Connection Interface Panel for Datacenter Network Switches

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In datacenter implementations, the integration of host devices and network switches within the same chassis leads to complex cabling, transmission latency issues due to mismatched line lengths, signal degradation, and mechanical damage risks to fiber optic components.

Innovation Solution

A connection interface with a 2D array of connectors on one side for host devices and a 2D array on the other side for network switches, allowing for uniform cable lengths and reduced latency, thereby simplifying cabling and minimizing signal degradation and mechanical damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If host devices and network switches are connected through electrical cables and optical cables without a standardized connection interface, then connectivity is achieved, but cabling complexity increases and signal degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidcabling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A connection interface panel is introduced as an intermediary component between host devices and network switches. This panel provides standardized connection points that organize and manage the cabling infrastructure, reducing complexity while maintaining signal integrity through controlled connection paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection interface is divided into multiple connection points arranged in specific patterns (e.g., 2x2, 4x4 arrays) on the panel surface. Each connection point serves a specific host device or network switch, segmenting the overall connection task into manageable individual connections that are easier to manage and less prone to degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If cables of varying lengths are used to connect host devices to network switches, then flexibility in placement is achieved, but transmission latency mismatches and signal degradation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement flexibilityVSAvoidtransmission latency mismatch

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface panel is designed so that all connection points are positioned at substantially the same distance from the panel surface. This creates equipotential conditions for signal transmission, ensuring that cables connected to different ports have matched lengths and thereby eliminating latency mismatches while maintaining placement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Ease of operation

If fiber optic components are exposed and handled without protective structures, then installation flexibility is maintained, but mechanical damage risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidmechanical damage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface panel incorporates protective structures such as recesses, channels, or protective films that enclose and protect exposed fiber optic components. These protective elements allow installation flexibility to be maintained while significantly reducing the risk of mechanical damage to the fragile fiber optic parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple network switches are connected to a single host device through separate cables, then connectivity is achieved, but cabling complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidchassis space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection points for connecting to different network switches are integrated into a single compact connection interface panel. This merging of multiple connection functions into one standardized interface reduces the overall space required in the chassis while maintaining the ability to connect to multiple network switches simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240015115A1Systems, methods, and devices for interconnecting network devices

Publication Date: 2024.01.11 MELLANOX TECHNOLOGIES LTD(IL)

AI summary

An apparatus for interconnecting devices in a network comprises a connection interface with a first face and a second face opposite the first face. The apparatus includes a first 2D array of first connection points arranged on the first face of the connection interface. Each first connection point in each column of the first 2D array connects to a different host device from among a plurality of host devices, and each first connection point in each row of the first 2D array connects to a single host device from among the plurality of host devices. A second 2D array of second connection points is arranged on the second face of the connection interface. Each second connection point is connected to a respective first connection point, each second connection point in each column of the second 2D array connects to a single network switch from among a plurality of network switches, and each second connection point in each row of the second 2D array connects to a different network switch from among the plurality of network switches.