Patent Publication Number: US-2011078346-A1

Title: Computer Networking Device and Method Thereof

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a device and method for a universal computer networking device, in particular, an Ethernet switch and the like. 
     2. Related Art 
     Rack switches designed for rack mount cages are, generally, either front wired or rear wired. For example, in a typical server room, a rack switch has Ethernet ports and brackets on the front of the rack switch and the power connection in the back of the rack switch. This type of arrangement is known as front wired. Conversely, in other applications, the rack switch has Ethernet ports and the power connection on the back of the rack switch. This type of arrangement is known as rear-wired mount, or reverse-wired mount. Because rack switches are designed as either front wired or rear wired, manufacturers build the rack switches either front-wired or rear-wired. Furthermore, consumers must decide whether to purchase a front wired or rear wired rack switch before completely knowing whether they want to employ a front wired or rear wired rack mount cage, and consumers cannot change the arrangement of the rack switches or the rack switch mount cage without purchasing new rack switches. Additionally, manufactures and distributors must stock both types of rack switches. 
     Thus, there is a need for a device and method which overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies in the art by providing a universal computer networking device, in particular an Ethernet switch, which may be either front wired or rear wired, without major disassembly. 
     There is also a need for a device which contains Copper RJ45 transceiver ports and fiber-optic transceiver ports on the same switch, and in particular, an industrial or ruggedized computer networking device. 
     There is also a need for a device and method of performing a high potential voltage test to an electronic device, in particular, a computer networking device, without major disassembly, while ensuring the system integrity. 
     Additionally, there is a need for a device and method to transfer heat away from a heat-emitting component located within an electronic device, and in particular, a computer networking device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention provides a device comprising a computer networking device having more than one power connection located on said computer networking device, wherein said computer networking device connects to a power source from either a first side or a second side of said computer networking device. 
     A second aspect of the present invention provides a universal computer networking device comprising a first opening located proximate a first side of a chassis, said first opening receptive to a power source; a second opening located proximate a second side of said chassis, said second opening receptive to a power source. 
     A third aspect of the present invention provides a method of making a computer networking device universal comprising providing a computer networking device having more than one power connection located on said computer networking device, wherein said computer networking device connects to a power source from either a first side or a second side of said computer networking device; and attaching a power source to a first opening located proximate said first side of said computer networking device or to said second opening located proximate a second side of said computer networking device. 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a device comprising a plurality of small form factor pluggable ports located on a chassis, said ports being receptive to both a removable copper transceiver and a removable fiber-optic transceiver; wherein an arrangement of said removable copper transceiver and said removable fiber-optic transceiver includes an adjustable ratio of said removable copper transceivers to said removable fiber-optic transceivers. 
     A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a device comprising a computer networking device having an opening on a face of said computer networking device, wherein said opening allows access inside said computer networking device; a conductive resilience member, located within said computer networking device, contacting a surface of said computer networking device, wherein contact between said conductive resilience member and said surface establish an electrical connection; and wherein an insulator engages said conductive resilience member, breaking said electrical connection. 
     A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a device comprising an electrical circuit with a local common connection, said common connection being electrically common to a ground; a spring member in electrical communication to said common connection, wherein an opposite end of said spring member is in mechanical communication with said earth ground, establishing an electrical communication between said spring member and said ground; a slot providing access to said spring members, wherein a dielectric element inserted through said slot breaks said electrical communication. 
     A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a method of performing a high potential test comprising: providing a computer networking device having an opening on a face of said computer networking device, wherein said opening allows access inside said computer networking device, and a conductive resilience member located within said computer networking device, contacting a surface of said computer networking device, wherein contact between said conductive resilience member and said surface establish an electrical connection; positioning an insulator between said conductive resilience member and said surface of said computer networking device to break said electrical connection; sending a high amount of voltage into said computer networking device to test an internal circuit system; and removing said insulator. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some of the embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a front view of an embodiment of a universal computer networking device with a power plug inserted into a power receptacle; 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a front view of an embodiment of a universal computer networking device with a protective plate placed over a power receptacle; 
         FIG. 1B  depicts a front view of an embodiment of a universal computer networking device without a power plug inserted and no protective plate placed over power receptacle; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a rear view of an embodiment of a universal computer networking device with a power plug inserted into a power receptacle; 
         FIG. 2A  depicts a rear view of an embodiment of a universal computer networking device with a protective plate placed over a power receptacle; 
         FIG. 2B  depicts a rear view of an embodiment of a universal computer networking device without a power plug inserted and no protective plate placed over power receptacle; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a top view of an embodiment of a universal computer networking device; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a universal computer networking device; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a top view of an embodiment of a universal computer networking device bracket system and a multitude of variations and orientations; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a switch having a number of small form factor pluggable ports; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a SFP Fiber Transceiver and a SFP Copper Transceiver; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a switch having an assortment of SFP copper and fiber transceivers; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a computer networking device having a high potential slot located thereon; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a horizontal cross-section of an embodiment of a computer networking device having a high potential slot located thereon; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a side, cross-section view of an embodiment of a computer networking device having a high potential slot during normal operating conditions; 
         FIG. 12  depicts a side, cross-section view of an embodiment of a computer networking device having a high potential slot during a high potential test; 
         FIG. 13  depicts a schematic of an embodiment of a circuitry during normal operating conditions; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a schematic of an embodiment of a circuitry during a high potential test; 
         FIG. 15  depicts a cross-section view of an embodiment of a heat conduction system inside a network chassis; 
         FIG. 16  depicts a cross-section view of an embodiment of a heat conduction system inside a computer networking device, wherein heat is transferred away from a heat component. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Although certain embodiments of the present invention will be shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of an embodiment. The features and advantages of the present invention are illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings. 
     The present invention may relate to any computer networking device, such as a network switch. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an Ethernet switch. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a ruggedized, hardened, or industrial grade switch. In other embodiments, the present invention may relate to a gateway, router, bridge, switch, hub, repeater, multilayer switch, protocol converter, switch mount, bridge router, digital media server, multiplexer, modem, ISDN terminal adapter, line driver and the like. For ease of explanation, the term computer networking device shall be used throughout the detailed description, but may refer to any one of the computer networking devices listed above. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a first side  1  universal computer networking device  100 , which may have a multitude of components such as brackets  40 , LEDs  20 , a console port  60 , a chassis ground point  50 , a power plug  10 , and a first power receptacle  16 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , first side  1  may include a power receptacle cover  11  placed over a power receptacle when no power plug  10  is present, wherein the power plug  10  is potentially attached on second side  2 .  FIG. 1B  depicts an embodiment of a universal computer networking device  100  wherein no power plug  10  is inserted into a first receptacle  16 , and no power receptacle cover  11  is placed over a first power receptacle  16 ; thus, the inside of a power receptacle  12  and a set of mating pins  14  may be exposed. More than one console port  60 , more than one chassis ground point  50 , and at least one bracket  40  may be affixed, located, mounted, or positioned on the first side  1 . The arrangement of the components on the first side  1  of the universal computer networking device  100  may vary. For example, the location of the console port  60  may be different than its location depicted on  FIG. 1 , and also true for the rest of the components. Accordingly, the arrangement of the components on the first side  1  of the universal computer networking device  100  depicted by  FIG. 1  should not limit the present invention in that respect. The height, width, and depth of the universal computer networking device  100  may also vary, and generally may be dimensioned to fit inside a typical rack mount cage. In one exemplary embodiment, the universal computer networking device  100  is approximately 17″-18″ wide. In another embodiment, the universal computer networking device  100  may be approximately 18″-20″ wide. In yet another embodiment, the universal computer networking device  100  is approximately 20″-24″ wide. It is understood that the size of the universal computer networking device  100  may vary with the size of a rack mount cage. Furthermore, the universal computer networking device  100  need not be placed in a rack cage mount, and may be stacked one on top of the other, may be placed side by side, or may be arranged in any fashion. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a second side  2  of a universal computer networking device  100  having Ethernet ports  30 , a console port  60 , a power plug  10  inserted into a second power receptacle  17 , at least one chassis ground point  50 , at least one bracket  40 , and LEDs  20 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , second side  2  may include a power receptacle cover  11  placed over a second power receptacle  17  when no power plug  10  is present, the power plug  10  possibly attached on first side  1 .  FIG. 2B  depicts an embodiment of a universal computer networking device  100  wherein no power plug  10  is inserted into a second receptacle  17 , and no power receptacle cover  11  is placed over a second power receptacle  17 ; thus, the inside of a power receptacle  12  and a set of mating pins  14  may be exposed. The arrangement of the components on the second side  2  of the universal computer networking device  100  may vary. For example, the location of the console port  60  may be different than its location depicted on  FIG. 2 , and also true for the rest of the components. Accordingly, the arrangement of the components on the second side  2  of the universal computer networking device  100  depicted by  FIG. 2  should not limit the present invention in that respect. The Ethernet ports  30  may be any Ethernet ports known to those having skill in the art. The console port  60  may be a serial RS232 port, or any like port. The LEDs  20  may also be standard light emitting diodes, and may be used as indicator lights, or may be used for any purpose or function known to those skilled in the art. The chassis grounding points  50  may be any safety-ground connection. 
     Therefore, the universal computer networking device  100 , or network switch  100 , may have LEDs  20 , a console port  60 , chassis ground points  50 , mounting brackets  40  and a power connection  15  on both the first side  1  and the second side  2 . Ostensibly, the universal computer networking device  100  may have the ability to change mounting orientations in a rack mount by removing a power plug  10  from a second receptacle  17  and inserting the power plug  10  into a first receptacle  16 , or vice versa. Because LEDs  20 , console ports  60 , and chassis ground points  50  may be located on both sides  1 ,  2 , the universal computer networking device  100  may function regardless of what side the power plug is affixed. In most embodiments, the Ethernet ports  30  may only be located on the second side  2 , but may be manufactured having Ethernet ports  30  on the first side  1 . 
     The power connection  15  may comprise a power plug  10 , a power receptacle  12 , at least one screw terminal block  13 , a set of mating pins  14 , and a power receptacle cover  11 . The power connection  15  may be located somewhere on the first side  1 , somewhere on the second side  2  of the universal computer networking device  100 , or may be located on both the first side  1  and the second side  2  simultaneously. In other words, a power connection  15  may be present on the front (e.g. first side  1 ) and back (e.g. second side  2 ) of the universal computer networking device  100 . The power connection  15  may not always comprise a power plug  10 , and may not always comprise a power receptacle cover  11  on the same side of the universal computer networking device  100 . For example, the power connection  15  located on the first side  1  may comprise a power plug  10  inserted within a power receptacle  12  (See  FIG. 1 ), while on the second side  2  the power connection  15  may comprise an empty power receptacle  12  with the opening covered by the power receptacle cover  11  (See  FIG. 2A ). In one embodiment, the power connection  15  located on the first side  1  will have a detachable power plug  10  installed in the power receptacle  12 . In another embodiment, the power connection  15  located on the second side  2  will have a detachable power plug  10  installed in the power receptacle  12 . 
     Moreover, the power source standards used by the universal computer networking device  100  may be compatible with the North American standard of 110-120 Volts at a frequency of 60 Hz, the European standard of 220-240 Volts at a frequency of 50 Hz, and combinations thereof. Thus, the size, the shape, and the connectors of the power receptacle  12  and the power plug  10  may vary depending on the standards of the particular place of operation. 
     Furthermore, the power plug  10  may be removable, swappable, detachable, separable, etc., from the power receptacle  12 . The power plug  10  may be a plug, a pluggable unit, a pluggable terminal block, a power block, a power unit, a power connector, and may have female mating pins with front wire actuation and locking flanges. Standard, or custom designed, power wires may be attached to the power plug  10  to power the universal computer networking device  100 . For example, once the power plug  10  is removably secured into a first power receptacle  16  or a second power receptacle  17 , a user may attach power wires to the power plug. For example, the power plug  10  may be detached from the first side  1  and re-located to the second side  2  of the universal computer networking device  100  without major disassembly; disassembly may not be required all together. Thus, a consumer may have a universal computer networking device  100  with Ethernet ports  30  on the second side  2 , and choose to inject the power plug  10  to the first side  1  of the universal computer networking device  100 , thus drawing power from the first side  1 . Moreover, if that same consumer later changes his or her mind, or redesigns a substation or server room, the power plug  10  may simply be detached and re-located to the power receptacle  12  located on the second side  2  to allow the universal computer networking device  101  to draw its power from the second side  2 . The power receptacle cover  11  may also be removable, detachable, separable, etc. from the chassis  5  to allow the power plug  10  to be inserted into or removed from the power receptacle  12 . The power receptacle cover  11  may be removably attached to the chassis  5  by screws and the like, or any hardware known to those skilled in the art. 
     Having a power connection  15  on both sides of the universal computer networking device  100  may present many advantages because it may not matter whether the switch is front-wired or rear-wired at the point of manufacture. In other words, the same universal computer networking device  100  may be either front-wired or rear-wired. For example, a common front-wired switch may have Ethernet ports on the front of the switch that hang down in front of a rack mount cage, but does not have a power connection  15  on the front, so the power must be injected into the back of the switch. The universal computer networking device  100  may allow the power supply to be injected into the first side  1  or second side  2 , eliminating that constraint. Thus, the universal computer networking device  100  may have Ethernet ports  30  in the back, or second side  2 , and may have the power source  10  injected at the front or the back, or first side  1  and second side  2 , respectively. Another advantage of the universal computer networking device  100  may be that the manufacturer does not have to build both front-wired and rear-wired switches, but may simply manufacture a universal computer networking device  100 . A further advantage of the universal computer networking device  100  may allow the consumer to decide, after delivery of the universal computer networking device  100 , whether to employ a front-wired or rear-wired rack mount cage. Additionally, anyone in the field may remove the power plug  10  from first side  1  and attach it to second side  2  without risking any damage to the internal components, the internal arrangement, the connections, or the integrity of the structure of the universal computer networking device  100 . Thus, a consumer may change the orientation of the universal computer networking device  100  without the need to send it in to the manufacturer or seek professional repair/disassembly. 
     In the case of an industrial grade/strength universal computer networking device  101 , the ability to swap the power supply from one side of the switch  101  to the other without major disassembly may be a significant enhancement. Industrial, hardened, rugged, or ruggedized universal computer networking devices  101  may be designed to reliably operate in harsh operating environments and conditions, such as extreme heat or extreme cold, electromagnetic noise, electrical spikes and/or surges, power dropouts, high voltage, etc. To reliably operate in these extreme environments and under these conditions, the switch may be sealed, may be designed to be water and moisture resistant, and may be very carefully and meticulously constructed to survive operation in extremely harsh environments. For example, an industrial switch may be sealed to protect against dust and debris, and may be sealed to an Ingress Protection of IP30 or better. Additionally, an industrial grade switch may employ extra power filters and protection for the power receptacles and power inputs, which may be difficult to disassemble and reassemble. 
     Disassembling and reassembling an industrial grade computer networking device  101  may require a great amount of precision, may compromise the integrity of the switch and may negatively affect the performance of the industrial grade computer networking device  101  when operating in such harsh environments. Moreover, an industrial grade computer networking device  101  may be all metal and may have extra fasteners such as screws, welds, etc. to protect against shock and vibration. For example, disassembling just the cover of an industrial computer networking device  101  may require the removal of 14 screws. In addition to the extra fasteners, an industrial computer networking device  101  may contain various heat sinks and thermal pads which may need to be rearranged when deconstructing the computer networking device. Therefore, the ability to simply swap the detachable power plug  10  from the first side  1  with the power receptacle cover  11  from the second side  2  and connect it to the second side  2 , or vice versa, without having to dissemble the universal computer networking device  101  may be a significant enhancement and advantage, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the power receptacle  12  may be located within the chassis  5 . In most embodiments, the universal computer networking device  101  may have two power receptacles  12  located on opposite sides from each other. The power receptacle  12  may be an opening, cavity, hollow space, housing, or nook, and may have a set of mating pins  14  which interact, connect, accept, or couple with the power plug  10 . The power receptacle  12  may be positioned within the chassis  5 , near or proximate the surface of first and second sides  1 ,  2 . Moreover, a first power receptacle  16  may be located within the chassis  5  near the edge of the chassis  5 , proximate the surface of the first side  1 , and may be receptive to a power plug  10 . A second power receptacle  17  may be located within the chassis  5  near the edge of the chassis  5 , proximate the surface of second side  2 , and may be receptive to a power plug  10 . The universal computer networking device  100  may be fully powered by either power connection  15  when a power plug  10  is inserted into the power receptacle  12  and power cables are appropriately attached to the power plug  10 . Accordingly, there may be no difference in introducing the power from the first side  1  or from the second side  2 , with the exception that there may be additional wiring in the internal body of the universal computer networking device  101 . 
     The power receptacle  12  may be dimensioned to accommodate a power plug  10 , and may vary in volume. For example, the power receptacle  12  may snugly accommodate a power plug  10 , or may maintain a tolerance between the inner walls of the power receptacle  12  and the outer surface of the power plug  10 . In one embodiment, the power receptacle  12  may accommodate the power plug  10  such that the power plug  10  may not easily fall out of the power receptacle (i.e. without applying force), but that the power plug  10  may be retrieved, detached, removed, etc., from the power receptacle  12  by applying a relatively small or light force. In another embodiment, the power plug  10  may be removably secured within the power receptacle  12  with the use of screw terminal blocks  13 , which may tighten the connection between the power plug  10  and a set of mating pins  14  located within the power receptacle  12  (See  FIG. 4 ). 
     A set of mating pins  14  may be soldered to a circuit board of the power receptacle  12 . Moreover, the set of mating pins  14  may be bent at a right angle, may have locking flanges, and may be any connector configured to accept a power plug  10  of various types known to those skilled in the art. The set of mating pins  14  may be permanently located on the back wall of the power receptacle, as shown in  FIG. 3 . When a power plug  10  is inserted into a first or second power receptacle  16 ,  17 , the set of male mating pins  14  may interact, couple, accept, mate, or connect with female mating pins located on the power plug  10 . The power plug  10  may detach from the set of mating pins  14  after initially connected, and may be attached and reattached depending on what side of the chassis  5  a consumer desires to inject the power plug  10 . To establish power coming into the universal mount switch  101 , power wires/cables may be attached to the opposite side of the power plug  10  that engages the set of mating pins  14  within the power receptacle  12 . 
     When the power plug  10  is fastened, affixed, attached, connected, mated, placed, etc., in the first receptacle  16 , for example, a power receptacle cover  11  may be placed over the opening of the second power receptacle  17 , and vice versa. In other words, a power receptacle cover  11  may be placed over the power receptacle  12  that is not occupied by a power plug  10 . The power receptacle cover  11  may be a protective plate, cover, guard, shield, lid, or screen, and may be constructed out of the same material as the chassis  5 , or may be metal, plastic, ceramic, screen, mesh, or any material that may prevent objects from entering into the unoccupied power receptacle  12 . The power receptacle cover  12  may be pliable or rigid. Furthermore, the power receptacle cover  11  may be dimensioned such that it covers, blocks, shields, etc., the opening of the power receptacle  12  when a power plug  10  is not present. In most embodiments, a portion of the power plug  10 , when inserted into the power receptacle  12 , may extend a distance into the power receptacle  12 . In other embodiments, the power plug  10 , when inserted into the power receptacle  12 , may be flush with the first or second side  1 ,  2 . Furthermore, a power receptacle cover  11  may be placed over the first power receptacle  16  and second power receptacle  17  at the same time if the universal computer networking device  100  is being stored, shipped, delivered, transported, etc., to prevent objects from entering into the power receptacle. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a multitude of positions wherein a bracket  40  may be fastened to the chassis  5 . One or more brackets  40  may be affixed to both sides adjacent to the first and second side  1 ,  2  of the chassis  5  in a plurality of locations, and may be known as a bracket system  45 . Specifically, brackets  40  may be removably fastened to the sides of the chassis  5  directly adjacent to first side  1  and second side  2 .  FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of bracket positions for only one side of the chassis  5 , but it should be understood that the positions shown may reflect the possible positions for the opposite side. Both sides adjacent to first and second sides  1 ,  2  of the chassis  5  may contain brackets  40 . The bracket system  45 , including brackets  40  may use a universal EIA/WECO/ETSI mounting hole. In most embodiments, the brackets  40  comprising the bracket system  45  may be used for mounting the universal computer networking device  100  onto a typical rack mount cage. Bracket system  45 , with its various positions and orientations, may allow a universal computer networking device  100 , an industrial grade computer networking device  101 , network switch, chassis  5  to support a multitude of mounting arrangements and/or orientations when being mounted to a structure, such as a rack mount cage. 
     Because the universal computer networking device  100  may be either front-wired or rear-wired, many options may be available to mount the universal computer networking device  100  in a rack mount cage. For example, the universal computer networking device  100  may have brackets  40  near the first side  1 , and have the power source  10  connecting into the second side  2 . Many variations of bracket  40  positioning may be available, and may be orientated such that the universal computer networking device  100  resembles a front-wired arrangement, rear-wired arrangement, or a hybrid arrangement involving aspects of front-wired and rear-wired arrangements. 
     A method of making a universal computer networking device  101  universal may include providing a computer networking device having more than one power connection located on said computer networking device, wherein said computer networking device connects to a power source from either a first side or a second side of said computer networking device, attaching a power source to a first opening located proximate said first side of said computer networking device or to said second opening located proximate a second side of said computer networking device, and attaching a power source to one of said more than one power connection on either said first side or said second side. The method may further include placing a cover over one of said first opening or said second opening, swapping said power source for said cover to change a racking arrangement, providing a plurality of light emitting diodes on said first side and said second side, providing at least one console port on said first side and said second side, mounting at least two brackets on said computer networking device, providing a plurality of ground safety connections on said first side and said second side of said computer networking device, providing a plurality of Ethernet ports on said second side of said computer networking device. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a computer networking device  200  having a plurality of small form factor pluggable ports  230  located on a chassis  205 . Small form factor pluggable ports  230  may be referred to as SFP ports, and may be dimensioned similar to Ethernet ports. Furthermore, SFP may also be known as mini-GBIC. Thus, computer networking device  200  may have a plurality of SFP ports  230 , each SFP port  230  receptive to either a Copper transceiver  231  or a Fiber-optic transceiver  232 .  FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of both a copper transceiver  231  and a fiber-optic transceiver  232 . The copper transceiver  231  may be a RJ45 connector. Moreover, both the copper transceivers  231  and the fiber-optic transceivers  232  may plug in and out of any SFP port  230 . Thus, any transceiver entering a SFP port  230  may be detachable, replaceable, removably secured, and/or separable from the SFP port  230 . 
     Because computer networking device  200  may have a plurality of SFP ports  230 , it may accommodate a mix of copper transceivers  231  and fiber-optic transceivers  232 , as depicted by  FIG. 8 . For example, computer networking device  200  may have  24  SFP ports  230  located on a chassis  205 , wherein  12  of the  24  SFP ports being receptive to copper transceivers  231 , and  12  being receptive to fiber-optic transceivers  232 . It should be well understood that the ratio, arrangement, or mix, of copper transceivers  231  and fiber-optic transceivers  232  may be any ratio, arrangement, or mix that a consumer desires, and may be variable, adjustable, or dynamic. Thus, a manufacturer may build computer networking device  200  with a plurality of SFP ports  230 , and may not have to pre-define the number of copper RJ 45  ports versus fiber-optic ports. Furthermore, the ratio of copper to fiber-optic may be changed in the field, with relative ease and no disassembly of the chassis  5 . Accordingly, computer networking device  200  offers per-port modularity. 
     Per-port modularity and all of its features may be incorporated by the universal computer networking device  100  and  101 . For example, Ethernet ports  30  of universal computer networking device  101  may instead be SFP ports  230 . Computer networking device  200  may be an industrial grade switch. Industrial, hardened, rugged, or a ruggedized computer networking device  200  may be designed to reliably operate in harsh operating environments and conditions, such as extreme heat or extreme cold, electromagnetic noise, electrical spikes and/or surges, power dropouts, high voltage, etc. To reliably operate in these extreme environments and under these conditions, computer networking device  200  may be sealed, may be designed to be water and moisture resistant, and may be very carefully and meticulously constructed to survive operation in extremely harsh environments. Disassembling and reassembling an industrial grade computer networking device  200  may require a great amount of precision, may compromise the integrity of the computer networking device  200  and may negatively affect the performance of the computer networking device  200  when operating in such harsh environments. Therefore, the ability to decide in the field the ratio of copper versus fiber-optic ports without disassembling the computer networking device  200  may be advantageous. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a computer networking device  300  having a slot  350  located on the face  307  of computer networking device  300 , which may allow an insulator  355  to enter the internal body of computer networking device  300  to contact a ground finger  342  to break a ground connection  442 . The slot  350  may be rectangular in shape, but may also be square, or other functional geometric shapes. In many embodiments, the slot  350  may be positioned below a power receptacle  312  on the face  307  of computer networking device  300 . In other embodiments, the slot  350  may be positioned proximate a ground finger  342  within the chassis  305 . In one embodiment, the slot  350  may be coplanar with a ground finger  342 , or coplanar with a plurality of ground fingers  342 . The slot  350  may also be referred to as an opening, aperture, access point, cut, hole, niche, slit, orifice, slash, or vent. The slot  350  may also be characterized as a rectangular opening in the chassis  305 . Furthermore, the slot  350  may have a two-piece cover  351  to prevent dust, harmful particles, and debris from entering the internal body of the computer networking device  300 . The two pieces of the cover  351  may fold or hinge inward when an insulator  355  is inserted into the slot  350  to allow access to the ground finger  342 , and may return to its original coplanar position covering the slot  350 . Other covers, such as removable covers, one piece covers, sliding covers, and plate-like covers may also be used. 
     Worldwide electrical and safety standards may require that many mains-operated devices, such as computer networking device  300 , be subjected to high potential testing. A high potential test may involve high voltage, sometimes 500 V or more, placed on the power inputs for a length of time, sometimes a minute or more, to check if any shorts to ground are present. The high potential test may also be performed as part of a production test to verify that there may be no shorts between the high voltage power input circuit and the chassis  305 . Chassis  305  may also be referred to as a case. Equipment may sustain a fault in its electric circuits, or the mains voltage may experience perturbations in excess of its nominal value. Thus, another purpose of a high potential test may be to ensure the sufficiency of dielectric isolation between the electrical circuits of the device, such as computer networking device  300 , and the features of the device that may be accessible to users, such that these anomalies may become unlikely to result in shock or injury. 
     The same perturbations of line voltage that may cause injury to users of electrical equipment may be capable of causing damage to the electric circuits therein. Such circuits may be frequently supplied with electronic devices, or protective devices, such as metal-oxide varistors, transient-voltage suppressors, and spark gaps, to shunt, or divert, the perturbations to earth ground. In most embodiments, computer networking device  300  may contain protective devices in the internal body. These protective devices may clamp the voltage on the wires to a value that may be intrinsically safe to the internal circuits. This value may be less than the voltage applied during the high potential test. Thus, to perform a high potential test, the connection between the protective devices and earth ground may have to be broken. Upon completion of the high potential test, the connection between the protective devices and earth ground may have to be restored to ensure continued proper operation and safety of the electrical equipment. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 9 , it may be required that a high potential test be performed not only at the point of manufacture, but also upon installation of such electrical equipment, such as computer networking device  300 . Therefore, it may be necessary that the ground disconnect means be accessible to technical personnel in the field at any location, and be unobtrusive as possible with respect to the integrity of the equipment. Slot  350  located somewhere on the chassis  305  of computer networking device  300  may provide the accessibility to perform the high potential tests both at the time of manufacture and in the field at a point after manufacture. Furthermore, the present invention may use a connecting means which is passively connected. 
       FIG. 10  depicts an embodiment of the locations of certain components of computer networking device  300 . The power receptacle  312  may be positioned proximate the face  307 , and proximate the printing circuit board (PCB)  370 , wherein the power receptacle  312  may be receptive to a power source. The ground finger  342  may be positioned below the power receptacle  312  and on the underside of the PCB  370 , as shown by the hidden lines. The ground fingers  342  may be a spring, a contact spring, a spring arm, biasing member, resilient member, or any semi-rigid conductive material that may exert a return or opposing mechanical force when dislodged from its original position at equilibrium. In many embodiments, the ground finger  342  may be a conductive material. In one exemplary embodiment, the ground finger  342  may be composed of beryllium-copper. Furthermore, there may be only one ground finger  343  present inside computer networking device  300 , or there may be more than one ground finger  342 . 
       FIG. 11  shows computer networking device  300  during normal operating conditions, before a high potential test may be performed without risking damage to the internal protective circuits. The ground finger  342  may rest on the bottom surface of the chassis  305 . The contact between the ground finger  342  and the chassis  305 , in particular the bottom, inner surface of the chassis  305 , may establish the connection between the protective devices and the ground. In one embodiment, the earth ground is the chassis  305 , or metal case of computer networking device  300 . While the ground finger  342  is in communication with the ground, the protective devices may perform their intended job, and prevent damage to the internal circuits if there is a surge, spike, transients, over-voltages, etc. applied. If a high potential test was performed under these conditions, the protective circuits may maintain a lower voltage level and protect the internal circuits of computer networking device  300 . Therefore, to perform a high potential test on computer networking device  300 , the connection between the protective circuits and the chassis  305  may be broken. During the normal operating conditions, slot  350  may be accessible, or have a cover placed over the slot  350 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the connection between the protective circuits and the earth ground may be broken by dislodging the ground finger  342  to a position other than resting on or contacting the bottom surface of the chassis  305 . To break this connection, an insulator  355  may be inserted into slot  350  to engage the ground finger  342  such that the ground finger  342  no longer contacts the bottom surface of the chassis  305 . Specifically, the insulator  355  may be inserted, placed, stuck, guided, forced, introduced, jammed, slid, or put into the slot  350  such a distance to contact the ground finger  342 , applying mechanical force on the ground finger  342 . The mechanical force applied may be equal to the amount required to lift, move, dislodge, or vacate the ground finger  342  from touching the bottom surface of the chassis  305 . This position is depicted as ground finger  343  in  FIG. 12 . Once the contact between the ground finger  342  and the bottom surface of the chassis  305  is interrupted, the protective circuits may no longer be grounded to the chassis  305 , thus preventing any damage to the protective circuits if a high amount of voltage is introduced or inputted into the computer networking device  300 , or any electronic device. Accordingly, a high performance test may be performed without damaging the protective circuits when the ground finger  342  does not contact the bottom surface of the chassis  305 . 
     Once the high performance voltage test is completed, the insulator  355  may be removed from the computer networking device  300  through the slot  350 . After the insulator  355  is removed, the ground finger  342  may return to its original position, contacting the bottom surface of the chassis  305  relying on the spring action of the ground finger  342 . At this moment, the normal operating conditions may be restored, and the risk of incorrectly disassembling and/or reassembling the computer networking device  300  may be avoided because of the accessible slot  350  and the springing action of the ground finger  342 , reestablishing the connection between the protective circuits and the chassis  305 , or ground. This device and method may be referred to as a means of passive interconnection to ensure system integrity. 
     The insulator  355  may also be referred to as a planar object, card, or dielectric element. The insulator may be any dielectric material, such as plastic. The insulator  355  may be rectangular, or it may be square. In most embodiments, the insulator  355  may be dimensioned to fit within the parameters of the slot  350 . For example, if the slot  350 , or opening, has an area, A, than the insulator  355  may be dimensioned to fit within area, A, of the slot  350 . The insulator  355  may be the size of a standard credit card; specifically, the surface area and perimeter of the insulator  355  may be the size of a standard credit card. Because of the convenient size of the insulator, a technician in the field may simply reach for a credit card from his or her persons and break the common connection between the earth ground and protective circuits. Moreover, the insulator  355  may be of a size such that when inserted into slot  350 , a portion of the insulator  355  may extend outward from the face  307  of the computer networking device  300 , allowing a technician to grab the insulator and remove, slide, dislodge, or pull the insulator  355  out of the slot  350 . 
       FIG. 13  depicts an embodiment of a circuit  400 , while a computer networking device  300  is operating during normal conditions. Apparent in circuit system  400 , chassis connection  405  is in electrical communication with the ground finger connection  442 . During this state, the protective circuits may be functioning properly, and a high potential voltage test may not be performed without risking damage to the protective circuits. Moreover, circuit system  400  may have a raw input power source  410 , inputting voltage to the computer networking device  300 , and may exit circuit system  400  as clean and protected power  460 . 
       FIG. 14  depicts an embodiment of a circuit system  401 , while a computer networking device  300  is prepared for a high potential voltage test. The difference between circuit system  400  and circuit system  401  is that the chassis connection  405  may no longer be in electrical communication with the ground finger connection  342 . Accordingly, ground connection  442   a  may show that the connection has been broken. Thus, high potential tester  450  may apply a large amount of voltage to inputs  412 ,  413 ,  414  without risking damage to the protective circuits of a computer networking device  300 . 
     A method of performing a high potential test may comprise the steps of providing a computer networking device having an opening on a face of the computer networking device, wherein the opening allows access inside the computer networking device, and a conductive resilience member located within the computer networking device, contacting a surface of the computer networking device, wherein contact between the conductive resilience member and the surface establish an electrical connection, positioning an insulator between the conductive resilience member and the surface of the computer networking device to break the electrical connection, sending a high amount of voltage into the computer networking device to test an internal circuit system, and removing the insulator. In accordance with this method, no disassembly of the computer networking device may be required. Furthermore, the dielectric element may engage the conductive resilience member to break the electrical connection. 
     The method of performing a high potential test may further include the steps of sliding the insulator through the opening, positioning the opening proximate a power receptacle, wherein the conductive resilience member is positioned between a printing circuit board and the surface of the computer networking device, disengaging a protective circuit of the computer networking device to prevent the protective circuits from clamping an applied voltage, and allowing access to the conductive resilience member. 
     It should be understood that universal computer networking device  100  and  101  may incorporate features discussed in reference to computer networking device  300 , including a slot  350  located on a first side  1  or second side  2  of universal computer networking device  100 . For example, universal computer networking device  100  may have a slot  350  located proximate a first opening  16 . Furthermore, computer networking device  300  may incorporate features of universal computer networking device  100 , such as having LEDs  320  on both sides of computer networking device  300 . Furthermore, computer networking device  300  may include SFP ports  230 . Computer networking device  300  may also be an industrial grade switch and/or industrial grade switch mount, having the same features of industrial grade switches discussed supra. 
       FIG. 15  depicts an embodiment of heat transfer system  400  inside a computer networking device  401 ; specifically, a heat transfer system  400  positioned between a cover  406  and a base  407  of the computer networking device  401 . The heat transfer system  400  may include one or more thermal pads  435 , one or more heat sinks  465 , and a hot component  415  mounted on a printing circuit board  420 . The heat transfer system  400  may transfer, dissipate, and conduct heat away from the hot component  415  in both directions, as shown in  FIG. 16 . Specifically, the heat transfer system  400  may conduct heat away from the hot component  415  on both sides of the printing circuit board  420 . Having a heat transfer system  400  inside a computer networking device  401  may result in better heat transfer to the cover  406  and base  407 , thus lowering the temperature of the hot component  415  and extending operating life of computer networking device  401 . 
     In industrial applications, network switch  401  may comprise as few moving parts as possible because moving parts may make it more likely to fail from vibration, shock, temperature variations, dust build-ups, etc. In many embodiments of computer networking device  401 , no fans are present within the internal body to cool down internal temperature. Furthermore, heat from hot component  415  may be dissipated via natural convection, conduction, and/or radiation. Convection is where a common computer networking device has ventilation slots allowing air to pass through. However, in industrial applications, vents may not be desirable because they can let dust and/or other contaminants into the computer networking device  401 . Moreover, vents placed on the sides of computer networking device  401  may negatively affect natural air convection. Conduction is where the heat is transferred away from the hot component  415  through physical contact. In many embodiments, heat sinks  465  may be used to conduct heat away from a hot component. Therefore, the heat transfer system  400  may increase heat transfer away from a hot component  415  through conduction and radiation, without sacrificing the integrity of the computer networking device  400 . In an exemplary embodiment, computer networking device  401  may be an industrial grade Ethernet switch. 
     Referring again to FIGS.  15 - 16 ., a hot component  415  may be soldered or mounted with other known means to a printing circuit board  420 . The hot component  415  may be any part, component, or device located within the computer networking device  400  which emits a certain amount of heat. The printing circuit board  420  may be mounted somewhere between the cover  406  and the base  407  of computer networking device  401 . The cover  406  and base  407  may be part of the case; the case may be the structural enclosure of the computer networking device  401 . The case may be made out of metal. In one embodiment, the case may be aluminum. 
     The hot component  415  mounted on the printing circuit board  420  may have a combination of heat sinks  465  and thermal pads  435  in communication with each other that may extend to the cover  406 . In an exemplary embodiment, a thermal pad  435  is in direct communication with the top of the hot component  415 , located above the printing circuit board  420 . Furthermore, a heat sink  365  may also be located above the printing circuit board  420 , wherein the heat sink  465  may be in direct communication with the thermal pad  365  which is in direct communication with the hot component  415 . Also, above the printing circuit board  420  and proximate the cover  406  may be an additional thermal pad  435 . The positioning of these thermally conductive devices may conduct heat emitted by the hot component  415  upwards and away from the hot component  415  towards the cover  406 , and eventually out into the ambient air. The arrangement of the heat sink  465  and thermal pads  435  may vary. For example, a heat sink  465  may be in direct communication with the hot component  415  and have a thermal pad  435  above. The combination of heat sinks  465  and thermal pads  435  may increase heat transfer away from the hot component  415 . 
     Another combination of heat sink  465  and thermal pad  435  may be positioned underneath the printing circuit board  420 . In one embodiment, a heat sink  465  may be in direct communication with the underbelly of the printing circuit board  420  to conduct heat away from the hot component towards the base  407 . In another embodiment, a thermal pad  435  may be in direct communication with the underbelly of the printing circuit board  420  to conduct heat away from the hot component  415  towards the base  407 . Furthermore, another heat sink  465  or thermal pad  435  may be in direct communication with the heat sink  465  or thermal pad  435  that is in direct communication with the printing circuit board  420 . This combination or series of thermally conductive devices may extend to the base  407 . Moreover, direct communication as used with respect to the arrangement of the components of computer networking device  401  may be actual physical contact, or simply fluid communication, wherein the components are spaced apart a small distance from each other. 
     Accordingly, a hot component  415  may be sandwiched between thermally conductive devices to conduct heat away in both directions  440 ,  441 . For example, the heat emitted by the hot component is conducted through a heat sink  465  and thermal pad  435  combination towards the cover  407  (top) or the base  407  (bottom). The direction of the transferred heat  440  towards the cover  406  and the direction of the transferred heat  441  towards the base  407  are depicted in  FIG. 16 . When the heat reaches the cover  406  and the base  407 , the heat may be absorbed and dispersed or spread out across the larger surface areas of the cover  406  and the base  407 . After the heat is absorbed and dispersed, the heat may then radiate to the air outside the case. 
     To maximize the heat transfer, the thermal pads  435  may be as thin as possible. The heat sinks  465  may be solid aluminum, or any other metal with similar thermal conductivity. Additionally, thermal pads  435  may be used between all component-to-heat sink, printing circuit board-to-heat sink, and heat sink-to-case contacts to increase the contact area. Using thermal pads  435  between these contacts may wet the area. Wetting theses contacts may be advantageous because direct hard surface-to-hard surface contacts may offer poor thermal transfer due to microscopic imperfections in the surface. Introducing thermal pads  435  to areas within the computer networking device  401  such as contacts between hard surface-to-hard surface may expand the possible contact area, wherein heat may be conducted. 
     It should be understood that universal computer networking device  100  and  101  may incorporate features discussed in reference to computer networking device  401 . For example, universal computer networking device  100  and  101  may have a heat transfer system  400  located inside chassis  5 . Furthermore, computer networking device  401  may include features discussed with respect to the universal computer networking device  100 . For example, computer networking device  401  may have more than one power connection  15  located on the front or back of computer networking device  401 . Additionally, computer networking device  401  may also have SFP ports  230 , and incorporate per-port modularity of computer networking device  200 . 
     Various modifications and variations of the described devices and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, outlined above, it should be understood that the invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.