Distributed Switching Modules in Data Communication Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-chassis cluster data communications systems with central switching chassis occupy large footprints, consume high power, and incur significant costs due to the need for auxiliary hardware devices.
Innovation Solution
A data communications system comprising type-A and type-B service chassis, where type-A chassis include high-performance and low-performance switching modules, and type-B chassis only include low-performance modules, eliminating the need for a central switching chassis and allowing for seamless capacity expansion without changing cables or interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central switching chassis is deployed in the multi-chassis cluster system, then data exchange tasks between chassis can be completed, but the system occupies a large footprint and requires auxiliary hardware devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the central switching chassis from the system architecture. Instead of having a dedicated central switching chassis, the switching functionality is distributed to the service chassis themselves through the interconnection of high-performance and low-performance modules across different chassis. This eliminates the need for the central switching chassis and its auxiliary hardware, directly reducing the footprint while maintaining data exchange capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the switching functionality into the service chassis by establishing direct interconnections between high-performance modules and low-performance modules across different chassis. The service chassis simultaneously perform both service functions and switching functions, combining previously separate functions into unified units, thereby eliminating the dedicated central switching chassis.
2Reliability
If a central switching chassis is deployed, then data exchange between chassis is enabled, but power consumption increases due to auxiliary hardware devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the central switching chassis and its power-consuming auxiliary hardware devices (power supply units, heat dissipation units, control units) from the system. The data exchange capability is maintained through direct interconnections between service chassis modules, eliminating the source of excessive power consumption while preserving the essential function.
Solution Approach 2:
The service chassis perform their own switching functions through the interconnection of high-performance and low-performance modules. Each service chassis manages its own data exchange tasks without requiring a separate central switching chassis, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the power consumption associated with dedicated switching hardware.
3Reliability
If a central switching chassis is deployed, then data exchange tasks are completed, but costs increase due to hardware device requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the central switching chassis and its auxiliary hardware devices from the system architecture. The data exchange capability is achieved through simplified direct connections between service chassis modules, removing the complex hardware configuration while maintaining functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines switching functionality with service chassis operations, eliminating the need for separate central switching hardware. This integration simplifies the overall hardware configuration by removing redundant components while preserving the data exchange capability through the existing service chassis interconnections.
4Reliability
If the system uses a central switching chassis architecture, then data exchange is achieved, but system expansion requires changing cables and interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface architecture where high-performance modules and low-performance modules can interconnect any service chassis regardless of its type or capacity. The standardized connection protocol and module interfaces allow different chassis configurations to work together seamlessly, enabling easy system expansion without requiring changes to cables or interfaces when adding new service chassis.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
This application provides a data communications system and method. The system includes a first chassis and a second chassis. The first chassis includes a first high-performance switching module and a first low-performance switching module. The second chassis includes a second high-performance switching module and a second low-performance switching module. The first high-performance switching module is connected to the second low-performance switching module. The first low-performance switching module is connected to the second high-performance switching module. The first high-performance switching module is configured to connect to a third low-performance switching module in a third chassis that is to be added to the communications system. The second high-performance switching module is configured to connect to a fourth low-performance switching module in the third chassis that is to be added to the communications system. Removal of a central switching chassis reduces a footprint of the data communications system and lowers power consumption and costs. During capacity expansion, there is no need to change cables between deployed chassis. Therefore, the capacity expansion is convenient, and smooth capacity expansion is implemented.