Distributed network repeater module and method
First Claim
1. A network router device for coupling to a network switch comprising:
- at least first and second distinct router modules;
at least said first router module having a casing and circuitry within said casing, with at least a first signal light positioned within said casing;
at least said first router module configured to be coupled in a first position with respect to said switch;
at least a first light pipe for conveying at least some light from said first signal light to a signal light output, wherein said signal light output is visible when said router module is in said first position.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A repeater, useable for connecting switches in a data communication network, is provided in a distributed and/or modular fashion. The repeater includes a plurality of separate and distinct components or modules connected to or at least partially housed in, the various switches which the repeater modules couple. The distributed and/or modular repeater facilitates accommodating various switching or repeater needs as a network grows or contracts. A light pipe, preferably integral with a module case, conveys indicator lights to a position visible when viewing a switch front panel. A heat spreader unit receives and/or conveys heat and/or protects against undue EMI. A collision-handling state machine transmits modified collision fragments so as to avoid reduction in interpacket gaps, e.g. by downstream repeater modules.
98 Citations
44 Claims
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1. A network router device for coupling to a network switch comprising:
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at least first and second distinct router modules;
at least said first router module having a casing and circuitry within said casing, with at least a first signal light positioned within said casing;
at least said first router module configured to be coupled in a first position with respect to said switch;
at least a first light pipe for conveying at least some light from said first signal light to a signal light output, wherein said signal light output is visible when said router module is in said first position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for use with a network router device, said network router device for coupling to a network switch, the method comprising:
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coupling at least a first router component in a first predefined position with respect to said switch;
controlling at least a first signal light, coupled to said first router component, to indicate at least first information relating to said router, wherein a signal light output is visible when said router component is in said first position. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
A constant-on light signal;
A constant-off light signal;
A light flash pattern; and
A light of any one of a plurality of colors.
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15. A method as claimed in claim 9 further comprising conveying at least some light from said first signal light to said signal light output with a light pipe.
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16. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein said router component includes a casing and further comprising integrally forming said light pipe with at least a portion of said casing.
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17. Apparatus for use with a network router device comprising:
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a first router component configured for coupling in a first predefined position with respect to a network switch;
means for controlling at least a first signal light, coupled to said first router component, to indicate at least first information relating to said router, means for locating a signal light output such that light from said signal light is visible when said router component is in said first position. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. A network router device for coupling to a network switch comprising:
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at least first and second distinct router modules;
at least said first router module having a casing and circuitry within said casing;
a heat spreader having a first region, having a first surface area positioned for thermal conduction with respect to at least a portion of said circuitry and a second region, said heat spreader configured to provide heat conduction between said first region and said second region. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A method for dissipating heat in a network router device, said device for coupling to a network switch, the method comprising:
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coupling at least first and second distinct router modules to said network switch, at least said first router module having a casing and circuitry within said casing;
coupling a heat spreader having a first region, having a first surface area positioned for thermal conduction with respect to at least a portion of said circuitry and a second region, said heat spreader configured to provide heat conduction between said first region and said second region. - View Dependent Claims (36)
positioning said first and second edges of said heat shield adjacent at least portions of said first and second edges of said circuit board, to cover at least a portion of said circuit board wherein electromagnetic interference (EMI) from said portion of said circuit board is reduced, compared to a configuration in which said portion of said circuit board is uncovered.
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37. Apparatus for dissipating heat in a network router device, said device for coupling to a network switch, the apparatus comprising:
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at least first and second distinct router modules configured for coupling to said network switch, at least said first router module having a casing and circuitry within said casing;
means for spreading heat, said means for spreading heat having a first region, positioned for thermal conduction with respect to at least a portion of said circuitry and a second region, said heat spreader configured to provide heat conduction between said first region and said second region. - View Dependent Claims (38)
means for positioning said first and second edges of said heat shield adjacent at least portions of said first and second edges of said circuit board, to cover at least a portion of said circuit board wherein electromagnetic interference (EMI) from said portion of said circuit board is reduced, compared to a configuration in which said portion of said circuit board is uncovered.
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39. Apparatus, in a computer network, for avoiding reduction of interpacket gaps below a minimum gap value, comprising:
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at least first and second distinct router modules configured for coupling to a network switch;
a state machine, in at least said first router module, configured to receive a sequential plurality of communication packets;
recognize at least a first collision fragment, having a first form, in at least one of said communications packets; and
forward said at least one communications packet to said second router module, after altering said first collision fragment to a second form;
a state machine, in at least said second router module, configured to forward said at least one communications packet, received from said first router module with an altered collision fragment in said second form, in the absence of decreasing an interpacket gap. - View Dependent Claims (40, 41, 42)
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43. A method, in a computer network, for avoiding reduction of interpacket gaps below a minimum gap value, comprising:
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coupling at least first and second distinct router modules to a network switch;
receiving, in said first router module, a sequential plurality of communication packets;
recognizing, in said first router module, at least a first collision fragment, having a first form, in at least one of said communications packets;
forwarding, from said first router module to said second router module, said at least one communications packet, after altering said first collision fragment to a second form;
forwarding, from said second router module, said at least one communications packet, received from said first router module, in the absence of decreasing an interpacket gap below said minimum value.
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44. Apparatus, in a computer network, for avoiding reduction of interpacket gaps below a minimum gap value, comprising:
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at least first and second distinct router modules coupled to a network switch;
means, in said first router module, for;
receiving a sequential plurality of communication packets;
recognizing at least a first collision fragment, having a first form, in at least one of said communications packets; and
forwarding said at least one communications packet to said second router module, after altering said first collision fragment to a second form;
means, in said second router module, for forwarding, from said second router module, said at least one communications packet, received from said first router module, in the absence of decreasing an interpacket gap below said minimum value.
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Specification