Unifi Dream Router 7 (UDR7) SPF+ Fan Mount

Hot SFP+ module on UDR7

The Ubiquiti Unifi Dream Router 7 (UDR7) comes with a SFP+ port that allows you to attach a SFP+ 10G copper module for your Internet or LAN usage. However, the SFP+ module runs pretty hot (76 degrees Celsius) at my place near the equator (ambient temperature at 32 degrees Celsius). In short, it is too hot to touch and electronics, although can tolerate such operating temperature, don't do well in the long run.

Is cooling required for SFP+?

People might comment that, “ain't such electronics suppose to run hot?”. 

Personally, I am not too sure but seems like there are commercial products that cool down SFP+ module. So I am unsure why are there are such products if cooling isn't required. Yes, they are probably for Enterprise usage (at Enterprise price) and I could probably do one at home consumer price instead.

Why am I designing one? 

I got some time on my hands over the weekend and wish to challenge myself in designing this using TinkerCAD. If it works, I will end up with a slightly less hot SFP+ module. If it doesn't, I will gain some experience in designing.

The Solution - 40mm fan mount for UDR7

Designed a 40mm fan mount for the UDR7 that attaches [to UDR7] using the second Ethernet's and power cord's connectors. Yes, no double side tape, no screws. Made it angled/ tilted so that it brings the fan closer to the UDR7's cylindrical body to allow the SFP+ to be in the path of the airflow. Well, we want the air to bring heat away from the SFP+ module and not the Ethernet cable that is attached to it right?

For additional cooling, drop a couple of heat sinks on the SFP+ module as well. I started with copper heatsinks only but it just drops the temperature by a couple of degrees Celcius. That is when I decided to spend a couple of hours to design the fan mount on TinkerCAD.

Did the SFP+ module become cooler?

In my case, it did. The temperature hovers around 63 degrees Celsius instead of the previous 76 degrees Celsius.

Required Materials

You will need some stuffs for the entire contraption to work:

1. 40mm 5V fan (I chose to use the Noctua NF-A4x10)
2. 5V POE extractor (to power the fan using UDR7's POE port). You can also use other power source that is more convenient for you
3. 2 x M3 14 or 16mm screws to attach the fan
4. 2 x M3 heat inserts (outer diameter 5mm, height 4mm)
5. Heatsinks (if necessary)

Points to note

• Ensure that the voltage of the fan matches the power source that you will be using. That is, if you are powering from a 5V POE extractor or a USB port/ hub, get a 5V fan
• Ensure that fan orientation is blowing towards the SFP+ port
• There are two (2) versions of the fan mount:
  • No heat insert - The M3 screw will directly thread and attach to the fan mount. It works but don't over tighten it. Try not to unscrew/ screw more than a couple of times as the threads will be worn out
  • Heat insert - This is the sturdier version as the M3 screw attaches to the metallic (brass) heat insert. 

How I printed it

• Orientation: As per model
• Material: ASA
• Support: Not required
• Brim/ Raft: Not required
• Walls: 3
• Infill: 20%