Cable Terminator for Network Port Dust Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data centers, network cables often cannot be attached to their designated ports until network devices are operational, leading to cable management challenges and potential damage from dust and debris.
Innovation Solution
A cable terminator that securely connects to open ports on network devices, accepting and holding terminated cables, and also functions as a dust and debris cap, with a design that accommodates different transceiver standards and sizes through tapered sides and a combination of insert and receiving portions for secure friction fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If cables are run to racks before network devices are installed or operational, then cable installation can be prepared in advance, but cables cannot be attached to their designated ports and must be hung or coiled creating management challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The cable terminator acts as an intermediary device that connects between the network cable and the network device port. It has a port interface that interfaces with the network device and a cable interface that accepts the network cable, enabling cable attachment before the actual network device is installed or operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable terminator segments the cable connection function into two separate interfaces: one interface for the network device port and another interface for the network cable. This allows the cable to be attached and managed separately from the network device installation process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cables are left unattached and hung or coiled, then cable installation can wait until device operation, but cables are exposed to dust and debris and create clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The cable terminator enables preliminary cable attachment and protection before the network device is fully installed or operational. The cable can be connected to the terminator in advance, and the terminator's housing protects the cable connection from dust and debris while waiting for device installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable terminator is a simple, inexpensive protective device that can be easily installed and removed. It serves as a temporary solution during installation phases, protecting cables without requiring complex or expensive protective infrastructure.
3Reliability
If a cable terminator is designed to fit specific transceiver sizes, then secure attachment is achieved, but adaptability to different transceiver standards is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cable terminator is designed with a universal port interface that can accommodate different transceiver standards (SFP, SFP+, XFP, QSFP, GBIC) through various insertion mechanisms. The housing and retention structures are designed to work with multiple transceiver types while maintaining secure attachment for each specific standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable terminator design allows for parameter adjustments in the port interface dimensions and retention mechanisms to accommodate different transceiver sizes and standards. The housing can be configured with different internal geometries to match specific transceiver form factors while maintaining a consistent external interface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates cable management by allowing cable connection before device operation, protects ports from dust and debris, and ensures secure attachment to various transceiver ports, improving installation efficiency and reducing cable clutter.
Implementation Method 1
The cable terminator is secured at the port by friction between the insert portion and the port
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the present disclosure involve a cable terminator and/or method of using a cable terminator for non-operably securing a network cable at a destination port on a network device. The cable terminator has a body that includes an insert portion and a receiving portion. The insert portion is shaped so that it may be inserted into a port on a network device, while the receiving portion is shaped to receive a network cable.