Network communication adapter

Abstract

Apparatus, systems, and methods are described for providing improved networked communication systems and related adapters. Example networked communication adapters include an adapter housing defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is configured to engage an octal small form-factor pluggable (OSFP) connector, and the second end is configured to receive a quad small form-factor pluggable double density (QSFP-DD) transceiver therein. The networked communication adapter further includes an internal connector located within the adapter housing. In an operational configuration where the first end engages the OSFP connector and the second end receives the QSFP-DD transceiver, the internal connector is configured to operably connect the QSFP-DD transceiver to the OSFP connector such that signals can be transmitted therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Example embodiments of the present invention generally relate to communication systems, and more particularly, to network communication adapters. Background Art

[0002] Data centers and other networked environments can include connections between switch systems, servers, racks, and other devices to provide signal transmission between one or more of these units. Such connections can be implemented using cables, transceivers, network boxes, modules, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and connector assemblies, each of which can have different sizes, shapes, form factors, etc. defined by applicable regulations or standards. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Apparatus, systems, and related fabrication methods for improving network communication systems are provided. An example network communication adapter can include an adapter housing that defines a first end configured to engage an octal small form-factor pluggable (OSFP) connector. The adapter housing can also define a second end opposite the first end and configured to receive a quad small form-factor pluggable double density (QSFP-DD) transceiver therein. The network communication adapter can further include an internal connector positioned within the adapter housing, and in an operating configuration where the first end engages the OSFP connector and the second end receives the QSFP-DD transceiver, the internal connector is configured to operably connect the QSFP-DD transceiver to the OSFP connector such that signals can be transmitted therebetween.

[0004] In some embodiments, the internal connector can further include a printed circuit board (PCB) near the first end of the adapter housing, and the printed circuit board is configured to operably connect the internal connector to the OSFP connector in the operating configuration. In such embodiments, the internal connector can further include a QSFP-DD connector near the second end of the adapter housing, and the QSFP-DD connector is configured to operably couple the internal connector to the QSFP-DD transceiver in the operating configuration.

[0005] In some other embodiments, the QSFP-DD connector can be configured to receive a corresponding PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver such that the PCB of the internal connector is substantially aligned with the PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver.

[0006] In other embodiments, the QSFP-DD connector can be configured to receive the corresponding PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver such that the PCB of the internal connector is coplanar with the PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver.

[0007] In some embodiments, the internal connector may further include a connection circuit configured to determine the presence of an incompatible transceiver received by the second end of the adapter housing and to block communication between the OSFP connector and the incompatible transceiver. In such embodiments, the incompatible transceiver may include a Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP), Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus (QSFP+), Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 28 (QSFP28), Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 56 (QSFP56) transceiver, or Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 112 (QSFP112) transceiver. Some of the above transceivers may be defined by applicable Multi-Source Agreements (MSAs) or standards. However, the present disclosure contemplates that the incompatible transceivers described herein may refer to transceivers having the same size (e.g., form factor) and connectivity (e.g., connection pads) as QSFP transceivers.

[0008] In some other embodiments, the QSFP-DD connector may further include a plurality of conventional connection pads and a plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads configured to operably connect the QSFP-DD transceiver to the internal connector in an operating configuration. In such embodiments, the connection circuit may be configured to determine the presence of the incompatible transceiver by identifying a lack of connectivity associated with at least one QSFP-DD connection pad.

[0009] An example method of network communication is also provided. The method may include monitoring a second end of an adapter housing, where the second end is configured to receive a Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD) transceiver therein. The method may further include determining the presence of an incompatible transceiver received by the second end of the adapter housing and blocking communication between the incompatible transceiver and a first end of the adapter housing configured to engage an Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable (OSFP) connector.

[0010] In some embodiments, monitoring the second end of the adapter housing may further include monitoring a plurality of conventional connection pads and a plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads of a QSFP-DD connector located near the second end of the adapter housing.

[0011] In some other embodiments, blocking communication between the incompatible transceiver and the first end of the adapter housing may further include grounding the connection to at least one conventional connection pad.

[0012] In embodiments of any network communication method, the incompatible transceiver may include a Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP), Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus (QSFP+), Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 28 (QSFP28), or Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 56 (QSFP56) transceiver.

[0013] The above Summary of the Invention is provided only for the purpose of summarizing some example embodiments to facilitate a basic understanding of some aspects of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope or intent of the present invention in any way. It should be understood that in addition to the embodiments of the above Summary of the Invention, the scope of the present invention also includes many potential embodiments, some of which will be further described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] After a general description of specific example embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings. The components shown in the figures may or may not appear in the specific embodiments described herein. Some embodiments may include fewer (or more) components than those shown in the figures.

[0015] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a perspective view of a network communication adapter according to an example embodiment;

[0016] Figure 2 is according to an example embodiment of Figure 1A and Figure 1B an unfolded view of a network communication adapter of;

[0017] Figure 3 is according to an example embodiment of Figure 1B a cross-sectional view of a network communication adapter of;

[0018] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are a top view and a bottom view, respectively, showing connection pads of a QSFP-DD connector according to an example embodiment;

[0019] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example method of network communication according to an example embodiment;

[0020] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of an example connection circuit according to an example embodiment; and

[0021] Figure 7is a flowchart showing a method for preparing a networked communication adapter according to an example embodiment. Detailed Description

[0022] General description

[0023] The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. In fact, the inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Throughout the description, like numbers represent like elements. Terms such as "front", "rear", "top", etc. are used herein for illustrative purposes in the examples provided below to describe the relative position of a particular component or some portion of the component. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, given this disclosure, that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" indicate that the component or related description is precise within the engineering tolerances applicable.

[0024] As described above and as will be described below, networking systems such as those found in data centers can establish inter-rack connections between racks and intra-rack connections between networking boxes, PCBs, etc. located within the same rack. These connections often rely on transceivers, processors, chip sets, PCBs, connectors, networking cables, and associated communication system components that are governed by regulations (e.g., industry standards, etc.) that specify the overall dimensions of these components, define the shape of these components, and / or specify the type of connections between the components. For example, emerging transceivers / modules such as octal small form-factor pluggable (OSFP) and quad small form-factor pluggable double density (QSFP-DD) employ eight (8) high-speed electrical paths that increase system bandwidth and data transmission compared to existing traditional transceivers / modules. OSFP connectors are configured to mate with OSFP transceivers / modules and are sized (e.g., dimensions and shape) according to the relevant OSFP regulations. QSFP-DD transceivers / modules are also sized (e.g., dimensions and shape) according to the relevant QSFP-DD regulations, resulting in different sizes and form factors between OSFP transceivers / modules and QSFP-DD transceivers / modules. For example, the dimensions of an OSFP connector are wider and deeper than the dimensions of a QSFP-DD transceiver / module, resulting in connector mating issues in the networking environment. To address such issues and others, the devices of the present disclosure provide a networked communication adapter that can physically and electrically connect an OSFP connector to a QSFP-DD transceiver such that signals can be transmitted therebetween.

[0025] Further, the QSFP-DD connector can also provide backward compatibility in that a traditional transceiver (e.g., a previous hardware component whose functionality has been surpassed) can be physically inserted into the QSFP-DD connector and operated. For example, quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP), quad small form-factor pluggable plus (QSFP+), quad small form-factor pluggable 28 (QSFP28), and quad small form-factor pluggable 56 (QSFP56) transceivers use four (4) high-speed electrical paths but can be accommodated by the QSFP-DD connector and operated with these four (4) electrical paths. Although operable, the accommodation of traditional transceivers / modules (e.g., QSFP, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP56, etc.) by the QSFP-DD connector results in a reduced operating capacity of the QSFP-DD connector due to only utilizing a subset of the available connection pads provided by the QSFP-DD connector. In other words, the backward compatibility of current QSFP-DD connectors may result in reduced bandwidth in networking applications due to the underutilization of available connection resources. To address such issues and others, the devices of the present disclosure provide connection circuitry disposed within a networking communication adapter that can identify incompatible transceivers / modules (e.g., suboptimal traditional transceivers) and prevent the networking communication adapter from operating with the incompatible transceivers / modules. By doing so, embodiments of the present application can reduce the inefficiencies of traditional networking connections while also providing new functionality associated with accommodating OSFP and QSFP-DD connections.

[0026] Although the content described herein relates to network connections between QSFP-DD transceivers and OSFP connectors, the present disclosure contemplates that the features and functions described herein can equally apply to adapters for use in connections between other types of transceivers and connectors. For example, due to the physical differences between these connection types (e.g., different form factors), an adapter configured to accommodate a small form-factor pluggable double density (SFP-DD) transceiver will prevent operation with an OSFP transceiver (e.g., an incompatible transceiver). In other words, an OSFP transceiver may not be physically and electrically connected to an SFP-DD connector. However, the present disclosure contemplates that an adapter for use with an SFP-DD transceiver can similarly be configured to prevent such an adapter from operating with an incompatible transceiver (e.g., a transceiver other than an SFP-DD transceiver) as described herein.

[0027] Network communication adapter

[0028] Referring to Figure 1A - 1B , a networking system 100 is shown. As shown, an example networking system 100 can include a networking communication adapter 200, a QSFP-DD transceiver 102, and an associated networking cable 104. Reference is made below toFigure 2 and Figure 3 Referring to Figure 3 and , the network communication adapter 200 (e.g., adapter 200) may include an adapter housing 202 that defines a first end 204 and a second end 206 that is opposite the first end 204. The first end 204 may be configured to engage or physically connect the adapter housing 202 to an OSFP connector (not shown). As described above, applicable OSFP regulations or standards may define the physical dimensions, sizes, and shapes of the OSFP transceiver / module and the associated OSFP connector configured to receive the OSFP transceiver / module. Thus, the size (e.g., dimensions and shape) of the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202 may be determined to comply with the regulations or standards governing OSFP connections. In an operable configuration, the first end 204 may provide a physical engagement between the adapter housing 202 and an OSFP connector (not shown).

[0029] Continuing to refer Figure 1A and Figure 1B Referring to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 may be configured to engage or physically connect the adapter housing 202 to the OSFP-DD transceiver 102. Specifically, the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 may be configured to receive the OSFP-DD transceiver 102 inserted therein. As described above, applicable OSFP-DD regulations or standards may define the physical dimensions, sizes, and shapes of the OSFP-DD transceiver / module and the associated OSFP-DD connector configured to receive the OSFP-DD transceiver / module. Thus, the size (e.g., dimensions and shape) of the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 may be determined to comply with the regulations or standards governing OSFP-DD connections. As shown in Figure 1A , the OSFP-DD transceiver 102 may include a network cable 104 (e.g., transmission medium) attached thereto to provide signal transmission between the network communication adapter 200 and a component (not shown) located at an opposite end of the network cable 104. As shown in Figure 1B , in an operable configuration, the second end 206 may provide a physical engagement between the adapter housing 202 and the OSFP-DD transceiver 102. Figure 1A shown, the OSFP-DD transceiver 102 may include a network cable 104 (e.g., transmission medium) attached thereto to provide signal transmission between the network communication adapter 200 and a component (not shown) located at an opposite end of the network cable 104. As shown Figure 1B shown, in an operable configuration, the second end 206 may provide a physical engagement between the adapter housing 202 and the OSFP-DD transceiver 102.

[0030] Referring Figure 2 and Figure 3, an exploded view and a cross-sectional view of the network communication adapter 200 are respectively shown. As shown, in some embodiments, the adapter housing 202 may include a bottom rear cover 203, a top rear cover 201, and an internal cage 208. The bottom rear cover 203 may be meshed with or otherwise connected to the top rear cover 201 so as to substantially enclose the components described herein. The combined bottom rear cover 203 and top rear cover 201 may further support the internal cage 208 inside the adapter housing 202. Under the operating configurations shown in Figure 1B and Figure 3 , the internal cage 208 may be configured to support at least a portion of the OSFP-DD transceiver 102 inside the adapter housing 202. Thus, the internal cage 208 may be sized (e.g., dimensions and shape) in accordance with the limitations of applicable regulations and standards so as to accommodate the OSFP-DD transceiver 102 therein. The bottom rear cover 203 and the top rear cover 201 may be connected together via one or more meshing elements (e.g., screws, lugs, fasteners, etc.). Although two (2) threaded elements (e.g., screws) are used herein, the present disclosure contemplates that any mechanism or element configured to secure the bottom rear cover 203 to the top rear cover 201 may be used based on the specific application of the adapter housing 202.

[0031] The network communication adapter 200 may further include a heat dissipation device 216 and an elastic member 218, which are configured to dissipate the heat generated by the network components described herein. In some embodiments, the heat dissipation device 216 defines a plurality of fin-like elements, pins, and other heat dissipation elements along the length extension of the heat dissipation device 216. The elastic member 218 may be configured to secure the heat dissipation device 216 to the top rear cover 201 and facilitate the contact between the heat dissipation device 216 and the OSFP-DD transceiver 102 received by the adapter housing 202 via the second port 206. As an example, under the operating configuration, heat may be generated during the operation described herein of the OSFP-DD transceiver 102, other circuit components (e.g., the connection circuits described later) inside the adapter housing 202, and / or the meshing with the OSFP connector (not shown). Thus, the heat dissipation device 216 may be used to dissipate the heat generated by these components, thereby reducing the thermal load of the components. Although the heat dissipation device 216 defining a plurality of longitudinal fin-like elements is shown and described herein, the present disclosure contemplates that the network communication adapter 200 may use any heat dissipation element or any form of heat dissipation (e.g., conduction, convection, etc.).

[0032] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the network communication adapter 200 may include an internal connector 210 located inside the adapter housing 202. In an operation configuration where the first end 204 engages with an OSFP connector (not shown) and the second end 204 receives the OSFP-DD transceiver 102, the internal connector 210 operably connects the OSFP-DD transceiver 102 with the OSFP connector (not shown) so that signals can be transmitted therebetween. The adapter housing 202 may provide a physical connection between the OSFP connector (not shown) and the OSFP-DD transceiver 102, but the internal connector 210 may electrically connect these components for signal transmission.

[0033] The internal connector 210 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 212 near the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202. In an example where the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202 engages with an OSFP connector (not shown), the PCB 212 may be configured to operably connect the internal connector 210 with the OSFP connector (not shown). As an example, in the operation configuration, the PCB 212 may define a plurality of electrical contacts, connection pads, traces, etc., which are configured to provide electrical communication between the PCB 212 and the OSFP connector (not shown). The PCB 212 may also be positioned by the internal connector 201 near the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202 so that the corresponding electrical contacts, connection pads, traces, etc. of the OSFP connector (not shown) receive or electrically connect with the PCB 212. In other words, the physical engagement between the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202 and the OSFP connector (not shown) positions the PCB 212 of the internal connector 201 for reception by the corresponding connections of the OSFP connector (not shown).

[0034] The internal connector may further include a QSFP-DD connector 214 near the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202, which is configured to operably couple the internal connector 201 with the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 in the operation configuration. In an example where the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 as shown Figure 3 receives the QSFP-DD transceiver 102, the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 may be configured to operably connect the internal connector 201 with the QSFP-DD transceiver 102. As an example, the QSFP-DD connector 214 may include as shown Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe multiple electrical connection pads shown are configured to provide electrical communication between the QSFP-DD connector 214 and the QSFP-DD transceiver 102. The QSFP-DD connector 214 can be at least partially disposed inside the inner cage 208 near the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202, such that the physical engagement between the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 (e.g., the inner cage 208) and the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 positions the QSFP-DD connector 214 of the internal connector 210 for receiving the corresponding printed circuit board (PCB) 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102. As referred to herein Figure 4A and Figure 4B As described, the QSFP-DD connector 214 can define a plurality of connection pads on opposite surfaces (e.g., the top and bottom surfaces) of the QSFP-DD connector 214 for electrical connection to opposite sides of the printed circuit board (PCB) 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 received therein.

[0035] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 shown, the QSFP-DD connector 214 can be configured to receive the corresponding printed circuit board (PCB) 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 such that the PCB 212 of the internal connector 210 is substantially aligned with the corresponding printed circuit board (PCB) 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102. In conventional network connections, the scale of applicable standards or regulations often results in misalignment between printed circuit boards (e.g., printed circuit boards at different heights within a housing), such that additional components are required to electrically connect these printed circuit boards. For example, the scale of QSFP modules (e.g., conventional transceivers) defined by the relevant QSFP standard results in a height mismatch or misalignment between the printed circuit board of a conventional transceiver and the printed circuit board of the associated connector. To bridge such mismatches, conventional network connections rely on flexible circuit boards, stepped / milled circuit boards, and / or additional dedicated cables. However, each of such conventional techniques increases the total cost of network components while introducing additional failure modes. However, the network adapter 200 described herein is configured to position these respective printed circuit boards (e.g., the PCB 212 of the internal connector 210 and the printed circuit board (PCB) 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102) in alignment. By doing so, the network communication adapter 200 does not require additional network components inside the adapter housing 202.

[0036] In some embodiments, as described above, the QSFP-DD connector 214 can be configured to receive the corresponding PCB 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 such that the PCB 212 of the internal connector 210 is substantially aligned with the PCB 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102. As described herein, substantial alignment can refer to the placement of the PCB 106 and the PCB 212 along a common line (e.g., at the same height). In a further embodiment, the QSFP-DD connector 214 can be configured to more precisely receive the corresponding PCB 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 such that the PCB 212 of the internal connector 210 is coplanar with the PCB 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102. As described herein, coplanar means that the PCB 106 and the PCB 212 are in the same plane. To provide such improved alignment, in some cases, the network communication adapter 200 described herein can be configured such that the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 received by the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 extends beyond the outer edge of the second end 206, as Figure 3 shown. In other words, the internal cage 208, the internal connector 210, and / or the second end 206 can be sized such that at least a portion of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 is disposed outside of the adapter housing 202. By doing so, the network communication adapter 200 can ensure that there is sufficient space within the adapter housing 202 to provide substantial alignment and, in some cases, coplanar alignment between the PCB 212 and the PCB 106.

[0037] Reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B show top and bottom views of the connection pads of the QSFP-DD connector 214, respectively. As shown, each major face of the QSFP-DD connector 214 can include a plurality of conventional connection pads 402 and a plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads 404. The plurality of conventional connection pads 402 can be configured to operably connect a plurality of transmission channels of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 (e.g., four (4) electrical channels found in QSFP-DD transceivers and conventional transceivers) to the internal connector 210. Despite the connection blocking techniques described herein, the insertion of a conventional transceiver (e.g., a QSFP transceiver, a QSFP+ transceiver, a QSFP28 transceiver, or a QSFP56 transceiver) results in connection only to the plurality of conventional connection pads 402. In other words, a conventional transceiver does not include a transmission path that connects to the QSFP-DD connection pads 404.

[0038] As described herein with reference to example network communications and associated connection blocking, internal connector 201 also includes connection circuitry that, in an operational configuration, is configured to enable signal transmission between a QSFP connector (not shown) and QSFP-DD transceiver 102. In some cases, the signals transmitted by the QSFP connector and QSFP-DD transceiver 102 may be of a matching type, encoding, encryption, etc. such that the connection circuitry includes passive circuit elements (e.g., passive connections, traces, etc.) that are configured to direct electrical signals between the QSFP connector (not shown) and QSFP-DD transceiver 102.

[0039] In other embodiments, the electrical signals transmitted between the QSFP connector (not shown) and QSFP-DD transceiver 102 may utilize different coding formats such that the connection circuitry may include active circuitry (e.g., a controller, computing device, etc.) that is configured to convert between these signals to operably connect the QSFP connector (not shown) and QSFP-DD transceiver 102. In such embodiments, the connection circuitry may be implemented in any number of different ways, e.g., may include one or more processing devices configured to operate independently. Additionally, the connection circuitry (e.g., the controller) may be understood to include a single-core processor, multi-core processor, etc. As an example, the connection circuitry (e.g., the controller) may be configured to execute instructions stored in a memory or that are accessible to one or more processors of the connection circuitry (e.g., the controller). Alternatively or additionally, the connection circuitry (e.g., the controller) may be configured to execute hard-coded functions. Thus, whether configured using hardware or a combination of hardware and software, the connection circuitry (e.g., the controller) may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in a circuit) capable of performing operations in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention while being correspondingly configured.

[0040] Example method of network communication

[0041] Refer to Figure 5, showing a method of network communication and connection blocking. The method (e.g., method 500) may include the following steps: via a connection circuit, monitor the second terminal 206 of the adapter housing 202 that receives the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 at operation step 505. As described above, the internal connector 210 may include a connection circuit configured to operably connect a QSFP connector (not shown) to the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 in an operating configuration such that signals can flow between the two. In some cases, the connection circuit may include passive circuit elements (e.g., electrical connections, traces, etc.) configured to direct electrical signals. In such an embodiment, the monitoring by the connection circuit at operation step 502 may refer to the identification of electrical signals inside a plurality of conventional connection pads 402 and / or a plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads 404. In other words, in some embodiments, since the passive connection circuit components can monitor the second terminal 206 of the adapter housing 202 by determining the presence of electrical signals received from the QSFP-DD connector, operation 505 responds to the reception of a QSFP transceiver (or an incompatible transceiver described herein). In cases where the connection circuit includes active circuit elements (e.g., a controller), operation step 505 may refer to: transmitting a query signal from the connection circuit to the QSFP-DD connector 214 to monitor the second terminal 206 of the adapter housing 202.

[0042] Method 500 may include the following steps: at operation 510, the connection circuit determines the presence of an incompatible transceiver received by the second terminal 206 of the adapter housing 202. As described above, the backward compatibility of the QSFP-DD connector allows a conventional transceiver (e.g., a past hardware component whose functionality has been surpassed) to be physically inserted into the QSFP-DD connector 214 in an operable manner. However, due to the reduced bandwidth of the network communication adapter 200 caused by the fact that the capabilities of a conventional transceiver can only utilize four (4) of the available eight (8) transmission paths, the conventional transceiver is an incompatible transceiver. For example, incompatible transceivers may include QSFP transceivers, QSFP+ transceivers, QSFP28 transceivers, and QSFP56 transceivers. At operation 510, the connection circuit may be configured to identify an incompatible transceiver received by the second end 206 by identifying the lack of a connection associated with at least one DSFP-DD connection pad 404.

[0043] For example, the QSFP transceiver can be physically inserted into the adapter housing 202 via the second end 206 and make contact with one or more conventional connection pads 402. However, due to the reduction in the number of electrical transmission paths, the QSFP transceiver cannot be connected to the DSFP-DD connection pads 404. Additionally, due to the lack of additional electrical transmission paths associated with the QSFP-DD transceiver, the lengths of these incompatible or conventional transceivers (e.g., QSFP, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP56, etc.) are reduced such that, when received by the second end 206, the incompatible or conventional transceivers cannot be electrically connected to the DSFP-DD connection pads 404. In such a case, the determination at operation 510 can include: identifying the lack of connection to at least one DSFP-DD connection pad 404 (e.g., lack of electrical signal, current, etc.), which indicates that the transceiver received by the second terminal of the adapter housing 202 is not the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 (e.g., is an incompatible transceiver).

[0044] Referring to operation 515, via the connection circuit, method 500 can include the steps of: blocking communication between the incompatible transceiver determined at operation step 510 and the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202 that mates with an OSFP connector (not shown). In some embodiments, the connection circuit can be configured to ground the connection to at least one conventional connection pad 402, thereby avoiding delivering electrical energy to the incompatible transceiver identified at operation step 510. In cases where the connection circuit includes passive circuit elements (e.g., electrical connections, traces, etc.), the connection circuit can include resistors, capacitors, and / or other circuit components configured to ground the connection of the incompatible transceiver. For example, the lack of an electrical connection to any one of the plurality of DSFP-DD connection pads 404 can cause the electrical circuit of the internal connector 210 to be in an open state (e.g., incomplete such that no current flows in the open circuit). In cases where the connection circuit includes active circuit components (e.g., controllers, processors, etc.), the connection circuit can block communication between the two by preventing signal transmission between the incompatible transceiver and the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202. For example, a microprocessor can determine the presence of the incompatible transceiver described herein by iteratively (e.g., at a detected frequency) monitoring the connection to the internal connector 210 (e.g., transmitting query signals, etc.).

[0045] Although described herein for the case of grounding the connection to at least one conventional connection pad 402, the description herein can be considered such that other mechanisms can be similarly used to prevent communication between an incompatible transceiver and the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202. For example, the connection circuit can be configured to reset the connection, remove power supply (fully or partially) to the adapter 200, prevent the operation of the communication bus, etc. In other words, the connection circuit described herein can be configured to use any mechanism that prevents the adapter 200 from communicating in the case of receiving an incompatible transceiver.

[0046] Referring Figure 6 , a circuit schematic 600 of an example connection circuit is shown. As shown, for example, a 3.3V power input 602 is provided to the connection circuit. The circuit 600 includes, for example, a conventional connection pad 402 and an example QSFP-DD pad 404. In this embodiment, the connection circuit can include a logic component 604 configured to determine that there is no connection associated with the QSFP-DD connection pad 404 to determine the presence of an incompatible transceiver due to the inability of the incompatible transceiver to electrically engage with a plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads 404. The logic component 604 can be configured to prevent communication between the first end 204 (and the OSFP connector engaged therewith) and the incompatible transceiver by resetting or grounding the circuit 600 to prevent electrical signals from passing therethrough. By doing so, for example, the connection circuit of the internal connector 210 of the circuit 600 can prevent inefficiencies associated with connecting a conventional transceiver module to a newly emerging high-bandwidth connection scheme. In other words, the method 500 and the example circuit 600 can operate to indicate the presence of an incompatible transceiver to an operator or others and prompt the operator to replace the incompatible transceiver with a QSFP-DD transceiver.

[0047] Example preparation method

[0048] Referring Figure 7, which shows a method for preparing a networked communication adapter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (e.g., method 700) may include the step of providing an adapter housing at operation 705. As described above, in some embodiments, the adapter housing 202 may be composed of a bottom rear cover 203, a top rear cover 201, and an internal cage 208. The bottom rear cover 203 may be meshed with or connected to the top rear cover 201 so as to substantially enclose the components described herein. The combined bottom rear cover 203 and top rear cover 201 may further support the cage 208 inside the adapter housing 202. In other embodiments, the adapter housing 202 may be formed of a single-piece material. The adapter housing may be formed by any method (e.g., extrusion, forging, injection molding, and casting, etc.) and may similarly be formed of any material used in the networked communication system (e.g., metal, polymer, and alloy, etc.).

[0049] The method 700 may further include defining a first end at operation 710, which is configured to engage with an OSFP connection. As described above, the first end 204 may be configured to engage with an OSFP connector or physically connect the adapter housing 202 to the OSFP connector. Applicable OSFP regulations or standards may define the physical dimensions, size, and shape of the OSFP transceiver / module and the associated OSFP connector configured to receive the OSFP transceiver / module. Thus, the size (e.g., dimensions and shape) of the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202 may be determined to comply with the regulations or standards governing the OSFP connection. In the operational configuration, the first end 204 may provide a physical engagement between the adapter housing 202 and the OSFP connector (not shown).

[0050] The method 700 may further include defining a second end opposite the first end at operation 715, which is configured to receive an OSFP-DD transceiver. The second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 may be configured to engage with the OSFP-DD transceiver 102 or physically connect the adapter housing 202 to the OSFP-DD transceiver 102. In particular, the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 may be configured to receive the OSFP-DD transceiver 102 inserted therein. As described above, applicable OSFP-DD regulations or standards may define the size, dimensions, and shape of the OSFP-DD transceiver / module and the associated OSFP-DD connector configured to receive the OSFP-DD transceiver / module. Thus, the size (e.g., dimensions and shape) of the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 may be determined to comply with the regulations or standards governing the OSFP-DD connection. In the operational configuration, the second end 206 may provide a physical engagement between the adapter housing 202 and the OSFP-DD transceiver 102.

[0051] Method 700 at operation 720 may further include positioning an internal connector within an adapter housing. The internal connector 210 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 212 near a first end 204 of the adapter housing 202. In the case where the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202 mates with an OSFP connector (not shown), the printed circuit board (PCB) 212 may be configured to operably connect the internal connector 210 with the OSFP connector (not shown). For electrical connection with corresponding electrical contacts, connection pads, traces, etc. of the OSFP connector (not shown), the printed circuit board (PCB) 212 of the internal connector 210 may be further positioned near the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202. In other words, the physical mating between the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202 and the OSFP connector (not shown) positions the printed circuit board (PCB) 212 of the internal connector 210 for mating with the corresponding connections of the OSFP connector (not shown).

[0052] The internal connector may further include an OSFP-DD connector 214 near a second end 206 of the adapter housing 202, which operably couples the internal connector 210 with the OSFP-DD transceiver 102 in an operational configuration. In the case where the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 receives the QSFP-DD transceiver 102, the OSFP-DD connector 214 may be configured to operably connect the internal connector 210 with the OSFP-DD transceiver 102. The OSFP-DD connector 214 may be at least partially disposed inside an internal cage 208 near the second end 206 of the adapter housing, such that the physical mating between the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 (e.g., the internal cage 208) and the OSFP-DD transceiver 102 positions the OSFP-DD connector 214 of the internal connector 210 for receiving the corresponding printed circuit board (PCB) 106 of the OSFP-DD transceiver 102. As described above, the internal connector 210 may be defined such that the OSFP-DD connector 214 is configured to receive the corresponding printed circuit board (PCB) 106 of the OSFP-DD transceiver 102, such that the printed circuit board 214 of the internal connector 210 is substantially aligned and further coplanar with the printed circuit board (PCB) 106 of the OSFP-DD transceiver 102.

[0053] For those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present invention, according to the above description and the accompanying drawings, there can be many modifications and more embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and various modifications and other embodiments are included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, these terms are used in a general and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A networked communication adapter, comprising: an adapter housing that defines: a first end configured to engage with an Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable (OSFP) connector; and a second end opposite the first end, the second end configured to receive a Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD) transceiver therein; and an internal connector positioned within the adapter housing and configured to operably connect the QSFP-DD transceiver to the OSFP connector such that signals can pass therebetween in an operating configuration where the first end engages with the OSFP connector and the second end receives the QSFP-DD transceiver, the internal connector comprising: a printed circuit board (PCB) near the first end of the adapter housing, the printed circuit board configured to operably connect the internal connector to the OSFP connector in the operating configuration; and a QSFP-DD connector near the second end of the adapter housing, the QSFP-DD connector configured to operably couple the internal connector to the QSFP-DD transceiver in the operating configuration; and a connection circuit configured to determine the presence of an incompatible transceiver received by the second end of the adapter housing and to block communication between the OSFP connector and the incompatible transceiver, wherein the incompatible transceiver utilizes some but not all of the transmission paths in a transmission path and results in a reduced bandwidth of the networked communication adapter.

2. The networked communication adapter according to claim 1, wherein the QSFP-DD connector is configured to receive a corresponding PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver such that the PCB of the internal connector is substantially aligned with the PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver.

3. The networked communication adapter according to claim 1, wherein the QSFP-DD connector is configured to receive a corresponding PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver such that the PCB of the internal connector is coplanar with the PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver.

4. The networked communication adapter according to claim 1, wherein the incompatible transceiver includes a Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP), Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus (QSFP+), Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 28 (QSFP28), or Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 56 (QSFP56) transceiver, a Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 112 (QSFP112) transceiver.

5. The networked communication adapter according to claim 1, wherein the QSFP-DD connector further includes a plurality of conventional connection pads and a plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads, the plurality of conventional connection pads and the plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads configured to operably connect the QSFP-DD transceiver to the internal connector in an operating configuration.

6. The networked communication adapter according to claim 5, wherein the connection circuit is configured to determine the presence of the incompatible transceiver by identifying a lack of connectivity associated with at least one QSFP-DD connection pad.

7. A method of fabricating a networked communication adapter, the method comprising: providing an adapter housing that defines: a first end configured to engage an octal small form-factor pluggable (OSFP) connector; and a second end opposite the first end, the second end configured to receive a quad small form-factor pluggable double density (QSFP-DD) transceiver; and an internal connector positioned within the adapter housing, the internal connector configured to operably connect the QSFP-DD transceiver to the OSFP connector such that signals can pass therebetween when the first end engages the OSFP connector and the second end receives the QSFP-DD transceiver, the internal connector including: a printed circuit board (PCB) near the first end of the adapter housing, the printed circuit board configured to operably connect the internal connector to the OSFP connector in the operating configuration; a QSFP-DD connector near the second end of the adapter housing, the QSFP-DD connector configured to operably couple the internal connector to the QSFP-DD transceiver in the operating configuration; and a connection circuit configured to determine the presence of an incompatible transceiver received by the second end of the adapter housing and to block communication between the OSFP connector and the incompatible transceiver; wherein the incompatible transceiver utilizes some but not all of the transmission paths in the transmission path and results in a reduced bandwidth of the networked communication adapter.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the QSFP-DD connector is configured to receive the corresponding PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver such that the PCB of the internal connector is substantially aligned with the PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the QSFP-DD connector is configured to receive the corresponding PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver such that the PCB of the internal connector is coplanar with the PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the incompatible transceiver includes a quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP), quad small form-factor pluggable plus (QSFP+), quad small form-factor pluggable 28 (QSFP28), quad small form-factor pluggable 56 (QSFP56) transceiver, or quad small form-factor pluggable 112 (QSFP112) transceiver.

11. The method according to claim 7, wherein the QSFP-DD connector further comprises a plurality of conventional connection pads and a plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads, and the plurality of conventional connection pads and the plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads are configured to operably connect the QSFP-DD transceiver to the internal connector in an operating configuration.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the connection circuit is configured to determine the presence of the incompatible transceiver by identifying a lack of connectivity associated with at least one QSFP-DD connection pad.

13. A network communication method, the method comprising, monitoring a second end of an adapter housing of a networked communication adapter, wherein the second end is configured to receive a quad small form-factor pluggable double density (QSFP-DD) transceiver therein; determining the presence of an incompatible transceiver received by the second end of the adapter housing; and preventing communication between the incompatible transceiver and a first end of the adapter housing configured to engage an octal small form-factor pluggable (OSFP) connector, wherein the incompatible transceiver utilizes some but not all of the transmission paths in a transmission path and results in a reduced bandwidth of the networked communication adapter.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein monitoring the second end of the adapter housing further comprises monitoring a plurality of conventional connection pads and a plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads of a QSFP-DD connector located near the second end of the adapter housing.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein preventing communication between the incompatible transceiver and the first end of the adapter housing further comprises grounding the connection to at least one conventional connection pad.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the incompatible transceiver comprises a quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP), quad small form-factor pluggable plus (QSFP+), quad small form-factor pluggable 28 (QSFP28), quad small form-factor pluggable 56 (QSFP56) transceiver, quad small form-factor pluggable 112 (QSFP112) transceiver.

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