Configurable Ethernet Switch Using Programmable Crosspoint Chip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network switches with traditional switching fabrics face limitations in speed and cost, particularly when trying to accommodate high-speed networking requirements, and become unconfigurable when data connections are embedded within printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A configurable network switch with a programmable crosspoint chip that can operate in multiple modes, allowing for selectable network modes such as 40 GbE and 10 GbE, enabling flexible data channel connections and bypassing the need for physical reconfiguration of input and output ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a switching fabric is used to enable configurable connections, then adaptability is improved, but speed deteriorates due to limitations in the switching fabric composition and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching fabric component from the system entirely, replacing it with embedded direct connections between input and output ports on the printed circuit board. This removal eliminates the speed limitations imposed by switching fabric architecture while maintaining basic connectivity functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reconfigurable connection capabilities through software or hardware control mechanisms that allow the embedded connections to be dynamically reconfigured. This enables the system to adapt to different networking requirements (such as 10/40 Gigabit Ethernet mode changes) without requiring a traditional switching fabric, thus achieving both high speed and configurability.
2Speed
If data connections are embedded within printed circuit board to achieve high speed, then speed is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as the network switch becomes unconfigurable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements reconfigurable embedded connections that can be dynamically adjusted through software or hardware control. The printed circuit board incorporates switchable connection paths that allow the system to change its topology based on operational requirements, enabling mode changes between different Ethernet standards while maintaining high-speed direct connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changeable connection parameters such as resistance values, switching states, or routing configurations within the embedded circuitry. By modifying these parameters, the system can reconfigure its data paths to support different network modes (10G/40G Ethernet) without physical reconfiguration, thus achieving both speed and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional switching fabric is used to accommodate multiple connections, then adaptability is improved, but cost deteriorates as the number of input and output ports increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive switching fabric component and replaces it with direct embedded connections on the printed circuit board. This elimination of the switching fabric significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to establish connections between ports through the board's trace routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connection architecture into separate embedded pathways for different data rates (10G and 40G channels). By segmenting the connection paths and allowing selective activation through reconfiguration, the system can accommodate multiple connection types without requiring a full switching fabric, thus reducing cost while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable network switch is disclosed. The configurable network switch may include a plurality of network switch chips operatively connected to a plurality of connectors via a programmable crosspoint chip. The programmable crosspoint chip may be configured to operate in one or more network operating modes. In a first network operating mode, the programmable crosspoint chip may be configured to operate at Gigabit Ethernet speeds, whereas in the second network operating mode, the programmable crosspoint chip may be configured to operate at 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds. The configurable network switch may also include an input interface, such as an I2C interface, that allows an operator of the network switch to select the one or more network operating modes of the configurable network switch.