Abstract: A network switch device includes cooling fans to remove heat generated by its electronic circuitry during operation. Multiple cooling zones are provided in a network switch device to enable reduced cooling fan power consumption. The switch device includes a baffle positioned between a first zone and a second zone and across a circuit board. A first cooling fan provides a first airflow through the first zone and across a first portion of the circuit board positioned within the first zone. A second cooling fan provides a second airflow through a second zone of the housing and across a second portion of the circuit board positioned within the second zone. The baffle directs the first airflow away from the second zone and directs the second airflow away from the first zone. Fan speeds of fans in a cooling zone may be adjusted based on temperature sensors positioned in that zone.

Abstract: Techniques for optimizing airflow in a network device are provided. In one set of embodiments, a network device can identify one or more device components whose temperature thresholds may be adjusted to be higher (or in other words, more aggressive) than their normal values. The network device can then increase the temperature thresholds for those identified components and use the increased thresholds as static inputs to a fan control algorithm of the device. In another set of embodiments, the network device can check the current airflow within the device on a periodic basis. If the current airflow does not meet an airflow requirement, the network device can incrementally increase the temperature thresholds of the identified components, provide the increased thresholds to its fan control algorithm, and subsequently re-check the current airflow. These steps can repeat until the current airflow meets the airflow requirement.

Abstract: Techniques for optimizing airflow in a network device are provided. In one set of embodiments, a network device can identify one or more device components whose temperature thresholds may be adjusted to be higher (or in other words, more aggressive) than their normal values. The network device can then increase the temperature thresholds for those identified components and use the increased thresholds as static inputs to a fan control algorithm of the device. In another set of embodiments, the network device can check the current airflow within the device on a periodic basis. If the current airflow does not meet an airflow requirement, the network device can incrementally increase the temperature thresholds of the identified components, provide the increased thresholds to its fan control algorithm, and subsequently re-check the current airflow. These steps can repeat until the current airflow meets the airflow requirement.