Storage Chassis Backplane Layout to Eliminate Switch Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting storage nodes in switched networks through physical connections, such as Ethernet cables and optical fibers, increase cabling costs and time, complicating deployment and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A storage chassis integrating a backplane, storage modules, and switching modules, where connections are made through PCB traces, eliminating the need for separate storage and management network switches, and incorporating redundancy and hot-plug capabilities to ensure uninterrupted operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If storage nodes are connected through physical connections (Ethernet cables, optical fibers), then network communication between storage nodes can be realized, but cabling costs and time costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage node and switching node into a single integrated chassis unit. The storage module and switching module share the same physical housing and backplane, eliminating the need for separate physical connections between storage nodes and network switches. This integration directly reduces cabling time and costs while maintaining network communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated chassis performs multiple functions within a single device: it provides both storage capabilities (through storage modules) and network switching capabilities (through switching modules). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices, reducing the overall cabling requirements and deployment time.
2Reliability
If storage nodes, storage network switches, and management network switches are independent apparatuses connected through physical connections, then network communication and management can be realized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines independent storage nodes and network switches into a single integrated chassis. The backplane provides unified interconnection for both storage and network functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate apparatuses and their associated physical connections. This reduces device complexity while maintaining communication and management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Within the integrated chassis, the system is segmented into functional modules: storage modules for data storage and switching modules for network communication. This modular segmentation allows independent functionality while maintaining physical integration, simplifying the overall apparatus structure compared to fully independent devices.
3Reliability
If multiple independent apparatuses are connected through physical connections, then network functionality can be achieved, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating storage and switching functions into a single chassis, the patent reduces the number of separate components that require maintenance. Technical personnel need to access and maintain fewer physical devices, simplifying the maintenance process while ensuring network functionality continues to operate reliably.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a storage chassis and a data processing method thereof, and a storage system. The storage chassis provided in an example of the present disclosure integrates a backplane, a plurality of storage modules, and a plurality of switching modules, where a storage module local management network interface of each storage module is connected to each switching module through PCB traces on the backplane, and a storage module local storage network interface of each storage module is connected to each switching module through PCB traces on the backplane.