MDS 9710 Multilayer Directors, engineered to maintain optimal operating temperatures in storage area networks (SANs) handling ​​384+ Fibre Channel ports​​ at 16/32/64 Gbps speeds. This module integrates ​​dual counter-rotating fans​​ and ​​adaptive speed control algorithms​​, achieving ​​42% higher airflow efficiency​​ compared to previous-generation cooling systems like the DS-C9509-FAN.

Key technical specifications include:

  • ​Hot-swappable N+1 redundancy​​: Enables fan replacement without chassis downtime
  • ​Dynamic thermal mapping​​: Automatically adjusts airflow based on line card load (0-100% granularity)
  • ​Acoustic optimization​​: Reduces noise output to 58 dB(A) at full load
  • ​Power monitoring​​: Integrates with Cisco EnergyWise for real-time wattage tracking

DS-C9710-FAN vs Legacy Cooling Solutions

​Parameter​ ​DS-C9710-FAN​ ​DS-C9509-FAN​
​Max Airflow​ 450 CFM per module 310 CFM
​Power Efficiency​ 0.8W per 100G port cooling 1.5W per 100G port
​Failure MTBF​ 200,000 hours 120,000 hours
​Alert Granularity​ Per-zone thermal events Chassis-level only
​Firmware Updates​ In-service patching Full module replacement required

This comparison demonstrates how the ​​DS-C9710-FAN​​ addresses modern SAN challenges like ​​AI-driven storage clustering​​ and ​​NVMe-oF hyperscale deployments​​, where thermal management directly impacts data integrity.


Deployment Best Practices and Operational Insights

For engineers implementing the DS-C9710-FAN, three critical configurations ensure maximum ROI:

  1. ​Hyperscale Fabric Deployments​

    • Maintain ​​≤35°C intake temperature​​ for Fabric 3 modules (DS-X9710-FAB3)
    • Configure ​​side-to-back airflow​​ in 42U racks with ≤8kW/rack power density
  2. ​Mixed-Speed SAN Environments​

    • Allocate ​​dedicated cooling zones​​ for 64G FC and 100G FCoE line cards
    • Enable ​​predictive failure analysis​​ via Cisco DCNM integration
  3. ​Edge Computing Scenarios​

    • Deploy ​​acoustic-damped versions​​ in office-adjacent data rooms
    • Implement ​​winter-mode bypass​​ to reduce energy use during low-load periods

For compatibility verification with Supervisor 4E modules and Fabric 3 backplanes, consult itmall.sale’s Cisco SAN cooling solutions.


The DS-C9710-FAN redefines thermal management in enterprise storage by merging ​​adaptive airflow physics​​ with ​​machine learning-driven load forecasting​​. Its true innovation lies in ​​pressure-optimized blade geometry​​ – a critical enabler for 800G-ready architectures. Data center operators prioritizing uptime in tiered storage ecosystems should view this module not as an accessory, but as the cornerstone of next-gen infrastructure resilience.

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