Wireless Outlet Connectivity Management for Data Center Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managed connectivity systems in data centers face challenges with high costs and power consumption due to the implementation of Ethernet switches and cables, and require efficient methods for connectivity identification and real-time detection across geographically diverse networks.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing low energy wireless technology for connectivity management, where outlets equipped with System-On-Chip (SoC) and microcontrollers communicate connectivity information to central controllers via wireless interfaces, enabling power-efficient and cost-effective connectivity management through wireless communication interfaces like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and IEEE802.15.4, with central controllers acting as bridges between wireless technology and TCP/IP interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Ethernet switches and cables are used for connectivity management, then reliable wired connection is achieved, but power consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system (Ethernet switches and cables) with a wireless communication system. Outlets are equipped with wireless communication interfaces that enable connectivity information to be transmitted wirelessly to central controllers, eliminating the need for physical Ethernet infrastructure while maintaining reliable connection tracking and management.
2Loss of information
If Ethernet switches are deployed in wall outlets, then connectivity information can be acquired, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of connectivity information acquisition from the complex Ethernet switch device. Instead of requiring a full Ethernet switch in each outlet, the solution uses simplified outlet devices with wireless communication interfaces that can transmit connectivity information (such as cable insertion status and port occupancy) to central controllers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining information acquisition capability.
3Extent of automation
If Ethernet switches are used in wall outlets, then connectivity management is enabled, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cost-effective wireless communication modules in outlets instead of expensive Ethernet switches. The outlet devices use affordable wireless interfaces (such as Bluetooth Low Energy or IEEE 802.15.4) to communicate connectivity information, significantly reducing the bill of materials cost while maintaining automated connectivity management functionality through centralized processing.
4Stability of the object's composition
If wired Ethernet infrastructure is used, then stable connectivity is achieved, but scalability to geographically diverse networks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal wireless connectivity management system that can operate across geographically diverse locations. The outlet devices with wireless interfaces can be deployed in various environments without requiring physical Ethernet infrastructure, enabling the system to scale from single locations to multiple geographically distributed data centers while maintaining stable connectivity tracking through wireless communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A system providing connectivity management is provided. The system comprises: a content management server configured to manage connectivity for a network; one or more central controllers configured to collect connectivity information for at least a portion of the network for use by the content management server; and at least one outlet having one or more ports for receiving one or more plugs, wherein connectivity information is communicated between the outlet and the central controller through one or more wireless communication interface.