Rack Cooling - Supermicro SSE-X3348S Installation Manual

Chapter 3: Network Planning
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Rack Cooling

The SSE-X3348S/SSE-X3348SR top-of-rack switch is a high-performance, high-density
unit that generates a substantial amount of heat. When mounted in a rack with other
equipment, it is important that the switch has the same airflow direction to avoid "hot
loops" in the data center ailses. Hot loops increase cooling requirements since warm air
is drawn into rack devices instead of cool air.
Most rack-mounted servers draw cool air from the front and expel hot air at the rear. The
SSE-X3348S top-of-rack switch includes power supply units and a fan tray module that
have a front-to-back (F2B) airflow direction that maintains cool aisles in the data center
(Figure 3-3).
Figure 3-3. F2B Airflow Cooling
Hot Aisle
Cool Aisle
ToR Switch
Servers
Front of Rack
Rear of Rack
When mounted in a rack with other network equipment that may have a back-to-front
(B2F) airflow direction, the SSE-X3348SR top-of-rack switch includes power supply and
fan tray modules that reverse the airflow direction through the switch (Figure 3-4). This
enables various deployment options for the switch in the data center.
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