Centralized Switch Manager Virtualization for Data Center Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In modern data center server systems, the large number of network cables connected to computing modules obstructs cooling airflow, leading to overheating and potential failure of the modules.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a plurality of leaf switches, spine switches, and a centralized switch manager that emulates individual controllers as virtual machines for each leaf and spine switch, reducing the need for physical controllers and optimizing network architecture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of network cables are connected to computing modules in server racks, then network connectivity and communication capabilities are improved, but cooling airflow is obstructed leading to overheating and potential failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidoverheating

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces network switches as intermediary devices between computing modules and the external network. Instead of directly connecting numerous cables to each computing module, the switches serve as central connection points that consolidate network traffic, thereby maintaining full network connectivity while reducing cable clutter and improving airflow around computing modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent consolidates multiple network connections into centralized switch devices. Multiple computing modules share common network access through the switches, merging individual connection requirements into shared infrastructure points, which reduces the overall number of cable connections needed at each computing module while maintaining network adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If individual physical controllers are provided for each leaf switch and spine switch, then network management control is improved, but hardware costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management controlVSAvoidhardware configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal centralized switch manager that can manage multiple leaf switches and spine switches through a single interface and control plane. This multi-functional manager consolidates the control capabilities that would otherwise require separate physical controllers for each switch, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining comprehensive network management control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple individual controller functions into a single centralized switch manager. Instead of having separate physical controllers for each leaf and spine switch, the centralized manager combines all control plane functions into one device, simplifying hardware configuration while preserving individual switch management capabilities through virtualization and software-based control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9866474B2Centralized server switch management

Publication Date: 2018.01.09 QUANTA COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A system for managing server switches includes a plurality of leaf switches, a plurality of spine switches connected to each of the plurality of leaf switches, and a switch manager. The switch manager is connected to the plurality of leaf switches and the plurality of spine switches, and is configured to provide an individual controller as a virtual machine for each leaf switch and for each spine switch.