Optical Switch Port Density via Multi-Row Rear Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical switches face challenges in supporting increased switch capacity without significantly increasing physical dimensions, which is undesirable in data center environments where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
The information handling system arranges optical ports in a first and second row at the exterior panel, with front ports visible and rear ports hidden from view when viewed head-on, allowing for a higher density of optical ports without expanding the switch's physical dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of optical ports is increased to support higher switch capacity, then switch capacity is improved, but physical dimensions of the switch increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a single-row port arrangement to a multi-row three-dimensional layout. Optical ports are arranged in multiple rows (first row, second row, third row, etc.) stacked vertically or in layers, utilizing the third dimension (depth/height) rather than only expanding horizontally. This allows significantly more ports to be packed into the same front panel area, resolving the contradiction between increasing switch capacity and maintaining compact physical dimensions.
2Quantity of substance
If the front panel area is increased to accommodate more optical ports, then optical port density is improved, but space utilization in data center is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing multiple rows of optical ports within a compact front panel structure. Sub-rows of ports are nested vertically or in layers within the same overall panel footprint. For example, a first row of ports is positioned at one vertical level, a second row is nested above or behind it, and additional rows are nested further, creating a dense nested arrangement that maximizes port quantity without proportionally increasing the external panel dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system may include a processor and a plurality of ports communicatively coupled to the processor, and physically arranged in a first row and a second row at an exterior panel of an enclosure of the information handling system, such that the plurality of ports includes front ports of the first row visible when the exterior panel is viewed head on, rear ports of the first row located directly behind the front ports of the first row from a perspective in which the exterior panel is viewed head on, front ports of the second row visible when the exterior panel is viewed head on, and rear ports of the second row located directly behind the front ports of the second row from the perspective in which the exterior panel is viewed head on.