WO2023154175A1

WO2023154175A1 - Asymmetric brackets that facilitate passive cooling of network switches

Info

Publication number: WO2023154175A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/011255
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wayne Hopkinson; Scott Keith; Ronna DAVIS; Jeffrey OBERSKI
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies Llc
Priority date: 2022-02-10
Filing date: 2023-01-20
Publication date: 2023-08-17

Abstract

A set of brackets includes a first L-shaped bracket having a first leg with a first length and a second leg extending ninety degrees away from the first leg and having a second length. The set also includes a second L-shaped bracket having a third leg with a third length and a fourth leg extending ninety degrees away from the third leg with a fourth length. The third length is at least twice the first length. By varying the orientation of a connection between the second leg and the fourth leg to sidewalls of a communication unit and which sidewall the second and fourth legs are connected to, the brackets can attach communication units to vertical first and second network rack rails in at least four different positions in a horizontal x-y plane. Varying the horizontal positions of stacked communication units within a network rack allows for heat dissipation.

Description

ASYMMETRIC BRACKETS THAT FACILITATE PASSIVE COOLING OF NETWORK SWITCHES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention generally relates to a network rack mounting system for holding communication units. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pair of mounting brackets, which can be used to attach communication units to first and second network rack rails in at least four different positions in a horizontal x-y plane relative to vertical network rack rails.

2. Description of the Related Art

[002] Network racks are typically located inside a main equipment room of an office building or school. The network rack has vertical and parallel first and second rails to support various servers, switches, patch panels or other such communication units. Many of the communication units are powered and generate heat. To this end, heat generated by the lower mounted communication units will radiate upward and heat the upper mounted communication units.

[003] One or more network switches may be mounted to a network rack. The network switch receives a power input and one or more optical fibers and establishes two-way communication between the one or more optical fibers and plural RJ45 ports, such as eight or more RJ-45 ports, such as eight, ten, twelve, twenty-four or forty-eight RJ-45 ports. The network switch also may supply a power over ethernet (PoE) signal to several or all of the RJ-45 ports.

[004] The network switches with eight, ten or twelve RJ-45 ports are typically smaller and lighter weight communication units, as compared to the other communication units in a network rack. For example, Figure 1 shows a network switch 11 in accordance with the prior art. The network switch 11 is a Ruckus model ICX-7150-C10ZP made by CommScope of Hickory, North Carolina, the assignee of the present invention.

[005] The network switch 11 takes up a 1U rack space, e.g., 1.75 inches in vertical height. The width of the network switch 11 is about twelve inches between opposed end walls 12, and three threaded bore holes 14 are formed in each end wall 12. The depth of the network switch 11 between a front face 86 and a rear 20 is about twelve inches. CommScope and other manufactures, offer network switches with other sizes, such as network switches with a width of about ten to fourteen inches, and a depth of about seven to fourteen inches. See for example the model NG8POE network switch made by Tripp Lite of Chicago, Illinois, which has a height of 1RU, a width of about eleven inches and a depth of about seven inches. The model NG8POE network switch comes with a set of extended length brackets 13 and 15, as shown in Figure 2, which include through holes 16 to align to the threaded bore holes 14 of the Tripp Lite network switch.

[006] Figure 3 shows a network rack 21 in accordance with the prior art. The network rack 21 has first and second network rack rails 23 and 25. The standard distance between the first and second network rack rails 23 and 25 is nineteen inches. A typical network rack 21 is about 42U to 45U in height, which is about six to six and half feet tall. For stability and ease of installation, the heavier and larger communication units 22-1, 22-2, 22-3 and 22-4, like 4U sized power transformers, backup battery units, servers, etc., tend to be mounted near the bottom of the network rack 21. Mid-sized communication units 24-1, 24-2 and 24-3, like 2U sized patch panels, severs, etc., tend to be mounted in the midsection of the network rack 21. The smaller and lighter weight network switches 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 tend to be mounted at the top of the network rack 21.

[007] Since the network switch 11-1 has a width which is less than the nineteen inch spacing between the first and second network rack rails 23 and 25, the first and second extended length brackets 13 and 15 are used to center and attach the network switch 11-1 between the first and second network rack rails 23 and 25. The extended length brackets 13 and 15 have a length of about four inches, e.g., 4.3 inches to include some overlap onto the first and second network rack rails 23 and 25, and are known in the art and available by third party vendors, such as TRENDnet under manufacturer part number ETH-11MK. The extended length brackets 13 and 15 are advertised to mount an eleven inch wide network switch 11 to a standard nineteen inch network rack 21. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] The Applicant has appreciated some drawbacks in the network rack mounting systems of the prior art.

[009] The network switch 11 is usually fan-less and relies upon one or more heat fin sets to remove heat from the network switch 11. Excessive heat within a network switch 11 can lead to an emergency shutdown of the network switch 11, a forced reset, data loss and/or data processing errors. Also, excessive heat levels and extended periods of heat can shorten the lifespan of the network switch 11. To this end, some network switches 11 include a built-in fan to remove heat. However, internal fans generate some noise, and require periodic cleaning, lubrication and/or replacement, and increase the cost and size of the network switch 11. Therefore, many network switches 11 are passively cooled, e.g., by one or more external heat fin sets.

[010] Within the main equipment room, there is typically HVAC equipment directed toward the network rack 21 to reduce the temperature in the case of air conditioning units, and to move the heat away from the network rack 21 in the case of fans. However, in the close quarters of the network rack 21 there may little space available between the communication units 11, 22 and 24 and heat may not be easily reduced in temperature or moved by a circulating air flow due to the small gaps between the communication units 11, 22 and 24.

[011] The problem of lowering the temperature of heat generating communication units, such as network switches 11 and moving heat away from the network switches 11 is even more problematic when first and second shortened network rack rails 17 and 18 are mounted within a cabinet 19, as shown in Figure 4. The cabinet 19 has left and right sidewalls, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall and may also include a front access door (not shown). When three or four network switches 11 are mounted to the first and second shortened network rack rails 17 and 18, it will be difficult to get air to flow within all portions of the confined space within the cabinet 19. Even with one or more fans positioned to draw air into the cabinet 19 and/or expel air from the cabinet 19, it is difficult to direct air by and though the heat fin sets of passively cooled network switches 11. [012] When the network switches 11 are stacked and centered between the first and second network rack rails 23 and 25, as shown in Figure 3, the heat from the lower communication units 22 and 24 radiate upward to heat the lowest network switch 11-3. Air circulation between the network switches 11 is hinder because the network switches are vertically aligned and overlapping horizontally. Moreover, the heat fin set of the lower network switch 11-3 is directly beneath the heat fin set of the middle network switch 11-2 and the upper network switch 11-1 when the network switches 11 are of the same model. The heat from the lower heat fin set will radiant upward to heat the upper heat fin set(s).

[013] It is an object of the present invention to address one or more of the shortcomings of the prior art, as appreciated by the applicant. It is an object of the present invention to improve the passive cooling of the network switches 11 when mounted to the first and second network rack rails 23 and 25 or first and second shortened network rack rails 17 and 18.

[014] These and other objects are accomplished by a set of brackets including a first L-shaped bracket having a first leg with a first length and a second leg extending ninety degrees away from the first leg and having a second length. The set also includes a second L-shaped bracket having a third leg with a third length and a fourth leg extending ninety degrees away from the third leg with a fourth length. The third length is at least twice the first length. By varying the orientation of a connection between the second leg and the fourth leg to sidewalls of a communication unit and which sidewall the second and fourth legs are connected to, the brackets can attach communication units to vertical first and second network rack rails in at least four different positions in a horizontal x-y plane. Varying the horizontal positions of stacked communication units within a network rack allows for improved heat dissipation.

[015] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[016] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limits of the present invention, and wherein:

[017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a network switch, in accordance with the prior art;

[018] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a set of brackets used to mount the network switch of Figure 1, in accordance with the prior art;

[019] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a network rack, in accordance with the prior art;

[020] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cabinet with shortened network rack rails, in accordance with the prior art;

[021] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first bracket of a set of brackets, in accordance with the present invention;

[022] Figure 6 is a front view of the first bracket of Figure 5;

[023] Figure 7 is a top view of the first bracket of Figure 5;

[024] Figure 8 is a right-side view of the first bracket of Figure 5;

[025] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second bracket of the set of brackets, in accordance with the present invention;

[026] Figure 10 is a left-side and top perspective view of the first and second brackets of Figures 5-9 mounted to left sides of first and second network switches;

[027] Figure 11 is a front view of the first and second network switches of Figure 10 mounted to network rack rails;

[028] Figure 12 is a front and bottom perspective view of the arrangement of Figure 11 to better illustrate the offset mounting arrangement; and

[029] Figure 13 is a cabinet with network switches mounted to shortened network rack rails, in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[030] The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[031] Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity. Broken lines illustrate optional features or operations unless specified otherwise.

[032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

[033] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as "between X and Y" and "between about X and Y" should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as "between about X and Y" mean "between about X and about Y." As used herein, phrases such as "from about X to Y" mean "from about X to about Y."

[034] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on", "attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" with, "contacting", etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, "directly on", "directly attached" to, "directly connected" to, "directly coupled" with or "directly contacting" another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[035] Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “lateral”, “left”, “right” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the descriptors of relative spatial relationships used herein interpreted accordingly.

[036] The present invention concerns a set of brackets for attaching communication equipment, such as the network switch 11 of Figure 1, to network rack rails, such as the first and second network rack rails 23 and 25 of Figure 3 or the first and second shortened network rack rails 17 and 18 of Figure 4.

[037] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first bracket 31 of the set of brackets, in accordance with the present invention. Figures 6, 7 and 8 are a front view, a top view and a right-side view of the first bracket 31 of Figure 5, respectively. The first bracket 31 includes a first leg 33 with a first end 35 and a second end 37, opposite said first end 35. The first leg 33 becomes the front of the first bracket 31 when the first bracket 31 is installed, as will be later described. [038] A first opening 39 is formed proximate the first end 35 of the first leg 33 for attachment to a network rack rail 17, 18, 23 or 25. The first opening 39 is in the shape of an oval. The first opening 39 is sized to accept at least one fastener having a diameter of about 0.25 inches or less, which will be used to attach the first bracket 31 to an opening along an edge of one of the network rack rails 17, 18, 23 or 25.

[039] The first bracket 31 also includes a second leg 41 with a third end 43 and a fourth end 45, opposite said third end 43. A first attachment 44 exists between the second end 37 of the first leg 33 and the third end 43 of the second leg 41. The first leg 33 extends in a first direction (A) between the second and first ends 37 and 35. The second leg 41 extends in a second direction (B) between the third and fourth ends 43 and 45. The second direction (B) is oriented about ninety degrees relative to the first direction (A), making the first bracket 31 a first L-shaped bracket.

[040] The first attachment 44 between the first and second legs 33 and 41 may be formed by several different manners. For example, the first attachment may be formed by welding or adhering the second and third ends 37 and 43 together. As another example, removable fasteners may be used at the first attachment 44 between the second and third ends 37 and 43.

[041] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second legs 33 and 41 are integrally formed together at the first attachment 44 between the second and third ends 37 and 43. For example, the first bracket 31 may be molded by a rigid polymer into the shape shown in Figure 5. Alternatively, the first bracket 31 may be initially formed by a flat piece of metal or metal alloy, and subsequently bent such that the first and second legs 33 and 41 are integrally formed and extend away from the first attachment 44, i.e., the bend, at about a ninety-degree angle relative to each other.

[042] As best seen in Figures 5 and 8, a plurality of second openings 47 are formed within the second leg 41 between the third and fourth ends 43 and 45. The plurality of second openings 47 are not threaded and each opening 47 has an opening size sufficient to accepted a threaded screw or bolt. Two, three or four threaded fasteners are slid through respective ones of the second openings 47 and then are threaded into the threaded bore holes 14 in a sidewall 12 of the network switch 11. [043] In the depicted embodiment, the plurality of second openings 47 include six circular openings 47 formed through the second leg 41. The six circular openings 47 are formed in two parallel rows of three circular openings 47 each. Each row extends between the third and fourth ends 43 and 45 of the second leg 41. Adjacent circular openings 47 in a same row are spaced at a center-to-center distance of about 0.55 inches and the center-to-center distance between the rows is about 0.610 inches, which aligns to the horizontal and vertical spacing between the threaded bore holes 14 in the sidewall 12 of the network switch 11.

[044] As shown in Figure 7, characterizing dimensions of the first bracket 31 are the first length (X) of the first leg 33, which is about one inch, and the second length (Y) of the second leg 41, which is about one and seven eighths of an inch. Other preferred dimensional values are given in inches in Figures 6-8, however these values are just part of a preferred embodiment and should not be construed as limiting to the present invention.

[045] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second bracket 51 of the set of brackets, in accordance with the present invention. The second bracket 51 is similarly constructed as compared to the first bracket 31, with a primary distinction being a third length (X’). The second bracket 51 includes a third leg 53 with a fifth end 55 and a sixth end 57, opposite the fifth end 55. The third leg 53 becomes the front of the second bracket 51 when the second bracket 51 is installed, as will be later described.

[046] A third opening 59 is formed proximate the fifth end 55 of the third leg 53 for attachment to a network rack rail 17, 18, 23 or 25. The second opening 59 is in the shape of an oval, and may have the same dimensions and positioning relative to the fifth end as shown in Figure 6. The second opening 59 is sized to accept at least one fastener having a diameter of about 0.25 inches or less, which will be used to attach the second bracket 51 to an opening along an edge of one of the network rack rails 17, 18, 23 or 25.

[047] The second bracket 51 also includes a fourth leg 61 with a seventh end 63 and an eighth end 65, opposite the seventh end 63. A second attachment 64 exists between the sixth end 57 of the third leg 53 and the seventh end 63 of the fourth leg 61. The third leg 53 extends in a third direction (C) between the sixth and fifth ends 57 and 55. The fourth leg 61 extends in a fourth direction (D) between the seventh and eighth ends 63 and 65. As with the first bracket 31, the fourth direction (D) is oriented about ninety degrees relative to the third direction (C), making the second bracket 51 a second L-shaped bracket.

[048] The second attachment 64 between the third and fourth legs 53 and 61 may be formed by several different manners. In particular, the second attachment 64 may be formed in the same manner as described above with regard to the first attachment 44. A plurality of fourth openings 67 are formed within the fourth leg 61 between the seventh and eighth ends 63 and 65. As with the plurality of second openings 47, the plurality of fourth openings 67 are not threaded and each opening 67 has an opening size sufficient to accepted a threaded screw or bolt. Two, three or four threaded fasteners are slid through respective ones of the fourth openings 67 and then are threaded into the threaded bore holes 14 in a sidewall 12 of the network switch 11.

[049] The plurality of fourth openings 67 may include six circular openings 67 formed in a same manner and with the same relative spacing and dimensions as the plurality of second openings 47, as discussed above. Preferably, the fourth leg 61 would look identical to the second leg 41, as depicted in Figure 8. Characterizing dimensions of the second bracket 51 are the third length (X’) of the third leg 53 which is about six inches, and the fourth length (Y’) of the second leg 61 which is about one and seven eighths of an inch. The preferred dimensional values given in inches in Figures 6-8, with the exception of the dimension (X) of one inch and the dimension of 0.663 (Figure 6), may be applied to the second bracket 51. However, these values are just part of a preferred embodiment and should not be construed as limiting to the second bracket 51 of the present invention.

[050] A characterizing feature of the present invention is that the first length (X) of the first leg 33 between the first and second ends 35 and 37 is shorter than the third length (X’) of the third leg 53 between the fifth and sixth ends 55 and 57; and/or that the first length (X) of the first leg 33 between the first and second ends 35 and 37 is less than a second length (Y) of the second leg 41 between the third and fourth ends 43 and 45, while the third length (X’) of the third leg 53 between the fifth and sixth ends 55 and 57 is longer than the fourth length (Y’) of the fourth leg 61 between the seventh and eighth ends 63 and 65. [051] In a preferred embodiment, the second length (Y) is approximately equal to the fourth length (Y’), such as about one and seven eighths of an inch, which keeps a front face of the network switch 11 parallel to a plane of the first and second network rack rails, 23 and 25 or first and second shortened network rack rails 17 and 18. Also, the third length (X’) is at least twice the first length (X). For example, the first length (X) is about one inch, while the third length (X’) is about 6 inches.

[052] With reference to Figures 10-12, one method of mounting communication units, such as first and second network switches 11A and 11B, to first and second network rack rails 23 and 25 using a first set of brackets 31A and 51 A and a second set of brackets 3 IB and 5 IB will be described.

[053] The second leg 41A of a first set of brackets 31A and 51A is attached to a first sidewall 69A of the first network switch 11A by first and second threaded fasteners 73 and 75 engaged in the threaded bore holes 14 of the first network switch 11 A. The fourth leg 61 A of the first set of brackets 31 A and 51 A is attached to a second side wall 71 A of the first network switch 11A by first and second threaded fasteners engaged in threaded bore holes 14 of the first network switch 11 A.

[054] The second leg 41A of the first set of brackets 31A and 51A is oriented to extend toward a rear 20 A of the first network switch 11A prior to attaching the second leg 41 A of the first set of brackets 31A and 51 A to the first sidewall 69A of the first network switch 11 A. Likewise, the fourth leg 61 A of the first set of brackets 31A and 51 A is oriented to extend toward the rear 20 A of the first network switch 11A prior to attaching the fourth leg 61 A of the first set of brackets 31 A and 51 A to the second side wall 71 A of the first communication unit 11 A.

[055] The first leg 33 A of the first set of brackets 31 A and 51 A is attached to the first network rack rail 23 by one or more fasteners 77. The third leg 53 A of the first set of brackets 31 A and 51 A is attached to the second network rack rail 25 by one or more fasteners 79. Since the third length (X’) is at least twice the first length (X), the first network switch 11 A is mounted closer to, e.g., adjacent to, the first network rack rail 23.

[056] With regard to the second set of brackets 3 IB and 5 IB, the second leg 41B of the second set of brackets 3 IB and 5 IB is attached to a second sidewall 71B of the second network switch 11B by first and second threaded fasteners engaged in the threaded bore holes 14 of the second network switch 11B. The fourth leg 61B of the second set of brackets 3 IB and 5 IB is attached to a first side wall 69B of the second network switch 1 IB by first and second threaded fasteners 83 and 85 engaged in threaded bore holes 14 on the first side 69B of the second network switch 1 IB.

[057] The second leg 4 IB of the second set of brackets 3 IB and 5 IB is oriented to extend toward a front face 86B of the second network switch 1 IB prior to attaching the second leg 41B of the second set of brackets 3 IB and 5 IB to the second sidewall 71B of the second network switch 11B. Likewise, the fourth leg 61B of the second set of brackets 3 IB and 5 IB is oriented to extend toward the front face 86B of the second network switch 11B prior to attaching the fourth leg 6 IB of the second set of brackets 3 IB and 5 IB to the first side wall 69B of the second network switch 1 IB.

[058] The first leg 33B of the second set of brackets 3 IB and 5 IB is attached to the second network rack rail 25 by one or more fasteners 87. The third leg 53B of the second set of brackets 3 IB and 5 IB is attached to the first network rack rail 23 by one or more fasteners 89. Since the third length (X’) is at least twice the first length (X), the second network switch 11B is mounted closer to, e.g., adjacent to, the second network rack rail 25.

[059] As best seen in Figure 12, the orientations of the second and fourth legs 41 A and 61 A of the first set of brackets 31A and 51 A toward the rear of the 20 A of the first network switch 11A causes the first network switch 11A to have its front face 86 A relatively flush to the plane of the first and second network rack rails 23 and 25. Also, the orientations of the second and fourth legs 41B and 61B of the second set of brackets 3 IB and 5 IB toward the front face 86B of the second network switch 11B causes the second network switch 1 IB to have its front face 86B extended inches, e.g., about two to three inches, forward relative to the plane of the first and second network rack rails 23 and 25. The offset into and out of the network rack between the first and second network switches 11A and 11B may be further adjusted by selecting the plurality of fourth openings 67 through which the threaded fasteners, e.g., 73, 75, 83, 85, are passed before they are engaged into the threaded bore holes 14.

[060] Figure 13 is a perspective view looking upward into a ceiling-mounted cabinet 99, with a bottom door being open. The cabinet 99 includes the first and second shortened network rack rails 17 and 18 (similar to Figure 4). The cabinet 99 includes a volume defined within a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls may include a back wall 91, a bottom wall 92 (which may be formed as the bottom door), a top wall 93, a front wall 94, a first side wall 95 and a second side wall 96, opposite to the first sidewall 95.

[061] The first shortened network rack rail 17 is attached to the first side wall 95. The first shortened network rack rail 17 extends between the top wall 93 and the bottom wall 92 and is parallel to the front wall 94. Preferably, the first shortened network rack rail 17 is offset from the front wall 94 by at least three inches, such as about five to six inches.

[062] The second shortened network rack rail 18 is attached to the second side wall 96. The second shortened network rack rail 18 extends between the top wall 93 and the bottom wall 92 and is parallel to the front wall 94. Preferably, the second shortened network rack rail 18 is offset from the front wall 94 by at least three inches, such as about five to six inches.

[063] Figure 13 shows the upper or second network switch 11B being mounted to the first shortened network rack rail 17 by the second bracket 51 and being mounted to the second shortened network rack rail 18 by the first bracket 31. Therefore, the second network switch 11B is closer to, e.g., adjacent to, the second shortened network rack rail 18. The orientation of the second and fourth legs 41 and 61 points toward the back wall 91 and causes the front face 86B of the second network switch 11B to be approximately flush to a plane of the first and second shortened network rack rails 17 and 18.

[064] The lower or first network switch 11A is mounted to the first shortened network rack rail 17 and the second shortened network rack rail 18 by the conventional brackets 13 and 15 of Figure 2. Therefore, the first network switch 11 A is approximately centered between the first and second shortened network rack rails 17 and 18. The second and fourth legs of the conventional brackets 13 and 15 are oriented to face toward the front face 86 A of the first network switch 11 A and the front wall 94 of the cabinet, which causes the front face 86 A of the first network switch 11A to protrude toward the front wall 94 of the cabinet 99 a few inches, e.g., about two inches. [065] Hence, Figure 13 illustrates how the set of first and second brackets 31 and 51 of the present invention may be used in conjunction with the conventional brackets 13 and 15 to still provide some degree of x and y offset in a horizontal plane between first and second network switches 11A and 11B. However, in a preferred embodiment, both of the first and second network switches 11A and 11B would be mounted with sets of the first and second mounting brackets 31 and 51 to exhibit a maximum offset in the x and y directions so that radiant heat is not easily transferred between stacked network switches 11 A and 1 IB.

[066] In a preferred embodiment, the ceiling-mounted cabinet 99 includes power output ports 97 mounted within the volume to provide power to the first and second network switches 11A and 11B. The cabinet 99 further includes at least one fan 98 mounted to the top wall 93 or one of the sidewalls 95 or 96 to move air from within the volume and to cool the first and second network switches 11 A and 1 IB.

[067] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A set of brackets for attaching a communication unit to network rack rails, said set of brackets comprising: a first bracket having: a first leg with a first end and a second end, opposite said first end; a first opening formed proximate said first end of said first leg for facilitating attachment to a network rack rail; a second leg with a third end and a fourth end, opposite said third end; a plurality of second openings formed within said second leg between said third and fourth ends for facilitating attachment to a sidewall of a communication unit; and a first attachment between said second end of said first leg and said third end of said second leg, wherein said first leg extends in a first direction between said second and first ends and said second leg extends a second direction between said third and fourth ends, wherein said second direction is oriented about ninety degrees relative to said first direction; and a second bracket having: a third leg with a fifth end and a sixth end, opposite said fifth end; a third opening formed proximate said fifth end of said third leg for facilitating attachment to a network rack rail; a fourth leg with a seventh end and an eighth end, opposite said seventh end; a plurality of fourth openings formed within said fourth leg between said seventh and eighth ends for facilitating attachment to a sidewall of a communication unit; and a second attachment between said sixth end of said third leg and said seventh end of said fourth leg, wherein said third leg extends in a third direction between said sixth and fifth ends and said fourth leg extends in a fourth direction between said seventh and eighth ends, wherein said fourth direction is oriented about ninety degrees relative to said third direction, characterized by a first length of said first leg between said first and second ends is less than a third length of said third leg between said fifth and sixth ends.

2. The set of brackets according to claim 1, wherein said third length of said third leg between said fifth and sixth ends is longer than a fourth length of said fourth leg between said seventh and eighth ends, and wherein said second length is approximately equal to said fourth length.

3. The set of brackets according to claim 2, wherein said second length is about 1 7/8 inches.

4. The set of brackets according to claim 1, wherein said third length is at least twice said first length.

5. The set of brackets according to claim 4, wherein said first length is about one inch.

6. The set of brackets according to claim 4, wherein said first length is about one inch and said third length is about six inches.

7. The set of brackets according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein said first and second legs are at least one of integrally formed together at said first attachment of said second and third ends; welded or adhered together at said first attachment of said second and third ends; or attached to each other by fasteners at said first attachment of said second and third ends.

8. The set of brackets according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein said first attachment is formed by a bend, such that said first and second legs are integrally formed.

9. The set of brackets according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein said first and second brackets are formed of a metal or metal alloy.

10. The set of brackets according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein said first opening is in the shape of an oval.

11. The set of brackets according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein said plurality of second openings include six circular openings formed through said second leg.

12. The set of brackets according to claim 11, wherein said six circular openings are formed in two rows of three circular openings each, where each row extends between said third and fourth ends of said second leg.

13. The set of brackets according to claim 12, wherein adjacent circular openings in a same row are spaced at a center-to-center distance of about 0.55 inches.

14. A communications enclosure comprising: a volume defined within a plurality of walls, wherein said plurality of walls includes a back wall, a bottom wall, a top wall, a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, opposite to said first sidewall; a first network rack rail attached to said first side wall, said first network rack rail extending between said top wall and said bottom wall and being parallel to said front wall and offset from said front wall by at least three inches; a second network rack rail attached to said second side wall, said second network rack rail extending between said top wall and said bottom wall and being parallel to said front wall and offset from said front wall by at least three inches; a first set of brackets including: a first L-shaped bracket having a first leg with a first length attached to said first network rack rail, and a second leg extending ninety degrees away from said first leg and having a second length attached to a first sidewall of a first communication unit; and a second L-shaped bracket having a third leg with a third length attached to said second network rack rail, and a fourth leg extending ninety degrees away from said third leg with a fourth length attached to a second sidewall of the first communication unit, wherein said third length is at least twice said first length; and a second set of brackets including: a first L-shaped bracket having a first leg with a first length attached to said second network rack rail, and a second leg extending ninety degrees away from said first leg and having a second length attached to a second sidewall of a second communication unit; and a second L-shaped bracket having a third leg with a third length attached to said first network rack rail, and a fourth leg extending ninety degrees away from said third leg with a fourth length attached to a first sidewall of the second communication unit, wherein said third length is at least twice said first length, such that said first communication unit is positioned closer to said first network rack rail and said second communication unit is positioned closer to said second network rack rail.

15. The enclosure according to claim 14, wherein said second leg and said fourth leg of said first set of brackets extend toward said back wall; and wherein said second leg and said fourth leg of said second set of brackets extend toward said front wall, such that said first communication unit is positioned closer to said back wall and said second communication unit is positioned closer to said front wall.

16. The enclosure according to any one of claims 14 or 15, wherein said communication units are configured as network switches, each having one or more optical ports and having a plurality of RJ45 ports to communicate with end user devices.

17. The enclosure according to claim 16, further comprising: power output ports mounted within said volume to provide power to said network switches.

18. The enclosure according to any one of claims 14 or 15, further comprising: at least one fan mounted to said top wall, first side wall and/or second sidewall to move air from within the volume and to cool said first and second communication units.

19. A method of mounting communication units comprising: providing first and second network rack rails; providing a first set of brackets including: a first L-shaped bracket having a first leg with a first length, and a second leg extending ninety degrees away from the first leg and having a second length; and a second L-shaped bracket having a third leg with a third length, and a fourth leg extending ninety degrees away from the third leg with a fourth length; providing a second set of brackets including: a first L-shaped bracket having a first leg with a first length, and a second leg extending ninety degrees away from the first leg and having a second length; and a second L-shaped bracket having a third leg with a third length, and a fourth leg extending ninety degrees away from the third leg with a fourth length; attaching the second leg and fourth leg of the first set of brackets to a first sidewall and a second side wall, respectively, of a first communication unit; attaching the first leg and the third leg of the first set of brackets to the first network rack rail and the second network rack rail, respectively, wherein the third length is at least twice the first length, such that the first communication unit is mounted closer to the first network rack rail; attaching the second leg and fourth leg of the second set of brackets to a second sidewall and a first side wall, respectively, of a second communication unit; and attaching the first leg and the third leg of the second set of brackets to the second network rack rail and the first network rack rail, respectively, wherein the third length is at least twice the first length, such that the second communication unit is mounted closer to the second network rack rail.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: orienting the second leg and the fourth leg of the first set of brackets to extend toward a rear of the first communication unit prior to attaching the second leg and fourth leg of the first set of brackets to the first sidewall and the second side wall, respectively, of the first communication unit; and orienting the second leg and the fourth leg of the second set of brackets to extend toward a front of the second communication unit prior to attaching the second leg and fourth leg of the second set of brackets to the second sidewall and the first side wall, respectively, of the second communication unit, such that the front of the second communication unit extends more forwardly relative to the first and second network rack rails as compared to a front of the first communication unit.