Transceiver Light Plug Indicators for High-Density Port Status
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network devices face challenges with limited space for light-based indicators due to high breakout port densities, leading to thermal and engineering inefficiencies, and existing solutions are hardware-dependent, limiting flexibility and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver light plug (TLP) with removable light-based indicators that can be plugged in as needed, allowing software-defined control and reducing hardware components like CPLDs and light pipes, enabling flexible and efficient management of indicator functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high breakout port densities are implemented, then connectivity options and data transfer speeds are improved, but space for light-based indicators is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light-based indicators from the main device housing and relocates them to a separate transceiver module. This allows the front panel of the main device to have reduced space requirements while the indicators remain accessible on the transceiver itself, resolving the contradiction between high port density and indicator space.
2Loss of information
If more light-based indicators are added to provide comprehensive transceiver port information, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity and hardware components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver module becomes self-sufficient by integrating its own light-based indicators directly onto its housing. This allows the transceiver to provide comprehensive port information independently without requiring additional hardware components in the main device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining information completeness.
3Reliability
If traditional hardware-dependent indicator solutions are used, then reliability is improved, but flexibility and user experience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver module is designed with universal functionality, serving both as the data transmission interface and as the indicator display unit. This multi-functional design maintains reliability through proven hardware while adding flexibility by allowing software-configurable indicator behaviors and patterns that can be adapted to different use cases.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The TLP solution reduces hardware complexity, improves thermal performance, and enhances user experience by providing software-defined control of indicators, while allowing for a vendor-independent design with reduced power consumption and engineering efforts.
Implementation Method 1
One or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light-emitting diodes may be arranged on the housing of the computing device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises one or more transceiver ports and at least one processing device comprising a processor coupled to a memory. The at least one processing device is configured to detect a transceiver light plug interconnected with a transceiver plugged into a given one of the transceiver ports, and to exchange, via a first set of connectors of the transceiver which are operably connected with a second set of connectors of the transceiver light plug, configuration information for light-based indicators arranged on a housing of the transceiver light plug. The at least one processing device is also configured to determine an operational status of the given transceiver port, and to provide, to the transceiver light plug via the first and second sets of connectors, control information for controlling operation of the light-based indicators based at least in part on the determined operational status of the given transceiver port.