Gap Services Router 1RU Form Factor Refresh
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Cisco 2811 integrated services router has reached its end of life and is not being replaced with a similarly sized suitable product, posing a challenge for existing systems that require a 1 rack unit (RU) form factor, as newer replacements like the Cisco 2911 are 2 RU in size, necessitating redesign or retrofitting of equipment.
Innovation Solution
A gap services router (GSR) is developed, which is a 1 RU routing, switching, and computing platform incorporating the latest Cisco technology, including a Cisco 5915 embedded services router and a Cisco embedded services 2020 switch, with optional server capabilities and power over ethernet (PoE) on all ports, designed to fit the same form factor as the legacy 2811 router, thus providing a technology refresh without altering existing network equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a newer replacement router like Cisco 2911 is used, then routing technology is updated, but the device size increases from 1 RU to 2 RU
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a Cisco 5915 router and a Cisco 2020 switch into a single integrated device that fits in 1 RU space. This merging of multiple network functions into one compact unit resolves the contradiction by providing updated routing technology without increasing device size to 2 RU.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions including routing, switching, and wireless access point capabilities within a single 1 RU form factor. This multi-functionality allows the device to replace multiple separate components while maintaining the original space constraint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external dedicated computing platforms are used, then server capabilities are provided, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates server capabilities directly into the router device through an optional embedded server module with solid state drive. This eliminates the need for separate external computing platforms, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device becomes universal by incorporating routing, switching, wireless access, and server capabilities in one unit. This multi-functionality allows a single device to perform roles that previously required multiple separate systems, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A gap services router (GSR) that is a drop-in replacement of an end of life Cisco™ 2811 integrated services router (ISR). The GSR is a routing, switching, and computing platform that provides a technology refresh in the same form factor as the legacy 2811 router. The GSR is one rack unit in size and comprises the latest routing and switching technology from Cisco™, preferably a Cisco™ 5915 embedded services router (ESR) and a Cisco™ embedded services 2020 switch. The GSR contains two WAN ports and twenty-five LAN ports, with power over ethernet capability on all ports. The GSR also optionally includes an embedded server module capable of running the latest virtualization technology. An embedded server module in the GSR includes a removable solid state drive (SSD) that is zeroed upon removal. The GSR is preferably used to replace 2811 ISRs integrated in deployed military equipment.