Event Message Communication via Visible Light in Data Centers

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large-scale computing systems, computer devices in adjacent rows of storage cabinets are typically unable to connect to each other's network segments due to design considerations, making it difficult to provide redundancy for fault management, leading to increased infrastructure costs and reduced heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where a first computer device unable to connect to the management network uses short-range wireless communication, such as visible light communication, to send event notifications to a second device that can connect, which then acknowledges and forwards the notifications to the management console, eliminating the need for a redundant network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a redundant network is provided for fault management, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault management capabilityVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless communication intermediary is introduced between computer devices and the management network. When wired network connections fail, the wireless intermediary (using visible light communication or other short-range wireless technologies) acts as a mediator to relay event messages from affected devices to the management console, maintaining reliability without requiring a complete redundant wired network infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/wired network connection system with a wireless communication system for fault management. By substituting physical cabling with wireless technologies (such as visible light communication), the system eliminates the need for redundant physical network infrastructure while maintaining the ability to report and manage faults

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If additional network switches and cabling are installed for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork redundancyVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces energy-consuming wired network infrastructure with wireless communication for fault management. By using wireless technologies such as visible light communication, the system eliminates the need for additional network switches, routers, and cabling that would consume power, while still providing redundant communication paths for event message transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If additional network switches and cabling are installed for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but heat dissipation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork redundancyVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical network infrastructure that generates heat with wireless communication technology. By eliminating additional network switches, cables, and associated hardware, the system reduces the thermal load in data centers while maintaining redundant communication capabilities through wireless means, thereby improving heat dissipation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces the need for additional network switches and cabling, lowering energy consumption and infrastructure costs while improving heat dissipation by enabling fault management without a redundant network.

Implementation Method 1

uses short-range wireless communication, such as visible light communication, to send event notifications

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVisible light communication: Light

Data Source

PatentUS10771311B2Communication of event messages in computing systems

Publication Date: 2020.09.08 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A method and system. A first computer device sends to a second computer device, via a broadcast or multicast communication, an event notification of a notifiable management event, The first computer device may connect to a management network via only a first network switch, wherein the first computer device is unable to notify a management device of the notifiable management event via the management network because the first computer device is unable to connect to the management network via the first network switch. The first computer device receives, from the second computer device via a first unicast communication, an acknowledgment of the event notification, wherein the second computer device is able to connect to the management network via the second network switch. The broadcast or multicast communication and the first unicast communication each use a short-range wireless communications technology comprising visible light communication or data-over-audio communication.