PACKED MULTI-TONE NETWORKS

Abstract

Packed multi-level network (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600), comprising: a housing (115, 220, 315, 410, 505, 620) which is a network chassis, presented in a cage; a plurality of network layers (105, 110, 205, 210, 215, 305, 310, 605, 610) located in the enclosure, wherein each network layer comprises the same number of connected switches (120, 125, 225, 230, 235, 320, 325, 330, 335), each switch having the same number of ports and comprising application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); where switches within each network layer are connected based on the same topology, and where the network layers within the enclosure are independent of each other and not interconnected; and a number of connectors (130, 131, 132, 133, 240, 241, 242, 243, 340, 341, 342, 343, 350, 351, 352, 353) mounted to the enclosure, each connector being coupled to a corresponding port of a switch from each network layer, the number of connectors being equal to the number of ports per switch multiplied by the number of network layers in the enclosure, each connector being coupled to a cable (150, 151, 152, 153, 250, 251, 252, 253, 360, 361, 362, 363, 370, 371, 372, 373) which carries a plurality of lines (155, 156, 255, 256, 257, 375, 376), and wherein the total number of lines in the cable is equal to the number of network levels, thus facilitating a reduction in the number of cables coupled to the network chassis.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Networks often comprise many network components, such as network interfaces, switches, routers, and so on. These network components generally include a number of interconnected device components that interact with each other and with other network components. The electrical signals from these device components are typically routed to the edge of an enclosure, often a chassis, and presented in a "cage." A cage is an empty enclosure in which various types of connectors can be arranged. Cables are then installed between the network components to establish their connectivity.

[0002] US 2011 / 0262135 A1 refers to the increase in the overall capacity of a switching system.

[0003] US 2003 / 0030988 A1 refers to computer systems, in particular computer systems suitable for multiprocessor systems, for example, multiprocessor server systems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The examples described herein can be understood with reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which identical reference numbers identify identical elements. Fig. Figure 1 conceptually illustrates a specific embodiment of the subject matter claimed below. Fig. Figure 2 conceptually illustrates a special embodiment in which the number of network layers is increased. Fig. Figure 3 conceptually illustrates a special embodiment in which the number of switches per network level is increased. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a special embodiment in which the subject matter claimed below is used in a mesh network. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a special embodiment in which the subject matter claimed below is used in a ring network.

[0005] Although the examples described herein are open to various modifications and alternative forms, the drawings illustrate specific embodiments, which are described in detail herein by way of example. It is understood, however, that the description of specific embodiments does not imply any limitation to the specific disclosed forms, but rather, on the contrary, is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope and idea of ​​the examples described herein and the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] The invention is defined by the features of independent claims 1, 6, and 11. Embodiments of the invention are the subject of the respective dependent claims. Illustrative embodiments of the subject matter claimed below are disclosed below. For the sake of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this description. It is understood that in developing each such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions are made to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it is understood that such development efforts, even if complex and time-consuming, would be a routine undertaking for a person skilled in the art who takes advantage of this disclosure.

[0007] As computing systems become more complex and the demands on their resources intensify, so too do the size, complexity, and cost of the networks they use. Some of the cables used to connect network components are purely passive, carrying only electrical signals. Others incorporate optical transceivers built into the connector. Currently, passive cables are typically around 3 meters long, and for longer lengths, active optical cables (AOCs) are used, which are an order of magnitude more expensive. In today's large-scale networks, the cost of cabling can dominate the overall system costs.

[0008] For systems requiring high bandwidth, a single "node" is connected to multiple network connection points. There are two ways to achieve this. First, a network can be built twice the size to handle the nodes that are doubly connected to the network (i.e., 16k network endpoints for 8k doubly connected nodes). The other way is to create two separate networks and connect each node to each network (i.e., two 8k networks for 8k doubly connected nodes). The cost of network topologies grows superlinearly, meaning that a 16k network costs more than twice as much as an 8k network. Thus, the second option (two separate networks) is more cost-effective for doubling bandwidth.

[0009] The present disclosure provides an approach for packing multi-layer networks in a manner that reduces cabling effort and costs; one embodiment thereof is conceptually described in Fig. Figure 1 shows the packed multi-layer network 100 comprising a first and a second network layer 105, 110, which are located within a housing 115. The network layers 105, 110 are "located within the housing" 115 in the sense that they are arranged and positioned within the housing 115. The manner in which the network layers 105, 110 are arranged and positioned within the housing 115 is not critical.

[0010] For the purposes of this discussion, a "network layer" is a group of interconnected switches without any connection to any other switch. Therefore, if a switch is connected to another switch, but not to any third switch, then these two interconnected switches define a "network layer." If the two switches are also connected to a third switch, then these three switches define a network layer. For example, in Fig. 1. Each network level 105, 110 is a separate switch 120 or 125, and the switches 120, 125 are not connected. Each of the switches therefore defines a separate network level in relation to the others. This also means that in this particular embodiment, all network levels 120, 125 are arranged within the housing 115.

[0011] The subject matter claimed below is not limited thereto. Many network layers contain many switches. By definition, within each network layer, every one of these switches is interconnected. Likewise, by definition, no switch in one network layer is interconnected with any switch in any other network layer. In these embodiments, it is not necessary for all network layers to be located within the same enclosure. In these embodiments, at least a portion of each of the network layers is located within the same enclosure. Note that in these embodiments, the network layers have the same topology (e.g., the same number of switches interconnected in the same configuration). Furthermore, the portions of the network layers located within a given enclosure are corresponding portions of this same topology. At least one such embodiment is disclosed below.

[0012] Referring again to Fig. 1. The enclosure 115 can be any type of enclosure known to be suitable for this purpose. For example, a chassis can be used. The network layers 105, 110 can also be arranged within the enclosure 115 in any manner known in the field. For example, they can be mounted on a plate (not shown) having flanges on each side that then fit into a groove defined by the enclosure 115 when the plate is inserted into the enclosure 115. Again, however, the manner in which the network layers 105, 110 are mounted and positioned within the enclosure 115 is not critical, as long as the network layers 105, 110 are arranged within the enclosure 115.

[0013] In this particular embodiment, each network layer 105, 110 comprises a single switch 120, 125. It should be noted, however, that in alternative embodiments, network layers consisting of any number of switches can be used. The switches 120, 125 can include application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”). The switches 120, 125 comprise a first plurality of ports and a second plurality of ports, the number of ports being the same in each plurality. In this embodiment, each of the switches 120, 125 has four ports 0 to 3.

[0014] Network layers 105 and 110 are "independent" of each other, meaning that there are no electrical or optical connections between any two of them. Thus, there are no layer-to-layer connections. Network layers 105 and 110 also have the same topology. In this context, "same topology" means that network layers 105 and 110 have the same number of switches interconnected in the same way, with the switches having the same number of ports. Since each network layer 105 and 110 comprises only a single switch, network layers 105 and 110 have the same topology. However, this property also holds true in embodiments where the network layers comprise multiple switches.

[0015] The packed multi-level network 100 also includes a plurality of connectors 130 to 133, which are mounted to the housing 115. The connectors 130 to 133 can be mounted to the housing 115 in any suitable manner known in the field. For example, they can be mounted to the housing 115 as part of a cage (not shown), as described above. Each connector 130 to 133 is coupled for data exchange with a corresponding port 0 to 3 of each of the switches 120, 125. Since each of the switches 120, 125 has four ports 0 to 3, there are four connectors 130 to 133. Connector 130 is coupled for data exchange with port 0 of each of the switches 120, 125. Connector 131 is connected to port 1 of switches 120, 120, and 125 for data exchange. Similarly, connectors 132 and 133 are connected to their corresponding ports 2 and 3 of switches 120 and 125 for data exchange, as shown.

[0016] Connectors 130 to 133 are connected via lines 140, of which in Fig. 1. Only one of the connections, identified by a reference number, is coupled to its corresponding connections for data exchange. In this particular embodiment, the lines 140 are optical fibers or optical cables. In alternative embodiments, however, electrical cables or traces on a printed circuit board (PCB) can be used, for example. Depending on the implementation, the lines 140 can be active or passive, and both electrical and optical technologies can be used for this purpose. For example, there are known electrical cables in the field that include optical transceivers in one or both of the connectors.

[0017] This approach significantly reduces the number of cables used to connect to other network components compared to traditional practice. There are only four connectors (130 to 133) because there are four ports (0 to 3) on each switch (120, 125), and because there is only one switch (120, 125) per network layer (105, 110). Since there are four connectors (130 to 133), only four cables (150 to 153) are used—one for each port (0 to 3) of the switches (120, 125) to connect to other network components. In contrast, traditional practice in packed network layers connects each network layer to a node using a separate set of cables, one cable for each port on each switch for each network layer.

[0018] Each cable 150 to 153 comprises two conductors 155, 156 – one for the switches 120, 125 – and one for the switches 120, 125 in each of the network levels 105, 110. The conductors 155, 156 in the illustrated embodiment are optical fibers, so that the cables 150 to 153 are optical cables. The cable end connectors 160, 165 for each of the cables 150 to 153 are accordingly any suitable connector known in the field of optical connections. Note that in Fig. 1. In each case, only one of the cable end connectors 160, 165 and one of the conductors 155, 156 are identified by a reference number. In alternative embodiments, however, electrical conductors or any other suitable technology may be used.

[0019] Therefore, the number of connectors (130 to 133) and the number of external cables (150 to 153) are equal to the number of ports (0 to 3) in switches (120, 125). This means that the number of connectors (130 to 133) is independent of the number of network layers (105, 110). Furthermore, the number of lines (155, 156) in each cable (150, 153) is equal to the number of network layers (105, 110).

[0020] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which more than two network levels are present in the housing to illustrate how this approach is adapted to the number of network levels. Specifically, it illustrates Fig. 2. Conceptually, a packed multi-layer network 200, comprising three independent network layers 205, 210, 215, each with the same topology. Each is arranged within a housing 220. Each network layer 205, 210, 215 comprises a corresponding switch 225, 230, 235. Each switch 225, 230, 235 comprises a plurality of ports 0 to 3.

[0021] The packed multi-layer network 200 also includes a plurality of connectors 240 to 243. Each connector 240 to 243 is coupled for data exchange to a corresponding port 0 to 3 of each of the switches 225, 230, 235, as shown. Note that there are four ports 0 to 3 for each switch 225, 230, 235, so the number of connectors 240 to 243 is independent of the number of network layers 205, 210, 215 in the enclosure 220. Each external cable 250 to 253 comprises three cable lines 255 to 257, one for each of the network layers 205, 210, 215. The lines 255 to 257 are optical, but can be electrical in alternative embodiments.

[0022] The approach is also adapted to the number of switches per network layer, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates this. The packed multi-layer network 300 comprises two independent network layers 305 and 310, which have the same topology arranged within the enclosure 315. Network layer 305 includes a first switch 320 and a second switch 325. Network layer 310 includes a third switch 330 and a fourth switch 335. Each of the switches 320, 325, 330, and 335 includes four ports 0 through 3.

[0023] The packed multi-level network 300 also contains two sets of connectors 340 to 343 and 350 to 353, one set for each of the switches in each of the network levels 305 and 310. Each of the ports 0 to 3 for the first switch 320 and the third switch 330 is coupled to connectors 340 to 343 for data exchange, as described above. Each of the ports 0 to 3 for the second switch 325 and the fourth switch 335 is coupled to connectors 350 to 353 for data exchange, as described above.

[0024] Thus, although the number of connectors (340 to 343 and 350 to 353) is independent of the number of network layers, it depends on the number of switches per network layer. In embodiments with three switches per network layer, there are, as a general rule, three pluralityes of connectors. However, this relationship is not strictly maintained in all embodiments, as will be described further below.

[0025] Furthermore, there are now two pluralityes of cables, cables 360 to 363 and 370 to 373, a plurality of cables 360 to 363 and 370 to 373 for each of the pluralityes of connectors 340 to 343 and 350 to 353. As described above, the number of conductors per cable in cables 360 to 363 and 370 to 373 is a function of the number of network levels 305, 310 represented in the enclosure. Since there are two network levels 305, 310, each of the cables 360 to 363 and 370 to 373 comprises two conductors 375, 376. The conductors 375, 376 are optical conductors; however, in alternative embodiments, electrical conductors may be used instead.

[0026] Fig. Figure 4 shows a mesh network 400. Within the mesh network 400, there are four network layers, designated as network layer A, network layer B, network layer C, and network layer D. These network layers A through D are, as described above, independent and have the same topology. They are distributed across the nodes 405—each defined by a housing 410 (only one of which is labeled)—such that each node 405 contains a corresponding switch A through D from each of the network layers A through D. That is, at least one section of each of the network layers A through D is located within each of the housings 410.

[0027] Each of the switches A to D comprises four ports N ("North"), S ("South"), E ("East"), and W ("West"). Since there is a single switch from each of the network levels A to D, there is a single plurality of connector ports N ("North"), S ("South"), E ("East"), and W ("West"). Each of the N ports of switches A to D is coupled to the corresponding N connectors for data exchange, and the same is true for the S ports and S connectors, the E ports and E connectors, and the W ports and W connectors. And, since there are four network levels A to D represented within the housing 410 of the node, the external cables 415 (only one labeled) each contain four (not shown) lines, as described above.

[0028] Accordingly, the Mesh Network 400 is a two-dimensional (“2D”) 3x3 matrix field of node 405 with four network levels A to D, where 9 switches per network level are implemented using 36 ASICs. Although Fig. Although Figure 4 is represented by 3x3 matrix fields, the packing described herein is not limited to 3x3 matrix fields and could, for example, be applied in a (not shown) 2x2 matrix field or in (also not shown) 4x4 matrix fields. It is also not limited to a 2D network. It could be implemented in a (not shown) one-dimensional mesh network, for example, using a chain of routers.

[0029] The approach revealed herein can also be applied to other types of network topologies. For example, the 500 network in Fig. 5. A ring topology is implemented. There are again four network levels, A through D, with one switch A through D from each network level A through D located within the enclosures 505. Each of the switches A through D has three connectors L, X, and R, and accordingly, each enclosure 505 contains three connectors L, X, and R. The L connectors of switches A through D are coupled to the L connectors for data exchange, the X connectors are coupled to the L connectors for data exchange, and the R connectors are coupled to the R connectors for data exchange, as shown. Since there is only one switch per level, there is only a plurality of connectors L, X, and R. Finally, since there are four network levels A through D in each enclosure 505, each external cable 515, both between the enclosures 505 and between the enclosures 505 and the endpoints 520, comprises four conductors, as described above.

[0030] Mesh and ring topologies are typically used in small networks. However, the claimed item can also be used in large networks. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates a two-dimensional 4x4 Hyper-X network 600. There are two network layers 605 and 610, with network layer 610 shown "on top" of network layer 605. Fig. Figure 6 shows a conceptual diagram. Every point 0,0 to 3,3 in network layer 605 is connected to every other point 0,0 to 3,3. Similarly, every point 0,0 to 3,3 in network layer 610 is connected to every other point 0,0 to 3,3. However, no point 0,0 to 3,3 in network layer 605 is connected to any point 0,0 to 3,3 in network layer 610, and vice versa. Thus, network layers 605 and 610 are, by definition, separate network layers, as described above.

[0031] Each point 0.0 to 3.3 in each network layer 605, 610 is packed with the corresponding point 0.0 to 3.3 in the other network layer 605, 610, since both network layers 605, 610 have the same topology. For example, point 0.3 in network layer 605 is packed with point 0.3 in network layer 610. This is true everywhere in both network layers 605, 610. Therefore, it should be noted that only one section of each network layer 605, 610 is located within each given enclosure 620 (only one is labeled). This also applies to networks 400, 500 in Fig. 4 or Fig. 5.

[0032] In each of the network contexts of Fig. 4 and Fig.6. All network layers throughout the network are fully packed. That is, every switch at every network layer is packed with at least one switch at every other network layer. This need not be the case in all embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more of the network layers in the network may be excluded from packing. In other embodiments, one or more switches within a network layer may be packed, while others are not. And in still other embodiments, these two variations may be implemented together.

[0033] As mentioned above, there may be exceptions where the number of connectors is not directly related to the number of switches. Since some embodiments allow multiple switches from a single network layer to be used within the same enclosure, the connection between these switches does not necessarily have to extend beyond the chassis. These connections can instead be made entirely within the enclosure. Thus, in these contexts, some connectors can be omitted from the enclosure.

[0034] Thus, the present disclosure generally provides a packed multi-layer network comprising an enclosure, a first network layer, a second network layer, and a plurality of connectors. The first network layer is at least partially located within the enclosure and comprises a first plurality of interconnected switches. The second network layer is likewise at least partially located within the enclosure and comprises a second plurality of interconnected switches. The second network layer is independent of the first network layer and has the same topology as the first network layer. Each connector is coupled to a corresponding port of each of the first and second switches for data exchange.

[0035] In the context of a larger network, a packed multi-layer network comprises multiple enclosures, multiple network layers, and multiple cables. Each network layer is independent of the other network layers, has the same topology as the other network layers, and is at least partially located within each of the enclosures. The cables connect each of the enclosures. The number of cables in each connection is a function of the number of ports per switch and the number of switches per layer located within each enclosure.

[0036] Another aspect of the invention concerns: a packed multi-level network, comprising: a plurality of housings; a plurality of network layers, each network layer being independent of the other network layers, having the same topology as the other network layers, and being located at least partially within each of the enclosures; a plurality of cables connecting each of the enclosures, the number of cables in each connection being a function of the number of ports per switch and the number of switches per level arranged in each of the enclosures.

[0037] Furthermore, a network layer that is not packed with the majority of network layers may also be included.

[0038] The section of each network layer located inside the enclosures can contain multiple interconnected switches.

[0039] The connectors can be coupled using optical cables, electrical cables, or traces on printed circuit boards for data exchange.

[0040] The housings of the packed multi-level network can be chassis.

[0041] The packed multi-layer network, according to the further aspect, can be at least part of a mesh network or a ring network.

[0042] This concludes the detailed description. The specific embodiments disclosed above are merely illustrative, since the examples described herein can be modified and implemented in other, but equivalent, ways, which are obvious to a person skilled in the art who uses the teachings presented herein. Furthermore, no other limitations are provided for the details of the construction or design presented herein than those described in the following claims. It is therefore evident that the specific embodiments disclosed above can be altered or modified, and all such variations are to be considered within the scope and concept of the appended claims. Accordingly, protection is requested herein as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

[1] Packed multi-level network (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600), comprising: a housing (115, 220, 315, 410, 505, 620) which is a network chassis, presented in a cage; a plurality of network levels (105, 110, 205, 210, 215, 305, 310, 605, 610) located in the housing, wherein a respective network layer comprises the same number of connected switches (120, 125, 225, 230, 235, 320, 325, 330, 335), each switch having the same number of ports and comprising application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); where switches within each network layer are connected based on the same topology, and wherein the network layers within the chassis are independent of each other and not interconnected; and a number of connectors (130, 131, 132, 133, 240, 241, 242, 243, 340, 341, 342, 343, 350, 351, 352, 353) mounted on the housing, each connector coupled to a corresponding port of a switch from each network level, the number of connectors being equal to the number of ports per switch multiplied by the number of network levels in the housing, each connector coupled to a cable (150, 151, 152, 153, 250, 251, 252, 253, 360, 361, 362, 363, 370, 371, 372, 373) having a plurality of lines (155, 156, 255, 256, 257, 375, 376), and wherein a total number of lines in the cable is equal to the number of network levels, thereby facilitating a reduction of the cables coupled to the network chassis. [2] The packaged multi-level network of claim 1, comprising a first network level portion located within the chassis and a second network level portion located within the chassis, each portion comprising two switches. [3] The packaged multi-level network of claim 2, further comprising a portion of a third network level located within the chassis, the third network level being independent of the first network level and the second network level and having the same topology as the first network level and the second network level, the third network level comprising a third plurality of interconnected switches, each connector being coupled for data communication to a corresponding port of the third plurality of interconnected switches. [4] The packaged multi-level network of claim 1, wherein each connector is coupled to the corresponding port of a switch from each network level using optical cables, electrical cables, or traces on printed circuit boards for data exchange. [5] The packaged multi-level network of claim 1, wherein the network is part of a mesh network (400) or a ring network (500). [6] Packed multi-level network (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600), comprising: a housing (115, 220, 315, 410, 505, 620) which is a network chassis, presented in a cage; a first network layer (105, 205, 305, 605) located in the housing and comprising a first switch (120, 225, 320); a second network level (110, 210, 310, 610) located in the housing and comprising a second switch (125, 230, 330), wherein the first switch and the second switch have the same number of ports and comprise application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), wherein the first network level and the second network level each have the same topology, and wherein the network levels within the housing are independent of each other and not interconnected; and a number of connectors (130, 131, 132, 133, 240, 241, 242, 243, 340, 341, 342, 343, 350, 351, 352, 353) mounted on the housing, each connector coupled to a corresponding port of a switch from each network level, the number of connectors being equal to the number of ports per switch multiplied by the number of network levels in the housing, each connector coupled to a cable (150, 151, 152, 153, 250, 251, 252, 253, 360, 361, 362, 363, 370, 371, 372, 373) having a plurality of lines (155, 156, 255, 256, 257, 375, 376), and wherein a total number of lines in the cable is equal to the number of network levels, thereby facilitating a reduction of the cables coupled to the network chassis. [7] The packaged multi-level network of claim 6, further comprising a portion of a third network level located within the chassis, wherein the third network level is independent of the first network level and the second network level and has the same topology as the first network level and the second network level, wherein the third network level includes a third switch, wherein the third switch includes the same number of ports as the first switch and the second switch, and wherein each of the connectors is coupled to a corresponding port of the third switch for data communication. [8] The packaged multi-level network of claim 6, wherein the first network level further comprises a third switch comprising a third plurality of ports, and the second network level further comprises a fourth switch comprising a fourth plurality of ports, wherein the number of ports in the third switch and the fourth switch is equal to the number of ports in the first and second switches; and wherein each of the connectors is coupled to a corresponding port of the third and fourth switches for data communication. [9] The packaged multi-level network of claim 6, wherein the connectors are coupled to the corresponding ports of the first switch and the second switch using optical cables, electrical cables, or traces on printed circuit boards for data exchange. [10] A packaged multi-level network according to claim 6, wherein the network is part of a mesh network (400) or a ring network (500). [11] Packed multi-level network (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600), comprising: a plurality of housings (115, 220, 315, 410, 505, 620), each housing being a chassis, presented in a cage; a number of network levels (105, 110, 205, 210, 215, 305, 310, 605, 610) located in each chassis, wherein a respective network layer comprises the same number of connected switches (120, 125, 225, 230, 235, 320, 325, 330, 335), each switch having the same number of ports and comprising application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); where switches within each network layer are connected based on the same topology, and wherein the network layers within the enclosure are independent of each other and not interconnected; and a number of connectors (130, 131, 132, 133, 240, 241, 242, 243, 340, 341, 342, 343, 350, 351, 352, 353) mounted on the housing, each connector coupled to a corresponding port of a switch from each network level, and the number of connectors being equal to the number of ports per switch multiplied by the number of network levels in the housing; and a plurality of cables (150, 151, 152, 153, 250, 251, 252, 253, 360, 361, 362, 363, 370, 371, 372, 373) connecting each of the housings, wherein the number of cables in each connection is a function of the number of ports per switch and the number of switches per level arranged in each of the housings, wherein each cable comprises a plurality of lines (155, 156, 255, 256, 257, 375, 376) and is coupled to a connector, and wherein a total number of lines in the cable is equal to the number of network levels, thereby facilitating a reduction in the cables connecting the housings. [12] The packed multi-level network of claim 11, further comprising a network level that is not packed with the network levels. [13] The packaged multi-level network of claim 11, wherein a portion of each network level located within the chassis comprises a plurality of interconnected switches. [14] A packaged multi-level network according to claim 11, wherein the connectors are coupled using optical cables, electrical cables, or traces on printed circuit boards for data exchange. [15] The packaged multi-level network of claim 11, wherein the network is at least a part of a mesh network (400) or a ring network (500).

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