Networking devices with orthogonal switching strips

Abstract

A networking device having orthogonal switch strips may be provided. The networking device may include a first plurality of switch strips, the first plurality of switch strips including leaf switches arranged in parallel to one another. Additionally, the networking device may include a second plurality of switch strips, the second plurality of switch strips including pod top switches arranged in parallel to one another. Additionally, the networking device may include a third plurality of switch strips, the third plurality of switch strips including fabric top switches arranged in parallel to one another. The first plurality of switch strips, the second plurality of switch strips, and the third plurality of switch strips may be arranged orthogonally to one another. The first plurality of switch strips may be adjacent to and connected to the second plurality of switch strips, and the second plurality of switch strips may be adjacent to and connected to the third plurality of switch strips.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is filed as a PCT international application on October 30, 2019 and claims the benefit of priority of: U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 755,586 filed on November 5, 2018, U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 16 / 514,430 filed on July 17, 2019, U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 16 / 514,497 filed on July 17, 2019, U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 16 / 514,541 filed on July 17, 2019, U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 16 / 514,587 filed on July 17, 2019, and U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 16 / 514,623 filed on July 17, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to network data centers, such as high-density enterprise data centers. Background Art

[0004] Cloud computing is a model that allows access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources. Cloud computing and storage solutions provide users and enterprises with the ability to store and process their data in third-party data centers. Cloud computing shares resources to achieve consistency and economies of scale.

[0005] Cloud computing also focuses on maximizing the effectiveness of shared resources. Cloud resources are usually not only shared by multiple users, but also dynamically reallocated on demand. This can be applied to allocate resources to users. For example, a cloud computer facility that serves European users with a specific application (e.g., email) during European business hours can reallocate the same resources to serve North American users with different applications (e.g., web servers) during North American business hours. This approach helps maximize the use of computing power while reducing overall resource costs by using, for example, less power, less air conditioning, and less rack space to provide the required functionality. With cloud computing, like other client-server architectures, multiple users can access a single server to retrieve and update their data without purchasing licenses for different applications.

[0006] Interconnecting these shared resources is a significant challenge. In conventional data centers, several layers of IP switches and a large number of cable Ethernet connections complete the interconnections between servers, storage engines, networking devices, appliances, and other endpoints to enable the cloud to perform the application services it needs. In large data centers, these switches and interconnections can be difficult to install and configure, consume large physical volume, energy, and cooling resources, and are expensive. Multiple layers of switches including the spine, leaves, and top of the rack, as well as technologies such as fat trees, which can be composed of layers of richly interconnected switches, are often used to address these challenges. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, and illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of the logical concept of the network;

[0009] Figure 2 The diagram shows an L-shaped back panel;

[0010] Figure 3 The diagram shows the L-shaped back panel as seen from the top of the rack;

[0011] Figure 4 An example leaf switch strip is illustrated;

[0012] Figure 5 The diagram shows leaf switch strips connected along corresponding connecting strips of an L-shaped backplane as seen from the top of the rack;

[0013] Figure 6 The diagram shows the leaf switch strips inserted along the corresponding connecting strips of the L-shaped backplane.

[0014] Figure 7 An example even-numbered Top-of-Pod (ToP) switch strip is illustrated;

[0015] Figure 8 Figure 1 illustrates a top view of the placement and connection of a ToP switch strip to a leaf switch strip;

[0016] Fig. 9 illustrates the placement and connection of a ToP switch strip (e.g., even type) to multiple leaf switch strips;

[0017] Fig.10 The diagram shows a first pod, a second pod, and a third pod stacked on top of each other;

[0018] Fig.11 An example top-of-Fabric (ToF) switch strip is illustrated;

[0019] Fig.12 Illustration of inserting into Fig.10 ToF switch strips in and connected to the stacked pods shown;

[0020] Fig.13 Diagram showing the placement and connection of ToP switch strips to leaf switch strips Figure 8 A top view of the invention, wherein the ToF switch strip is placed in the first interstitial gap;

[0021] Fig.14 illustrates a ring layer used to connect ToF switch strips together;

[0022] Fig.15 illustrates a ring layer used to connect ToF switch strips together;

[0023] Fig.16 The diagram illustrates rotating a networked device;

[0024] Fig.17 The diagram shows redundant power supplies;

[0025] Fig.18 The cooling system is illustrated;

[0026] Fig.19 A retractable mechanical connector mechanism is illustrated; and

[0027] Fig. 20 The optical connector mechanism is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Overview

[0029] Various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims and preferred features are set out in the dependent claims. Features of one aspect may be applied to each aspect alone or in combination with the other aspects.

[0030] A networking device having orthogonal switch strips may be provided. The networking device may include a first plurality of switch strips, the first plurality of switch strips including leaf switches arranged in parallel to one another. Additionally, the networking device may include a second plurality of switch strips, the second plurality of switch strips including pod top switches arranged in parallel to one another. Additionally, the networking device may include a third plurality of switch strips, the third plurality of switch strips including fabric top switches arranged in parallel to one another. The first plurality of switch strips, the second plurality of switch strips, and the third plurality of switch strips may be arranged orthogonally to one another. The first plurality of switch strips may be adjacent to and connected to the second plurality of switch strips, and the second plurality of switch strips may be adjacent to and connected to the third plurality of switch strips.

[0031] As described and claimed, the foregoing overview and the following example embodiments are merely exemplary and illustrative and should not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, features and / or variations other than those described may be provided. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the example embodiments.

[0032] Example Embodiments

[0033] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. Although embodiments of the present disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by replacing, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Therefore, the following detailed description does not limit the present disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

[0034] Can be Figure 1 The logical concept of the network is illustrated in FIG. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include Figure 1 The logical concepts shown become physical devices. Figure 1 A three-level hierarchy of switching resources 100 is shown, as typically implemented in a fat pipe architecture in a high-capacity data center. These levels may include a top of fabric (ToF) level 105, a top of pod (ToP) level 110, and a leaf level 115, each implemented by a unique type of switch or router chassis. The ToP and leaf levels may be grouped into pods. The connections shown on the bottom of the pod may be directed to various elements of the data center, such as servers, storage engines, or network devices. Interconnects including Ethernet cables may connect the various levels. Conventional implementations may be inefficient, including a large number of cables, significant drive power, physical space to terminate them, scale issues, and serviceability challenges.

[0035] By building the switches in the form of elongated rectangular prism strips with ports (e.g., connectors) on two or more sides of the strip, a three-dimensional device can be built that can implement a fat tree without the need for wires connecting the switches. Each of these strips can replace Figure 1 The entire chassis-level switch described herein can be space, power, and cost efficient. For example, Figure 1 For a switch with 8 ports, KLeaf=4, a device with KLeaf=KTop=Nb pods can be provided, but KLeaf=8, 12, 16 or 24 can also be used. Figure 1In an example, a cube of four pods (eg, PoD 1, PoD 2, PoD 3, and PoD 4) may be provided.

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure have the same N for all three dimensions, resulting in a cube, but may have different values ​​in all three dimensions, e.g., M, L, and N. Thus, in each PoD, there may be K strips of 2*N ports as leaves and N strips of 2*K ports as ToPs. There may be 2*M ports on a ToF strip, with M being the maximum number of ToPs that the strip can connect to.

[0037] Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a strip (e.g., an elongated rectangular prism strip) as a highly integrated switch can be interconnected with other similar strip switches in an orthogonal plane via a connection port on its side. The strip can be, for example, a rectangular prism approximately 20-40 mm wide, 20-40 mm high, and up to 800 mm long. These strips can be stacked in a three-dimensional array, with many contact points of orthogonal strip contact, and with various channels and apertures between them. As will be described in more detail below, the vertical strips in each other vertical hole can provide a ridge (i.e., the top of the structure (ToF) in the fat tree routing (RIFT)). This can create a cable-free interconnection path between the leaf switch and the top of the pod (ToP) switch (described in more detail below) in the contact point between the two dimensions, and create a path between the ToP and ToF switches in the contact point between the two different dimensions. In addition to the connection ports (e.g., connectors) on each long side of the strip, there can also be an inlet and outlet aperture for the coolant. Power and management links can be located on one of the small surfaces of the strip. At the same time, this array of switch strips in three dimensions can implement a fat tree without the equipment and wiring complexity found in conventional data center networking implementations.

[0038] The links between switches (or routers) do not typically connect other devices. Therefore, it may not be necessary to implement them as expensive, power-hungry, and space-inefficient Cat6 RJ45 connectors, and it may not be necessary to implement them on the face of the switch. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include smaller ports (i.e., connectors), and they may be placed on the top and bottom of the bottom switch strip (e.g., leaf switches) and on the bottom and sides of the top switch strip (e.g., ToP switches). The vertical strips may include spine switches (i.e., ToF switches) with connectors on the front and back.

[0039] Using embodiments of the present disclosure, a vertical spine switch (i.e., a ToF switch) can have ports (i.e., connectors) on both sides, and then the number of planes can be divided by two and provide 2x redundancy in the structure in each plane. Therefore, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure:

[0040] a) Connections can be established by stacking switch strips in three different orientations;

[0041] b) inter-switch cables can be replaced with simpler strip contact point connections; and

[0042] c) Connections can be smaller, so equipment density can be higher and overall power consumption is reduced.

[0043] Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a pod may include, for example, a first plurality of switch strips (e.g., leaf switch strips) oriented parallel to the X-axis and a second plurality of switch strips (e.g., ToP switch strips) located directly above them parallel to the Y-axis, thereby creating a pod. Multiple pods of these two layered pods may be stacked in a rack, and a third plurality of switch strips (e.g., spine switch strips or ToF switch strips) may be made parallel to the Z-axis through a subset of the gaps left between the first plurality of switch strips and the second switch strips, thereby completing three mutually orthogonal switching planes of the fat tree architecture.

[0044] Building a Pod

[0045] The leaf switch (e.g., the first plurality of switch strips) may include strips with 2xN ports, half of which are on the top of the strip and half on the bottom of the strip. The bottom may be connected to the host server. To bring the connection from the bottom of the leaf switch to the external cables to the host server, an "L-shaped" backplane 200 may be used. Figure 2 As shown, the L-shaped backplane 200 may include a plurality of connection strips 205 and a front panel 210 having a plurality of front panel connectors 215. The L-shaped backplane 200 may connect ports from an array of leaf switches (e.g., a first plurality of switch strips) to a connector panel (i.e., the front panel 210), where, for example, RJ-45 metal connectors or fiber optic interface modules (i.e., the front panel connectors 215) may be positioned to connect to a host server. Although in Figure 2 One front panel 210 is shown serving the entire pod, but embodiments of the present disclosure may have a smaller panel for each leaf switch strip, for example, that is individually removable and replaceable.

[0046] The connector on the front panel 210 (i.e., the front panel connector 215) may include, but is not limited to, an RJ-45 connector or a pluggable module such as a small form factor pluggable (SFP), a quad small form factor pluggable (QSFP), a 10 Gigabit small form factor pluggable (XFP), or other types. Figure 3An L-shaped backplane 200 is shown as seen from the top of the rack. The connector between the L-shaped backplane 200 and the first layer of the switch strip may not necessarily be an RJ-45 and may be designed so that the female connector on the top side can be connected to the male connector on the bottom side, while the pod switch above is oriented at 90 degrees. To enable easy insertion, the connector may be dot-shaped or optical. As described herein, the connector may be illustrated, for example, in the shape of an eight-pointed star.

[0047] Figure 4 An example leaf switch strip 400 is illustrated. Figure 4 As shown, the leaf switch strip 400 may include: a top 405, which includes a plurality of connectors; a bottom 410, which includes a plurality of connectors; a first side 415; and a second side 420. The cross-sectional size of the leaf switch strip 400 can be based on the number of strips placed across a predetermined mounting rack. A connector for each leaf switch strip 400 output port (e.g., servicing cables connected to servers, storage devices, networking devices, or other equipment in a wired center) can appear on the bottom 410, and a connector for each ToP switch can appear on the top 405. The first end 425 of the leaf switch strip 400 may include a set of power and management port connectors. The second end 430 of the leaf switch strip 400 may include a status indicator LED and a retention latch. In addition, the first side 415 and the second side 420 of the leaf switch strip 400 may include some apertures to allow coolant to pass through the leaf switch strip 400 and across the internal heat sink as described in more detail below. As Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the leaf switch strip 400 can be inserted along the corresponding connecting strip 205 of the L-shaped backplane 200.

[0048] Top of Pod (ToP) switch level

[0049] The switch levels above the leaf switches (i.e., the first plurality of switch strips) may include ToP switches (i.e., the second plurality of switch strips), which may be formed by similar strips at the leaf switches, but rotated 90 degrees. Cross-layers of strips may be applied by inserting strips on strips, so that each strip at the lower layer (i.e., the leaf switch) may be connected to each strip at the upper layer (i.e., the ToP switch). This may provide N^2 contact points that implement Figure 1 Leaf to ToP switch cables shown. ToP switch strips can be similar to leaf switch strips, but the connectors can be arranged differently.

[0050] Figure 7 An example ToP switch strip 700 is illustrated. Figure 7As shown, the ToP switch strip 700 may have a first side 705, a top 710, a second side 715, and a bottom 720. The bottom 720 of the ToP switch strip 700 may have a plurality of connectors for interconnecting with the leaf switch strips 400 arranged directly below in an orthogonal direction. The second side 715 of each ToP switch strip 700 may have a plurality of connectors, which are connected to the ToF switch strips (i.e., spine switch strips, third plurality of switch strips) that may be arranged adjacent but vertically. As before, one end 725 of the ToP switch strip 700 may have a connector for providing power and management, and the other end 730 may include a status indicator and a retention latch. In some embodiments, a cooling passage may be present on the first side 705 and the second side 715 to allow coolant to pass between the coolant channels through the heat generating elements inside the ToP switch strip 700.

[0051] Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, the number of planes may be apportioned where both even and odd type ToP switch strips 700 may be used. This may allow ToF switch strips in the middle (i.e., spine switch strips, third plurality of switch strips) to connect to the ToP switch strips 700 toward both the back and front of the rack. Figure 7 An even-type ToP switch strip 700 is illustrated. In the case of an odd-type ToP switch strip 700, the first side 705 (but not the second side 715) may have multiple connectors connected to the ToF switch strips (ie, the spine switch strips, the third plurality of switch strips).

[0052] Figure 8 A top view of the arrangement and connection of the ToP switch strip 700 to the leaf switch strip 400 to form a pod is shown. Figure 8 As shown, the ToF switch strips 700 may be placed in the first interstitial gap 805 and the second interstitial gap 810 may be used for cooling passages as described in more detail below. The contact surfaces of the even and odd ToP switch strips 700 face each other across the first interstitial gap 805 . Fig. 9 The placement and connection of a ToP switch strip 700 (eg, even type) to a plurality of leaf switch strips 400 is illustrated.

[0053] Multiple Pods

[0054] One goal of Clos or Fat Tree can be to interconnect many pods through spine switches (i.e., ToF switches). Each pod can include one or more rack units (RU) high. Multiple pods can be placed in a rack, one above the other all the way up the rack. Fig.10 The diagram shows a first pod 1005, a second pod 1010, and a third pod 1015 stacked on top of each other. Fig.10In the cross-section shown, the connectors on the sides of the odd-numbered ToP switch 700 (eg, an eight-pointed star) can connect to vertical ToF switch strips that interconnect pods as described in more detail below.

[0055] ridge

[0056] Fig.11 An example ToF switch strip 1100 is illustrated. The ToF switch strip 1100 can be used for a spine switch strip (ie, the third plurality of switch strips). Fig.11 As shown, the ToF switch strip 1100 may have a first side 1105, a top 1110, a second side 1115, and a bottom 1120. The first side 1105 of the ToF switch strip 1100 may have a plurality of connectors for interconnecting with the ToP switch strips 700 (e.g., even-numbered types) arranged in an orthogonal direction. The second side 1115 of each ToF switch strip 1100 may have a plurality of connectors connected to the ToP switch strips 700 (e.g., odd-numbered types) arranged in an orthogonal direction.

[0057] The ToF switch strips 1100 may be organized vertically. Because they have ports on both sides, the number of planes may be divided by 2, meaning a total of K / 2 planes (because each ToF switch strip 1100 may be able to serve two rows of ToP switch strips 700 in each pod). There may be connectors on the ends 1125 of the ToF switch strips 1100 that may connect power and management to the ToF switch strips 1100, and there may also be connectors (i.e., communication connectors) for extending connections to multiple ring strips to provide a ring layer as described in more detail below.

[0058] The connectors on the ends 1125 of the ToF switch strips 1100 can also be used to connect the ToF switch strips 1100 end-to-end together to lengthen the ToF switch strips 1100 when the original size is, for example, half the full size. This can allow the ToF stage to be expanded as needed, for example, starting with a quarter or half of the maximum number of pods and then adding more pods. Initially, it may be sufficient for the ToF switch strips 1100 to be a quarter or half of the number of ports, as long as they can be expanded in additional ToF switch strips 1100 by end-to-end insertion.

[0059] Fig.12 Illustration of inserting into Fig.10 The ToF switch strip 1100 in and connected to the stacked pods shown. The ToF switch strip 1100 can be increased by expanding it as described above and adding more pods. Fig.12 The size of the structure shown. Fig.13The diagram shows the placement and connection of the ToP switch strip 700 to the leaf switch strip 400. Figure 8 Top view of. And Figure 8 contrast, Fig.13 A ToF switch strip 1100 is shown placed in the first interstitial gap 805, making a connection between its side 1105 connector and the odd-numbered ToP switch strip side 715 connector. Fig.13 The chamber may be empty, but may be used for coolant as described in more detail below.

[0060] Fig.14 and Fig.15 An annular layer is illustrated that can be used to connect the ToF switch strips 1100 together. Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an optional annular layer above the ToF switch strips 1100 using a plurality of annular strips 1400 to provide an annular layer. The annular strips 1400 may be similar to the leaf switch strips 400. Fig.14 is shown connected to Fig.13 A top view of the first plurality of annular strips 1405 at the end portion 1125 of the ToF switch strip 1100 . Fig.15 Shows orthogonal to Fig.14 The first plurality of annular strips 1405 are arranged and connected to the second plurality of annular strips 1505. Thus, the combination of the first plurality of annular strips 1405 and the second plurality of annular strips 1505 can connect the ToF switch strips 1100 together, thereby providing an annular layer. Fig.15 The second plurality of annular strips 1505 shown may have their second side of ports at the top, which may provide connections to a management server or to a router routing to other similar three-dimensional switches.

[0061] Serviceability

[0062] The networking equipment including the aforementioned leaf switch strips 400, ToP switch strips 700, and ToF switch strips 1100 can be assembled and connected as described above and placed in a standard rack. However, if the networking equipment is installed in a standard rack in a conventional manner, serviceability may become an issue. For example, while one type of switch strips (e.g., switch leaf switch strips 400) can be replaced by sliding them from the networking equipment through the front of the rack, the orthogonal dimension (e.g., ToP switch strips 700) may not be applicable because they will have to be withdrawn through mechanical posts on the side of the rack or may even require additional service volume in the space occupied by an adjacent rack.

[0063] Fig.16The diagram illustrates an approach to solving the serviceability problem by rotating the networking device 1600 about the Z axis by approximately 45 degrees (or any angle that may facilitate improved serviceability and equipment density). Fig.16 As shown, the networking device 1600 can stay within the dashed outline of the standard rack. This can allow both the leaf switch strip 400 and the ToP switch strip 700 to be slidably removed through the front of the rack without interference from the structural components of the rack (e.g., the first column 1605 and the second column 1610) or adjacent racks, as shown by the dashed positions of the partially withdrawn leaf switch strip 400 and the ToP switch strip 700.

[0064] This rotation may be fixed, or the networking device 1600 may be mounted on a hinge (or articulated device) allowing it to pivot about pivot point 1615 to Fig.16 The ToF switch strip 1100 may be pivoted back to the position shown for service, and pivoted back to a position more completely between the first column 1605 and the second column 1610 for normal operation. The ToF switch strip 1100 may also have serviceability challenges that can be addressed by leaving the space above the networking device 1600 in the rack open and pulling the ToF switch strip 1100 out through the top of the rack. In other embodiments, the second pivot axis may allow the networking device 1600 to tilt downward to facilitate the withdrawal of the ToF switch strip 1100. In addition, as described above, the length of the ToF switch strip 1100 may be divided (e.g., by 2 or 4). Therefore, the ToF switch strips may be disassembled as they are withdrawn from the top of the networking device 1600, and reassembled as replacement parts as they are inserted. This may use a shorter mechanical volume, which may fit into the space available in the rack.

[0065] Redundant Power Supply

[0066] Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, redundant power supplies may be provided to the networking device 1600. Each pod may have a power array that may include power conditioning and distribution elements. Fig.17 As shown, the power supply array may include a first plurality of power supplies 1705 fed by a first source and a second plurality of power supplies 1710 fed by a second source.

[0067] Power that alternates between the first plurality of power supplies 1705 and the second plurality of power supplies 1710 may be shared among pairs of leaf switch strips 400. In other words, each of the leaf switch strips 400 may be fed from a first source through one of the first plurality of power supplies 1705, and each of the leaf switch strips 400 may be fed from a second source through one of the second plurality of power supplies 1710. This may provide fault tolerance if any single power supply fails or if one of the first or second sources is lost.

[0068] Similarly, power that alternates between the first plurality of power supplies 1705 and the second plurality of power supplies 1710 can be shared among the paired ToP switch strips 700. In other words, each of the ToP switch strips 700 can be fed from a first source through one of the first plurality of power supplies 1705, and each of the ToP switch strips 700 can be fed from a second source through one of the second plurality of power supplies 1710.

[0069] In addition, the ToF switch strip 1100 can be fed by the first plurality of power supplies 1705 and the second plurality of power supplies 1710 in a manner similar to how the leaf switch strip 400 and the ToP switch strip 700 are fed as described above, but these power supplies can be located below the networking device 1600. In this way, because the power supply of the networking device 1600 can be fed from multiple sources, when one of these sources is lost, power to the networking device 1600 may not be lost. In addition, when a power supply fails, power to the switch strip may not be lost.

[0070] Although Fig.17 One pod level of the networking device 1600 is illustrated, but the redundant power supply system described above may be repeated for other pod levels of the networking device 1600. For example, each pod level of the networking device 1600 may have its own first plurality of power supplies 1705 and second plurality of power supplies 1710, or several pod levels of the networking device 1600 may share the first plurality of power supplies 1705 and second plurality of power supplies 1710. In other words, the power supplies may serve the switch strips of only a single pod level, or may extend vertically up the rack to serve the switch strips in multiple (or all) pod levels. In addition, when the leaf switch strips 400, ToP switch strips 700, or ToF switch strips 1100 are slidably inserted into or removed from the networking device 1600, the switch strips may be blindly connected or disconnected from their corresponding redundant power supplies.

[0071] cool down

[0072] Fig.18 A cooling system consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Due to the densely packed architecture of the networking device 1600, cooling may be required. Figure 8 and Fig.13 As described, the second interstitial gap 810 can be used for cooling passages. Fig.18 As shown, the networking device 1600 may include a plurality of cooling paths (ie, the second interstitial gaps 810). For example, half of the path between the leaf switch strip 400 and the ToP switch strip 700 (ie, Figure 8The first half of the gap 805) can be filled by the ToF switch strip 1100, leaving the other half (ie, Figure 8 The second gap gap 810) serves as a cooling passage to support cooling.

[0073] The cooling flow may be divided into two sets of vertical passages that pass upward through the pods in the networking device 1600. The first set of vertical passages may include a first portion of the plurality of cooling passages and may supply coolant. This first set of vertical passages may be pressurized by a fan located below the bottom pod of the networking device 1600 and may be blocked on top of the top pod of the networking device 1600. The second set of vertical passages may include a second portion of the plurality of cooling passages and may exhaust coolant. This second set of vertical passages may be evacuated by a fan located above the top pod of the networking device 1600 and may be blocked from below the bottom pod of the networking device 1600.

[0074] The transverse channel can pass through one or more switch bars from the cooling supply passage and return to the cooling exhaust passage. The small arrow shows the coolant flow path through the leaf switch bar 400. The thicker arrow shows the path from the coolant supply channel, through a ToP switch bar 700, through the vertical ToF switch bar 1100, through the second ToP switch bar 700 and out of the cooling exhaust passage. This flow pattern can be modified to place fewer bars in series to improve thermal performance. The baffles lining the cooling supply passage and the cooling exhaust passage can, for example, guide the required amount of coolant through the conduit and through the switch bar, where the internal radiator dissipates the heat generated by the internal components of the switch bar and takes it away with the flowing coolant.

[0075] In another embodiment, the aforementioned coolant supply and exhaust passages can be replaced with liquid cooling strips disposed in the second interstitial gap 810. These liquid cooling strips can have internal channels in the liquid cooling strips that allow the liquid coolant to flow from the bottom pod of the networking device 1600 through the cooling side to the top, turn 180 degrees, and come back down, and the warming coolant can be collected under the bottom pod of the networking device 1600. Two such coolant paths can be provided in each liquid cooling strip and isolated from each other to provide cooling redundancy. The fluid manifold under the bottom pod can connect the liquid cooling strip to the coolant supply and return pipes. Each switch strip can have a heat pipe and a thermal interface (similar to a "wedge lock") to heat the high-power components in the switch strip to the surface of the liquid cooling strip to remove excess heat to the flowing liquid coolant. The heat from the dissipation components in the leaf switch strip 400, the ToP switch strip 700, and the vertical ToF switch strip 1100 can be moved to the liquid cooling strip. This can be achieved through mechanical contact between the switch bar and selected points on the exterior of the cold bar (which can be thermally bound to hot components within the switch bar).

[0076] Connectors

[0077] Fig.19 and Fig. 20 The diagram illustrates connectors that may be used to connect the connection bar 205, the leaf switch bar 400, the ToP switch bar 700, the ToF switch bar 1100, and the ring bar 1400 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 2 to 7 and Figures 9 to 14 , the connector may be illustrated, for example, by an eight-pointed star. The connector may be inexpensive, compact, reliable, and have suitable performance to pass bidirectional data links in the range of, for example, 10Gb / s-40Gb / s across several centimeters between circuit boards in adjacent switch strips. The connector may support any serviceability scenario where a switch strip may be slidably removed from or slidably inserted into the networking device 1600 without interfering with or damaging the connector from adjacent or orthogonal switch strips. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a retractable mechanical connector mechanism (e.g., Fig.19 ) and optical connector mechanisms (e.g., Fig. 20 ).

[0078] Fig.19 A retractable mechanical connector mechanism 1900 is illustrated. The retractable mechanical connector mechanism 1900 may include an ejector handle 1905 having a cam 1910, a link 1915 activated by the cam 1910, at least one pin (e.g., one of a plurality of pins 1920) connecting a head (e.g., one of a plurality of heads 1925) to the link 1915, and a compression element 1930 adjacent to the head. The plurality of pins 1920 may be retracted by operating the retractable mechanical connector mechanism 1900 to cover, for example, a few centimeters of distance between circuit boards within a pair of switch strips. An array of retractable pins (e.g., a plurality of pins 1920 that may be similar to "pop-pin pins" used in a circuit board test fixture) may extend beyond the boundaries of a switch strip or retract within the switch strip in the event that the switch strip is to be removed from or inserted into a networking device 1600.

[0079] Fig.19The retractable mechanical connector mechanism 1900 shown can be activated by an ejector handle 1905, which can be operated when the leaf switch strip 400 is to be removed from or inserted into the networking device 1600. When the ejector handle 1905 is operated to its retracted position (e.g., shown in a dotted position), the cam 1910 can push the connecting rod 1915 downward, which can move the plurality of "T"-shaped heads 1925 downward at the end of each of the plurality of pins 1920. Such operation of the ejector handle 1905 can compress the compression element 1930 (e.g., including, for example, an elastomeric spring) to move the plurality of pins 1920 completely downward inside the housing of the leaf switch strip 400. This can create sufficient clearance for the leaf switch strip 400 to slide and move without the plurality of pins 1920 grinding on the ToP switch strip 700 as it passes.

[0080] After the leaf switch strip 400 is inserted into the networking device 1600, the ejector handle 1905 can be returned to its seated (e.g., fully inserted) position, the link 1915 can be moved back upward, and the compression element 1930 can gently extend the plurality of pins 1920 until they are firmly in contact with corresponding pins (i.e., the plurality of pins 1935) from the ToP switch strip 700. The ToP switch strip 700 can have a retractable mechanical connector mechanism similar to the retractable mechanical connector mechanism 1900 to retract its plurality of pins 1935 upward and inside the ToP switch strip 700 so that the ToP switch strip 700 can be slidably moved without the plurality of pins 1920 colliding with the plurality of pins 1935 of the leaf switch strip 400 as they pass. Although four pins are shown in the plurality of pins 1920 and the plurality of pins 1935, embodiments of the present disclosure may include any number of pins and are not limited to four pins. Similar connector mechanisms may be used for the connection between the connection bar 205 and the leaf switch bar 400, the ToP switch bar 700 and the ToF switch bar 1100, and the ToF switch bar 1100 and the ring bar 1400. The pin geometry, spacing, and dialectical materials between the plurality of pins 1920 and the plurality of pins 1935 may be selected to provide the desired impedance or transmission line characteristics.

[0081] Fig. 20 An optical connector mechanism 2000 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Fig. 20As shown, instead of using machinery and connecting rods to move physical electrical contacts, this embodiment can use free space optical beams to cross several centimeters between switch bars. The optical connector mechanism 2000 can start from a transmitting optical subassembly (TOSA), which can accept serial bit streams from the leaf switch bar 400 and convert them into modulated optical signals. The lens can shape and collimate the emitted light that crosses the gap between the leaf switch bar 400 and the ToP switch bar 700. Another lens in the optical connector mechanism 2005 of the ToP switch bar 700 can intercept the beam and can focus it on the receiving optical subassembly (ROSA), which can demodulate the electrical signal and create an electrical signal for the ToP switch bar 700. Paired receivers and transmitters can be used back to back to create a bidirectional link. Multiple links can be run in parallel to increase capacity. Because there may be no protruding pins to interfere with the movement of the switch bar, this embodiment can be more mechanically stable. However, optical embodiments may be more expensive and may consume more power.

[0082] Embodiments of the present disclosure can eliminate thousands of inter-switch cables. It can improve the volume density of switching solutions for highly interconnected data centers, freeing up more rack space for servers. It can be easier to install, monitor, and repair. It can achieve lower power dissipation for switching functions in a data center. It can also have an important pay-as-you-grow property, so it may not be necessary to install a complete set of full-size switches from the beginning. As server counts increase and business grows, individual strips and pods can be assembled as necessary.

[0083] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a device. The device may include a first plurality of switch bars, wherein each of the first plurality of switch bars is in the shape of a rectangular prism and includes a first switch type, the first plurality of switch bars are arranged in parallel with each other, and there is a space between each of the first plurality of switch bars, wherein a first side of each of the first plurality of switch bars includes a first plurality of connectors and a second side of each of the first plurality of switch bars includes a second plurality of connectors, and the first side of each of the first plurality of switch bars is opposite to the second side of each of the first plurality of switch bars. The device may include a second plurality of switch bars, wherein each of the second plurality of switch bars is in the shape of a rectangular prism and includes a second switch type, the second plurality of switch bars are arranged in parallel with each other, and there is a space between each of the second plurality of switch bars, wherein a first side of each of the second plurality of switch bars includes a third plurality of connectors and a second side of each of the second plurality of switch bars includes a fourth plurality of connectors, the first side of each of the second plurality of switch bars is adjacent to the second side of each of the first plurality of switch bars, the second plurality of switch bars are perpendicular to the first plurality of switch bars, and a connector in the second plurality of connectors is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding and corresponding connector in the third plurality of connectors. The apparatus may include a third plurality of switch bars, wherein each of the third plurality of switch bars is in the shape of a rectangular prism and includes a third switch type, the third plurality of switch bars are arranged parallel to each other and are disposed in a space between the first plurality of switch bars and the second plurality of switch bars, wherein a first side of each of the third plurality of switch bars includes a fifth plurality of connectors and a second side of each of the third plurality of switch bars includes a sixth plurality of connectors, the first side of each of the third plurality of switch bars is opposite to the second side of each of the third plurality of switch bars, wherein a connector of the fourth plurality of connectors is adjacent to and aligned with a respective and corresponding connector of the fifth plurality of connectors and the sixth plurality of connectors, the third plurality of switch bars being perpendicular to the first plurality of switch bars and perpendicular to the second plurality of switch bars.

[0084] The first switch type may include leaf switches, the second switch type includes pod top switches, and the third switch type includes fabric top switches.

[0085] The device may also include a plurality of connection bars arranged parallel to each other with a space between each of the plurality of connection bars, wherein a first side of each of the plurality of connection bars includes a seventh plurality of connectors, the plurality of connection bars being parallel to the first plurality of switch bars, wherein a connector of the first plurality of connectors is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding and corresponding connector of the seventh plurality of connectors.

[0086] The plurality of connection strips may be connected to a frontplane and provide connections between the first plurality of switch strips and a plurality of frontplane connectors.

[0087] Each of the first plurality of switch bars may include a power connector disposed at an end of each of the first plurality of switch bars, the power connector being configured to connect to at least one power source and receive power through the power connector.

[0088] Each of the second plurality of switch bars may include a power connector disposed at an end of each of the second plurality of switch bars.

[0089] Each of the third plurality of switch strips may include a power connector disposed at a first end of each of the third plurality of switch strips and a communication connector disposed at a second end of each of the third plurality of switch strips.

[0090] The apparatus may also include a first plurality of ring strips and a second plurality of ring strips configured to connect together the communication connectors of each of the third plurality of switch strips.

[0091] Each of the first plurality of switch bars, the second plurality of switch bars, and the third plurality of switch bars may be configured to be slidably removable from the apparatus and slidably insertable into the apparatus.

[0092] Each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth pluralities of connectors may include an optical connector.

[0093] Each connector of the first plurality of connectors, the second plurality of connectors, the third plurality of connectors, the fourth plurality of connectors, the fifth plurality of connectors, and the sixth plurality of connectors may include a mechanical connector.

[0094] Other embodiments of the present disclosure may include an apparatus. The apparatus may include: a first plurality of switch bars, the first plurality of switch bars including leaf switches arranged in parallel with each other; a second plurality of switch bars, the second plurality of switch bars including pod top switches arranged in parallel with each other; and a third plurality of switch bars, the third plurality of switch bars including structure top switches arranged in parallel with each other, wherein the first plurality of switch bars, the second plurality of switch bars, and the third plurality of switch bars are arranged orthogonally to each other, wherein the first plurality of switch bars are adjacent to and connected to the second plurality of switch bars, and wherein the second plurality of switch bars are adjacent to and connected to the third plurality of switch bars.

[0095] Each of the first plurality of switch bars, the second plurality of switch bars, and the third plurality of switch bars is configured to be slidably removable from the apparatus and slidably insertable into the apparatus.

[0096] The first plurality of switch bars may be connected to the second plurality of switch bars via optical connectors, and wherein the second plurality of switch bars are connected to the third plurality of switch bars via optical connectors.

[0097] The first plurality of switch bars may be connected to the second plurality of switch bars via a mechanical connector, and wherein the second plurality of switch bars are connected to the third plurality of switch bars via a mechanical connector.

[0098] Other embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method. The method may include: providing a first plurality of switch bars, the first plurality of switch bars including leaf switches arranged in parallel to each other; providing a second plurality of switch bars, the second plurality of switch bars including pod top switches arranged in parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first plurality of switch bars; and providing a third plurality of switch bars, the third plurality of switch bars including structure top switches arranged in parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first plurality of switch bars and the second plurality of switch bars, wherein the first plurality of switch bars are adjacent to and connected to the second plurality of switch bars, and wherein the second plurality of switch bars are adjacent to and connected to the third plurality of switch bars.

[0099] The first plurality of switch bars may be connected to the second plurality of switch bars via optical connectors, and wherein the second plurality of switch bars are connected to the third plurality of switch bars via optical connectors. The first plurality of switch bars may be connected to the second plurality of switch bars via mechanical connectors, and wherein the second plurality of switch bars are connected to the third plurality of switch bars via mechanical connectors.

[0100] For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as a computer process (method), a computing system, or as an article such as a computer program product or a computer-readable medium. A computer program product may be a computer storage medium that can be read by a computer system and encodes a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. A computer program product may also be a propagation signal that can be read by a computing system on a carrier and encodes a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. Therefore, the present disclosure may be embodied in hardware and / or in software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.). In other words, the embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable storage medium or a computer-readable storage medium, the computer-usable storage medium or the computer-readable storage medium having a computer-usable program code or a computer-readable program code embodied in the medium for use by an instruction execution system or used together with an instruction execution system. A computer-usable medium or a computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, transmit, propagate, or transmit a program for use by an instruction execution system, an apparatus, or a device or used together with an instruction execution system, an apparatus, or a device.

[0101] The computer usable medium or computer readable medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, apparatus, device or propagation medium. In more specific computer readable medium examples (non-exhaustive list), the computer readable medium may include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, and a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM). Note that the computer usable medium or computer readable medium may even be the paper or another suitable medium on which the program is printed, as the program can be captured electronically, for example, by optical scanning of the paper or other medium, and then, if necessary, compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0102] Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, other embodiments may exist. In addition, although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as being associated with data stored in memory and other storage media, data can also be stored on or read from other types of computer-readable media, such as auxiliary storage devices, for example, hard disks, floppy disks or CD-ROMs, carrier waves from the Internet, or other forms of RAM or ROM. In addition, semantic data consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure may be analyzed without being stored. In this case, inline data mining techniques may be used when data traffic passes through, for example, a cache server or a network router. Further, without departing from the present disclosure, the stages of the disclosed method may be modified in any manner including by reordering the stages and / or inserting or deleting stages.

[0103] In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in circuits including discrete electronic components, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, circuits utilizing microprocessors, or on a single chip containing electronic components or microprocessors. Embodiments of the present disclosure may also be practiced using other techniques capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including, but not limited to, mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum techniques. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced within a general purpose computer or in any other circuit or system.

[0104] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced via a system on a chip (SOC) that can integrate each or many components onto a single integrated circuit. Such a SOC device may include one or more processing units, graphics units, communication units, switching structures, routers, system virtualization units, and its various application functionalities may be integrated (or "burned") onto a chip substrate as a single integrated circuit. When operated via a SOC, the functionality described herein with respect to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed via dedicated logic integrated onto a single integrated circuit (chip) with other components.

[0105] For example, embodiments of the present disclosure are described above with reference to block diagrams and / or operational diagrams of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The functions / behaviors indicated in the blocks may not occur in the order shown in any flow chart. For example, depending on the functionality / behaviors involved, two blocks shown in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order.

[0106] Although this specification includes examples, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the appended claims. In addition, although the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the above-mentioned features or acts. Instead, the above-mentioned specific features and acts are disclosed as examples of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus for a networking device having an orthogonal switching strip, the apparatus comprising: a first plurality of switch bars, wherein each of the first plurality of switch bars is in the shape of a rectangular prism and comprises a first switch type, the first plurality of switch bars are arranged parallel to each other with a space between each of the first plurality of switch bars, wherein a first side of each of the first plurality of switch bars comprises a first plurality of connectors and a second side of each of the first plurality of switch bars comprises a second plurality of connectors, the first side of each of the first plurality of switch bars being opposite to the second side of each of the first plurality of switch bars; a second plurality of switch bars, wherein each of the second plurality of switch bars is in the shape of a rectangular prism and comprises a second switch type, the second plurality of switch bars are arranged parallel to each other with a space between each of the second plurality of switch bars, wherein a first side of each of the second plurality of switch bars comprises a third plurality of connectors and a second side of each of the second plurality of switch bars comprises a fourth plurality of connectors, a first side of each of the second plurality of switch bars is adjacent to a second side of each of the first plurality of switch bars, the second plurality of switch bars are perpendicular to the first plurality of switch bars, wherein connectors of the second plurality of connectors are adjacent to and aligned with respective corresponding connectors of the third plurality of connectors; and a third plurality of switch bars, wherein each of the third plurality of switch bars is in the shape of a rectangular prism and includes a third switch type, the third plurality of switch bars are arranged parallel to each other and are disposed in a space between the first plurality of switch bars and the second plurality of switch bars, wherein a first side of each of the third plurality of switch bars includes a fifth plurality of connectors and a second side of each of the third plurality of switch bars includes a sixth plurality of connectors, the first side of each of the third plurality of switch bars is opposite to the second side of each of the third plurality of switch bars, wherein a connector of the fourth plurality of connectors is adjacent to and aligned with respective corresponding connectors of the fifth plurality of connectors and the sixth plurality of connectors, the third plurality of switch bars being perpendicular to the first plurality of switch bars and perpendicular to the second plurality of switch bars.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The first switch type comprises a leaf switch.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second switch type includes a pod top switch.

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The third switch type comprises a top-of-fabric switch.

5. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of connecting bars arranged in parallel with each other with a space between each of the plurality of connecting bars, wherein A first side of each of the plurality of connection bars includes a seventh plurality of connectors, the plurality of connection bars being parallel to the first plurality of switch bars, wherein a connector of the first plurality of connectors is adjacent to and aligned with a respective corresponding connector of the seventh plurality of connectors.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of connection strips are connected to a frontplane and provide connections between the first plurality of switch strips and a plurality of frontplane connectors.

7. The device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: Each of the first plurality of switch bars includes a power connector disposed at an end of each of the first plurality of switch bars, the power connector being configured to connect to at least one power source and to receive power through the power connector.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the second plurality of switch bars includes a power connector disposed at an end of each of the second plurality of switch bars.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the third plurality of switch strips includes a power connector disposed at a first end of each of the third plurality of switch strips and a communication connector disposed at a second end of each of the third plurality of switch strips.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a first plurality of ring strips and a second plurality of ring strips configured to connect together the communication connectors of each of the third plurality of switch strips.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first plurality of switch bars, the second plurality of switch bars, and the third plurality of switch bars is configured to be slidably removable from the apparatus and slidably insertable into the apparatus.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first plurality of connectors, the second plurality of connectors, the third plurality of connectors, the fourth plurality of connectors, the fifth plurality of connectors, and the sixth plurality of connectors comprises an optical connector.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Each connector of the first plurality of connectors, the second plurality of connectors, the third plurality of connectors, the fourth plurality of connectors, the fifth plurality of connectors, and the sixth plurality of connectors comprises a mechanical connector.

14. A method for a networking device having an orthogonal switch strip, the method comprising: providing a first plurality of switch bars, wherein each of the first plurality of switch bars is in the shape of a rectangular prism and comprises a first switch type, the first plurality of switch bars are arranged parallel to each other with a space between each of the first plurality of switch bars, wherein a first side of each of the first plurality of switch bars comprises a first plurality of connectors and a second side of each of the first plurality of switch bars comprises a second plurality of connectors, the first side of each of the first plurality of switch bars being opposite to the second side of each of the first plurality of switch bars; providing a second plurality of switch bars, wherein each of the second plurality of switch bars is in the shape of a rectangular prism and comprises a second switch type, the second plurality of switch bars are arranged parallel to each other with a space between each of the second plurality of switch bars, wherein a first side of each of the second plurality of switch bars comprises a third plurality of connectors and a second side of each of the second plurality of switch bars comprises a fourth plurality of connectors, the first side of each of the second plurality of switch bars is adjacent to the second side of each of the first plurality of switch bars, the second plurality of switch bars are perpendicular to the first plurality of switch bars, wherein connectors of the second plurality of connectors are adjacent to and aligned with respective corresponding connectors of the third plurality of connectors; and A third plurality of switch bars are provided, wherein each of the third plurality of switch bars is in the shape of a rectangular prism and includes a third switch type, the third plurality of switch bars are arranged parallel to each other and are disposed in a space between the first plurality of switch bars and the second plurality of switch bars, wherein a first side of each of the third plurality of switch bars includes a fifth plurality of connectors and a second side of each of the third plurality of switch bars includes a sixth plurality of connectors, the first side of each of the third plurality of switch bars is opposite to the second side of each of the third plurality of switch bars, wherein a connector of the fourth plurality of connectors is adjacent to and aligned with respective corresponding connectors of the fifth plurality of connectors and the sixth plurality of connectors, and the third plurality of switch bars are perpendicular to the first plurality of switch bars and perpendicular to the second plurality of switch bars.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The first switch type comprises a leaf switch.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The second switch type includes a pod top switch.

17. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The third switch type comprises a top-of-fabric switch.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing a plurality of connecting bars arranged parallel to each other with a space between each of the plurality of connecting bars, wherein A first side of each of the plurality of connection bars includes a seventh plurality of connectors, the plurality of connection bars being parallel to the first plurality of switch bars, wherein a connector of the first plurality of connectors is adjacent to and aligned with a respective corresponding connector of the seventh plurality of connectors.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The plurality of connection strips are connected to a frontplane and provide connections between the first plurality of switch strips and a plurality of frontplane connectors.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: Each of the first plurality of switch bars includes a power connector disposed at an end of each of the first plurality of switch bars, the power connector being configured to connect to at least one power source and to receive power through the power connector.

21. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the second plurality of switch bars includes a power connector disposed at an end of each of the second plurality of switch bars.

22. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the third plurality of switch strips includes a power connector disposed at a first end of each of the third plurality of switch strips and a communication connector disposed at a second end of each of the third plurality of switch strips.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing a first plurality of ring strips and a second plurality of ring strips configured to connect together the communication connectors of each of the third plurality of switch strips.

24. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the first plurality of switch bars, the second plurality of switch bars, and the third plurality of switch bars is configured to be slidably removable from and slidably insertable into the device.

25. The method of claim 14, wherein: Each of the first plurality of connectors, the second plurality of connectors, the third plurality of connectors, the fourth plurality of connectors, the fifth plurality of connectors, and the sixth plurality of connectors comprises an optical connector.

26. The method of claim 14, wherein: Each connector of the first plurality of connectors, the second plurality of connectors, the third plurality of connectors, the fourth plurality of connectors, the fifth plurality of connectors, and the sixth plurality of connectors comprises a mechanical connector.

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