Rack-Mounted Network Switch Integrating Power Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network equipment in data center equipment racks lacks integration with power distribution capabilities, leading to inefficient management and potential mis-connections of network cables and power outlets.
Innovation Solution
A communication network switch with an elongated enclosure aligned along the height of an equipment rack, featuring distributed network ports and power outlets, and a controller that associates network ports with specific rack spaces and power outlets, enabling automated identification and management of connected equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional network equipment is mounted in rack with separate power distribution, then network connectivity is provided, but integration with power distribution capabilities is lacking and management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines network switching functionality and power distribution capabilities into a single integrated rack-mounted device. The network switch includes both network ports for data connectivity and power outlets for electrical power delivery, eliminating the need for separate network equipment and power distribution units. This merging directly addresses the contradiction by providing both network connectivity and power distribution through one device, improving adaptability while simplifying management.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing network connectivity through multiple network ports and delivering electrical power through integrated power outlets. Each network port is associated with corresponding power outlets, enabling the device to serve both data and power needs of rack-mounted equipment. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the device versatile enough to handle both network and power distribution tasks.
2Measurement precision
If network ports are distributed along elongated enclosure aligned with rack height, then association with specific rack spaces is improved, but physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension of the rack by aligning the elongated enclosure with the rack height. Network ports are distributed vertically along the enclosure, with each port positioned to correspond to a specific rack space level. This vertical arrangement in the height dimension enables precise identification and association with rack spaces while efficiently utilizing the available vertical space in the rack, rather than requiring excessive horizontal space.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the elongated enclosure are designed with specific local functions: network ports are positioned at certain vertical locations for data connectivity, while power outlets are positioned at corresponding locations for power delivery. This local differentiation allows each part of the enclosure to serve its specific purpose while maintaining the overall compact vertical structure, resolving the contradiction between precise rack space identification and space efficiency.
3Device complexity
If manual identification and association of equipment with power outlets is performed, then system complexity is reduced, but time consumption and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch automatically performs equipment identification and association without requiring manual intervention. When equipment is connected to a network port, the controller automatically detects the equipment identifier through the network connection and associates it with the corresponding power outlet. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual tracking and documentation, reducing time consumption and potential for human error while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors network traffic and equipment connections, automatically updating the association between equipment identifiers and power outlets based on real-time feedback from the network ports. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic, automated tracking of equipment power associations, resolving the contradiction by eliminating manual identification processes and their associated time losses while keeping the system manageable through intelligent automation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods of providing network connectivity to an equipment rack are provided. A network switch includes an enclosure to be aligned along the height of an equipment rack. The network switch provides a plurality of network ports distributed along the enclosure so the network ports are associated with mounting spaces in the rack, when installed. A controller provides communications between the plurality of network ports and may be configured to identify installed equipment in particular rack spaces, from network traffic on particular network ports and by association of the network ports with the rack spaces.