Bundled Switch Sub-System Multi-Lane Cable Interconnect

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cloud computing networks face challenges in deployment and scalability due to the time-consuming wiring and rewiring of discrete switch boxes, as well as high costs associated with acquiring and maintaining these components and wiring.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of cloud switches with multiple sub-switches in a single enclosure, using multi-lane cables to connect ASICs across different tiers, reducing the number of physical connections needed and allowing for flexible configurations such as striped or direct connections, thereby simplifying network expansion and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If discrete switch boxes are used to build cloud computing networks, then network functionality is achieved, but deployment complexity and wiring requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork functionalityVSAvoiddeployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple discrete switch boxes are merged into a single bundled switch enclosure containing multiple sub-switches. This consolidation reduces the number of separate devices that need to be deployed and interconnected, directly addressing the deployment complexity issue while maintaining the network functionality that would otherwise require multiple discrete switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bundled switch is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple switch functions simultaneously through its multiple sub-switches. Each sub-switch can be configured for different network roles, allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized discrete switches, thereby reducing deployment complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If discrete switch boxes with sufficient radix are used to span the network, then network coverage is achieved, but the number of physical connections and wiring increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidphysical connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sub-switches are combined within a single bundled switch enclosure, reducing the number of separate physical devices that need to be connected through wiring. This consolidation directly reduces the quantity of physical connections required to achieve the same network coverage that would otherwise require multiple discrete switch boxes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete switch boxes are deployed, then network scalability is achieved, but acquisition and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork scalabilityVSAvoidacquisition and maintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sub-switches are merged into a single bundled switch unit, reducing the total number of separate devices that need to be acquired and maintained. This consolidation reduces acquisition costs by purchasing fewer devices and lowers maintenance costs by having fewer separate components to service, while still providing the scalability needed for network growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bundled switch provides multi-functional capabilities through its multiple sub-switches, allowing a single universal platform to perform the functions that would otherwise require multiple specialized devices. This reduces both acquisition and maintenance costs while maintaining the scalability needed for network expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If conventional switch wiring configurations are used, then network connectivity is achieved, but deployment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoiddeployment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sub-switches are combined within a single bundled switch enclosure with pre-configured internal connections. This consolidation eliminates the need for extensive external wiring and configuration that would be required for multiple discrete switches, significantly reducing deployment time while maintaining reliable network connectivity through the integrated sub-switch architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9374321B2Data center switch

Publication Date: 2016.06.21 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

A method of transferring data in a network is provided. Data is received at a sub-switch of a first bundled switch having a plurality of sub-switches, the sub-switch being configured to only couple to connections external to the first bundled switch. The method also includes transferring the data from the first bundled switch using a multi-lane cable coupled to a second bundled switch, a first end of the multi-lane cable coupled to a sub-switch in the first bundled switch and a second end of the multi-lane cable coupled to at least two sub-switches in the second bundled switch.