Cisco WS-X4993-F
Cat 4948E-F spare fan tray front exhaust
Product Highlights
Keeping your data center switches within safe operating temperatures is non-negotiable — a single fan tray failure can cascade into costly downtime and hardware damage. The Cisco WS-X4993-F is the genuine spare fan tray engineered exclusively for the Cisco Catalyst 4948E-F series switches, providing back-to-front (front exhaust) airflow that aligns with modern hot-aisle/cold-aisle data center designs.
The WS-X4993-F contains four variable-speed, 12 VDC fans whose speed is automatically governed by redundant temperature sensors with six programmable thresholds. Air is drawn in from the rear of the chassis and exhausted through the front, ensuring efficient heat dissipation across all switch components. The fan tray mounts in the rear of the chassis between the two power supplies and is a hot-swappable field-replaceable unit (FRU), allowing maintenance or replacement without taking the switch offline.
Importantly, the WS-X4993-F is keyed and not interchangeable with the WS-X4993 (used in the Catalyst 4948E). Its blue color-coded front panel provides instant visual differentiation. As a genuine Cisco spare part for the now end-of-life Catalyst 4948E-F platform, having a replacement fan tray on hand is essential for organizations extending the operational life of their WS-C4900 series infrastructure.
Features & Benefits
Back-to-Front Cooling (Front Exhaust)
The WS-X4993-F draws cool air from the rear of the Catalyst 4948E-F chassis and exhausts warm air through the front. This back-to-front airflow pattern is purpose-built for data center environments that use hot-aisle/cold-aisle containment, ensuring the switch integrates seamlessly into your facility's thermal management strategy.
Variable-Speed Fan Control
Four variable-speed fans are governed by redundant temperature sensors with six programmable thresholds. Fan speed adjusts automatically based on real-time thermal conditions, balancing cooling performance with acoustic output. If an individual fan fails, the remaining fans increase speed to compensate, maintaining safe operating temperatures.
Hot-Swappable FRU Design
Designed as a field-replaceable unit, the WS-X4993-F can be removed and replaced without shutting down the Catalyst 4948E-F switch. This hot-swap capability is critical in production environments where uptime is paramount and maintenance windows are limited.
Keyed Chassis Protection
The fan tray is physically keyed to prevent insertion into the Catalyst 4948E (non-F) chassis, which uses the opposite airflow direction. The blue color-coded front panel provides an additional visual safeguard, eliminating the risk of installing the wrong fan tray and disrupting your data center's airflow scheme.
Deployment Scenarios
Proactive Spare for Data Center Operations
Data center teams managing Catalyst 4948E-F switches at the top of rack can keep a WS-X4993-F on the shelf as a critical spare. When a fan failure alert triggers, the hot-swappable design enables immediate replacement during normal operations — no maintenance window required.
Extending Life of EOL Catalyst 4948E-F Deployments
Organizations still running Catalyst 4948E-F switches past the platform's end-of-sale date need genuine replacement parts to maintain uptime. Securing spare WS-X4993-F fan trays ensures continued thermal reliability while planning a longer-term migration to current-generation platforms.
Hot-Aisle/Cold-Aisle Data Center Environments
Facilities using back-to-front airflow containment require the WS-X4993-F (not the WS-X4993) to maintain proper thermal separation. Installing the correct fan tray prevents hot air recirculation and protects adjacent equipment in densely populated racks.
General
Cooling & Airflow
Physical
Environmental
Compatibility Notes
Compatible Switch Chassis:
- Cisco Catalyst 4948E-F (WS-C4948E-F)
Not Compatible With:
- Cisco Catalyst 4948E (WS-C4948E) — uses the WS-X4993 fan tray (front-to-back airflow); the WS-X4993-F is physically keyed to prevent insertion.
Note: The WS-X4993 and WS-X4993-F fan trays are not interchangeable between the Catalyst 4948E and Catalyst 4948E-F chassis. Always verify your chassis model before ordering.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| WS-X4993 | Catalyst 4948E Fan Tray (Front-to-Back) | Front-to-back airflow (rear exhaust) for the Catalyst 4948E chassis — opposite direction to the WS-X4993-F; not interchangeable. |
| PWR-C49E-300AC-F | Catalyst 4948E-F 300W AC Power Supply (Front Exhaust) | Companion AC power supply for the same Catalyst 4948E-F chassis with matching back-to-front airflow direction. |
| WS-C4948E-F-S | Catalyst 4948E-F Switch (IP Base) | The complete Catalyst 4948E-F switch chassis that this fan tray is designed to support. |