Cisco N6K-C6001-FAN-F
Nexus 6001 Fan for Port Side exhaust (Front to Back) airflow
Product Highlights
Keeping your data center switches within safe operating temperatures is critical to uptime, performance, and hardware longevity. The Cisco N6K-C6001-FAN-F is a replacement fan module purpose-built for the Cisco Nexus 6001 switch, providing front-to-back (port-side exhaust) airflow that aligns with standard hot-aisle/cold-aisle cooling architectures.
The Nexus 6001 chassis accommodates three fan modules, each containing four individual fans, and operates in a 2+1 redundancy configuration — meaning the switch can continue running at full capacity even if one fan module is removed or fails. The N6K-C6001-FAN-F is fully hot-swappable, allowing network engineers to perform maintenance or replacements without disrupting live traffic or scheduling downtime windows.
Whether you are proactively stocking spares for your Nexus 6000 deployment or replacing a failed unit, the N6K-C6001-FAN-F ensures your Cisco Nexus 6001 switch maintains optimal thermal performance in demanding data center environments. Be sure to match the airflow direction of all fan modules and power supplies within the same chassis to maintain proper cooling.
Features & Benefits
Front-to-Back (Port-Side Exhaust) Airflow
The N6K-C6001-FAN-F moves cool air from the fan side of the chassis and exhausts warm air out the port side. This front-to-back airflow pattern is designed for data centers that use a cold-aisle/hot-aisle layout, ensuring efficient heat removal and consistent cooling across all internal components.
Hot-Swappable Operation
Designed for online insertion and removal (OIR), this fan module can be replaced while the Nexus 6001 switch remains powered on and passing traffic. This eliminates the need for maintenance windows and dramatically reduces mean time to repair (MTTR).
2+1 Fan Redundancy
The Cisco Nexus 6001 supports three fan modules operating in a 2+1 redundancy mode. If one fan module fails, the remaining two modules continue to cool the chassis, allowing the switch to run indefinitely while you schedule a replacement. This built-in resilience protects against unplanned thermal shutdowns.
Purpose-Built for Nexus 6001
Engineered specifically for the Cisco Nexus 6001 chassis, this fan module delivers a precise mechanical and electrical fit. Each module houses four individual fans to distribute airflow evenly and maintain consistent temperatures even under heavy workloads.
Deployment Scenarios
Data Center Top-of-Rack Cooling
In high-density data center racks where the Nexus 6001 serves as a top-of-rack switch, the N6K-C6001-FAN-F ensures reliable front-to-back cooling that complements standard hot-aisle/cold-aisle containment strategies. Proper airflow direction prevents hot air recirculation and protects adjacent equipment.
Proactive Spare Inventory
Maintaining spare fan modules on-site is a best practice for mission-critical Nexus 6000 deployments. Having an N6K-C6001-FAN-F ready to deploy minimizes downtime risk and ensures you can restore full 2+1 fan redundancy immediately after a failure.
Failed Fan Module Replacement
When a fan module fails or triggers an environmental alarm on the Nexus 6001, the hot-swappable N6K-C6001-FAN-F allows for immediate replacement without a maintenance window. The switch continues to operate on the remaining redundant fans while the swap is performed.
General
Cooling
Physical
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
Compatible Platforms:
- Cisco Nexus 6001 (N6K-C6001-64P, N6K-C6001-64T)
Important: All fan modules and power supplies installed in the same Nexus 6001 chassis must share the same airflow direction. Do not mix the N6K-C6001-FAN-F (port-side exhaust) with the N6K-C6001-FAN-B (port-side intake) in the same chassis. Matching airflow direction ensures cool air enters from the cold aisle and exhausts into the hot aisle.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| N6K-C6001-FAN-B | Nexus 6001 Fan Module (Port-Side Intake) | Back-to-front (port-side intake) airflow — use when your cold aisle faces the port side of the switch |
| NXA-FAN-30CFM-F | Cisco N2K/N3K Fan Module (Port-Side Exhaust) | Individual fan for Nexus 2000/3000 series — not compatible with Nexus 6001 |
| NXA-FAN-30CFM-B | Cisco N2K/N3K Fan Module (Port-Side Intake) | Individual fan for Nexus 2000/3000 series with reversed airflow — not compatible with Nexus 6001 |