Appendix B
Fabric and Fan-only Module Description
Each switch has four rear slots for fabric modules. In addition to providing the data transport media,
fabric modules contain fan modules that circulate air through the switch. Proper switch operation
requires the population of each rear slot.
Switches that are configured for maximum traffic capacity contain a fabric module in each rear slot. In
network configurations that do not require maximum traffic capacity, an economical alternative is to
replace two fabric modules with fan-only modules.
Each fan-only module provides the cooling capacity of the corresponding fabric module through a set
of fans that are integrated into the module. The fans of a fan-only module are not removable, unlike the
fabric module that requires the insertion of individual fan modules.
Fan-only modules are available for the 7304 and 7308 switches.
Fabric and Fan Modules: Extracted-
displays a 7304 fabric module and a 7304 fan-only module that are removed from the switch.
Fabric and Fan Modules: Installed-right
displays the rear panel of a 7304 switch that contains two
fabric modules and two fan-only modules.
Figure 31: Fabric and Fan-only Modules: Extracted (left) and Installed (right)
Each module includes lock-levers that secure it to the chassis. The module and the lock levers are
easily damaged by improperly removing, inserting, or handling the fabric module. Never use the lock
levers to lift or move the module after it is removed from the chassis.
The fan direction of the fabric modules is specified by the color of the fan modules. The fan direction
on fan-only modules is denoted by the indicator located below the top handle (
Fabric and Fan-only Module (left); DCS-7304 Fan-only Module (right)
).
The following module combinations are the only valid rear panel configurations:
•
Fabric Modules in slots 1 – 4
•
Fabric Modules in slots 1 – 2; Fan-only modules in slots 3 – 4.
Note: On the 7308, if a fan-only module is not inserted, a metal piece covers the slot as
shown below
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