Docking Faceplate for Hot-Swappable Network Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of replacing a computing device, such as a switch, is prone to errors and downtime due to the complexity of disconnecting and reconnecting multiple cables and configurations, which can lead to service disruptions and breaches of service level agreements.
Innovation Solution
A dock or faceplate system that holds and maintains connections, physical and virtual links, and configurations, allowing for hot swapping and hot plugging of computing devices without powering down, using a front side with connectors for external cables and a rear side with extenders that connect to the computing device, and includes apertures and fasteners for secure attachment to a rack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual disconnection and reconnection of multiple cables is performed during computing device replacement, then device replacement can be completed, but the process is prone to errors and service disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The dock serves as an intermediary device between external cables and the computing device. The dock maintains permanent connections with external cables while the computing device can be quickly swapped in and out. This mediator approach eliminates the need for users to manually connect and disconnect multiple cables, thereby preventing errors while maintaining the complexity of the connection infrastructure.
2Reliability
If all connections are shut down and reconfigured during device replacement, then proper reconnection can be ensured, but network downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dock is pre-configured with all external cable connections established and maintained before the computing device needs to be replaced. The connections are prepared in advance and kept active, allowing the computing device to be swapped without shutting down or reconfiguring connections, thus eliminating network downtime while ensuring proper connection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The dock maintains continuous active connections with external cables throughout the device replacement process. The useful action of data transmission continues uninterrupted while the computing device is swapped, as the dock's connections remain established and active, preventing network downtime while ensuring accurate reconnection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are disconnected and reconnected during device replacement, then device substitution is possible, but configuration errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dock acts as a mediator that maintains stable, pre-established connections with external cables. This intermediary structure allows the computing device to be replaced with different devices while the dock ensures precise, error-free connections are maintained, thereby enabling device replaceability without sacrificing connection precision.
4Reliability
If comprehensive reconfiguration is performed during device replacement, then proper setup is ensured, but service level agreements may be breached
Solution Approach 1:
The dock performs all necessary configuration actions in advance, maintaining proper setup before device replacement occurs. This preliminary configuration ensures accuracy while allowing device swaps to happen without additional reconfiguration, thereby maintaining service continuity and meeting service level agreements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dock maintains continuous, properly configured connections throughout the device replacement process. The useful action of data transmission and communication continues without interruption or reconfiguration, ensuring both configuration accuracy and service continuity to meet productivity requirements and service level agreements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may comprise a dock. The dock may comprise a front. The front may include a front side, wherein a plurality of connectors are disposed on the front side and wherein the plurality of connectors accept external cables, and a rear side, wherein the rear side includes a plurality of extenders and wherein each one of the plurality of extenders connects to one of the plurality of connectors. The dock may comprise a rear including an aperture to allow for insertion of a computing device, wherein the plurality of extenders correspond with and connect to one of a connector on the computing device.