Binary Patch Panel for Automated Data Center Connectivity Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying and verifying physical connectivity in large data centers is complex and time-consuming due to the extensive number of manually connected devices and potential wiring errors, leading to delays in deployment and potential faults in communication links.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for quickly determining physical connectivity between devices in a data center using a patch panel with a predetermined number of communication ports, where each port is associated with a unique binary number, and performing a connectivity test through multiple testing rounds to generate a connectivity map, identifying correctly and incorrectly connected devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual connectivity verification methods are used in large data centers, then deployment can be completed with basic tools, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connectivity verification methods with an automated electronic system. The patch panel device automatically performs connectivity tests by sending test signals through communication links and analyzing responses, eliminating the need for manual testing with basic tools and dramatically reducing verification time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch panel device performs self-verification of connectivity by automatically testing communication links between devices. The system independently generates test signals, routes them through the network, analyzes responses, and generates connectivity maps without requiring external manual intervention, thereby improving deployment productivity.
2Reliability
If extensive manual connectivity testing is performed to ensure accurate connections, then wiring errors can be identified, but the deployment process experiences significant delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary connectivity verification automatically during the deployment process itself. By integrating the automated testing function into the patch panel device, connectivity accuracy is verified before full deployment completion, preventing delays that would occur if manual retesting were needed after deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual connectivity testing methods are replaced with automated electronic signal transmission and analysis. The patch panel device sends test signals through communication links and automatically analyzes responses to identify wiring errors, ensuring connectivity accuracy without the time delays associated with manual testing procedures.
3Device complexity
If traditional connectivity verification methods are used, then simple tools can be employed, but wiring errors and faulty cables cause deployment delays spanning days or weeks
Solution Approach 1:
The patch panel device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a network connection point and an automated connectivity testing instrument. This universal device eliminates the need for separate complex testing equipment while rapidly identifying wiring errors and faulty cables, reducing deployment delays without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Simple manual testing tools are replaced with an automated electronic testing system integrated into the patch panel device. The system electronically transmits test signals and automatically analyzes connectivity, rapidly identifying wiring errors and faulty cables that would take days or weeks to detect using traditional manual methods.
4Productivity
If automated connectivity testing is implemented, then deployment time is reduced, but the system complexity increases with binary numbering and multiple testing rounds
Solution Approach 1:
The automated testing process is segmented into multiple testing rounds, each corresponding to a specific binary digit position. This segmentation allows the complex verification task to be broken down into manageable stages, where each round tests a specific bit of the port identifier, improving verification speed while making the complexity systematic and controllable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a binary numbering dimension to organize the testing process. By mapping communication ports to binary numbers and using multiple testing rounds corresponding to binary digit positions, the system efficiently verifies connectivity across many ports simultaneously, improving verification speed while organizing complexity through mathematical structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A patch panel device has communication ports respectively associated with a unique binary number having a number of binary digits, and a plurality of computing devices are each respectively coupled to at least one of the ports. A connectivity test includes configuring the patch panel device to send a message to a first sending device in response to receiving data at a port associated with a binary number having a first value as the respective binary digit, and not to send a message to a second sending device in response to receiving data at a port associated with a binary number having a second value as the respective binary digit. Each of the computing devices is caused to transmit data for arrival at a corresponding port, an indication is received for each device regarding whether the device received a message. A connectivity map is generated.