Data center network distribution system

Abstract

A method and apparatus (“utility”) for facilitating connection of rack-mounted data devices ( 50 ) to a data network is provided. The utility includes a distribution strip ( 42 ) and a number of network ports ( 44 ), disposed on the distribution strip ( 42 ), for use in connecting the rack-mounted data devices ( 50 ) to the network. The distribution strip ( 42 ) has a longitudinal axis, and is disposed on a rack ( 40 ) such that a length of the distribution strip ( 42 ), defined relative to the longitudinal axis, extends primarily or exclusively along a vertical axis of the rack ( 40 ). The distribution strip may further include a data network switch device. A utility is also provided that provides improved redundancy with regard to connections of rack-mounted data devices by including a distribution strip ( 42 ) that includes first and second ports ( 46 ) for connecting the distribution strip ( 42 ) to a network device ( 56 ).

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for use in connecting rack-mounted data devices to a data network, comprising:
 a distribution strip having a longitudinal axis, said distribution strip being disposed on a rack such that a length of said distribution strip, defined relative to said longitudinal axis, extends primarily or exclusively along a vertical height axis of said rack; and   a plurality of network ports, disposed on said distribution strip, for use in connecting said rack-mounted data devices to said network.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said distribution strip is disposed in a vertical orientation on said rack. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said distribution strip is incorporated into said rack. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said network ports are distributed along said length of said distribution strip. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of patch cords for connecting said rack-mounted data devices to said network ports, wherein a majority of said patch cords have lengths that are equal to or less than one-half said height of said rack. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of patch cords for connecting said rack-mounted data devices to said network ports, wherein a majority of said patch cords have lengths that are equal to or less than said width of said rack. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein each distribution strip includes a data network switch device. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said distribution strip includes logic structure for executing network connectivity logic. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a network indication device, associated with each of said network ports, for providing an indication of a network association or any other information regarding each of said network ports. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said network indication device includes an LCD device. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said network indication device includes an LED display. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said distribution strip includes a fiber port or a copper port for connecting said strip to said network. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said distribution strip includes at least two fiber or copper ports for use in connecting said distribution strip to said network. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a protocol gateway that is operable to receive communication information from multiple data transfer protocols and communicate said information over said network using a gateway transfer protocol that is different from at least one of said multiple data transfer protocols; and   a plurality of protocol gateway ports, disposed on said distribution strip, for connecting electrical equipment to said network, wherein said electrical equipment communicates with said protocol gateway though at least one of said multiple data transfer protocols.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein said multiple data transfer protocols include at least two of RS-232 serial, USB, Ethernet, and Fibre Channel. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein said gateway transfer protocol is TCP/IP. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said distribution strip does not occupy any space that may be used for data processing equipment on a rack when in an installed position. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of network ports includes GBIC, Fibre Channel, Copper Ethernet, USB, or custom proprietary ports. 
     
     
         19 . A method for use in connecting rack-mounted data devices to a network, the method comprising:
 providing a distribution strip with a plurality of network ports distributed along a vertical axis of a rack; and   connecting each of multiple data devices in said rack to a substantially vertically adjacent one of said network ports.   
     
     
         20 . A system for connecting rack-mounted data devices to a data network, comprising:
 a first distribution strip associated with a first subset of a set of data devices, wherein said set of data devices are mounted in multiple racks;   a second distribution strip associated with a second subset of said set of data devices; and   for each of said first and second distribution strips, first and second separate data connections to said data network.   
     
     
         21 . The system as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein said first subset of said set of data devices is mounted in a first rack and said second subset of said set of data devices is mounted in a second rack. 
     
     
         22 . The system as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein, for each of said first and second distribution strips, said first and second data connections extend directly from said first or second distribution strip to a network device. 
     
     
         23 . The system as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein said first and second distribution strips are connected in series in a loop to provide said first and second connections. 
     
     
         24 . A system for connecting rack-mounted data devices to a data network, comprising:
 a first distribution strip associated with a first subset of a set of data devices, wherein said set of data devices are mounted in multiple racks; and   first and second separate data connections for connecting said first distribution strip to said network.   
     
     
         25 . A method for use in connecting rack-mounted data devices to a network, comprising:
 connecting multiple data devices to a distribution strip; and   connecting said distribution strip to a network device via a first connection pathway and by a second connection pathway separate from said first connection pathway.