Abstract:
An apparatus and system is provided for coupling an ethernet switch to communication link(s) in a communication network without requiring the disconnection and reconnection of the communication link(s). A module is configured to accommodate components of an ethernet switch, and can be modularly introduced into a communication rack and quickly engaged with rack-mounted mating connectors which are coupled to the communication link(s).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of communications and, more particularly to an ethernet switch system. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     As communications systems adapt or evolve toward the use of embedded ethernet switches, it becomes necessary to be able to install, remove and service the units with minimal effort and time. Commercial ethernet products require a large field of connectors. Currently, switches may require connectors for a plurality of 100 Mb/s ethernet ports and/or a plurality of gigabit ethernet ports. As the switches and associated systems evolve, even more communication connectors are expected to be used. Installing or removing such a large number of cables becomes more time consuming and complicated as the number of cable connections increases. Handling higher numbers of connectors will also be more error prone, thus requiring a higher level of expertise for in-field installation, upgrades and service, particularly in high-reliability communication systems. 
     Further complicating current ethernet switch configurations is the fact that connections are arranged in a front portion of the switch unit. Ethernet switches are currently adapted to be received in a stacked-tray or racking system in which several racks can be arranged side-by-side. The switches are stacked or installed into a rack from the front and all associated cables are then routed to the front of the switch for connection. For those circumstances which require the switch to be remove and/or replaced (such as for repair or upgrade) the associated cables must be removed and re-installed. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a system and apparatus for installing, removing and servicing ethernet switches in a communication network with minimal effort, time, and/or expertise. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention achieves technical advantages as an apparatus and system for coupling an ethernet switch to a communication link(s) in a communication network. A module is configured with a height and width for accommodating the ethernet switch and can be installed in an industry standard rack. The module includes a plurality of first connectors which are electrically coupled to the ethernet switch and are engagable with a plurality of second connectors included in a housing adapted to be affixed to the rack. The housing is also configured with a plurality of third connectors which are electrically coupled to the plurality of second connectors and which couple to the communication link(s). The plurality of first connectors and plurality of second connectors are engaged as the module is introduced from the front to the back of the communication rack. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of a simplified diagram of a switch module and housing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of the housing illustrated in FIG. 1A; 
     FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of a housing in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a switch module and housing installed in a rack in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a rack in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with particular reference to the presently preferred exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that this class of embodiments provides only a few examples of the many advantageous uses and innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily delimit any of the various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features, but not to others. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is illustrated a top view of a simplified diagram of an ethernet switch module  102  and housing  104  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The module  102  is shown in an installed position within a communication rack  105 . The module  102  includes a plurality of connectors  106  (as in this embodiment, connectors  106  are high density/high speed electrical connectors) affixed to a rear portion of the module  102  for connecting ethernet, power and alarm signals. 
     Electronics and support equipment for an ethernet switch are accommodated in the removable module  102 . A front portion of the module  102  can include visual (e.g. LED) indicators  112  or other types of machine-to-man interfaces and can include a portal  114  for a machine-to-machine interface for operation monitoring, maintenance, trouble-shooting, etc. The connectors  106  are also electrically coupled to the ethernet switch electronics and support equipment within the module  102 . In at least one embodiment, the ethernet switch is totally contained within the module  102  so that servicing a failed switch comprises replacing the entire module  102 . 
     The housing  104  includes an I/O connector panel  109  supporting a corresponding plurality of connectors  108  ( as in this embodiment, connectors  108  are high density/high speed electrical connectors) for breaking out the signals into their respective connectors (e.g. RJ45, Alarms, Power). The connectors  108  can be, for example, Teradyne 6-row VHDM type connectors. The connectors  108  are affixed to a front portion of an I/O connector panel  109 . The I/O connector panel  109  is affixed to a rear portion of housing  104  in which the housing  104  is removeably affixed in the rack  105 . The housing  104  can also include support guides  107  (see FIG. 1B) for guiding the introduction of the module  102  and to enable engagement alignment of connectors  106  and  108  as the module  102  is introduced or slid from front to back into the rack  105 . The housing  104  is configured to be mountable in the rack  105  prior to and without requiring the installation of the module  102 . 
     Connectors  108  are electrically coupled to connectors  110 . Connectors  110  are configured to accept communication lines or cables from a communication network. In this embodiment, connectors  110  are shown as industry standard RJ-45 electrical connectors. The RJ-45 connectors, as shown, are configured to support forty-eight 100 Mb/s ethernet ports and four gigabit ethernet ports. The 100 Mb/s (fast ethernet) RJ-45 connections are realized via a stacked 2X8 RJ-45 connector. The gigabit ethernet RJ-45 connections are realized via a 1X4 RJ-45 connector. In another embodiment, the I/O connector panel  109  is configured to support eighteen gigabit ethernet ports using individual RJ-45 connectors. It should be appreciated that similar type connectors and other combinations are contemplated. Connector  111  can also be included to accept lines such as for power and alarm notification. 
     In an installed position, the rear portion of the I/O connector panel  109  corresponds to the rear of the rack  105 . Connectors  110  and  111  are affixed to a rear portion of the I/O connector panel  109  such that they are accessible from the rear of the rack  105  for connection to the communication lines or cables and/or power and alarm lines. 
     Module  102  is a modular component which can be readily installed and/or removed when necessary. Insertion and removal of the module  102  allows easy connect and disconnect of mating connectors  106  and  108  and does not require the removal and re-installation of the installed communication lines or cables and/or power and alarm lines. 
     Mating connectors  106  and  108  comprise a male and female mating portion and obviously are interchangeable. That is to say, any given male/female type connector has a corresponding female/male type connector. The housing  104  can also include a locking mechanism in order to hold the module  102  in position after the module  102  has been slid along the support guides  107  to bring the connector&#39;s mating portions into their fully engaged positions. The locking mechanism can also be configured as part of the module  102 . 
     FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of a rack  175  and housing  155  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a connector I/O panel  155  supports connectors  108  and connectors  110  which are electrically connected. As shown, the connector I/O panel  155  is mounted to the rear of the rack  175 , and one or more guides  165  are included in the rack  175 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a front perspective view of the housing  104  and I/O connector panel  109  shown in FIG.  1 A. Item  250  illustrates the location of a front face of the module  102  in an installed position. Item  230  illustrates the rear portion of the module  102  in an installed position. Item  220  shows the front portion of the I/O connector panel  109 . 
     Generally, rack space is measured in rack units (RU) in which 1 RU is 1.75 inches. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the housing  104  and module  102  are configured to a height (item  210 ) of 1 RU. In other embodiments, the housing  104  and module  102  are configured to a height (item  210 ) of 1.5 RU. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a front perspective view of a communications rack  105  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The rack  105  can include a number of housings for receiving modules. Item  320  illustrates an installed housing  104  (of the type illustrated in FIG.  1 B). Also shown are connectors  108  of the I/O connector panel  109  and one of the two support guides  107  (see FIG.  1 B). In the housing just below item  320  is shown an installed module  102  with a front face plate  250 . The module  102  includes guide grooves (not explicitly shown) in the lateral sides thereof that mate and slidingly cooperate with the support guides  107  or  165  (see FIG.  1 C). 
     In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the module  102  has an overall depth, from front to back, to enable the face plate  250  to be aligned flush with the front of the rack  105  while the connectors  106  and  108  are fully engaged. However, the module  102  can be configured with a depth to enable the face plate  250  to be recessed or protrude with respect to the front of the rack  105 , while the connectors  106  and  108  are fully engaged. 
     The area above item  320  and below face plate  250  is shown as being empty, however, this area can receive other housings  104  for additional modules  102  or other support type equipment. The width (as shown by item  330 ) is generally 19 inches, a standard in the industry. 
     Although a preferred embodiment of the method and system of the present invention has been illustrated in the accompanied drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.