Patent ID: 9215192
Filing Date: 2015-12-15
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A module for processing signals, comprising: first input ports of a first switch element accessible via a module front panel; first output ports of the first switch element accessible via the module front panel; second input ports of the first switch element accessible via connections on the module other than connections on the module front panel; second output ports of the first switch element accessible via connection on the module other than connections on the module front panel; and the first switch element configured to switch signals received by the first input ports and the second input ports to the first output ports and the second output ports; the module further comprising at least one second switch element forming a pair with the first switch element, the pair formed without modifying one or more connections to at least one of the first input ports and the first output ports of the first switch element, the module providing an aggregate switching capacity for a combination of the first switch element and the at least one second switch element, the aggregate switching capacity being increased at least with respect to a number of ports of one or more of the first switch element and the at least one second switch element as compared with a switching capacity of one of the first switch element and the at least one second switch element, the first switch element and the at least one second switch element enabled to be paired, via connection between the second input ports of the first switch element and the second output ports of the at least one second switch element, and via connection between the second output ports of the first switch element and the second input ports of the at least one second switch element.