{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854697","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854697","title":"Modular network switches, associated structures, and associated methods of manufacture and use","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-10-12T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["G06F","G06F","G06F","G06F","H04L","H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":18,"abstract":"Modular network switches and other computer systems are described herein. A modular network switch can include a latching device for installing and removing computer modules (e.g., line cards) from an associated cabinet or enclosure. The network switch can also include interconnected computer modules (e.g., line cards, fabric cards, control modules, etc.) that include circuit boards oriented parallel to the flow of cooling air through the cabinet in the absence of a backplane or midplane oriented perpendicular to the air flow. The absence of such backplanes and/or midplanes provides a more direct air flow path through the cabinet, thereby enabling a more efficient flow of cooling air and lower operating temperatures. Additionally, the network switch can include an orthogonal arrangement of data planes, control planes, and/or power planes that can be efficiently interconnected to increase operational speed and further facilitate the flow of cooling air through the computer cabinet."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Modular Network Switches, Associated Structures, and Associated Methods of Manufacture and Use patent addresses the growing challenges of cooling and scalability in modern network infrastructure. The core innovation lies in a modular network switch design that eliminates the traditional backplane or midplane, enabling a more direct and efficient airflow path for cooling. This is achieved by orienting circuit boards parallel to the airflow, minimizing obstructions and allowing for a more uniform distribution of cooling air. The problem being solved is the increasing heat buildup and energy consumption associated with traditional network switch designs, which impede effective heat dissipation and can lead to performance bottlenecks.\n\nThe key technical approach involves the modular design, the parallel orientation of circuit boards, and the orthogonal arrangement of data, control, and power planes. This orthogonal arrangement optimizes interconnections and reduces signal latency, further improving overall system performance. The absence of a backplane dramatically improves the cooling profile, allowing for higher component densities and increased network throughput.\n\nThe business value of this technology is significant. Data centers, telecommunications providers, and enterprises can benefit from the increased efficiency, scalability, and maintainability offered by this modular design. By reducing cooling costs and improving performance, this innovation can significantly lower the total cost of ownership for network infrastructure. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for more efficient and scalable network solutions continues to grow. This patent represents a significant step forward in network architecture, paving the way for more sustainable and high-performance networks.","layman_explanation":"The Modular Network Switches, Associated Structures, and Associated Methods of Manufacture and Use patent addresses a critical problem in modern data centers and network infrastructure: overheating. As the demand for data and processing power increases, so does the heat generated by network switches. Traditional network switch designs often impede effective heat dissipation, leading to higher energy consumption and potential performance bottlenecks. This patent offers a solution by introducing a modular and efficient approach to network switch design.\n\nInstead of using a traditional backplane, which blocks airflow and contributes to heat buildup, this invention orients the circuit boards parallel to the airflow. This allows for a more direct and efficient cooling path, minimizing heat buildup and allowing for higher component densities. Think of it like arranging books on a shelf: if you stack them tightly together, air can't circulate and they can get warm. But if you leave space between the books, air can flow freely and keep them cool.\n\nThe impact of this technology is significant. By reducing cooling costs and improving performance, this innovation can lower the total cost of ownership for network infrastructure. It also allows for more scalable and maintainable networks, which are essential for meeting the growing demands of modern businesses. The market opportunity is substantial, as data centers and telecommunications providers are constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This innovative approach to network switch design offers a compelling solution to these challenges.\n\nIn the future, we can expect to see this technology adopted more widely as data centers and network infrastructure continue to evolve. The modular design and efficient cooling capabilities make it a valuable asset for any organization seeking to optimize its network infrastructure. As the demand for data and processing power continues to grow, the Modular Network Switches, Associated Structures, and Associated Methods of Manufacture and Use patent will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of network infrastructure.","technical_analysis":"The Modular Network Switches, Associated Structures, and Associated Methods of Manufacture and Use patent offers a technically advanced solution to the problem of cooling in high-density network environments. The traditional backplane architecture, while providing a convenient interconnection point for various modules, inherently obstructs airflow and contributes to heat buildup. This patent addresses this issue by eliminating the backplane altogether and orienting circuit boards parallel to the airflow.\n\nThe technical architecture involves a modular design, where individual line cards, fabric cards, and control modules can be easily installed and removed from the cabinet. This modularity allows for flexible configuration and easy upgrades. The orthogonal arrangement of data, control, and power planes is a key aspect of the design. This arrangement allows for efficient interconnection of these planes, minimizing signal latency and improving overall system performance. From an implementation standpoint, the design requires careful consideration of signal integrity and power distribution. High-speed connectors and optimized routing algorithms are necessary to ensure reliable data transmission.\n\nThe performance characteristics of this design are superior to traditional backplane-based switches. The improved airflow leads to lower operating temperatures, which in turn improves component reliability and extends the lifespan of the equipment. The orthogonal arrangement of planes reduces signal latency and increases network throughput. The modularity of the design simplifies maintenance and upgrades, reducing downtime and improving overall operational efficiency. The code-level implications are primarily related to the management and control of the various modules and the routing of data across the orthogonal planes. This requires sophisticated software algorithms and protocols.","business_analysis":"The Modular Network Switches, Associated Structures, and Associated Methods of Manufacture and Use patent presents a compelling business opportunity in the rapidly growing market for high-performance network infrastructure. The market opportunity size is significant, as data centers, telecommunications providers, and enterprises are all seeking more efficient and scalable network solutions. The competitive advantages of this technology are clear: improved cooling, increased network throughput, and simplified maintenance.\n\nThe revenue potential is substantial. By reducing cooling costs and improving performance, this innovation can significantly lower the total cost of ownership for network infrastructure. This allows companies to offer more competitive pricing and increase their market share. The business model can be based on the sale of modular network switches, as well as ongoing maintenance and support services. Strategic positioning is key to success. Companies should focus on marketing the benefits of this technology to data center operators and other large network users.\n\nThe ROI projections are highly favorable. The reduction in cooling costs and the increase in network throughput can lead to significant savings and increased revenue. The modularity of the design also reduces downtime and improves operational efficiency, further enhancing the ROI. Overall, the Modular Network Switches, Associated Structures, and Associated Methods of Manufacture and Use patent represents a valuable asset for any company seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for high-performance network infrastructure.","faqs":null,"topics":["modular network switch","data center cooling","network performance","backplane-free","patent","modular","network","switches"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Modular Network Switches - Patent US-9854697","description":"Discover modular network switches with improved cooling and performance. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":["modular network switch","data center cooling","network performance","backplane-free","patent","patent US-9854697"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854697","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854697","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Modular network switches, associated structures, and associated methods of manufacture and use\" (US-9854697). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854697","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854697","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854697","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T10:10:35.699Z"}