Cat4506: Suppressing the fan volume

[ploinera1984]

We are currently migrating hundred Catalyst 2950s to sixty-three Catalyst 4506. We decided to buy them because we need the high port density, power-over-ethernet and ipv6 features in the access layer.

Last week we turned on the first five switches.

Several hours later, the first users have complained about the volume.

We've tried to explain why the new switches are much louder (feature need power = heat = need more fans = louder), but now we have to decrease the volume - somehow...

The 4500's are about 20db louder.

Does anyone have had the same problem?

And how did you solve it?  (Earplugs or louder music to drown out the volume of the switch are not options! )

We tried four 2960S (stacked) as an option. But they are as loud as the 4k with a more unpleasent higher tone.

[glen.grant]

   There is no way to supress the volume unless you plan to add insulation in the room where they are racked . Yes they are loud and thats because as you said you are cooling more poe cards bigger capacity power supplies etc...

[ploinera1984]

Ok thanks, I thought so. But who does not ask remains ignorant.

We are currently installing insulation to perform new measurements.

The bad thing is, that the devices were sold as access layer switches which are placed in each floor near the offices.