N/2 slot switch module

A bladed architecture, backplane-based network (100) having N payload slots (108) includes an N/2 slot switch module (102), wherein the N/2 slot switch module is reconfigurable to one of a left-hand slot switch configuration (603) and a right-hand slot switch configuration (605), and wherein the N/2 slot switch module is coupled to N/2 of the N payload slots such that the bladed architecture, backplane-based network is in a sub-optimal configuration (601).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Related subject matter is disclosed in U.S. patent application entitled “METHOD OF CONFIGURING A COMPUTER NETWORK HAVING AN N/2 SLOT SWITCH MODULE” having application Ser. No. 10/441,696 and filed on the same date herewith and assigned to the same assignee.

Related subject matter is disclosed in U.S. patent application entitled “COMPUTER NETWORK HAVING AN N/2 SLOT SWITCH MODULE” having application Ser. No. 10/441,704 and filed on the same date herewith and assigned to the same assignee.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the convergence of telecom/datacom switching centers and traditional LAN and Internet-based data centers, a distributed server architecture based on “blades” is emerging. In a bladed architecture, backplane-based computer network using switched fabric technology, first generation switch chips do not permit the construction of a fully-connected switch module. A fully-connected switch module is one that is coupled to all available payload slots in the bladed architecture, backplane-based computer network. Fully-connected switch modules using a switched fabric network standard are difficult to construct due in part to thermal constraints, insufficient space on the switch card, and high cost coupled with the low demand for full connectivity.

Therefore, it is desirable to have a switch module that offers less than full-connectivity and yet is flexible to operate at different performance points within different sized networks. It is also desirable to have a switch card that is reconfigurable after manufacture to provide the flexibility in a bladed architecture, backplane-based environment, while supporting different sized chassis and a varied number of payload slots.

Accordingly, there is a significant need for an apparatus and method that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art outlined above.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the drawing have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to each other. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding elements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention.

For clarity of explanation, the embodiments of the present invention are presented, in part, as comprising individual functional blocks. The functions represented by these blocks may be provided through the use of either shared or dedicated hardware, including, but not limited to, hardware capable of executing software. The present invention is not limited to implementation by any particular set of elements, and the description herein is merely representational of one embodiment.

FIG. 1depicts a computer network100according to one embodiment of the invention. More particularly,FIG. 1depicts a bladed architecture, backplane-based network100. In the most general sense, a blade in a network is an industry-standard computer delivered on a single card that can be plugged as a module into a chassis. In various embodiments of the invention, a chassis may have anywhere from eight to twenty-four payload slots and therefore accept from eight to twenty-four such payload modules106or “blades.” As defined, this blade is not able to operate standalone but requires the chassis to provide power, cooling and rigidity. Backplane-based networks are well known in the art.

As shown inFIG. 1, network100can comprise two switch modules102coupled to N payload slots108, where N represents the number of payload slots available for a particular network or chassis. Each of N payload slots108can contain a payload module106, where each payload module106represents a “blade” as discussed above. Each of N payload slots108(and its corresponding payload module106) are configured to be coupled to two switch modules102. In effect, each of N payload slots can have a left link116and a right link118. In an embodiment, a left link116can be coupled to a left-hand switch slot in a computer chassis, and the right link118can be coupled to a right-hand switch slot in a computer chassis as discussed more fully below.

Payload modules106can add functionality to network100through the addition of processors, memory, storage devices, I/O elements, and the like. In other words, payload module106can include any combination of processors, memory, storage devices, I/O elements, and the like, to give network100the functionality desired by a user.

The bladed architecture, backplane-based network100shown inFIG. 1is in a dual-star configuration, where each of N payload slots108is coupled to two switch modules102through the left link116and right link118defined above. Since each of N payload slots108is coupled to two switch modules102, this is a fully-connected network and is considered an optimal configuration. This allows for redundancy in network100by allowing payload modules106inserted in the N payload slots108to use either switch module102to access network100or other payload modules106within network100. Also, switch modules102can communicate with each other as represented by the line connecting each switch module102. The invention is not limited to dual-star configurations and other network100configurations are within the scope of the invention. For example, and without limitation, star configurations, layered dual-star configurations, and the like.

Switch modules102are coupled to N payload slots108via backplane104. The wiring in backplane104connecting switch modules102and N payload slots108is fixed at the time of manufacture and generally cannot be modified by a user. Network100shown inFIG. 1could have various configurations. However, providing a different backplane104for each configuration is inefficient for the manufacturer and seller of backplane104and is expensive for a user who desires to upgrade a computer system to a different configuration.

In an embodiment, network100can have left-hand set of payload slots110and right-hand set of payload slots112. Since the wiring configuration of backplane104is fixed, a switch module102needs to be manufactured such that it is configured to couple with any of the left-hand set of payload slots110and right-hand set of payload slots112. In the prior art, a switch module was manufactured differently depending on whether it is designed for insertion on the “left” or “right” hand side of the network and could not be modified after manufacture. The different configurations have to do with the plurality of links on the switch module and how that plurality of links couples a plurality of switches on the switch module102to the backplane links to communicate with N payload slots108.

In an embodiment of the invention, bladed architecture, backplane-based network100can be a switched fabric network107. Switched fabric network107uses switch module102as a central switching hub with any number of N payload slots108coupled to switch module102. In an embodiment, switched fabric network107can be based on a point-to-point, switched input/output (I/O) fabric, whereby cascaded switch devices interconnect end node devices. Switched fabric network107can include both module-to-module (for example computer systems that support I/O module add-in slots) and chassis-to-chassis environments (for example interconnecting computers, external storage systems, external Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) access devices in a data-center environment). Switched fabric network107can be implemented by using one or more of a plurality of switched fabric network standards114, for example and without limitation, InfiniBand™, Serial RapidIO™, FibreChannel™, Ethernet™, PCI Express™, Hypertransport™, and the like. Switched fabric network107is not limited to the use of these switched fabric network standards and the use of any switched fabric network standard is within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 2depicts a multi-service platform system200according to an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, multi-service platform system200can comprise a parallel bus network210and a switched fabric network207coupled to N payload slots208. In other words, in an embodiment, multi-service platform system200can be a parallel bus multi-service platform system having a switched fabric network207.

Parallel bus network210can be a parallel multi-drop bus network that is known in the art. In an embodiment, parallel bus network210can be a VERSAmodule Eurocard (VMEbus) parallel bus network as defined in the ANSI/VITA 1-1994 and ANSI/VITA 1.1-1997 standards, promulgated by the VMEbus International Trade Association (VITA), P.O. Box 19658, Fountain Hills, Ariz., 85269 (where ANSI stands for American National Standards Institute). In an embodiment of the invention, parallel bus network210can include VMEbus based protocols such as Single Cycle Transfer protocol (SCT), Block Transfer protocol (BLT), Multiplexed Block Transfer protocol (MBLT), Two Edge VMEbus protocol (2eVME) and Two Edge Source Synchronous Transfer protocol (2eSST). In this particular embodiment, parallel bus network210is not limited to the use of these VMEbus based protocols and other VMEbus based protocols are within the scope of the invention.

Parallel bus network210is not limited to a VMEbus network or protocols. Parallel bus network210can use any parallel bus protocols or architectures including, but not limited to Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI and PCI-X), CompactPCI, Multibus, Futurebus, and the like.

Switched fabric network207and switched fabric network standards214are defined and discussed above with reference toFIG. 1. The embodiment depicted inFIG. 2where multi-service platform system200comprises both VMEbus network210and switched fabric network207is outlined in the VITA41specification—VXS VMEbus Switched Serial Standard promulgated by VITA, P.O. Box 19658, Fountain Hills, Ariz., 85269 and herein incorporated by reference.

N payload slots208can a have payload module106that add functionality to multi-service platform system200through the addition of processors, memory, storage devices, I/O elements, and the like. In other words, payload module106can include any combination of processors, memory, storage devices, I/O elements, and the like, to give multi-service platform system200the functionality desired by a user.

As in network100inFIG. 1, multi-service platform system200can be controlled by a platform controller (not shown for clarity), which can include a processor for processing algorithms stored in memory. Memory comprises control algorithms, and can include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), and the like. Memory can contain stored instructions, tables, data, and the like, to be utilized by processor. Platform controller can be contained in one, or distributed among two or more payload modules106with communication among the various payload modules of multi-service platform system200occurring via parallel bus network210and/or switched fabric network207. Platform controller can also be contained on switch module202. Platform controller can control the functionality of multi-service platform system200including managing any payload modules106placed in N payload slots208to add functionality to the multi-service platform system200.

In an embodiment of the invention, parallel bus network210and switched fabric network207operate concurrently within multi-service platform system200. In one embodiment, switched fabric network207can operate in parallel with parallel bus network210. In an example of an embodiment, parallel bus network210can operate as a control plane by synchronizing and organizing activities in multi-service platform system200. Switched fabric network207can operate as a data plane by transferring data between individual payload modules106. In this embodiment, data is transferred faster through the higher bandwidth switched fabric network207, while the parallel bus network210controls and manages the overall system. This has the effect of increasing the speed of multi-service platform system200since data transfers that are in excess of parallel bus network210bandwidth can take place using switched fabric network207.

In another embodiment of the invention, parallel bus network210can be used as the data plane and switched fabric network207can be used as the control plane. In yet another embodiment of the invention, parallel bus network210and switched fabric network207each can operate as both the control plane and the data plane.

FIG. 3depicts a computer chassis300according to an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, chassis300can be a VXS chassis. As shown inFIG. 3, backplane304is used for connecting modules placed in slots303. As an example of an embodiment, chassis300can include, for example and without limitation, Schroff Model 20836-200 manufactured by Pentair Electronic Packaging Company, 170 Commerce Drive, Warwick, R.I. 02886. The invention is not limited to this model or manufacturer and any multi-service platform system is included within the scope of the invention.

Backplane304can include first slot310, which is designed to receive payload module306. In an embodiment of the invention, backplane304and payload module306have a set of interlocking connectors designed to interlock with each other when payload module306is placed in first slot310. When payload module306is placed in first slot310and coupled to backplane304the functionality of payload module306is added to network100. For example, processors, memory, storage devices, I/O elements, and the like, on payload module306are accessible by other payload modules and visa versa.

In an embodiment of the invention, chassis300can include switch module302and second slot308, where second slot308and backplane304are designed to receive switch module302. When switch module302is inserted in second slot308, switch module302is coupled to payload module306through backplane304as shown inFIG. 1. In an embodiment, switch module302can communicate with payload module306using a switched fabric network207. In another embodiment, switch module302can communicate with payload module306using either switched fabric network207or parallel bus network210. InFIG. 3only one switch module302is shown for clarity and is not limiting of the invention. In an embodiment, two switch modules and their corresponding switch slots are present in computer chassis300. These can be known as a left-hand switch slot and a right-hand switch slot. However, any number of switch modules302and payload modules306are within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 4depicts a prior art computer network400. Computer network400includes an N/2 slot switch module402coupled to interface with N/2 of N payload slots408of network400. As shown inFIG. 4, N/2 slot switch module402can include switch card404and one or more switches409coupled to switch card404. Switch card404can include a plurality of links406to connect each of the one or more switches409to backplane links405and to N/2 of N payload slots408. Backplane links405can comprise left links416and right links418for each of N payload slots408as discussed above.

In the embodiment shown, N/2 slot switch module402is coupled to left-hand set of payload slots410via plurality of links406and backplane links405. N/2 slot switch module402is coupled to network400at the interface of plurality of links406and backplane links405. Data can be transmitted and/or received from a payload module along each one of the respective plurality of links406and backplane links405.

As discussed above, each computer chassis300can have two switch slots, a left-hand switch slot424and a right-hand switch slot426. The left-hand switch slot424is coupled to the left links416of each of N payload slots408, and the right-hand switch slot426is coupled to the right links418of each of N payload slots408. These connections are hardwired through backplane links405. In the embodiment shown, N/2 slot switch module402does not connect to all of the backplane links405provided in left-hand switch slot424. For example, N/2 slot switch module402does not connect with each of the left links416wired to left-hand switch slot424. Since the N/2 slot switch module402is configured to connect with only N/2 slots, it will connect with only N/2 of the N payload slots408. In the prior art, N/2 slot switch module had to be configured at manufacture to connect to the left-hand set of payload slots410or the right-hand set of payload slots412. This can create an N/2 slot switch module402in either a left-hand slot switch configuration or a right-hand slot switch configuration respectively. A left-hand slot switch configuration refers to when one or more switches409are coupled to left-hand switch card link interface421. A right-hand slot switch configuration occurs when one or more switches409are coupled to right-hand switch card link interface423. N/2 slot switch module402shown inFIG. 4is in a left-hand slot switch configuration since plurality of links406are wired to the left-hand switch card link interface421.

In the prior art, plugging an N/2 slot switch module402with a left-hand slot switch configuration into a left-hand switch slot424couples the left-hand set of payload slots410to N/2 slot switch module402through the left links416. Plugging an N/2 slot switch module402with a right-hand slot switch configuration (plurality of links406wired to right-hand switch card link interface423) into a right-hand switch slot426couples the right-hand set of payload slots412to N/2 slot switch module402through the right links418. Also, plugging an N/2 slot switch module402with a left-hand slot switch configuration into a right-hand switch slot426couples the left-hand set of payload slots410to N/2 slot switch module402through right links418. An analogous result is obtained when plugging an N/2 slot switch module with a right-hand slot switch configuration into a left-hand switch slot424.

Each of the above configurations creates a half-shelf, half-bandwidth network. A half-shelf network is where only N/2 of the N payload slots408are active as they are coupled to N/2 slot switch module402. Therefore, only N/2 the N payload slots408can interface with the network400, and the network400can see only N/2 of the N payload slots408and payload modules. A half-bandwidth network is where each of the N payload slots408is coupled to only one switch module. Therefore, there is no redundancy in the network400and a payload module can only send and receive data to/from one switch module, thereby limiting the data transfer rate between payload module and the rest of the network.

A disadvantage of the prior art is that the N/2 slot switch module402had to be configured at manufacture to be in either the left-hand slot switch configuration or the right-hand slot switch configuration. This provided no flexibility and greater costs as networks were expanded or modified.

FIG. 5depicts a computer network500according to an embodiment of the invention. Computer network500includes an N/2 slot switch module502coupled to interface with N/2 of N payload slots508of network500. As shown inFIG. 5, N/2 slot switch module502can include switch card504and one or more switches509coupled to switch card504. Switch card504can include a plurality of links506to connect each of the one or more switches509to backplane links505and to N/2 of N payload slots508. Backplane links505can comprise left links516and right links518for each of N payload slots508as discussed above. N/2 slot switch module502can also include reconfiguring means520. As an example, switch509can be a Mellanox InfiniScale MT43132, manufactured by Mellanox Technologies, Inc., 2900 Stender Way, Santa Clara, Calif. 95954. This model of switch is not limiting of the invention, and any switch is within the scope of the invention.

In the embodiment shown, N/2 slot switch module502is coupled to left-hand set of payload slots510via plurality of links506and backplane links505. Data can be transmitted and/or received from a payload module along each one of the respective plurality of links506and backplane links505through reconfiguring means520. As discussed above, each computer chassis300can have two switch slots, a left-hand switch slot524and a right-hand switch slot526. The left-hand switch slot524is coupled to the left links516of each of N payload slots508, and the right-hand switch slot526is coupled to the right links518of each of N payload slots508. These connections are hardwired through backplane links505. In the embodiment shown, N/2 slot switch module502does not connect to all of the backplane links505provided in left-hand switch slot524. For example, N/2 slot switch module502does not connect with each of the left links516wired to left-hand switch slot524. Since the N/2 slot switch module502is configured to connect with only N/2 slots, it will connect with only N/2 of the N payload slots508.

In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 5, N/2 slot switch module502is designed to interface with only N/2 of the N payload slots508available in network500. Since N/2 slot switch module502is coupled to only a portion of the N payload slots508, a sub-optimal configuration is created. An optimal configuration is discussed above with reference to the dual-star configuration inFIG. 1, where each of N payload slots108is coupled to two switch modules102. In the optimal configuration, each of N payload slots108is coupled to two switch modules102, creating a fully-connected network. This allows for redundancy in network100by allowing payload modules106inserted in the N payload slots108to use either switch module102to access network100or other payload modules106within network100.

In an embodiment, a sub-optimal configuration includes the configuration where any of the N payload slots108and the corresponding payload modules are disconnected from at least one N/2 slot switch modules502. In another embodiment, a sub-optimal configuration occurs when N/2 slot switch module502is disconnected from any of N payload slots508.

The embodiment depicted inFIG. 5includes reconfiguring means520coupled to switch card504. Reconfiguring means520allows N/2 slot switch module502to be reconfigured into a left-hand slot switch configuration or a right-hand slot switch configuration as indicated by the dashed lines coupling plurality of links506and left-hand switch card link interface521or right-hand switch card link interface523. A left-hand slot switch configuration refers to when one or more switches509are coupled to left-hand switch card link interface521via plurality of links506. A right-hand slot switch configuration occurs when one or more switches509are coupled to right-hand switch card link interface523via plurality of links506. In one embodiment of the invention, reconfiguring means520is interposed between plurality of links506and the interface of N/2 slot switch module502and backplane links505. The embodiment depicted inFIG. 5is not limiting of the invention. Reconfiguring means520can be coupled to plurality of switches509in any configuration or by any means and be within the scope of the invention.

In an embodiment, reconfiguring means520allows N/2 slot switch module502to be reconfigured in a post-manufactured state522to either a left-hand slot switch configuration or a right-hand slot switch configuration. Any reconfiguring occurring after the initial manufacturing of N/2 slot switch module502can be considered reconfiguring in the post-manufactured state522. For example, and without limitation, reconfiguring of N/2 slot switch module502that occurs after one or more switches509are coupled to switch card504and plurality of links506can be considered reconfiguring in a post-manufactured state522.

In an embodiment, reconfiguring means520allows N/2 slot switch module502to be reconfigured in a post-manufactured state522to support bladed architecture, backplane-based network500in a plurality of sub-optimal configurations. Several exemplary embodiments of sub-optimal configurations are illustrated inFIGS. 6-10, although these embodiments are not limiting of the invention.

Reconfiguring means520can be implemented using hardware, software, or hardware implementing software. For example, and without limitation, reconfiguring means520can be implemented in hardware using resistor stuffing, header blocks or a passive mezzanine card or connector on switch card504. In an embodiment, resistor stuffing can include soldering/removing resistors after manufacture to configure/reconfigure N/2 slot switch module502to one of a left-hand slot switch configuration or a right-hand slot switch configuration. In another embodiment, reconfiguring means520can include using shorting blocks such that a given set of jumper connections between one or more switches509, plurality of links506, and the like, can be made in post-manufactured state522to configure/reconfigure N/2 slot switch module502as one of a left-hand slot switch configuration or a right-hand slot switch configuration. In still another embodiment, reconfiguring means520can be a connector such that an expansion card or mezzanine card can be coupled to reconfiguring means to configure/reconfigure N/2 slot switch module502to one of a left-hand slot switch configuration or a right-hand slot switch configuration. In this embodiment, mezzanine card can have a configuration such that one or more switches509and plurality of links506are coupled to produce the desired left-hand or right-hand configuration.

In still yet another embodiment, reconfiguring means520can include a processor, memory and a set of operating instructions to configure/reconfigure N/2 slot switch module502to left-hand slot switch configuration or right-hand slot switch configuration. Operating instructions, or software, can be programmed into reconfiguring means520in post-manufactured state522such that plurality of links506and one or more switches509are configured as desired for bladed architecture, backplane based network500.

In an embodiment of the invention, N/2 slot switch module502is user-reconfigurable. In operation, N/2 slot switch module502can be removed from bladed architecture, backplane-based network500, reconfigured by a user, for example, into a left-hand or right-hand slot switch configuration, and re-inserted into network500. This offers the advantage of flexibility and low cost as N/2 slot switch module502can be easily reconfigured by a user to adapt changes in network500. In addition, N/2 slot switch module can be reused as the network grows. Also, a separate N/2 slot switch module502isn't needed for each network configuration. This lowers the cost in maintaining an ever-evolving network500.

The exemplary embodiments of reconfiguring means520discussed above are not limiting of the invention. Also, the configuring/reconfiguring of N/2 slot switch module502into either a left-hand or a right-hand slot switch configuration is not limiting of the invention. Any reconfiguring means520is within the scope of the invention. In addition, any reconfiguration of N/2 slot switch module502in a post-manufactured state522is within the scope of the invention.

In an embodiment, N/2 slot switch module502can be in the right-hand switch slot526and in a right-hand slot switch configuration. In this embodiment, one or more switches509can be coupled to right-hand set of payload slots512via right-hand switch card link interface523and right links518.

In another embodiment, N/2 slot switch module502can be in the right-hand switch slot526and be in a left-hand slot switch configuration. In this embodiment, one or more switches509can be coupled to left-hand set of payload slots510via left-hand switch card link interface521and right links518.

In yet another embodiment, N/2 slot switch module502can be in the left-hand switch slot524and be in a right-hand slot switch configuration. In this embodiment, one or more switches509can be coupled to right-hand set of payload slots512via right-hand switch card link interface523and left links516.

These aforementioned embodiments are exemplary and not limiting of the invention. Reconfiguring means520can be used to place N/2 slot switch module in other configurations and be within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 6depicts a computer network600according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 6, network600includes first N/2 slot switch module602and second N/2 slot switch module606coupled to backplane604of a chassis with N payload slots608. First N/2 slot switch module602and second N/2 slot switch module606are reconfigurable to one of a left-hand slot switch configuration603and a right-hand slot switch configuration605. In the embodiment shown, first N/2 slot switch module602and second N/2 slot switch module606are coupled to N/2 of N payload slots608such that network600is in a sub-optimal configuration601.

Network600also includes N payload slots608divided into left-hand set of payload slots610and right-hand set of payload slots612. Network600can be a bladed architecture, backplane-based network600. In an embodiment, network600can be a switched fabric network607. As shown, network600is in sub-optimal configuration601since any of the N payload slots608are disconnected from at least one of the first N/2 slot switch module602and the second N/2 slot switch module606. Also, sub-optimal configuration601comprises when at least one the first N/2 slot switch module602and the second N/2 slot switch module606are disconnected from any of the N payload slots608.

As shown inFIG. 6, first N/2 slot switch module602is configured in a left-hand slot switch configuration603and is coupled to the left-hand set of payload slots610via left links616(as indicated by the completed arrow lines). Since first N/2 slot switch module602is in the left-hand slot switch configuration603and placed in left-hand switch slot624, it can only be coupled to the left-hand set of payload slots610. Second N/2 slot switch module606is configured in a right-hand slot switch configuration605and is coupled to the right-hand set of payload slots612via right links618(as indicated by the completed arrow lines). Since second N/2 slot switch module606is in the right-hand slot switch configuration605and placed in right-hand switch slot626, it can only be coupled to the right-hand set of payload slots612.

In another embodiment, first N/2 slot switch module602can be configured in a right-hand slot switch configuration605, placed in left-hand switch slot624and be coupled to right-hand set of payload slots612via left links616. Also, second N/2 slot switch module606can be configured in a left-hand slot switch configuration603, placed in right-hand switch slot626and be coupled to left-hand set of payload slots610via right links618. This embodiment is not operationally different from the previous embodiment, but merely swaps which set of payload slots are coupled to which N/2 slot switch module.

Network600can be considered a full-shelf, half-bandwidth network. Network600is full-shelf because each of the N payload slots608is active as they are coupled to one switch module. Therefore, each of the N payload slots608can interface with network600, and network600can see each of the N payload slots608. Therefore, if a payload module is inserted into any of the N payload slots608, the functionality of a payload module can be added to network600. Network600is half-bandwidth because each of the N payload slots608is coupled to only one switch module. Therefore, there is no redundancy in the network and payload module can only send and receive data to/from one switch module, thereby limiting the data transfer rate between payload module and the rest of the network600. For example, if the first N/2 slot switch module602malfunctions or is taken off-line, left-hand set of payload slots610and their corresponding payload modules will be disconnected from network600. Analogously, if the second N/2 slot switch module606malfunctions or is taken off-line, right-hand set of payload slots612will be disconnected from network600. Therefore, network600is considered to be at only half-bandwidth.

In each of the embodiments associated withFIG. 6, first N/2 slot switch module602and second N/2 slot switch module606are reconfigurable between left-hand slot switch configuration603and right-hand slot switch configuration605. In an embodiment, first N/2 slot switch module602and second N/2 slot switch module606are reconfigurable in a post-manufactured state522and are user-reconfigurable. In other words, first N/2 slot switch module602and second N/2 slot switch module606can be reconfigurable after manufacture, by a user, to modify network600configurations and power any combination of N payload slots608and associated payload modules as described above.

FIG. 7depicts a computer network700according to another embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 7, network700includes N/2 slot switch module702coupled to backplane704of a chassis with N payload slots708. N/2 slot switch module702is reconfigurable to one of a left-hand slot switch configuration703and a right-hand slot switch configuration (not shown in this Figure). In the embodiment shown, N/2 slot switch module702is coupled to N/2 of N payload slots708such that network700is in a sub-optimal configuration701.

Network700also includes N payload slots708divided into left-hand set of payload slots710and right-hand set of payload slots712. Network700can be a bladed architecture, backplane-based network. In an embodiment, network700can be a switched fabric network707. As shown, network700is in sub-optimal configuration701since one or more of the N payload slots708are disconnected from at least one of N/2 slot switch modules702. Also, sub-optimal configuration701comprises when N/2 slot switch module702is disconnected from any of the N payload slots708.

As shown inFIG. 7, N/2 slot switch module702is configured in a left-hand slot switch configuration703and is coupled to the left-hand set of payload slots710via left links716(as indicated by the completed arrow lines). Since N/2 slot switch module702is in the left-hand slot switch configuration703and placed in left-hand switch slot724, it can only be coupled to the left-hand set of payload slots710.

In another embodiment, N/2 slot switch module702can be configured in a left-hand slot switch configuration703and placed in right-hand switch slot726. This yields the same operational configuration as in the previous embodiment, but now left-hand set of payload slots710get network access through right links718. In yet another embodiment, N/2 slot switch module702can be configured in a right-hand slot switch configuration and placed in left-hand switch slot726. This configuration gives right-hand set of payload slots712network access through left links716. In still another embodiment, N/2 slot switch module702can be configured in a right-hand slot switch configuration703and placed in right-hand switch slot726. This configuration gives right-hand set of payload slots712network access through right links718.

Network700can be considered a half-shelf, half-bandwidth network. Network700is half-shelf because only N/2 of the N payload slots708are active. Therefore, only N/2 the N payload slots708can interface with network700, and network700can see only N/2 of the N payload slots708. Therefore, if a payload module is inserted into one of the active N/2 of the N payload slots708(either one of left-hand set of payload slots710or right-hand set of payload slots712depending on the embodiment), the functionality of a payload module can be added to network700. Network700is half-bandwidth because the N/2 of the N payload slots708are coupled to only one switch module. Therefore, there is no redundancy in the network and payload module can only send and receive data to/from one switch module, thereby limiting the data transfer rate between payload module and the rest of the network700. For example in the embodiment shown, if N/2 slot switch module702malfunctions or is taken off-line, left-hand set of payload slots710and their corresponding payload modules will be disconnected from network700. Therefore, network700is considered to be at only half-bandwidth.

In each of the embodiments associated withFIG. 7, N/2 slot switch module702is reconfigurable between left-hand slot switch configuration703and right-hand slot switch configuration. In an embodiment, N/2 slot switch module702is reconfigurable in a post-manufactured state522and is user-reconfigurable. In other words, N/2 slot switch module702can be reconfigurable after manufacture, by a user, to modify network700configurations and power any combination of N payload slots708and associated payload modules as described above.

FIG. 8depicts a computer network800according to yet another embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 8, network800includes first N/2 slot switch module802and second N/2 slot switch module806coupled to backplane804of a chassis with N payload slots808. First N/2 slot switch module802and second N/2 slot switch module806are reconfigurable to one of a left-hand slot switch configuration803and a right-hand slot switch configuration. In the embodiment shown, first N/2 slot switch module802and second N/2 slot switch module806are coupled to N/2 of N payload slots808such that network800is in a sub-optimal configuration801.

Network800also includes N payload slots808divided into left-hand set of payload slots810and right-hand set of payload slots812. Network800can be a bladed architecture, backplane-based network. In an embodiment, network800can be a switched fabric network807. As shown, network800is in sub-optimal configuration801since any of the N payload slots808are disconnected from at least one of the first N/2 slot switch module802and the second N/2 slot switch module806. Also, sub-optimal configuration801comprises when at least one of the first N/2 slot switch module802and the second N/2 slot switch module806are disconnected from any of the N payload slots808.

As shown inFIG. 8, first N/2 slot switch module802is configured in a left-hand slot switch configuration803and is coupled to the left-hand set of payload slots810via left links816(as indicated by the completed arrow lines). Since first N/2 slot switch module802is in the left-hand slot switch configuration803and placed in left-hand switch slot824, it can only be coupled to the left-hand set of payload slots810. Second N/2 slot switch module806is configured in a left-hand slot switch configuration803and is coupled to the left-hand set of payload slots810via right links818(as indicated by the completed arrow lines). Since second N/2 slot switch module806is in the left-hand slot switch configuration803and placed in right-hand switch slot826, it can only be coupled to the left-hand set of payload slots810.

In another embodiment, first N/2 slot switch module802and second N/2 slot switch module806are both configured in a right-hand slot switch configuration. This gives right-hand set of payload slots812network access through both first and second N/2 slot switch modules.

Network800can be considered a half-shelf, full-bandwidth network. Network800is a half-shelf because only N/2 of the N payload slots808are active, even though they are coupled to both switch modules. Therefore, only N/2 of the N payload slots808can interface with network800, and network800can see only N/2 of the N payload slots808. If a payload module is inserted into one of the active N/2 of the N payload slots808(in this embodiment the left-hand set of payload slots810), the functionality of a payload module can be added to network800. Network800is full-bandwidth because N/2 of the N payload slots808that are active are coupled to more than one switch module. Therefore, there is redundancy in the network800and the data transfer rate between a payload module and the rest of network is greater than if the payload module were connected to only one switch module. For example, if the first N/2 slot switch module802malfunctions or is taken off-line, left-hand set of payload slots810are still connected to network800via second N/2 slot switch module806. Therefore, network800is considered to be at full-bandwidth.

In each of the embodiments associated withFIG. 8, first N/2 slot switch module802and second N/2 slot switch module806are reconfigurable between left-hand slot switch configuration803and right-hand slot switch configuration. In an embodiment, first N/2 slot switch module802and second N/2 slot switch module806are reconfigurable in a post-manufactured state522and are user-reconfigurable. In other words, first N/2 slot switch module802and second N/2 slot switch module806can be reconfigurable after manufacture, by a user, to modify network800configurations and power any combination of N payload slots808and associated payload modules as described above.

FIG. 9depicts a computer network900according to still another embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 9, network900includes N/2 slot switch module902coupled to backplane904of a chassis with N/2 payload slots909. In this embodiment, N/2 slot switch module902is coupled to all of left links916and right links918in either left-hand switch slot924or right-hand switch slot926respectively. In the embodiment, N/2 slot switch module902is reconfigurable to one of a left-hand slot switch configuration903and a right-hand slot switch configuration (not shown in this Figure). In the embodiment shown, N/2 slot switch module902is coupled to N/2 of N/2 payload slots909such that network900is in a sub-optimal configuration901.

Network900can be a bladed architecture, backplane-based network. In an embodiment, network900can be a switched fabric network907. As shown, network900is in sub-optimal configuration901since any of the N/2 payload slots909are disconnected from at least one of the two N/2 slot switch modules902. Also, sub-optimal configuration901comprises when N/2 slot switch module902is disconnected from any of the N/2 payload slots909.

As shown inFIG. 9, N/2 slot switch module902is configured in a left-hand slot switch configuration903, placed in left-hand switch slot924and is coupled to all of N/2 payload slots909via left links916(as indicated by the completed arrow lines). Although not shown, another embodiment includes N/2 slot switch module902configured in a left-hand slot switch configuration, placed in right-hand switch slot926and coupled to N/2 of N/2 payload slots909via right links918.

Network900can be considered a full-shelf, half-bandwidth network. Network800is a full-shelf because each of the N/2 payload slots909is active as they are coupled to an N/2 slot switch module902. Therefore, each of the N/2 payload slots909can interface with network900, and network900can see each of the N/2 payload slots909. Therefore, if a payload module is inserted into one of the active N/2 payload slots909, the functionality of a payload module can be added to network900. Network900is half-bandwidth because the N/2 payload slots909are coupled to only one switch module. Therefore, there is no redundancy in the network and payload module can only send and receive data to/from one switch module, thereby limiting the data transfer rate between payload module and the rest of the network900. For example in the embodiment shown, if N/2 slot switch module902malfunctions or is taken off-line, N/2 payload slots909will be disconnected from network900. Therefore, network900is considered to be at only half-bandwidth.

FIG. 10depicts a computer network1000according to still yet another embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 10, network1000includes first N/2 slot switch module1002and second N/2 slot switch module1006coupled to backplane1004of a chassis with N/2 payload slots1009. In this embodiment, first N/2 slot switch module1002and second N/2 slot switch module1006are coupled to all of left links1016and right links1018in either left-hand switch slot1024or right-hand switch slot1026respectively. First N/2 slot switch module1002and second N/2 slot switch module1006are reconfigurable to one of a left-hand slot switch configuration1003and a right-hand slot switch configuration. In the embodiment shown, first N/2 slot switch module1002and second N/2 slot switch module1006are coupled to N/2 of N/2 payload slots1009such that network1000is in an optimal configuration1014.

Network1000can be a bladed architecture, backplane-based network. In an embodiment, network1000can be a switched fabric network1007. As shown, network1000is an optimal configuration1014as all of the N/2 payload slots1009are coupled to at least two switch modules. In this embodiment, N/2 payload slots1009are coupled to the first N/2 slot switch module1002and the second N/2 slot switch module1006.

As shown inFIG. 10, first N/2 slot switch module1002is configured in a left-hand slot switch configuration1003, placed in left-hand switch slot1024and is coupled to all of N/2 payload slots1009via left links1016(as indicated by the completed arrow lines). In this embodiment, even though first N/2 slot switch module1002is in left-hand switch slot configuration1003and placed in left-hand switch slot1024, it is coupled to all of N/2 payload slots1009via left links1016. Second N/2 slot switch module1006is configured in a left-hand slot switch configuration1003, placed in right-hand switch slot1026and is coupled to all of N/2 payload slots1009via right links1018. In this embodiment, even though second N/2 slot switch module1006is in left-hand switch slot configuration1003and placed in right-hand switch slot1026, it is coupled to all of N/2 payload slots1009via right links1018.

Network1000can be considered a full-shelf, full-bandwidth network. Network1000is full-shelf because all of N/2 payload slots1009are active as they are coupled to at least one switch module. Therefore, N/2 of the N/2 payload slots1009can interface with network1000, and network1000can see N/2 of the N/2 payload slots1009. Therefore, if a payload module is inserted into one of the active N/2 payload slots1009, the functionality of a payload module can be added to network1000. Network1000is full-bandwidth because N/2 of the N/2 payload slots1009that are active are coupled to more than one switch module. Therefore, there is redundancy in the network1000and the data transfer rate between a payload module and the rest of network is greater than if the payload module were connected to only one switch module. For example, if the first N/2 slot switch module1002malfunctions or is taken off-line, N/2 payload slots1009are still connected to network1000via second N/2 slot switch module1006. Therefore, network1000is considered to be at full-bandwidth.

FIGS. 6-10demonstrate the versatility and flexibility of an N/2 slot switch module that is reconfigurable in a post-manufactured state. The embodiments depicted inFIGS. 6-10are exemplary and not limiting of the invention. Other network configurations and uses of N/2 slot switch module are within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 11illustrates a flow diagram1100of a method of the invention according to an embodiment of the invention. Step1102provides a bladed architecture, backplane-based network having N payload slots. In an embodiment, bladed architecture, backplane-based network is a switched fabric network. Step1104provides a first N/2 slot switch module coupled to N/2 of the N payload slots, where the first N/2 slot switch module is reconfigurable to one of a left-hand slot switch configuration and a right-hand slot switch configuration.

Step1106provides a second N/2 slot switch module coupled to N/2 of the N payload slots, where the second N/2 slot switch module is reconfigurable to one of the left-hand slot switch configuration and the right-hand slot switch configuration. In an embodiment, first N/2 slot switch module and the second N/2 slot switch module are reconfigurable in a post-manufactured state. In another embodiment, the first N/2 slot switch module and the second N/2 slot switch module are user-reconfigurable.

In step1108, the first N/2 slot switch module and the second N/2 slot switch module are coupled to N/2 of the N payload slots such that the bladed architecture, backplane-based network is in a sub-optimal configuration. In an embodiment, sub-optimal configuration comprises any of the N payload slots disconnected from at least one of the first N/2 slot switch module and the second N/2 slot switch module. In another embodiment, sub-optimal configuration comprises at least one of the first N/2 slot switch module and the second N/2 slot switch module disconnected from any of the N payload slots.

FIG. 12illustrates a flow diagram1200of a method of the invention according to another embodiment of the invention. Step1202provides a switch card having a plurality of links. In an embodiment, bladed architecture, backplane-based network is a switched fabric network.

Step1204provides a plurality of switches coupled to the switch card, where each of the plurality of switches is coupled to the plurality of links.

Step1206provides a reconfiguring means to reconfigure the N/2 slot switch module between the left-hand slot switch configuration and the right-hand slot switch configuration, where the reconfiguration occurs with the N/2 slot switch module in a post-manufactured state. In step1208, the N/2 slot switch module is reconfigured between the left-hand slot switch configuration and the right-hand slot switch configuration while the N/2 slot switch module is in the post-manufactured state. The N/2 slot switch module is coupled to interface with a bladed architecture, backplane-based network having N payload slots. In an embodiment, the first N/2 slot switch module and the second N/2 slot switch module are user-reconfigurable.

While we have shown and described specific embodiments of the present invention, further modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore, to be understood that appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.