In an old pricelist of the MAX 4000 family from 1998 we found an enhanced MAX4000 with a pricing of 27.ooo Dollars plus 9000.- Dollar extra, named a redundant AC power supply.

We have seen "true redundant power supplies" in PC´s, the Cisco 7000 and 7507 routers and in other Cisco, Bay Networks and HP Switches. But notice: true double power supplies.

Now after years, we bougth a used MAX4000 AC2, to have a look in its 9000 dollar secret. As you see, there are two military grade flatpacs with finest available quality, arounded in a hobby design case from a trainee.

We have been very disappointed. The two power modules are fist class quality,

the chassis and the rest is "oooooops".

So it is really positive, that the two 200Watt power supplies are much stronger. The box contains two professional flat units, but 5V and 12 Volt only, very expensive ones but with one AC connector only. ??? This was a very weak solution. Inside the box there is a lot of electronics to make -12 Volts and -5 Volts and with huge coolers in an area, where no fans blow through.

This picture compares the standard MAX4000 power with the MAX4000 double AC one.   So you can run all 6 slots full of add on modem cards.   Is it (was it) worth the price ?? I think no !

Here is sample from a 1994 built Bay Networks (Centillion 100) product with true dual power supplies. - And look, it is made from the same manufacturer as the small Ascend MAX4000 ones !!