RHEL-2S2V-D1S= Technical Analysis: Cisco’s
Hardware Architecture and System Specifications�...
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:
-
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
-
Mixed-Speed SAN Environments
- Allocate dedicated cooling zones for 64G FC and 100G FCoE line cards
- Enable predictive failure analysis via Cisco DCNM integration
-
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.