Vertical Distribution Strip for Data Center Rack Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges with excessive heat generation, cabling complexity, and limited space, which hinder efficient cooling and network connectivity, leading to potential component failures and reduced density of equipment.
Innovation Solution
A data center network distribution system that includes a distribution strip with vertically oriented network ports, reducing cabling length and clutter, improving airflow, and providing redundant connections, along with a network configuration manager to maintain network identity and connectivity policies, especially during equipment reconfiguration or movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional horizontal cabling is used to connect rack-mounted devices to network switches, then network connectivity is provided, but cabling complexity and clutter increase, restricting airflow and impeding cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal cabling (parallel to the floor) to vertical cabling (perpendicular to the floor, along the rack height). Distribution strips are mounted vertically on rack sides or backplanes, with network ports positioned at different heights to match rack-mounted devices. This dimensional change eliminates the need for cables to traverse horizontally across racks, reducing cable clutter and improving airflow pathways for cooling.
2Productivity
If numerous cables are routed through cable trays or under raised floors to provide connectivity, then network connectivity is achieved, but space utilization decreases and ventilation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts network connectivity functions from traditional horizontal cabling infrastructure (cable trays, raised floors) and relocates them to vertical distribution strips integrated directly into the rack structure. This extraction eliminates the need for extensive horizontal cable routing through building infrastructure, freeing up space in cable trays and under raised floors, while simultaneously improving ventilation by removing cable obstacles from airflow paths.
3Productivity
If distribution strips are positioned away from the central volume of racks, then EDP equipment deployment is optimized, but cabling length may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distribution strip into multiple sections or modules, each serving a specific vertical zone of the rack. Network ports are distributed at different heights along the strip, allowing each rack-mounted device to connect to the nearest port rather than requiring long cables to reach a centralized location. This segmentation maintains the distribution strip's position on the rack periphery (preserving central volume for EDP equipment) while minimizing cable lengths through vertical zoning.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus (“utility”) for facilitating connection of rack-mounted data devices (50) to a data network is provided. The utility includes a distribution strip (42) and a number of network ports (44), disposed on the distribution strip (42), for use in connecting the rack-mounted data devices (50) to the network. The distribution strip (42) has a longitudinal axis, and is disposed on a rack (40) such that a length of the distribution strip (42), defined relative to the longitudinal axis, extends primarily or exclusively along a vertical axis of the rack (40). The distribution strip may further include a data network switch device. A utility is also provided that provides improved redundancy with regard to connections of rack-mounted data devices by including a distribution strip (42) that includes first and second ports (46) for connecting the distribution strip (42) to a network device (56).