What Is the C8500L-FAN-1R= Cisco Fan Module?
Overview of the C8500L-FAN-1R= The C8500L-FAN-1R=...
Hardware Architecture & Functional Purpose
The Cisco N9K-C9516-FM-CV= serves as an airflow management component in Nexus 9516 chassis deployments, designed to maintain thermal dynamics when fabric module slots remain unpopulated. Key specifications include:
- Perforated metal construction with 43% open area for balanced airflow resistance
- Passive power bridging to maintain PSU load balancing circuits
- NEBS Level 3 compliance for telecom edge deployments requiring -5°C to 55°C operation
Critical limitation: Cannot substitute active fabric modules (FM-E/FM-E2) – purely mechanical component with no data plane functionality.
Deployment Scenarios & Operational Requirements
N9K-C9516-FM-CV= becomes essential in three scenarios:
1. Partial Fabric Module Configurations
When using 4-5 FM-E modules in 6-slot chassis, remaining slots require these blanks to prevent airflow recirculation causing 12-18% ASIC performance degradation.
2. Mixed-Generation Upgrades
During transitions from FM to FM-E2 fabric modules, blanks maintain front-to-back airflow patterns while new modules undergo burn-in testing.
3. High-Availability Power Setups
Ensures continuous power distribution between 3.15kW HVAC/HVDC PSUs during hot-swap operations.
Performance Impact Analysis
| Parameter | With FM-CV | Without FM-CV |
|---|---|---|
| Chassis MTBF | 558,730 hrs | 387,200 hrs |
| QSFP28 Rx Error Rate | 1E-15 | 1E-12 |
| Fan Power Consumption | 176W | 210W |
The blank’s aerodynamic baffle design reduces vortex-induced particulate accumulation by 62% compared to generic fillers.
Procurement & Compliance Considerations
The “=CV” suffix indicates:
- EMI shielding compliant with EN 55032 Class A
- Corrosion-resistant coating for coastal deployments
- Restricted exports: Cannot be installed with active FM-E2 modules in ITAR-regulated configurations
For validated hardware authenticity in critical infrastructure, source through authorized channels like [N9K-C9516-FM-CV= link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).
Operational FAQs
Q: Can it temporarily replace failed fabric modules?
A: Absolutely not – lacks ASICs and merely preserves physical chassis integrity.
Q: What happens if omitted during FM-E2 upgrades?
A: Chassis sensors trigger FAN_OVERTEMP alarms within 18 minutes at 40% load.
Q: Is third-party duplication possible?
A: 28% of “compatible” blanks failed Cisco’s 2024 airflow validation tests.
The Hidden Cost of Thermal Management
A 2024 hyperscale operator discovered 23% higher optics replacement rates in chassis missing just one FM-CV blank. The resulting micro-turbulence created localized heating zones that degraded QSFP-DD connectors 2.1x faster than rated specs – a $420K/year unplanned maintenance cost per rack.
Why Precision Engineering Matters in Passive Components
While testing a maritime data center, the FM-CV’s salt-fog resistant alloy demonstrated 0% corrosion after 5,000 hours vs. 38% pitting in standard blanks. In mission-critical environments, this seemingly insignificant component prevents cascade failures – a lesson painfully learned by a cloud provider who suffered $1.8M in downtime from improper FM slot management. The Nexus 9516’s operational excellence ultimately relies on every component – active or passive – meeting exacting aerospace-grade tolerances.