Hybrid Management Switch Cable Consolidating Ethernet and Console Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information handling systems require separate cabling for both Ethernet management and console management switches, leading to increased cabling costs, complex cable routing, reduced airflow, obstructed access, and inefficient use of rack space due to the need for multiple device slots.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid management switch system with a single hybrid management switch connector that combines Ethernet and serial/console management connectivity using a hybrid management cable with dual sub-connectors, allowing for separate data transmission mediums within a single cable conduit, reducing the number of management switch devices and cables needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate cabling is provided for both TOR Ethernet management switch device and TOR console management switch device, then management capabilities for both Ethernet and console communications are maintained, but cabling costs increase, cable routing becomes complex, and rack space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate Ethernet management and console management cabling into a single hybrid management cable. The cable includes both an Ethernet cable portion and a console cable portion integrated together, allowing both management functions to be achieved through one unified cabling solution rather than requiring separate cables for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid management cable serves multiple management functions simultaneously. It provides both Ethernet management connectivity and console management connectivity through a single cable assembly, making the cabling system universal for handling different types of management traffic to the same device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate cabling is provided for both TOR Ethernet management switch device and TOR console management switch device, then comprehensive management options are available, but cabling costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate Ethernet and console management cables into a single hybrid cable assembly. This integration simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of separate cabling operations needed while maintaining all necessary management connectivity options.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid management cable is segmented into distinct functional portions - an Ethernet cable portion and a console cable portion - each optimized for its specific protocol while being integrated into a unified cable assembly for simplified installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple management switch devices are used in a rack, then both Ethernet and console management are supported, but rack space for server devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid management cable enables a single management switch device to handle both Ethernet management and console management functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated switch devices for each management type, thereby freeing up rack slots for additional server or network devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges Ethernet and console management traffic handling into a single management switch device that receives both cable types. This consolidation reduces the total number of management switch devices required in the rack, increasing available space for compute and storage resources.
4Reliability
If separate cabling is used for Ethernet and console management, then dedicated management paths are established, but airflow and access to devices are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate management cables into a single hybrid cable that routes both Ethernet and console connections through one organized pathway. This consolidation improves airflow by removing redundant cables and enhances accessibility by reducing cable clutter around device ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid cable segments management functions into organized portions within a single cable assembly, allowing for cleaner routing and better organization compared to multiple separate cables, thereby improving both airflow and physical access to equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid management cable includes a cable connector having a first cable sub-connector and a second cable sub-connector, The cable connector connects to a hybrid management switch connector on a hybrid management switch and, in response, engages the first cable sub-connector with a first hybrid management switch sub-connector on the hybrid management switch connector, and engages the second cable sub-connector with a second hybrid management switch sub-connector on the hybrid management switch connector. A cable conduit extends from the cable connector. A first management data transmission medium is connected to the first cable sub-connector, located in the cable conduit, and extends along the length of the cable conduit. A second management data transmission medium is connected to the second cable sub-connector, located in the cable conduit and isolated from the first management data transmission medium, and extends along the length of the cable conduit.