Cisco N20-FAN5-UCS 5108 for Fan module.

Overview of N20-FAN5 Technical Specifications

Manufacturer Details

• Brand: Cisco
• Model: N20-FAN5
• Product Type: Cisco Systems

Product Characteristics

• The N20-FAN5 is a high-quality component designed by Cisco, delivering superior performance for various technical applications. This fan unit plays a crucial role in maintaining the optimal functioning of your equipment.

Key Features

• Efficient cooling mechanism to support robust network operations
• Engineered for compatibility with a wide range of Cisco products
• Durable construction ensuring long-term reliability
• Quiet operation for a disturbance-free environment

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: Compact size for easy installation
• Weight: Lightweight to ensure portability and ease of handling
• Color: Standard color suited for integration with various hardware

Performance Metrics

• Built with high-quality materials, the N20-FAN5 ensures reliable airflow and cooling performance. It is designed to prevent overheating, maintain stable operations, and extend the lifespan of network equipment.

Compatibility Information

• This fan unit is specially designed to work seamlessly with compatible Cisco network hardware, providing efficient thermal management and reducing the risk of damage caused by overheating.

Installation Considerations

• Easy-to-follow installation process, suitable for both experienced technicians and beginners
• Requires minimal tools and setup for quick integration

Maintenance and Upkeep

• Regular maintenance is key to maximizing the lifespan of the N20-FAN5. Periodic cleaning of the fan blades and ensuring unobstructed airflow will maintain optimal performance.

Applications and Use Cases

• Data centers requiring constant airflow
• High-performance networking environments where cooling is critical
• Server rooms or hardware racks that demand efficient heat dissipation

Cisco-N20-FAN5 Fan Module for UCS 5108

The Cisco-N20-FAN5 fan module is a critical component for the cooling system of the Cisco UCS 5108 Blade Server Chassis. Designed to enhance performance, stability, and longevity, this fan module provides optimal airflow management, ensuring the server chassis operates at a consistent temperature, even under demanding workloads. The Cisco-N20-FAN5 is part of the broader category of UCS components, designed for ease of integration into the Cisco UCS infrastructure. This page provides an in-depth look at the fan module, its role in maintaining hardware performance, and why it's essential for managing the thermal environment in high-performance computing setups.

Key Features of the Cisco-N20-FAN5 Fan Module

The Cisco-N20-FAN5 fan module boasts a range of advanced features designed to support the cooling needs of Cisco UCS 5108 Blade Servers. Some of the most important features include:

• High-Performance Cooling: The fan module is engineered to provide high airflow rates, which is crucial for maintaining optimal operating temperatures even when multiple servers are installed in the chassis.
• Efficient Thermal Management: It plays a pivotal role in distributing airflow across the server chassis, preventing hotspots that could cause system instability or hardware damage.
• Redundant Design: Cisco designs the fan modules to work in a redundant configuration. If one fan fails, the others can compensate, ensuring continuous operation without system downtime.
• Scalability: The Cisco-N20-FAN5 fan module is compatible with various UCS 5108 configurations, enabling businesses to scale their infrastructure without worrying about inadequate cooling solutions.
• Intelligent Fan Control: Integrated sensors and software allow the fan module to adjust speeds based on temperature readings, providing efficient cooling while minimizing power consumption.

Compatibility with Cisco UCS 5108 Blade Server Chassis

As part of the Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS), the Cisco-N20-FAN5 fan module is specifically engineered to support the Cisco UCS 5108 Blade Server Chassis. This chassis is designed to house multiple blade servers and offers a high-density computing environment, which necessitates powerful cooling solutions.

The Cisco-N20-FAN5 module is designed to operate in harmony with the chassis' internal configuration, ensuring maximum cooling efficiency across the entire setup. It is fully compatible with the following UCS components:

• Cisco UCS 5108 Blade Server Chassis
• Cisco UCS B-Series Blade Servers
• Cisco UCS 5100 Series Enclosures

Thermal Design and Efficiency

The design of the Cisco-N20-FAN5 fan module is centered around thermal management, a vital aspect of maintaining the performance of data centers and server rooms. Given the importance of cooling for sustaining server performance and preventing hardware failure, the Cisco-N20-FAN5 provides efficient airflow to ensure that temperatures remain stable.

The fan module incorporates a set of high-quality bearings, optimized motor speeds, and smart controls that adapt based on the current temperature inside the chassis. By automatically adjusting fan speed based on the thermal requirements, the module strikes a balance between cooling efficiency and noise reduction, contributing to a quieter server environment.

Importance of Proper Cooling for Server Hardware

Efficient cooling is essential for ensuring the reliability and longevity of server hardware. Without a properly functioning cooling system, servers can overheat, leading to system slowdowns, performance issues, or even irreversible damage to critical components such as processors and memory modules.

The Cisco-N20-FAN5 plays a vital role in ensuring that the servers housed in the UCS 5108 Blade Chassis maintain optimal operating conditions, preventing overheating while allowing the system to process data efficiently. Consistent airflow from the fan module mitigates the risk of thermal throttling, which could otherwise affect the performance of the blades inside the chassis.

Reliability and Redundancy

The Cisco-N20-FAN5 fan module is designed with redundancy in mind, a crucial feature for mission-critical environments. When deployed in a Cisco UCS 5108 Blade Server Chassis, multiple fan modules work together to provide sufficient cooling. This multi-fan system ensures that even if one fan fails, the others will continue to provide cooling without disrupting the system’s operation.

Redundant cooling not only helps maintain operational continuity but also adds a layer of security, preventing unexpected downtime caused by fan failure. With redundant fan modules, businesses can maintain optimal server performance even in the event of a hardware malfunction.

Installation and Maintenance of the Cisco-N20-FAN5 Fan Module

Installing and maintaining the Cisco-N20-FAN5 fan module is straightforward, thanks to the modular design of the UCS 5108 Blade Server Chassis. The fan modules can be easily inserted and removed, making replacement or upgrades a simple process for administrators.

The module’s hot-swappable nature means that it can be replaced without powering down the server or affecting the system’s performance. This reduces downtime and allows for maintenance to occur without disrupting ongoing operations.

Steps for Installing the Cisco-N20-FAN5 Fan Module

To install the Cisco-N20-FAN5 fan module in a Cisco UCS 5108 chassis, follow these steps:

1. Power off the system if necessary, although the fan module is hot-swappable.
2. Locate the fan module slots on the chassis.
3. Insert the Cisco-N20-FAN5 fan module into the appropriate slot, ensuring it fits securely.
4. Power on the system (if powered off) and confirm that the fan module is functioning properly using the system’s monitoring interface.

Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring

Once installed, the Cisco-N20-FAN5 fan module requires minimal maintenance. However, administrators should monitor its performance periodically to ensure optimal operation. Cisco UCS Manager provides integrated management tools that offer real-time monitoring of fan speeds, temperature readings, and the overall health of the fan module.

Routine checks can help ensure that airflow is not obstructed by dust buildup and that all fans are functioning within specified parameters. If an issue is detected, administrators can replace the fan module or clean it to restore normal operation.

Applications of the Cisco-N20-FAN5 Fan Module

The Cisco-N20-FAN5 fan module is an ideal solution for a variety of environments where high-performance computing and cooling are crucial. Some of the primary applications include:

• Data Centers: The fan module is perfect for use in data centers where multiple servers need to be kept at a consistent temperature, even in high-density configurations.
• Cloud Computing: Organizations that rely on cloud infrastructure to provide virtual services can benefit from the reliability and cooling capabilities of the Cisco-N20-FAN5 fan module.
• Enterprise IT Infrastructure: Large enterprises with complex IT environments can rely on the fan module to maintain consistent performance across their server arrays.
• High-Performance Computing (HPC): Servers used for HPC workloads require reliable cooling solutions to ensure sustained performance, and the Cisco-N20-FAN5 provides the necessary airflow for these environments.

Temperature and Environmental Considerations

When designing any data center or server room, it's essential to consider the ambient temperature of the environment. The Cisco-N20-FAN5 fan module is built to function effectively in a wide range of operating temperatures, ensuring that the fan performs well regardless of the external climate. However, to maximize efficiency, it is recommended to house the UCS 5108 chassis in a well-ventilated space with temperature control systems in place.

Noise Levels and Performance

One of the common concerns with high-performance cooling systems is the noise they generate. The Cisco-N20-FAN5 fan module is designed to operate with minimal noise, even under high load. Its intelligent fan speed regulation ensures that the fan operates quietly when the server chassis is not under heavy load while increasing speed when additional cooling is required.