Patent ID: 6921212
Filing Date: 2005-07-26
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A modular and adjustable backplane assembly to provide backplane communication between a first and second signal interface and a corresponding first and second set of touter cards in a first packet router cabinet to a first and second signal interface and a corresponding first and second set of router cards in a second packet router cabinet, comprising: a first portion mounting a third signal interface configured to engage the first signal interface of the first packet router cabinet; a second portion mounting a fourth signal interface configured to engage the second signal interface of the first packet router cabinet; a third portion mounting a fifth signal interface configured to engage the first signal interface of the second packet router cabinet; a fourth portion mounting a sixth signal interface configured to engage the second signal interface of the second packet router cabinet; adjustment mechanisms allowing relative movement between the first and second portions, and the third and fourth portions respectively, while preserving the modularity of the backplane assembly; a first signal conductor assembly engaging the third and fourth signal interfaces to communicate signals between the first set of router cards and the second set of router cards in the first packet router cabinet; a second signal conductor assembly engaging the fifth and sixth signal interfaces to communicate signals between the first set of router cards and the second set of router cards in the second packet router cabinet; and a seventh signal interface connected to one or both of the third and fourth signal interfaces at the first cabinet; and an eighth signal interface connected to one or both of the fifth and sixth signal interfaces of the second cabinet; wherein the seventh signal interface is connected to the eighth signal interface enabling router card sets housed in the first packet router cabinet to communicate with the router card sets housed in the second packet router cabinet thereby providing a scalable router.