SFP Patch Panel Extending Rear Connections to Front
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Solution Overview
Problem
The data center industry faces challenges with high-speed data transmission as traditional RJ45 cables do not support newer data rates without expensive duplication, and SFP, SFP+, and QSFP+ cables lack patch panel equivalents for extending connections, making it difficult to route signals efficiently between high-spatial-density arrays of connectors.
Innovation Solution
A passive patch panel for SFP, SFP+, or QSFP+ connections that extends functionality by creating a male-to-female extension from the rear to the front of computing equipment, using a circuit board with RF coaxial connections to maintain signal integrity and support high-speed networking, while being hot-pluggable for easy maintenance and cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If SFP, SFP+, or QSFP+ cables are used to support high-speed data transmission, then data transmission rate is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of patch panel equivalents for extending connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a patch panel as an intermediary device that mediates between SFP, SFP+, or QSFP+ connectors and the computing device. The patch panel includes a connector that interfaces with the computing device and additional connectors that provide extension points, allowing users to extend high-speed connections to alternate locations without requiring direct cable access to the rear of the computing device.
2Ease of operation
If RJ45 connections are used for patch panels, then ease of operation is improved, but data transmission rate deteriorates as they do not support newer high-speed data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different connector types at different locations within the patch panel system. The patch panel itself uses high-speed SFP, SFP+, or QSFP+ connectors to maintain data transmission integrity, while still providing RJ45 or other connector types at extension points for compatibility with various devices. This allows the system to support both high-speed transmission and ease of operation with different connector types where appropriate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If male-to-male connections are used for SFP, SFP+, or QSFP+ cables, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in spatial re-positioning of female connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection path into multiple sections using the patch panel as an intermediate component. Instead of a single male-to-male cable connection, the system divides the connection into: (1) the computing device connector, (2) the patch panel connector, and (3) extension connectors at alternate locations. This segmentation allows female connectors to be positioned at convenient locations while maintaining the high-speed connection through the patch panel.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a patch panel, comprising: a circuit board; and an SFP, SFP+, or QSFP+ connector connected to a plurality of radio frequency coaxial (RF coaxial) connections via conductive traces of the circuit board, the RF coaxial connections configured to extend functionality of the SFP, SFP+, or QSFP+ socket of a computing device coupled to the patch panel from a rear end of the computing device to a front end of the computing device.