Network device including multiple mid-planes
US7023845B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L43/16
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a network device that fully utilizes the available space in a standard telco rack through the use of multiple mid-planes. Full utilization of available space allows a high switching capacity network device including both physical layer switch/router subsystems and upper layer switch/router subsystems to be fit in one telco rack. Inter-mid-plane connections may be provided by connecting switch fabric cards and/or control processor cards to each of the mid-planes. Providing a multi-layer network device in one telco rack allows for intelligent layer 1 switching (for example, dynamic network connection set up), allows for one network management system to control both layer 1 and upper layer networks and eliminates grooming fees. Compared with separate layer 1 and upper layer network devices or a multi-layer network device occupying multiple telco racks, a single network device saves valuable telco site space and reduces expenses by sharing overhead such as the chassis, power and cooling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.