Unified Power Data Cable for Network Switch Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing stacked arrangement of network switches requires multiple separate data and power cables, leading to high costs, complexity, and increased risk of installation errors, which can degrade network uptime and performance.
Innovation Solution
A unified power and data cable that integrates a data transmission path and a power transmission path with a distributed impedance characteristic, allowing for both high-frequency packet traffic and power redundancy, reducing the number of cables needed and shielding data from electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate data stacking cables and power stacking cables are used to connect network switches in a stacked arrangement, then data transmission and power redundancy are enabled, but the number of cables increases leading to high costs, complexity, and installation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate data stacking cables and power stacking cables into a single unified cable assembly. This unified cable contains both data transmission conductors and power transmission conductors, allowing simultaneous data communication and power delivery between network switches. The merging eliminates the need for multiple separate cables, reducing installation complexity and the total number of cable connections while maintaining both data transmission and power redundancy functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified cable assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits data packets between switches, delivers power to switches, and provides power redundancy paths. This multi-functional cable replaces the need for dedicated data cables and dedicated power cables, making the system more efficient and easier to manage while maintaining all necessary network functions.
2Reliability
If multiple separate cables are used for data and power transmission, then dedicated paths are provided, but installation errors increase degrading network up-time and performance
Solution Approach 1:
By merging data and power transmission into a single unified cable assembly with pre-organized conductors and integrated connectors, the patent reduces the number of connection points and potential installation errors. The unified structure ensures proper alignment and connection of both data and power paths simultaneously, improving installation accuracy and reducing errors that could affect network up-time.
3Power
If separate data stacking cables and power stacking cables are used, then high speed switching and high power redundancy are enabled, but the cables become expensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple high-capacity cable functions into a single unified cable assembly that maintains the power and data transmission capabilities of separate cables. The unified structure consolidates what would otherwise be multiple cumbersome cables into one manageable unit, reducing cable management complexity while preserving high power redundancy capacity and high-speed switching capabilities.
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 unified cable reduces infrastructure costs, minimizes installation errors, and ensures continuous operation by rerouting power and data through adjacent switches in case of failure, maintaining network functionality without complete failure.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmission path sheathing the data transmission path. The power transmission path includes a power layer and a ground layer, where the power transmission path is characterized by a distributed impedance having at least one frequency dependent impedance characteristic
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a cable includes a data transmission path disposed about an axial center of the cable and a power transmission path sheathing the data transmission path. The power transmission path includes a power layer and a ground layer, where the power transmission path is characterized by a distributed impedance having at least one frequency dependent impedance characteristic. In some implementations, ground layer shields the data transmission path from electromagnetic interference. In some implementations, the frequency dependent impedance characteristic of the power transmission path is characterized by a capacitance value that satisfies a capacitance criterion at frequencies above a first frequency level. In some implementations, the frequency dependent impedance characteristic of the power transmission path is characterized by an inductance value that satisfies a first inductance criterion at frequencies above a first frequency level.