Multi-mode Switch Interface Board Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network devices face challenges in efficiently reconfiguring switch interface boards between standalone and multi-chassis modes, which is time-consuming, error-prone, and costly, especially when deploying multiple chassis for increased network traffic routing capacity.

Innovation Solution

A switch interface board with multiple modes of operation, including standalone, back-to-back, and multi-chassis modes, that can be dynamically configured without replacing hardware, eliminating the need for a cross-connect chassis and allowing for increased capacity with reduced costs and latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If switch interface boards are replaced to reconfigure between standalone and multi-chassis modes, then the network device can adapt to different routing capacities, but the reconfiguration process becomes time-consuming, error-prone, and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The switch interface board is designed with dynamic reconfiguration capability, allowing it to switch between standalone and multi-chassis modes through software configuration rather than physical hardware replacement. The board includes mode selection logic that can be programmed to change operational modes on-demand, enabling rapid adaptation without time-consuming hardware swaps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The switch interface board is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple functions across different operational modes. By integrating both standalone and multi-chassis routing capabilities into a single board design, the system eliminates the need for multiple specialized boards, thereby reducing reconfiguration time and costs while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidreconfiguration cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes parameter changes in the form of software configuration and programming to alter the operational mode of the switch interface board. By changing control parameters and configuration settings rather than physical hardware, the system achieves mode transitions at minimal cost, avoiding expensive hardware replacement cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a cross-connect chassis is used for inter-chassis routing, then network traffic can be routed between multiple chassis, but the system complexity and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinter-chassis routing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the inter-chassis routing capability directly into the switch interface boards themselves, eliminating the need for a separate cross-connect chassis. By combining what was previously separate functions (interface processing and inter-chassis routing) into integrated boards, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining full inter-chassis routing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If hardware replacement is used for mode reconfiguration, then the network device can change operational modes, but errors and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switch interface board incorporates dynamic mode switching through software control, allowing seamless transitions between operational modes without physical hardware replacement. This dynamic reconfiguration eliminates manual intervention errors and reduces latency associated with hardware swaps, improving reliability while maintaining mode switching capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10257001B1Multi-mode switch interface board

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 JUNIPER NETWORKS INC

AI summary

A switch interface board may include a first serializer/deserializer to communicate with a first group of packet processing components of a first chassis via a first port. The first chassis may house the switch interface board and the first group of packet processing components. The switch interface board may include a second serializer/deserializer to communicate with a second switch interface board of the first chassis via a second port. The second switch interface board may be connected to a second group of packet processing components of the first chassis. The second group of packet processing components may be different from the first group of packet processing components. The switch interface board may include a third port to communicate with a third switch interface board of a second chassis or a switching device of a cross-connect chassis.