Smart NIC Master-Slave Arrangement for Reduced Rack Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high number of network interface cables in rack systems increases costs and creates operational issues such as maintenance and airflow problems in data centers and computing facilities.
Innovation Solution
A master-slave arrangement of smart network interface cards (NICs) with integrated Ethernet switches and RJ45 connectors, allowing internal RJ45 connectors to be routed within the chassis and minimizing external cables, while maintaining connectivity through a single external RJ45 cable to the TOR switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate NICs are used for different network functions, then network functionality and connectivity are improved, but the number of external cables and connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple NIC functions (SFP module for fiber optic connectivity, multiple RJ45 connectors for Ethernet connectivity, and integrated Ethernet switch) into a single smart NIC card. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate NIC cards and reduces the number of external cables required, as the integrated Ethernet switch can internally route traffic between multiple RJ45 connectors without requiring external cable connections to the motherboard for each connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart NIC card is designed with multi-functionality to handle various network connection types through a single card. It includes an SFP module for fiber optic connections, multiple RJ45 connectors for Ethernet connections, and an integrated Ethernet switch that can handle both types of connections. This universal design allows the system to maintain diverse network functionality while reducing cable quantity.
2Reliability
If multiple network interface cables are routed at the front of the rack, then connectivity to TOR switch is achieved, but operational issues such as maintenance difficulty and airflow blockage occur
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple RJ45 connectors and an Ethernet switch onto a single smart NIC card, the patent reduces the number of cables that need to be routed externally. The internal routing capability of the integrated Ethernet switch allows multiple connectors to share a single external cable connection to the TOR switch, thereby improving airflow and ease of maintenance while maintaining connectivity.
3Reliability
If each RJ45 connector is connected externally to the motherboard, then network connectivity is ensured, but device complexity and cabling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple RJ45 connectors and an Ethernet switch into a single integrated smart NIC card. The Ethernet switch is internally connected to all RJ45 connectors on the card, eliminating the need for external cable connections from each connector to the motherboard. This integration maintains network connectivity while significantly reducing cabling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device has several smart network interface cards (NICs) with RJ45 connectors. The smart NICs are in master-slave arrangement, where internal RJ45 connectors of the master smart NIC are connected by RJ45 cables to respective RJ45 connectors of slave smart NICs. A front RJ45 connector of the master smart NIC is connected by an RJ45 cable to a network switch that is installed in a same rack as the computing device.