Parallel Coupled Network Switch Stacking via Frequency Division Multiplexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network switch stacking technologies face inefficiencies due to the need for series connections, which can lead to communication disruptions if a switch fails, and require redundant paths to maintain operation, reducing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a parallelly coupled network switching device with addressable interfaces and internal communication mediums like coaxial cables or optical fibers, allowing direct communication between switches without interference, and using frequency division multiplexing for concurrent signal transmission, enabling switches to operate independently even if one fails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network switches are connected in series for stacking, then the stack can be formed with sequential signal transmission, but communication efficiency deteriorates and can be blocked by a failed switch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication continuityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the series connection into multiple independent parallel paths. Each switch in the stack can communicate through its own dedicated path, eliminating the bottleneck where a single failed switch would block communication for all other switches. This segmentation allows simultaneous independent communication channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional series connection to a two-dimensional parallel connection structure. Multiple switches are connected simultaneously across multiple dimensions rather than sequentially along a single path, enabling concurrent communication and eliminating single-point failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If redundant paths are added to series connections to bypass failed switches, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault toleranceVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple connection paths into a unified parallel structure where all switches are simultaneously connected to all other switches. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate redundant paths while maintaining fault tolerance, as any switch can communicate with any other switch through multiple direct connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each connection in the parallel stack serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides a primary communication path, a backup path, and enables direct communication between any pair of switches. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated redundant paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If parallel coupling with addressable interfaces is implemented, then communication efficiency improves and failed switches can be bypassed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission efficiencyVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each switch in the parallel stack is equipped with addressable interfaces that enable self-identification and self-addressing. Switches automatically manage their own communication paths and can independently bypass failed switches without requiring complex external control logic, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The addressable interfaces act as intermediaries that manage communication between switches. Each interface handles addressing and routing independently, simplifying the control logic by distributing intelligence to individual components rather than requiring complex centralized management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution ensures continuous communication within a switch stack by allowing parallel transmission of signals, reducing the need for redundant paths and maintaining efficiency even if a network switch or interface fails, as signals can bypass faulty components without interruption.

Implementation Method 1

The internal communication medium may include an electrical connection (e.g. coaxial cable), an optical connection (e.g. optical fiber or other beam of light), a guided electromagnetic wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The stacking cables may concurrently carry a plurality of signals by utilizing frequency division multiplexing (FDM)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency division multiplexing:

Data Source

PatentUS8665704B2Parallelly coupled stackable network switching device
Publication Date: 2014.03.04 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP
  • US8665704B2 patent drawing
  • US8665704B2 patent drawing
  • US8665704B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A network switching device includes at least two stacking ports, each stacking port being connectable via a stacking cable to a stack including at least one external network switching device. The device further includes an internal communication medium coupled to the stacking ports and capable of transmitting a frequency division multiplexed signal between the stacking ports. The device further includes a network switch and an interface to enable communication between the network switch and the internal communication medium. The interface includes a parallel coupling to the internal communication medium such that a signal with one carrier frequency being communicated between the network switch and the internal communication medium does not interfere with transmission between the two stacking ports of a signal with a different carrier frequency.