Method and apparatus to manage the direct interconnect switch wiring and growth in computer networks
US10303640B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2018 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2213/0026
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a method for managing the wiring and growth of a direct interconnect network implemented on a torus or higher radix interconnect structure based on an architecture that replaces the Network Interface Card (NIC) with PCIe switching cards housed in the server. Also provided is a passive patch panel for use in the implementation of the interconnect, comprising: a passive backplane that houses node to node connectivity for the interconnect; and at least one connector board plugged into the passive backplane comprising multiple connectors. The multiple connectors are capable of receiving an interconnecting plug to maintain the continuity of the torus or higher radix topology when not fully enabled. The PCIe card for use in the implementation of the interconnect comprises: at least 4 electrical or optical ports for the interconnect; a local switch; a processor with RAM and ROM memory; and a PCI interface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.