Modular Chassis Backplane Switching Fabric Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional approaches to coupling information handling systems within a modular chassis to a communications network often result in inefficient infrastructure utilization, particularly when not all ports are used, leading to potential single points of failure and suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A modular chassis system with an integral chassis backplane that allows each server backplane to be communicatively coupled to a switch with both internal and external network ports, forming a mesh network topology that enables efficient communication between multiple server backplanes and redundancy in case of failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external switch is used to provide network connectivity for information handling systems in a modular chassis, then network connectivity is achieved, but infrastructure utilization becomes inefficient when not all ports are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the external switch functionality into the chassis backplane itself, creating an integrated switching fabric that provides network connectivity while efficiently utilizing infrastructure resources. The backplane incorporates switching capabilities that allow dynamic allocation of network ports based on actual usage, eliminating the waste associated with dedicated external switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis backplane is designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both as a mechanical support structure and as an active network switching infrastructure. The backplane can dynamically allocate its ports based on the presence and needs of inserted server sleds, providing universal network access while optimizing resource utilization across different configuration scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an embedded switch of maximum size is used in the chassis, then full population capacity is supported, but infrastructure resources are wasted when bays are not fully populated
Solution Approach 1:
The backplane switching fabric implements dynamic port allocation that adapts to the actual population of server sleds in the chassis. When fewer than maximum sleds are installed, the backplane dynamically deactivates unused ports and reallocates resources, ensuring that infrastructure capacity matches actual demand and eliminating resource waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the backplane switching fabric based on chassis population. The backplane can adjust its switching capacity, port activation states, and resource allocation parameters according to the number and type of server sleds present, optimizing infrastructure utilization for each specific configuration.
3Device complexity
If traditional coupling approaches are used, then simplicity is maintained, but single points of failure are created and performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional hierarchical network coupling to a mesh-like topology within the chassis backplane. This dimensional change in network architecture creates multiple redundant paths between server sleds and external networks, eliminating single points of failure while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized backplane interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a chassis and a chassis backplane integral to the chassis. The chassis may be configured to receive a plurality of server backplanes, each server backplane integral to a respective modular sled configured to removably engage with the chassis. The server backplane may include a plurality of information handling systems, a switch communicatively coupled to each of the information handling systems, at least one external network port communicatively coupled to the switch for coupling the switch to an external network external to the chassis, and a plurality of internal network ports communicatively coupled to the switch. The chassis backplane may have a topology configured to couple the switch from each server backplane to switches from two or more other server backplanes such that an internal chassis network is formed comprising the information handling systems and switches of the plurality of server backplanes engaged with the chassis.