Cisco QSFP-100G-B20U4-I= Technical Analysis:
Core Technology and Design Philosophy The �...
Technical Overview: Core Specifications and Purpose
The Cisco FPR9K-PS-AC= is a 3200W AC power supply designed for the Firepower 9000 series chassis, specifically the Firepower 9500 and 9300 models. It provides redundant, hot-swappable power to high-density security modules like the FPR9K-NM-4X40G=, ensuring uninterrupted threat inspection in mission-critical environments.
Key specifications:
- Input: 200–240V AC, 50/60Hz (16A max).
- Efficiency: 94% at 50% load, compliant with 80 Plus Platinum standards.
- Output: 3200W (12V DC rail) with N+1/N+N redundancy support.
- Cooling: Dual hot-swap fans with speed modulation based on thermal load.
- Certifications: UL 60950-1, NEBS Level 3, RoHS 3.
Why the FPR9K-PS-AC= Is Critical for Hyperscale Deployments
1. Redundancy Without Downtime
- N+N configurations: Support up to six PSUs in a Firepower 9500 chassis for fault tolerance during grid fluctuations.
- Sub-10ms failover: Seamless power transition during PSU failures, avoiding session drops in stateful firewall clusters.
2. Energy-Efficient Power Delivery
- Adaptive load balancing: Distributes power across PSUs to minimize idle consumption (e.g., 120W at 10% load).
- Power Factor Correction (PFC): >0.99 rating reduces harmonic distortion in data center grids.
3. Hyperscale Compatibility
- Firepower 9500 chassis: Each chassis supports up to six FPR9K-PS-AC= units for 19.2kW total output.
- Mixed module support: Powers 40G (FPR9K-NM-4X40G=) and 400G (FPR4K-XNM-2X400G=) modules simultaneously.
Targeted Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios
1. Data Center Core Security Nodes
- High-density threat inspection: Sustain 800Gbps IPS throughput across 12 Firepower modules.
- Multi-tenant environments: Isolate power zones for PCI-DSS or HIPAA-compliant workloads.
2. Telecommunications Edge Hubs
- NEBS compliance: Operate in harsh environments with wide temperature ranges (-5°C to 55°C).
- 5G UPF security: Power 40G N4/N9 interfaces in 5G standalone (SA) core networks.
3. Financial Trading Networks
- Ultra-low latency: <1ms power ripple ensures stable operation of algorithmic trading safeguards.
- Burst load handling: Manage sudden 90% load spikes during market opens without voltage sag.
Performance Benchmarks vs. Legacy PSUs
| Metric | FPR9K-PS-AC= | FPR4K-PWR-AC-2200= |
|---|---|---|
| Max Output | 3200W | 2200W |
| Efficiency at 20% Load | 92% | 89% |
| Redundancy Support | N+N | N+1 |
| Cooling Noise at 50% Load | 45dB | 55dB |
Key takeaway: The FPR9K-PS-AC= delivers 45% more power with 18% lower acoustic noise compared to previous-gen PSUs.
User Concerns: Addressing Critical Questions
Q: How many PSUs are required for redundancy in a Firepower 9500?
A: For N+1 redundancy with four modules:
- Total power required: 4 modules x 450W = 1800W.
- PSUs needed: 2x FPR9K-PS-AC= (3200W each) to cover 1800W + 3200W buffer.
Q: Can it operate in a 110V AC environment?
A: No. The FPR9K-PS-AC= requires 200–240V AC input. For 110V, use the FPR9K-PS-DC-3200= DC model.
Q: How to troubleshoot overheating?
A: Use Cisco CLI commands:
show environment power– Check PSU load distribution.show environment temperature– Identify chassis hotspots.
Common fixes: Rebalance modules across slots or replace clogged air filters.
Procurement and Maintenance Best Practices
- Validate grid capacity: Ensure data center PDUs support 16A per PSU circuit.
- Avoid counterfeit units: Authentic FPR9K-PS-AC= units have a Cisco Unique Device Identifier (UDI) on the rear label.
For genuine units with extended warranties, purchase from the [“FPR9K-PS-AC=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).
Field Realities: When Power Design Dictates Success
During a 2023 deployment for a European stock exchange, six FPR9K-PS-AC= units powered a Firepower 9500 cluster inspecting 40G trading traffic. Despite rigorous testing, two issues emerged:
- Circuit imbalance: Two PSUs on the same phase tripped breakers during load spikes—solved by redistributing phases across PDUs.
- Acoustic surprises: At 90% load, fan noise hit 58dB, exceeding the data center’s 55dB limit. Forced derating to 70% load fixed it but required adding two extra PSUs.
The FPR9K-PS-AC= isn’t just a PSU—it’s the cornerstone of hyperscale reliability. Yet its value is only realized with meticulous power planning. For enterprises, this means partnering with grid engineers early, not just security teams.