Penta-Port Cage Layout for Higher Network Port Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional networking devices are limited by port density due to rack constraints, necessitating additional devices and increased capital and operational expenditures when full connectivity is required.
Innovation Solution
A penta-port-cage system with five port cages, including a central and four perimeter cages, each oriented differently to maximize port density within the same footprint, allowing for increased connectivity without requiring additional rack units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional port cage arrangements are used in networking devices, then device simplicity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but port density is limited and additional rack units are required to provide further connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring port cages in non-uniform orientations around the central axis. Specifically, port cages are arranged with different rotational positions and orientations, creating an asymmetric layout that maximizes the number of accessible ports within the same footprint. This asymmetric arrangement allows five port cages to be configured in a pentagonal-like pattern, increasing port density without requiring additional rack units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by rotating port cages about a central axis at different angular positions. Instead of arranging port cages in a simple linear or planar fashion, the invention distributes them in three-dimensional space around the axis, with each port cage oriented at a specific rotation angle. This dimensional approach allows multiple port cages to coexist in the same footprint without interference, thereby increasing port density.
2Quantity of substance
If additional networking devices are provided to increase connectivity, then port capacity is improved, but capital expenditures and operational expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple port cage functions into a single networking device chassis. By integrating five port cages within one device, the invention consolidates the functionality that would traditionally require multiple separate networking devices. This merging approach increases connectivity capacity while reducing the number of individual devices needed, thereby lowering both capital expenditures (fewer devices to purchase and install) and operational expenditures (fewer devices to maintain and manage).
Data Source
AI summary
A penta-port-cage system includes a first port cage. A pair of second port cages on the penta-port-cage system are each connected to the first port cage opposite the first port cage from each other, are each oriented such that they are rotated about their longitudinal axis relative to the first port cage, and are inverted relative to each other. A pair of third port cages on the penta-port-cage system are each connected to the first port cage opposite the first port cage from each other, are each oriented such that they are rotated about their longitudinal axis relative to the first port cage, and are inverted relative to each other. Each of the first port cages, the pair of second port cages, and the pair of third port cages are configured to couple cabling systems to a processing system in a networking device.