DATA CENTER NETWORK DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

摘要

A method and apparatus ('utility') for facilitating connection of rack-mo unted 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 th e distribution strip (42), for use in connecting the rack-mounted data devic es (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 exclu sively along a vertical axis of the rack (40). The distribution strip may fu rther 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 seco nd ports (46) for connecting the distribution strip (42) to a network device (56).