Cisco N5K-C5020-FAN
Cisco Nexus 5020 Fan Module
Product Highlights
When a fan module fails in a production data center switch, every minute of overheating risk threatens your uptime SLA. The Cisco N5K-C5020-FAN is the dedicated replacement fan module for the Cisco Nexus 5020 switch, engineered to maintain optimal thermal performance in high-density 10 Gigabit Ethernet and FCoE environments.
The Nexus 5020 chassis accommodates five fan modules in a 4+1 redundant configuration, meaning the switch continues to operate normally even if one fan module fails — provided the failed unit is replaced promptly. The N5K-C5020-FAN is fully hot-swappable, allowing field replacement without powering down the switch or disrupting network traffic. Each module houses two fans and delivers front-to-back (port-side exhaust) airflow, aligning with standard data center hot-aisle/cold-aisle cooling architectures.
A built-in bicolor LED (green for normal operation, amber for failure) gives operations staff immediate visual confirmation of fan health. With a rated MTBF of 1,000,000 hours, this module is built for the continuous duty cycles demanded by enterprise and colocation data centers. Whether you're proactively stocking spares or replacing a failed unit, the N5K-C5020-FAN keeps your Nexus 5020 infrastructure running within safe thermal limits.
Features & Benefits
Hot-Swappable Replacement
The N5K-C5020-FAN is designed to be removed and installed while the Nexus 5020 switch is fully operational. This eliminates the need for a maintenance window, reducing downtime risk and keeping your network available during fan replacements.
Redundant Cooling Architecture
The Cisco Nexus 5020 uses a 4+1 redundant fan configuration — four active modules plus one spare. If a single fan module fails, the remaining modules continue to cool the chassis, giving you time to replace the failed unit without service interruption.
Data Center-Optimized Airflow
Front-to-back (port-side exhaust) airflow is designed for standard hot-aisle/cold-aisle data center layouts. All fan modules and power supplies in the chassis must share the same airflow direction to ensure consistent, efficient cooling.
Visual Health Monitoring
A bicolor LED on each fan module provides at-a-glance status: green indicates normal operation, while amber signals a fan failure. This allows operations staff to quickly identify and locate a failed module without CLI access.
High Reliability
Rated at 1,000,000 hours MTBF, the N5K-C5020-FAN is built for continuous operation in demanding data center environments. Stocking a spare ensures you can respond immediately to any cooling failure.
Deployment Scenarios
Proactive Spare Inventory
Data center operators managing Nexus 5020 switches can stock N5K-C5020-FAN modules as on-site spares. Having a replacement ready eliminates procurement lead time and ensures immediate response to any fan failure, protecting uptime SLAs.
Failed Fan Module Replacement
When a fan module LED turns amber indicating failure, the N5K-C5020-FAN can be hot-swapped into the chassis without disrupting network traffic. The 4+1 redundant design provides a safe operating window while the replacement is performed.
Refurbished Equipment Deployment
Organizations deploying pre-owned or refurbished Nexus 5020 switches may need replacement fan modules to bring units to full operational status. The N5K-C5020-FAN ensures complete cooling capacity across all five fan slots.
General
Performance
Physical
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
Compatible Platform
- Cisco Nexus 5020 Switch (N5K-C5020P-BF)
Important Airflow Note
All fan modules and power supplies installed in the Nexus 5020 chassis must have the same airflow direction (front-to-back). Do not mix airflow directions within a single chassis.
End-of-Life Status
The Cisco Nexus 5010 and 5020 switches reached End-of-Sale on November 27, 2012 and End-of-Support on November 28, 2017. The broader Nexus 5000 Series reached End-of-Sale on May 5, 2021 with last date of support May 31, 2026. Fan modules remain available through third-party resellers.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| N5K-C5010-FAN= | Cisco Nexus 5010 Fan Module | Designed for the smaller 1RU Nexus 5010 chassis; not interchangeable with the Nexus 5020. |
| N5K-C5596-FAN | Cisco Nexus 5596 Fan Module | Fan module for the newer Nexus 5596UP switch; supports both front-to-back and back-to-front airflow options. |
| N5K-PAC-1200W | Cisco Nexus 5020 1200W AC Power Supply | Complementary component — 1200W AC power supply for the same Nexus 5020 chassis. |