Extender Units Split High-Speed Data Signals for Extended Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern data center networks face limitations in reach capabilities for high-speed data transmissions, as existing transceiver modules like QSFP+ and CXP transceivers can only send and receive data over relatively short distances, failing to meet the demands for extended reach and high bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a switch host device, extender units, and data cables that split high-speed data signals into 10G portions, allowing these signals to be transmitted over extended distances using SFP+ transceivers, while maintaining management communications, thereby enhancing reach capabilities without requiring additional management interface units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If QSFP+ or CXP transceiver modules are used for high-speed data transmission, then data rate is improved (40G/100G/120G), but reach capability deteriorates (limited to short distances)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high-speed data transmission path by introducing extender units that act as intermediate nodes. These extenders receive high-speed signals from QSFP+/CXP transceivers, convert them to lower-speed 10G signals via SFP+ transceivers, and transmit over extended distances. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high data rates at the source and extended reach through the conversion to lower-speed, longer-reach transceivers.
2Length of moving object
If extender units are introduced to extend reach, then reach capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extender units are designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. Each extender unit can handle multiple data rates (40G, 100G, 120G) through a single device by dynamically configuring the number of SFP+ transceiver lanes activated. The extender also integrates both data transmission and management communication capabilities, eliminating the need for separate management interface units and simplifying the overall network architecture.
3Quantity of substance
If host port density is maximized, then port density is improved, but reach capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the transmission function by placing extender units at remote locations. Each extender unit acts as an independent node that can serve multiple network devices, allowing the host switch to maintain high port density with fewer physical ports while achieving extended reach through the distributed extender network.
Solution Approach 2:
Extender units serve as intermediary devices between the host switch and remote network devices. These intermediaries enable the host to maintain high port density by connecting to extenders rather than directly to all remote devices, while the extenders provide the extended reach capability to remote locations through their SFP+ transceiver interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus is provided for optimizing network data communications. At an extender device, a data signal is received at a host link port across a data cable that is interfaced with the host link port. The host link port is configured to receive the data signal. The data cable is configured to carry management communications and data communications between a switch host device and the extender unit device. The data signal is split into data signal components. Each of the data signal components comprises a ten gigabit per second portion of the data signal. The data signal components are sent to one or more network devices via one or more corresponding data transmission ports.