Pluggable OOBM Modules for Switch Thermal and Port Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional out-of-band management (OOBM) designs for network switches and IT assets are inflexible, occupying valuable space and limiting thermal performance, and cannot adapt to changing needs for OOBM capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing pluggable management modules (PMMs) that allow OOBM ports and indicators to be detached from the faceplate, enabling customizable and flexible OOBM functionality, with PMMs inserted into designated slots on network devices, and utilizing PMM detection and control logic for managing OOBM operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If OOBM ports and indicators are integrated into the network switch housing, then management functionality is provided, but thermal performance deteriorates and space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the OOBM functionality into separate pluggable modules that can be independently inserted into the network switch housing. This segmentation allows the main housing to remain thermally efficient while providing OOBM capabilities through detachable modules that can be positioned optimally for thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The OOBM ports and indicators are extracted from the integrated housing structure and placed into separate pluggable modules. This extraction removes the thermal burden from the main housing while preserving all OOBM functionality, allowing the housing to focus on primary data plane operations with improved thermal characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed OOBM design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic OOBM capability by providing pluggable modules that can be inserted or removed based on changing operational needs. The system can adapt its OOBM functionality dynamically by changing which modules are present, allowing evolution of capabilities without redesigning the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The pluggable module design creates a universal interface that can support multiple different OOBM configurations. A single housing design can accommodate various module types and combinations, providing multi-functionality and adaptability while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for the housing itself.
3Ease of operation
If OOBM components are placed on the faceplate, then accessibility is improved, but thermal performance and switchport capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves OOBM components from the traditional faceplate location to side-mounted or rear-mounted pluggable modules. This dimensional relocation preserves accessibility by providing easy reach to OOBM ports while freeing up valuable faceplate real estate for additional switchports, thereby increasing overall device capacity and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a housing comprising at least one of one or more out-of-band management (OOBM) ports and one or more OOBM indicators, and a connector coupled to the housing, the connector configured for operable interconnection with a pluggable management module port of a computing device. The apparatus also comprises at least one processing device configured to exchange, with the computing device, configuration information for the OOBM ports and the OOBM indicators, and to receive, from the computing device, OOBM information for controlling operation of the OOBM ports and the OOBM indicators, the OOBM information being based at least in part on a determined operational status of one or more components of the computing device. The at least one processing device is also configured to control, based at least in part on the received OOBM information, operation of the OOBM ports and the OOBM indicators.