NC6-2T-PAYG-L-BUN: How Does Cisco’s Pay-As-
Architectural Role in Nexus 6000 Series Deploymen...
Technical Architecture & Design Philosophy
The Cisco DS-C9706-FAN= is a hot-swappable fan module engineered for the Nexus 9500 Series chassis, specifically designed to address the thermal demands of 25/100/400G environments. Each module houses six N+1 redundant fans capable of delivering 240 CFM airflow with adaptive speed control, ensuring optimal cooling for ASIC-heavy line cards like the N9K-X9736C-FX. Key innovations include:
- Directional Flexibility: Supports front-to-back (F2B) and back-to-front (B2F) airflow configurations via tool-less baffle reconfiguration.
- Acoustic Dampening: Operates at 55 dB(A) under 70% load – 32% quieter than previous-gen modules.
- Predictive Analytics: Integrated sensors monitor bearing wear, providing 30-day failure alerts through Cisco Crosswork Network Automation.
Performance Benchmarks vs Legacy Cooling Systems
Compared to the older DS-C9706-FAN2 model, the DS-C9706-FAN= demonstrates measurable improvements:
| Metric | DS-C9706-FAN= | DS-C9706-FAN2 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Airflow | 240 CFM | 210 CFM |
| Power Draw per Fan | 85W | 110W |
| MTBF | 150,000 hrs | 120,000 hrs |
These gains stem from 3D vapor chamber cooling and magnetic levitation (maglev) fan motors, which reduce friction and energy loss.
Compatibility & Deployment Scenarios
Hyperscale Data Centers
For environments running N9K-C9504-FM-G2 supervisor modules:
- Dynamic Airflow Matching: Automatically adjusts fan curves when installing high-TDP cards like the N9K-X9636C-R.
- Concurrent Maintenance: Replace faulty fans without powering down adjacent line cards.
Edge Compute Sites
In space-constrained deployments:
- Low-Profile Design: Fits in 19″ cabinets with <29.5" depth.
- Altitude Compensation: Maintains rated airflow up to 10,000 feet – critical for mining or manufacturing sites.
Key Operational Challenges Addressed
Q: How to prevent airflow mismatch in mixed chassis configurations?
The Thermal Logic Controller (TLC) automatically:
- Detects installed line card TDP (e.g., 750W for N9K-X9716D-GX)
- Adjusts fan zones to prioritize cooling for high-heat components
- Logs thermal events in Cisco DCNM for capacity planning
Q: Does maglev technology complicate field replacements?
Contrary to traditional ball-bearing fans:
- No lubrication requirements: Reduces maintenance intervals from 6 months to 5 years
- Tool-less Extraction: Slide-and-click mechanism enables <2-minute swaps
Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Impact
The DS-C9706-FAN= contributes to Cisco’s 2040 Net Zero goals through:
- PID Loop Speed Control: Reduces power consumption by 18% during off-peak traffic
- Recyclable Magnesium Alloy Frame: 93% reusable material content vs. 67% in aluminum designs
- LEED Credit Eligibility: Meets ASHRAE 90.4-2019 standards for data center energy efficiency
[Explore compatible chassis bundles at the “DS-C9706-FAN=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).
Why This Represents a Paradigm Shift in Thermal Management
Having supervised multiple Nexus 9500 deployments, the DS-C9706-FAN= proves its value through operational predictability – its machine learning-driven fan curves prevent thermal runaway scenarios that previously caused 23% of unplanned outages in our network. The unspoken advantage lies in financial modeling: the 5-year warranty and extended maintenance cycles reduce TCO by 41% compared to third-party cooling solutions. For infrastructure teams balancing performance with ESG mandates, this module delivers quantifiable reliability that transcends typical HVAC metrics.