CPO Switch Rear-Port Fan Module Layout for Higher Port Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Co-packaged optics (CPO) network switches face challenges in achieving greater port density due to the front panel being maxed out with fiber-optic ports, limiting scalability for hyper-scalers and AI/ML clusters, while traditional pluggable optics face issues with signal degradation, electromagnetic interference, and higher power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A CPO network switch design with rear ports and a corresponding fan module design that accommodates additional ports, enabling faster serviceability and plug-and-play capability by extending the motherboard to include rear ports accessible through fan modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the front panel is maxed out with fiber-optic ports to achieve high port density, then connectivity is improved, but scalability is limited due to no remaining space for additional ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rear ports on the motherboard as a second spatial dimension for port placement, moving away from the traditional single-plane front panel configuration. This allows the network switch to provide additional connectivity interfaces without occupying front panel space, thereby maintaining scalability while achieving high port density through multi-dimensional port distribution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pluggable optics are used to increase port flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but signal degradation and electromagnetic interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical interface functionality from traditional pluggable transceiver modules and integrates it directly into the motherboard's rear port architecture. This integration eliminates the need for separate pluggable components that cause signal degradation and electromagnetic interference, while maintaining the adaptability needed for different network configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pluggable optics are used to provide port variety, then adaptability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical transceiver functionality directly into the motherboard circuitry at the rear ports, eliminating the need for separate pluggable transceiver modules. This integration reduces the overall power consumption by removing redundant components and interfaces, while still providing the port variety and adaptability required for different network scenarios through integrated optical interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A network switch. The network switch includes: a motherboard, including: at least one set of rear ports disposed at a rear portion thereof, each set of rear ports of the at least one set of rear ports including a rear port; at least one fan slot disposed behind the motherboard and aligned with the at least one set of rear ports, respectively; and at least one caged fan module respectively inserted into the at least one fan slot. Each caged fan module of the at least one caged fan module includes: a fan module; a set of cage front ports disposed in front of the fan module, and including a cage front port configured to mate with the rear port; and a set of cage rear ports disposed at a rear of the caged fan module, and including a cage rear port operatively connected to the cage front port.