Modular Storage Backplane Interface Sets for Cabling Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data center and cloud computing environments, the complexity of cabling for connecting servers and storage modules leads to space constraints, complicates servicing, and restricts the number and types of fabrics that can be exposed, necessitating a solution that eliminates the need for external cabling and enables flexible, scalable storage backplane solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular, cable-less storage backplane that allows storage and compute modules to automatically connect and communicate across a common fabric, regardless of physical location, using a flexible and scalable architecture with software-configurable behavior, enabling direct or cascaded connections and resource sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external cabling is used to connect servers and storage modules, then physical associativity can be defined, but space constraints increase and servicing becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cabling function into the backplane structure itself. Interface sets are integrated directly onto the backplane, eliminating the need for separate external cables. Modules connect to the backplane through built-in interfaces, combining what were previously separate components (cables and connectors) into a unified integrated structure that simplifies servicing and reduces complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cabling function from the external connection domain and relocates it to the backplane domain. By integrating interfaces directly into the backplane structure, the solution removes the need for external cabling entirely, taking out the problematic element (external cables) and replacing it with an integrated solution that eliminates the contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external cabling is used to connect servers and storage modules, then physical associativity can be defined, but rack density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connection functions into unified interface sets on the backplane. Each interface set can connect to multiple modules simultaneously, allowing a single backplane interface to provide physical associativity with multiple modules without requiring separate cables for each connection. This merging approach maintains adaptability while significantly improving rack density.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface sets on the backplane are designed with multi-functionality, where each interface set can serve multiple modules and support different connection configurations. This universal design allows the same backplane infrastructure to provide physical associativity across various module arrangements without requiring additional cabling, thereby maintaining versatility while improving rack density.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external cabling is used to connect servers and storage modules, then connections can be established, but the number and types of fabrics that can be exposed is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The backplane interface sets are designed as universal interfaces that can support multiple fabric types (storage fabrics, interconnect fabrics, etc.) through a single integrated structure. Each interface set can be configured to expose different fabric types without requiring separate physical cabling for each fabric type, thereby increasing the number and types of fabrics that can be exposed while reducing cabling configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configurability in the backplane interface sets, allowing the fabric types and connection configurations to be changed through software or control logic rather than physical reconfiguration of cables. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to different fabric requirements without the complexity of physically reconfiguring external cabling, thereby increasing fabric versatility while reducing configuration complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modules are added or removed from the rack, then capacity can be adjusted, but physical cabling needs to be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection infrastructure into the backplane, where interface sets remain fixed and permanently connected to modules. When modules are added or removed, the backplane automatically maintains connections through its integrated interface sets, eliminating the need to physically reconfigure cabling. This merging approach preserves module scalability while eliminating the time loss associated with cabling reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The backplane interface sets are designed to automatically maintain connections as modules are added or removed. The system self-adjusts to module changes without requiring manual cabling reconfiguration, with the backplane's integrated interfaces automatically establishing or breaking connections as needed. This self-service capability maintains module scalability while eliminating the time-consuming manual cabling reconfiguration process.
Data Source
AI summary
An example device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one interface set, including a first interface, at least one second interface, and at least one third interface. A first portion of the first interface is coupled to a second portion of the at least one second interface. A second portion of the first interface is coupled to a first portion of the at least one third interface. The first portion of the first interface is isolated from the second portion of the first interface, the first portion of the second interface is isolated from the second portion of the second interface, and the first portion of the third interface is isolated from the second portion of the third interface.