Introduction
This document describes a technical primer on air filters of the Cisco IOS® XR platforms.
Prerequisites
Requirements
Cisco recommends that you have knowledge of these topics:
- Familiarity with Cisco IOS XR
- Access to Cisco IOS XR CLI and admin CLI (preferably onsite)
Components Used
The information in this document is based on these software and hardware versions (used as examples):
- Cisco Aggregation Services Router (ASR) 9000 Series (for example, ASR 9010, ASR 9904, ASR 9906, ASR 9910, and ASR 9922)
- Cisco Network Control System (NCS) 540/5500/560 Series (varies by chassis and form factor)
The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, ensure that you understand the potential impact of any command.
Background Information
Ths document provides a technical overview and maintenance guidance for air filters in Cisco IOS XR platform devices. When you need to order spares or damaged filters are entitled for Return Material Authorization (RMA), you must confirm the Product Identifiers (PIDs) of the part. This section outlines the common challenges in identifying air filter PIDs.
A clean and properly functioning air filter helps prevent dust and debris from entering the chassis, protecting internal hardware. Maintaining the air filter is essential to ensure smooth airflow and effective cooling throughout the system.
- Cisco ASR 9000 Series: Air filters are field replaceable and support optimal cooling and component protection. Filter locations vary by model.
- Cisco NCS 540: Utilizes side-to-side forced air cooling with ruggedized design and fixed redundant fans.
- Cisco NCS 5500: Air and dust filters are integrated into fan trays and chassis design for airflow and reliability.
- Cisco NCS 560: Built-in dust filters are located on the right side of the chassis, with modular fan trays on the left.
What is an Air Filter?
An air filter in Cisco routers, such as the ASR 9000 Series and NCS 540/5500/560 series, is a component designed to remove dust and other airborne particles from the air entering the chassis. It helps maintain clean airflow through the device, protecting internal components from dust accumulation and potential damage.
Why is an Air Filter Needed?
An air filter is needed because of these reasons:
- It protects internal components:Prevents dust and contaminants from entering the chassis, which can cause overheating or hardware failure.
- It maintains cooling efficiency:Ensures proper airflow through fan trays and cooling paths, which is critical for device reliability.
- Compliance:All listed platforms air filters are Network Equipment Building System (NEBS) compliant, meeting industry standards for environmental protection.
- Service continuity:Air filters are field replaceable without interrupting service, allowing maintenance without downtime.
Best Practices for Air Filter Maintenance
- Perform periodic health checks of air filters based on the dust levels in the environment.
- Regularly clean air inlets and exhaust areas to maintain proper airflow and reduce dust accumulation.
- Regularly replace filters as suggested by respective hardware installation guide of the products.
- Air filters are considered consumable parts. You are responsible for purchasing and maintaining an adequate stock of air filters to support regular site maintenance activities. It is recommended that you proactively keep spare filters in inventory in order to ensure timely replacement.
For more details about installation, replacement, and maintenance, you can find detailed information about air filter installation, replacement procedures, and maintain best practices in these documents:
Cisco ASR 9000 Series Overview and Reference Guide
Cisco NCS 5500 Series Hardware Installation Guide
Cisco NCS 540 Series Hardware Installation Guide
Cisco NCS 560-4 Series Hardware Installation Guide
Identify Air Filter PID
When you need to order spares or damaged filters are entitled for RMA, you must confirm the PIDs of the part. This is often challenging because air filters are mechanical, non-electronic components, and do not appear in software inventory outputs like show inventory.
Common Difficulties in Identifying Air Filter PID
The air filter PID, such as ASR-9010-FILTER, typically does not appear in the inventory output of the device when using commands like show inventory. This occurs because the inventory system detects and displays only components with an electronic presence. Since the air filter lacks electronic identification and a serial number, it is excluded from software inventory listings. Proper identification of air filters requires awareness of this limitation and reliance on physical inspection or official documentation.
How to Identify or Verify the Air Filter Part ID (PID)
- Check the physical air filterfor a label indicating the part number.
- Refer to the hardware installation guide or datasheetfor your specific platform model in order to find the correct air filter PID.
- You can also use theshow platform command in order to identify your platform model. For example, on an ASR 9010:
# show platform
Location Card Type HW State SW State Config State
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
0/0 A9K-24X10GE-1G-TR OPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL NSHUT
0/2 A9K-MOD400-TR OPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL NSHUT
0/5 A9K-4X100GE-TR OPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL NSHUT
0/6 A9K-4X100GE-TR OPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL NSHUT
0/RSP1 A9K-RSP5-TR OPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL NSHUT
0/FT0 ASR-9010-FAN-V2 OPERATIONAL N/A NSHUT
0/FT1 ASR-9010-FAN-V2 OPERATIONAL N/A NSHUT
0/PT0 A9K-AC-PEM-V1 OPERATIONAL N/A NSHUT
0/PT1 A9K-AC-PEM-V1 OPERATIONAL N/A NSHUT
In order to identify the correct air filter PID (for example, ASR-9010-FILTER), refer to https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/routers/asr-9000-series-aggregation-services-routers/data_sheet_c78-501767.html.
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