Dual connectivity switch module

Abstract

A dual-connection switch module can include a first set of pluggable faceplate connectors on a first side of a substrate of a switch and a second set of pluggable faceplate connectors on an opposite second side of the substrate. The switch module further includes a switch integrated circuit (IC) mounted between the first side and the second side, where the switch IC is connected with the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors. A cable can be used to connect at least one of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and / or the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors with a port of an external network device. In some examples, the switch and the substrate can further include a management module that manages one or more onboard functions of the switch module.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and apparatuses for network switches, particularly for dual-connection switch modules. BACKGROUND

[0002] Network switches are used in networking systems, such as data centers, for routing data between endpoints. Due to placement in a chassis unit, the construction and design of a network switch can depend on the design of the chassis unit and / or system to which the network switch belongs (e.g., director switch, dragonfly network topology, fat tree topology, etc.). Therefore, if the design of the chassis unit and / or system to which the network switch belongs is adjusted, an updated design, new concept, and technology of the network switch should be developed. However, developing new concepts, technologies, and designs of the network switch with each chassis unit and / or system development is inefficient and wasteful because old equipment that does not comply with the chassis unit and / or system development needs to be replaced. SUMMARY

[0003] In an illustrative embodiment, a switch includes a substrate having a first side and an opposite second side, a first set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on the first side of the substrate, a second set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on the second side of the substrate, and a switch integrated circuit (IC) mounted on the substrate between the first side and the second side, wherein the switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors.

[0004] In at least one embodiment, the substrate is mounted in a chassis such that one of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is exposed on a side of the chassis that is available for plugging cables.

[0005] In at least one embodiment, a cable connects at least one of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors with a port of an external network device.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, a cable connects at least one of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors with an external network device.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors with at least one of electrical traces, electrical wires, and optical connections.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the switch further includes a power supply unit mounted on the substrate, wherein the power supply unit provides power to the switch IC.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the switch further includes a second switch IC mounted on the substrate, wherein each of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected to one of the switch IC and the second switch IC, and wherein each of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected to both the switch IC and the second switch IC.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the lines of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors are split between the switch IC and the second switch IC.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the number of pluggable faceplate connectors in the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors is equal to the number of pluggable faceplate connectors in the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, each of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors is configured to receive a pluggable cable, and each of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is configured to receive another pluggable cable.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors operate using a common communication protocol.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the switch further includes a management module that manages one or more onboard functions of the switch.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the one or more onboard functions managed by the management module include at least one of a cooling function, a power function, a security function, and a data transfer function.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors through electrical connections.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors through optical connections.

[0018] In an illustrative embodiment, a system includes a chassis, a cable, and a switch mounted in the chassis. The switch includes a first set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed at a first side of the switch, a second set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed at a second side of the switch, wherein at least one of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected to the cable, and a switch IC mounted between the first side and the second side, wherein the switch IC is electrically connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the system further includes a second switch mounted in the chassis and connected to the switch by a cable.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the second switch includes a first set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a first side of the second switch, a second set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a second side of the second switch, and a second switch IC mounted between the first side of the second switch and the second side of the second switch, wherein the second switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors of the second switch.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the cable connects at least one pluggable faceplate connector in at least one of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors with a port of an external network device.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors with at least one of electrical traces, electrical wires, and optical connections, and the switch IC is connected to the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors with at least one of electrical traces, electrical wires, and optical connections.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the switch of the system further includes a management module that manages one or more onboard functions of the switch, wherein the one or more onboard functions managed by the management module include at least one of a cooling function, a power function, a security function, and a data transfer function.

[0024] In an illustrative embodiment, the switch includes a first set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a first side of the switch, a second set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a second side of the switch, a first switch IC mounted between the first side of the switch and the second side of the switch, wherein the first switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors, and a second switch IC mounted between the first side of the switch and the second side of the switch, wherein the second switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, each pluggable faceplate connector in the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected to one of the first switch IC and the second switch IC, and each pluggable faceplate connector in the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected to both the first switch IC and the second switch IC.

[0026] The foregoing is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and configurations. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be understood the various aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure are capable of being practiced in a variety of ways, one or more of which will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Many additional features and advantages will be described in the text and will be apparent from the description that follows, in consideration of the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification and, together with the description, explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings simply illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the disclosure can be made and used and should not be interpreted as limiting the disclosure to only the illustrated and described examples. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following more detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrated in the following figures.

[0029] The disclosure is described in connection with the appended drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale:

[0030] Figure 1 A block diagram of a networking system is shown in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 A networking topology is shown in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the disclosure;

[0032] Figures 3A to 3C A switch system including at least one network switch is shown in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0033] Figure 4 A switch schematic of a network switch is shown in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Before any embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Furthermore, the present disclosure can be used with an example to illustrate one or more aspects thereof. The use of one or more examples, expressed in the form of "for example," "by way of example," "for instance," "such as," or similar phrases, is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] The following description is provided for the purpose of illustrating embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, applicability, or configuration. Rather, the following description will provide an enabling description for a skilled artisan to implement the described embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure.

[0036] As can be appreciated from the following description, and for computational efficiency reasons, the components of the system can be arranged in any suitable location within a distributed network of components without affecting the operation of the system.

[0037] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links of the connected elements can be wired, trace, or wireless links, or any suitable combination thereof, or any other suitable known or later developed element capable of providing and / or communicating data to the connected elements. For example, the transmission medium used as a link can be any suitable electrical signal carrier, including coaxial cable, copper wire, and optical fiber, electrical traces on a printed circuit board (PCB), and the like.

[0038] As used herein, the terms "determine," "calculate," and "compute," and variations thereof, are used interchangeably and include any suitable type of methodology, process, operation, or technique.

[0039] Various aspects of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which can be schematic representations of idealized configurations.

[0040] In some cases, switch systems (e.g., director switches) are constructed from single and complex chassis units that are connected between other chassis units, between other switch systems, between leaf / spine switches, between management modules, between power units, between cooling units, between input / output (I / O) units, and so forth. As the number of ports and speed continue to increase, the chassis designed for these switch systems become large, bulky, and complex. For example, due to the large size and complexity, the effort and resources required for development, qualification, validation, production, testing, shipping, and so forth have become excessive. Moreover, developing different sizes or different topologies for switch systems requires a whole new chassis design cycle, and in some cases, additional units (e.g., new designs of network switches as part of the switch system). In some examples, a whole new concept and new technology should be developed for each new generation or variation of switch system. As a non-limiting example, the configuration of a director switch fabric can require special and customized leaf / spine interconnect solutions (e.g., from a single source) that are complex to replace in the field.

[0041] It is with respect to the above issues and others that the embodiments presented herein have been considered.

[0042] The inventive concept relates to the design of a switch (e.g., a dual-connection switch module) that includes a first set of pluggable faceplate connectors (e.g., a first set of ports) on a first side of a switch substrate and a second set of pluggable faceplate connectors (e.g., a second set of ports) on an opposing second side of the substrate. The switch further includes a switch integrated circuit (IC) mounted between the first side and the second side, where the switch IC is connected (e.g., through electrical connections, optical connections, etc.) to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and to the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors. Moreover, the switch and the substrate are mounted in a chassis such that one of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is exposed on a side of the chassis that is usable for plugging cables. Thus, at least one of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and / or the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors can then be connected with ports of external network equipment using cables. In some examples, the switch and the substrate can further include a management module that manages one or more onboard functions of the switch, such as cooling functions, power functions, security functions, data transfer functions, and so forth.

[0043] In some examples, the construction and design of a modular director chassis (e.g., manufactured to house one or more network switches) is passive, which makes its production, quality assurance, and development processes easier and more efficient. Subsequently, using the independent concepts of the above-mentioned switches (e.g., dual-connectivity switch modules that can be used for leaf switches and spine switches, etc.), the design, testing, and quality processes of these independent switches are all converted to simpler processes (e.g., from director processes to top-of-rack (ToR) processes). Due to the modular structure of this independent switch concept, many switch topologies and sizes can be easily constructed by installing the switches (e.g., leaf switches and spine switches) on passive racks and connecting them using standard cables. By using standard cables to complete the connection between switches (e.g., spines and leaves), which is a common interconnection solution, this independent switch concept can become part of a complete architectural solution for future generations of switch and switch system designs. In addition, if one of the cables has a link failure, this independent switch concept requires replacing a single cable, which is a simple operation.

[0044] The independent switch concept is built as a subsystem that can work independently and requires the same resources as a standard ToR switch and can be installed on a standard rack. For example, a switch is composed of two switch devices, where half of the ports (e.g., pluggable panel connectors) of each switch device are routed to a first side (e.g., front side) of the switch, while the other half are routed to a second side (e.g., back side, cable backplane side of a director switch, opposite side of the first side, etc.) of the switch. The interconnection between switches built using this independent concept is done through cable connections on one side of the chassis, while the external ports (e.g., for connecting to external network devices) of the concept are located on the other side. This topology minimizes cable length in order to merge into the cable function. In order to create a single connected fat tree topology, each port (e.g., eight-channel optical small form-factor (OSFP) port and cable) of the switch is routed into different switch ICs (e.g., different switch devices) on the same subsystem (e.g., the same leaf system) by using internal wiring connections between the ports and the two switch devices (e.g., on the same switch or on different switches).

[0045] Figure 1A system 100 is illustrated in accordance with at least one example embodiment. The system 100 includes network devices 104, a communication network 108, and network devices 112. In at least one example embodiment, the network devices 104 and 112 can correspond to network switches (e.g., Ethernet switches), a collection of network switches, network interface controllers (NICs), or any other suitable device for controlling data flow between devices connected to the communication network 108. Each network device 104 and 112 can be connected to one or more of a personal computer (PC), a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, a server, a collection of servers, etc. In one specific but non-limiting example, each network device 104 and 112 includes a plurality of network switches in a fixed configuration or a modular configuration.

[0046] Examples of the communication network 108 that can be used to connect the network devices 104 and 112 include an Internet Protocol (IP) network, Ethernet, InfiniBand (IB) (Infinite Bandwidth) network, Fibre Channel network, the Internet, a cellular communication network, a wireless communication network, combinations thereof (e.g., Ethernet Fibre Channel), variations thereof, etc. In one specific but non-limiting example, the communication network 108 is a network capable of communicating between the network devices 104 and 112 using Ethernet technology. In one specific but non-limiting example, the network devices 104 and 112 correspond to director switches that can have a modular configuration. As discussed in greater detail below, network switches (e.g., director switches) in accordance with the inventive concepts can implement multiple layers of a network topology as field replaceable units (FRUs) or customer replaceable units (CRUs) within a single chassis.

[0047] Although not explicitly shown, network devices 104 and / or network devices 112 can include a storage device and / or processing circuitry for performing computational tasks (e.g., tasks associated with controlling data flow within and / or through communication network 108 for each network device 104 and 112). Such processing circuitry can include software, hardware, or a combination thereof. For example, processing circuitry can include a memory containing executable instructions and a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) that executes the instructions on the memory. The memory can correspond to any suitable type or collection of memory devices configured to store instructions. Non-limiting examples of suitable memory devices that can be used include flash memory, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), variations thereof, combinations thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, the memory and processor can be integrated into a common device (e.g., a microprocessor can include integrated memory). Additionally or alternatively, processing circuitry can include hardware such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Other non-limiting examples of processing circuitry include IC chips, central processing units (CPUs), general purpose processing units (GPUs), microprocessors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a collection of logic gates, resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and the like. Some or all of the processing circuitry can be disposed on a PCB or collection of PCBs. It should be appreciated that any suitable type of electrical component or collection of electrical components can be suitable for inclusion in processing circuitry.

[0048] Further, although not explicitly shown, it should be appreciated that network devices 104 and 112 include one or more communication interfaces for facilitating wired and / or wireless communication between each other and other unshown elements of system 100.

[0049] Figure 2 A networking topology 200 is illustrated in accordance with at least one example embodiment. Topology 200 is a three-tier topology having a core layer, a spine (or aggregation) layer, and a leaf (or access) layer. Each box of each layer represents a set of network switches that are replicated for that layer. Although not explicitly shown, endpoints including servers and / or user terminals can be connected to the leaf layer. Here, it should be appreciated that example embodiments are not limited to topology 200 and that the inventive concepts can be applied to other suitable network topologies (e.g., a two-tier topology having a spine layer and a leaf layer, a dragonfly network topology, etc.). As discussed in greater detail below, example embodiments involve a modular network switch structure that is capable of accommodating or supporting different switch topologies and sizes, which is also capable of using standard cables for connections between switches, network devices, etc., thereby simplifying maintenance operations (e.g., if a cable fails) and reducing the need to redesign and replace network switches for next generation and switch systems.

[0050] Figure 3A ,3B FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate various views of a switch system 300, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the switch system 300 can include or represent one or more racks designed to house one or more network switches for routing data between endpoints of a network system (e.g., a data center). Additionally, the switch system 300 can include a chassis manufactured to house and hold one or more CRUs as well as any cables supporting the CRUs. For example, the CRUs can include network switches. As a non-limiting example, the switch system 300 can represent a director switch as described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C. Thus, the CRUs that can be placed in the switch system 300 can include leaf layer / switches, spine layer / switches, or other types of network switches. As shown in the example of FIG. 3A, the switch system 300 can include a front side 305 and a back side 310. Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3A As shown in the example of FIG. 3A, the switch system 300 can include a front side 305 and a back side 310.

[0051] Figure 3B FIG. 3A illustrates an example schematic diagram of the front side 305 of the switch system 300. In some examples, the front side 305 can be referred to as the cold side or cold aisle side of the switch system 300. As previously described, the switch system 300 can include one or more CRUs. For example, the one or more CRUs can include a first type of network switch 315 (e.g., a leaf switch) and a second type of network switch 320 (e.g., a spine switch). Additionally, the front side 305 can also include one or more power distribution units (PDUs) 325 to provide power to any components on the switch system 300 that require power or to additional components that support the operation of the switch system 300. In some examples, the switch system 300 can also include a third type of network switch 330 (e.g., an Ethernet switch) to provide additional features and support to the switch system 300.

[0052] Figure 3C FIG. 3B illustrates an example schematic diagram of the back side 310 of the switch system 300. In some examples, the back side 310 can be referred to as the hot side or hot aisle side of the switch system 300. The back side 310 includes access to the back of the first type of network switch 315 and the second type of network switch 320 as described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C. Additionally, the back side 310 includes an area for side cable management 335 and an area for central cable management 340. These areas for cable management allow any cables needed to connect the different components of the switch system 300 to be arranged in an orderly fashion without hindering or affecting the performance of the switch system 300. Figure 3B

[0053] As described herein and with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, the switch system 300 can include one or more CRUs. For example, the one or more CRUs can include a first type of network switch 315 (e.g., a leaf switch) and a second type of network switch 320 (e.g., a spine switch). Additionally, the switch system 300 can include one or more PDUs 325 to provide power to any components on the switch system 300 that require power or to additional components that support the operation of the switch system 300. In some examples, the switch system 300 can also include a third type of network switch 330 (e.g., an Ethernet switch) to provide additional features and support to the switch system 300. Figure 4 ​​​In more detail, the different types of network switches 315 and 320 can utilize a standalone switch concept in their design. Although described in the context of the switch system 300 (e.g., director switch), the standalone switch concept described herein can be utilized in various network topologies, including director switch, dragonfly switch data center network topologies, fat tree topologies, etc. In some examples, this standalone switch concept can be referred to as a dual-sided port switch, dual-connection switch module, dual-sided pluggable faceplate connector switch, modular network switch architecture, or any similar term. From these different descriptors of the standalone switch concept, it can be inferred that the standalone switch concept can include two sets of pluggable faceplate connectors (e.g., ports) located on opposite sides of the standalone switch (e.g., a first set on a first side of the switch substrate and a second set on an opposite second side).

[0054] These two sets of pluggable faceplate connectors can be connected to a switch IC mounted between the two sides of the switch, where the switch IC is connected to the first and second sets of pluggable faceplate connectors through electrical connections (e.g., electrical traces, wires, etc.) and / or optical connections. In some examples, the switch system 300 can include a ToR switch mounted in a chassis, where cables of the switch system 300 connect at least one pluggable faceplate connector of the standalone switch with a port of the ToR switch.

[0055] For the different types of network switches 315 and 320, these standalone switches can be interchangeably mounted into the switch system 300 (e.g., into a chassis as shown in the example of FIG. 1). That is, due to the modular architecture of this standalone switch concept, many switch topologies and sizes can be easily constructed by mounting standalone switches (e.g., leaf switches, spine switches, general-purpose network switches, etc.) on a passive rack and connecting them with standard cables. Moreover, the chassis can be mounted on a standard rack. With this modular design, the standalone switch can also reduce the need for redesign and replacement of network switches for the design of next-generation switch systems. Figure 3A

[0056] Figure 4 FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram 400 of a standalone switch, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As described herein, the schematic diagram 400 can represent a standalone switch concept that can be utilized for different types of network switches and for different switch systems and topologies. For example, this standalone switch concept can generally be referred to as a dual-sided port switch or dual-connection switch module and can be utilized as a leaf switch, spine switch, or different type of network switch. Moreover, the standalone switch concept can be applied to or utilized in director switches, dragonfly network topologies, etc.

[0057] ​The standalone switch includes a substrate 402 (e.g., a PCB) having a first side 403 (e.g., a front side) and a second side 404 (e.g., a back side), such that the second side 404 is the side opposite to the first side 403. Both the first side 403 and the second side 404 may each include a set of pluggable panel connectors (e.g., ports). For example, the first side 403 of the substrate 402 may include a first set of pluggable panel connectors 405, and the second side 404 of the substrate 402 may include a second set of pluggable panel connectors 410.

[0058] In some examples, substrate 402 can be mounted in a chassis (e.g., as shown in the reference). Figures 3A to 3C The first set of pluggable panel connectors 405 and the second set of pluggable panel connectors 410 are exposed on the side of the chassis for easy cable plugging / unplugging. That is, each pluggable panel connector in the first set of pluggable panel connectors 405 is configured to receive a pluggable cable, and each pluggable panel connector in the second set of pluggable panel connectors 410 is configured to receive another pluggable cable. For example, the cable can connect at least one pluggable panel connector in the first set of pluggable panel connectors 405 and / or the second set of pluggable panel connectors 410 to a port of an external network device, an additional network device, or another network switch. Additionally or alternatively, in an example deployment of a director switch including a standalone switch, at least one of the second set of pluggable panel connectors 410 can be connected to the backplane of the director switch. In some examples, the first set of pluggable panel connectors 405 and the second set of pluggable panel connectors 410 can be OSFP ports, fiber optic ports, electrical ports, electromechanical ports, etc.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown in the example, the number of pluggable panel connectors in the first group of pluggable panel connectors 405 may be equal to the number of pluggable panel connectors in the second group of pluggable panel connectors 410. Alternatively or additionally, the number of pluggable panel connectors in the first group of pluggable panel connectors 405 may be different from (e.g., greater than or less than) the number of pluggable panel connectors in the second group of pluggable panel connectors 410. Furthermore, although 16 or 32 pluggable panel connectors are shown for each of the first group of pluggable panel connectors 405 and the second group of pluggable panel connectors 410 (e.g., two (2) pluggable panel connectors for each instance of the pluggable panel connectors shown in each group), individual switches may include more or fewer pluggable panel connectors in each group. In addition, the first group of pluggable panel connectors 405 and the second group of pluggable panel connectors 410 may operate using a common communication protocol.

[0060] Additionally, the standalone switch can include one or more switch ICs 415 mounted on the substrate 402 between the first side 403 and the second side 404. The standalone switch can include a single switch IC 415 or two switch ICs 415 (as shown). The switch ICs 415 can be connected to at least one of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors 405 and / or at least one of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors 410. For example, a first switch IC 415 can be connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors 405 by one or more connections 420 and to the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors 410 by one or more connections 425. Additionally or alternatively, with two switch ICs 415, each pluggable faceplate connector of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors 405 is connected to one of the first switch IC 415 and the second switch IC 415, and each pluggable faceplate connector of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors 410 is connected to both the first switch IC 415 and the second switch IC 415. In some examples, the lines (e.g., connections 425) of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors 410 are split between the first switch IC 415 and the second switch IC 415.

[0061] The connectors 420 and 425 can include electrical and / or optical connections between the switch ICs 415 and the respective set of pluggable faceplate connectors. For example, the connectors 420 and 425 can include electrical traces (e.g., PCB routing), electrical wires, optical connections, or a combination thereof.

[0062] In some examples, the standalone switch can also include one or more power supply units (PSUs) 430 mounted on the substrate 402. The PSU(s) 430 can be mounted on the substrate 402 to provide power to the one or more switch ICs 415. Additionally or alternatively, a main power supply can be mounted on a chassis on which the standalone switch and the substrate 402 itself are mounted, and the main power supply can provide power to the standalone switch and the switch ICs 415.

[0063] Further, the standalone switch can also include a management module 435 that manages one or more onboard functions of the switch. For example, the one or more onboard functions managed by the management module 435 can include at least one of a cooling function (e.g., controlling cooling fans mounted on the substrate 402), a power supply function (e.g., controlling one or more PSUs 430), a security function (e.g., performing encoding / decoding functions, operating an encoder / decoder mounted on the substrate 402, etc.), and a data transfer function (e.g., routing the correct data between the two sets of pluggable faceplate connectors). The management module 435 can also enable the standalone switch to operate independently by controlling one or more onboard functions without the need for additional components or network switches.

[0064] Any of the steps, functions, and operations discussed herein can be performed continuously and automatically.

[0065] Exemplary systems and methods of the present disclosure have been described with respect to dual connectivity switch modules. However, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the foregoing description omits a number of known structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the claimed disclosure. Specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure can be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific details set forth herein.

[0066] Various changes and modifications can be made to the present disclosure. It would be possible to provide some of the features, without providing other features.

[0067] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc. indicate that the embodiment described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment can not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described or illustrated. In various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, the present disclosure includes components, methods, processes, systems, and / or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand how to make and use the systems and methods disclosed herein after understanding the present disclosure. In various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, the present disclosure includes providing apparatus and processes that provide the benefits and advantages described herein, including in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects thereof, without necessarily including all of the

[0068] The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, in the foregoing detailed description various features of the disclosure were sometimes grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the disclosure requires more features than are explicitly recited in each claim. Rather, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of each disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. The following claims reflect the proper scope of the disclosure, and the method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the scope of the disclosure is limited to the precise claims below.

[0069] Moreover, although the description of the disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., can become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, which is to be understood as being without limitation to the specific embodiments described, and such variations, combinations, and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the disclosure. It is intended that the proper scope of the disclosure is not to be interpreted as being limited to the particular embodiment, configuration, or aspect described and as including all variations made equivalent to those claimed by virtue of being insubstantially different, whether or not such equivalents are disclosed herein, and with no intent to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) except where explicitly indicated.

[0070] An example aspect is directed to a switch (e.g., a dual-connection switch module) comprising: a substrate having a first side and an opposite second side; a first set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on the first side of the substrate; a second set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on the second side of the substrate; and a switch integrated circuit (IC) mounted on the substrate between the first side and the second side, wherein the switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors.

[0071] Any one or more of the above aspects include: wherein the substrate is mounted in a chassis such that one of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is exposed on a side of the chassis that is usable for plugging cables.

[0072] Any one or more of the above aspects include: wherein the cable connects at least one of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors with a port of an external network device.

[0073] Any one or more of the above aspects include: wherein the cable connects at least one of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors with an external network device.

[0074] Any one or more of the above aspects includes wherein the switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors with at least one of electrical traces, electrical wires, and optical connections.

[0075] Any one or more of the above aspects includes wherein the switch further comprises a power supply unit mounted on the substrate, wherein the power supply unit provides power to the switch IC.

[0076] Any one or more of the above aspects includes wherein the switch further comprises a second switch IC mounted on the substrate, wherein each pluggable faceplate connector of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected to one of the switch IC and the second switch IC, and wherein each pluggable faceplate connector of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected to both the switch IC and the second switch IC.

[0077] Any one or more of the above aspects includes wherein the lines of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors are split between the switch IC and the second switch IC.

[0078] Any one or more of the above aspects includes wherein the number of pluggable faceplate connectors in the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors is equal to the number of pluggable faceplate connectors in the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors.

[0079] Any one or more of the above aspects includes wherein each pluggable faceplate connector of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors is configured to receive a pluggable cable, and each pluggable faceplate connector of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is configured to receive another pluggable cable.

[0080] Any one or more of the above aspects includes wherein the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors operate using a common communication protocol.

[0081] Any one or more of the above aspects includes wherein the switch further comprises a management module that manages one or more onboard functions of the switch.

[0082] Any one or more of the above aspects includes wherein the one or more onboard functions managed by the management module include at least one of a cooling function, a power function, a security function, and a data transfer function.

[0083] Any one or more of the above aspects includes wherein the switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors through electrical connections.

[0084] Any one or more of the above aspects includes: wherein the switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors by an optical connection.

[0085] An exemplary aspect is directed to a system comprising: a chassis; a cable; and a switch installed in the chassis. The switch comprises: a first set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a first side of the switch; a second set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a second side of the switch, wherein at least one of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected to the cable; and a switch IC installed between the first side and the second side of the switch, wherein the switch IC is electrically connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors.

[0086] Any one or more of the above aspects includes: wherein the system further comprises a second switch installed in the chassis and connected to the switch by the cable.

[0087] Any one or more of the above aspects includes: wherein the second switch comprises: a first set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a first side of the second switch; a second set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a second side of the second switch; and a second switch IC installed between the first side of the second switch and the second side of the second switch, wherein the second switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors of the second switch and to the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors of the second switch.

[0088] Any one or more of the above aspects includes: wherein the cable connects at least one pluggable faceplate connector of at least one of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors with a port of an external network device.

[0089] Any one or more of the above aspects includes: wherein the switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors with at least one of an electrical trace, an electrical wire, and an optical connection.

[0090] Any one or more of the above aspects includes: wherein the switch of the system further comprises a management module that manages one or more onboard functions of the switch, wherein the one or more onboard functions managed by the management module comprise at least one of a cooling function, a power function, a security function, and a data transfer function.

[0091] An example aspect relates to a switch comprising: a first set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a first side of the switch; a second set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a second side of the switch; a first switch IC mounted between the first side of the switch and the second side of the switch, wherein the first switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors; and a second switch IC mounted between the first side of the switch and the second side of the switch, wherein the second switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors.

[0092] Any one or more of the above aspects includes: wherein each pluggable faceplate connector of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected to one of the first switch IC and the second switch IC, and each pluggable faceplate connector of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected to both the first switch IC and the second switch IC.

[0093] Any one or more of the above aspects / embodiments are substantially disclosed herein.

[0094] Any one or more of the aspects / embodiments substantially disclosed herein are optionally combined with any one or more other aspects / embodiments substantially disclosed herein.

[0095] One or more apparatuses adapted to perform any one or more of the above aspects / embodiments as substantially disclosed herein.

[0096] Any one or more of the features are disclosed herein.

[0097] Any one or more of the features are substantially disclosed herein.

[0098] Any one or more of the features substantially disclosed herein are combined with any one or more other features substantially disclosed herein.

[0099] Any one aspect / feature / embodiment in combination with any one or more other aspects / features / embodiments.

[0100] Any one or more aspects or features as disclosed herein are used.

[0101] It will be appreciated that any feature described herein can be claimed in combination with any other feature described herein, regardless of whether those features come from the same described embodiment.

[0102] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “includes,” “includes,” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0103] The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably.

[0104] The phrases “at least one of,” “one or more of,” “or,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and / or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together. When each of the above expressions is recited in a claim, such as “a compound having at least one of A, B, and C,” it will be understood that the claim is being recited as a conjunctive and disjunctive recitation.

[0105] As used herein, the term “automated” and variants thereof refer to any process or operation that is generally continuous or semi-continuous and that can be completed without substantial human input in performing the process or operation. However, a process or operation can be automated even if performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input if that input is received prior to performance of the process or operation. Human input is considered material if it affects the manner in which the process or operation will be performed. Human input that agrees to perform the process or operation is not considered “material.”

[0106] It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

Claims

1. A switch comprising: a substrate having a first side and an opposite second side; a first set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on the first side of the substrate; a second set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on the second side of the substrate; and a switch integrated circuit (IC) mounted on the substrate between the first side and the second side, wherein the switch IC is connected with the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and with the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors.

2. The switch of claim 1, wherein the substrate is mounted in a chassis such that one of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is exposed on a side of the chassis that is available for pluggable cables.

3. The switch of claim 2, wherein a cable connects at least one of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors with a port of an external network device.

4. The switch of claim 2, wherein a cable connects at least one of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors with a port of an external network device.

5. The switch of claim 2, wherein the switch IC is connected with the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors with at least one of electrical traces, electrical wires, and optical connections.

6. The switch of claim 1, further comprising: a power supply unit mounted on the substrate, wherein the power supply unit provides power to the switch IC.

7. The switch of claim 1, further comprising: a second switch IC mounted on the substrate, wherein each of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected with one of the switch IC and the second switch IC, and wherein each of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected with both the switch IC and the second switch IC.

8. The switch of claim 7, wherein lines of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors are separated between the switch IC and the second switch IC.

9. The switch of claim 1, wherein a number of pluggable faceplate connectors in the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors is equal to a number of pluggable faceplate connectors in the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors.

10. The switch of claim 1, wherein each of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors is configured to receive a pluggable cable, and wherein each of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is configured to receive another pluggable cable.

11. The switch of claim 1, wherein the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors operate using a common communication protocol.

12. The switch of claim 1, further comprising: a management module that manages one or more onboard functions of the switch.

13. The switch of claim 12, wherein the one or more onboard functions managed by the management module comprise at least one of a cooling function, a power function, a security function, and a data transfer function.

14. The switch of claim 1, wherein the switch IC is connected with the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors through electrical connections.

15. The switch of claim 1, wherein the switch IC is connected with the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors through optical connections.

16. A system comprising a chassis; a cable; and a switch mounted within the chassis, wherein the switch comprises a first set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a first side of the switch; a second set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a second side of the switch, wherein at least one of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected with the cable; and a switch integrated circuit (IC) mounted between the first side and the second side, wherein the switch IC is electrically connected with the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a second switch mounted within the chassis and connected with the switch through the cable.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the second switch comprises a first set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a first side of the second switch; a second set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a second side of the second switch; and a second switch IC mounted between the first side of the second switch and the second side of the second switch, wherein the second switch IC is connected with the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors of the second switch and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors of the second switch.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the cable connects at least one of the at least one pluggable faceplate connector in the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors with a port of an external network device. the switch IC is connected to the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors with at least one of electrical traces, electrical wires, and optical connections.

21. The system of claim 16, wherein the switch further comprises 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the switch IC is connected to the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors with at least one of electrical traces, electrical wires, and optical connections, and wherein, a management module that manages one or more onboard functions of the switch, wherein the one or more onboard functions managed by the management module comprise at least one of a cooling function, a power function, a security function, and a data transfer function.

22. A switch comprising a first set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a first side of the switch; a second set of pluggable faceplate connectors disposed on a second side of the switch; and a management module that manages one or more onboard functions of the switch, wherein the one or more onboard functions managed by the management module comprise at least one of a cooling function, a power function, a security function, and a data transfer function. ​ a first switch integrated circuit (IC) mounted between the first side of the switch and a second side of the switch, wherein the first switch IC is connected with the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors; and a second switch IC mounted between the first side of the switch and the second side of the switch, wherein the second switch IC is connected with the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors and the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors.

23. The switch of claim 22, wherein each pluggable faceplate connector of the first set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected with one of the first switch IC and the second switch IC, and wherein, each pluggable faceplate connector of the second set of pluggable faceplate connectors is connected with both the first switch IC and the second switch IC.

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