WO2026060936A1 - Network device, cabinet, and data center - Google Patents

Abstract

A network device, comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a fan assembly. The front panel is provided with a plurality of first network components; the rear panel is provided with a plurality of second network components; the fan assembly is arranged on the rear panel; the fan assembly comprises an air duct switching assembly, wherein the air duct switching assembly is configured with a first operating mode and a second operating mode; in the first operating mode, air flows along outer wall surfaces of the first network components and the second network components; and in the second operating mode, air flows along the outer wall surfaces of the first network components. In the present application, the egress interface capacity of a switch is improved without losing online maintenance features of the fan assembly. The fan assembly is adapted to two scenarios: the first network components require cooling, whereas the second network components do not; and the first network components and the second network components all require cooling. During cooling of the first network components, the air resistance is lower, thereby achieving lower fan power consumption.

Description

Network equipment, server racks and data centers

This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 2024113226137, filed on September 23, 2024, entitled "Network Equipment, Cabinets and Data Centers", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to network equipment, cabinets and data centers.

Background Technology

In the field of communication technology, a switch is a network device that expands a network by providing more connection ports to connect more network devices (such as servers). Therefore, the number of external ports available is one of the key specifications of a switch. Existing network devices typically only provide external ports on the front panel, thus limiting the number of external ports.

Summary of the Invention

To address the aforementioned issues, embodiments of this application provide a network device, cabinet, and data center that provides network component ports on both the front and rear panels, enabling the switch to provide more external ports.

Therefore, the following technical solutions are adopted in the embodiments of this application:

In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a network device, including a front panel, a rear panel, and a fan assembly. The front panel is provided with a plurality of first network components; the rear panel is provided with a plurality of second network components; the fan assembly is disposed on the rear panel and includes an airflow switching component, which is configured with a first operating mode and a second operating mode. When the airflow switching component is switched to the first operating mode, air flows through the outer walls of the first and second network components under the drive of the fan assembly; when the airflow switching component is switched to the second operating mode, air flows through the outer wall of the first network components under the drive of the fan assembly.

In this embodiment, considering that the front and rear panels of network devices are generally for interactive operation, a first network component is configured on the front panel to provide a first port, and a second network component is configured on the rear panel. This solves the problem that the switch can only provide external ports on the front panel, limiting the total number of external ports on the switch. Taking a 2U switch as an example, the front panel can generally provide 64 first ports, which cannot meet the demand for more external ports. However, in this embodiment, the front panel of the switch can provide 64 first interfaces. While ensuring the hot-swappable online maintenance function of the fan assembly, the rear panel can provide at least 32 second ports, increasing the external port capacity of the switch by at least 50%. Furthermore, the fan assembly is located on the rear panel, meaning that the switch's output interface capacity is improved without sacrificing the online maintenance characteristics of the fan assembly. The fan assembly can dissipate the heat generated by the second network component, solving the problem that when the fan assembly is plugged into the rear panel, it is difficult to dissipate heat from the second network component, which is also located on the rear panel. The airflow switching component is configured with a first operating mode and a second operating mode. When the airflow switching component switches to the first operating mode, the fan component can simultaneously dissipate the heat generated by both the first and second network components. When the airflow switching component switches to the second operating mode, the fan component can dissipate the heat generated by both the first and second network components. This indicates that the fan component can adapt to two different scenarios through adjustments to the airflow switching component: the first network component needs heat dissipation, but the second network component does not; or both the first and second network components need heat dissipation. Specifically, when the first network component needs heat dissipation but the second network component does not, after the airflow switching component switches to the second operating mode, the air resistance is lower and the fan power consumption is lower when the fan component is dissipating heat from the first network component.

In one possible implementation, the network device is a switch, the first network component is a first optical module, and the second network component is a second optical module. Several first ventilation openings are provided on the front panel around the first network component, and second ventilation openings are provided on the rear panel around the second network component. The airflow switching component switches to a first operating mode, connecting the first and second ventilation openings to form a first airflow duct. Driven by a fan assembly, air in the first airflow duct flows through the outer wall of the first optical module, carrying away the heat generated by the first optical module, and also flows through the outer wall of the second optical module, carrying away the heat generated by the second optical module.

In this implementation, a switch is provided. The front panel of the switch is equipped with several first optical modules, each providing a first port that is an optical interface; the rear panel is also equipped with several second optical modules, each providing a second port that is an optical interface. In this case, both the first and second optical modules require heat dissipation. The fan assembly can simultaneously dissipate heat for both the first and second optical modules without compromising the online maintenance capabilities of the fan assembly.

In one possible implementation, the network device is a switch, the first network component is a first optical module, and the second network component is an electrical module. Several first ventilation openings are provided on the front panel around the first network component. A fan assembly provides a third ventilation opening, which is connected to the outside. The airflow switching assembly switches to a second operating mode, connecting the first and third ventilation openings to form a second airflow. Driven by the fan assembly, air in the second airflow flows through the outer wall of the first optical module, carrying away the heat generated by the first optical module.

In this implementation, another type of switch is provided. The front panel of this switch has several first optical modules, each providing a first port as an optical interface; the rear panel also has several electrical modules, each providing a second port as an electrical interface. In this case, the first optical modules require heat dissipation, while the electrical modules, since they do not generate heat, do not require heat dissipation. The fan assembly needs to dissipate heat for the first optical modules without compromising its online maintainability. Specifically, the airflow from the fan assembly passes over the surface of the first optical modules and is directly exhausted to the outside, bypassing the outer wall of the electrical modules, resulting in lower air resistance and lower fan power consumption.

In one possible implementation, the fan assembly further includes a first mounting bracket, and the air duct switching assembly includes an air guide plate rotatably connected to the first mounting bracket. When the air guide plate rotates to a first position, the air duct switching assembly switches to a first operating mode; when the air guide plate rotates to a second position, the air duct switching assembly switches to a second operating mode.

This implementation provides a first example of an air duct switching component. In this first example, the air duct switching component includes an air guide plate, which has a simpler structure and lower cost.

In one possible implementation, the fan assembly further includes a first fan. The interior of the first mounting bracket is a cavity structure, which has a first slot, a second slot, and a third vent. The first fan is fixedly mounted in the first slot, and the air guide plate is rotatably mounted in the second slot. Around the first network component, the front panel has several first vents. Around the second network component, the rear panel has second vents. When the air guide plate rotates to a first position, the first and second slots connect, and the first vent, first slot, second slot, and second vent form a first air duct, and the air duct switching component switches to a first operating mode. When the air guide plate rotates to a second position, the first slot and the third vent connect, and the first vent, first slot, and third vent form a second air duct, and the air duct switching component switches to a second operating mode.

In this implementation, the specific structures of the first fan, the air guide plate, and the first mounting bracket are limited. By rotating the air guide plate, the air from the first fan can be switched between flowing out of the second slot and flowing out of the third vent, thereby achieving switching between the first air duct and the second air duct.

In one possible implementation, the fan assembly includes a second fan and a second mounting bracket. The second fan is connected to the air duct switching assembly, and the air duct switching assembly and the second mounting bracket are slidably connected. When the second fan slides to a third position, the air duct switching assembly switches to a first operating mode; when the second fan slides to a fourth position, the air duct switching assembly switches to a second operating mode.

This implementation provides a second example of an air duct switching component. In this second example, the air duct switching component includes a second fan that can slide to different positions, allowing the air duct switching component to switch to different operating modes. This implementation makes it easier to control the position of the second fan and facilitates automated control of its position.

In one possible implementation, the air duct switching assembly includes a slide rail assembly connected to a second fan and a second mounting bracket, respectively, and the slide rail assembly drives the second fan to slide to a third position and a fourth position.

In this implementation, the slide rail assembly can be implemented using structures such as lead screw and nut, gear and rack. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the slide rail assembly.

In one possible implementation, the fan assembly includes a third fan and a third mounting bracket. The third fan is connected to the air duct switching assembly, and the air duct switching assembly and the third mounting bracket are rotatably connected. Specifically, when the third fan rotates to the fifth position, the air duct switching assembly switches to a first operating mode; when the third fan rotates to the sixth position, the air duct switching assembly switches to a second operating mode.

This implementation provides a third example of an air duct switching component. In this third example, the air duct switching component includes a third fan that can rotate to different positions, allowing the air duct switching component to switch to different operating modes. This implementation makes it easier to control the position of the third fan and facilitates automated control of its position.

In one possible implementation, the air duct switching assembly includes a linkage assembly, a third fan mounted to the linkage assembly, the linkage assembly being rotatably connected to the third mounting bracket, and the linkage assembly driving the fan to rotate to a fifth position and a sixth position.

In this implementation, the air duct switching component includes a linkage assembly, such as a parallel four-bar linkage, which facilitates control of the fan rotation to the fifth and sixth positions. The structure is simple and easy to implement. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the linkage assembly.

In one possible implementation, the network device includes a heat-generating device and a shroud. The shroud can cover the heat-generating device to prevent the heat generated by the heat-generating device from being transferred to the heat dissipation duct of the fan assembly, such as the first duct and the second duct mentioned above.

In this implementation, the network device may include multiple heat-generating components, such as processors and processing circuits. The heat generated by the heat-generating components can be blocked from being transferred to the first and second air ducts through the wind shield structure, thus avoiding the adverse effects of the heat generated by the heat-generating components on the heat dissipation of the first and second network components.

In one possible implementation, the network device further includes a liquid cooling inlet, a cold plate, and a liquid cooling outlet. The cold plate is connected to the liquid cooling inlet and the liquid cooling outlet, respectively. The cold plate is positioned around the heat-generating device, and a wind shield covers the cold plate. The cooling medium flows in from the liquid cooling inlet, passes through the cold plate, and flows out from the liquid cooling outlet.

In this implementation, the network device is also equipped with a liquid cooling device, and a wind shield is placed over the cold plate to prevent the heat of the cooling medium in the cold plate from being transferred to the first network component or the heat dissipation channel of the first network component and the second network component.

Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a cabinet for installing any of the network devices provided in the first aspect and its possible implementations. The cabinet includes a first cable routing space on the front panel and a second cable routing space on the rear panel. The first cable routing space accommodates a plurality of first cables connected to a first network component on the front panel, the first network component communicating with other network devices via the first cables. The second cable routing space accommodates a plurality of second cables connected to a second network component on the rear panel, the second network component communicating with other network devices via the second cables.

In this implementation, cables can be routed from the first cabling space at the front and the second cabling space at the rear to other network devices, thus satisfying the requirement for cabling space at both the front and rear when the network devices have ports on both the front and rear panels.

Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a data center, including any network device provided by several first aspects and their possible implementations.

Attached Figure Description

The accompanying drawings used in the embodiments or technical description are briefly introduced below.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a data center network provided in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of the oblique view of a switch provided in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of the front panel of a switch provided in an embodiment of this application, showing the main view direction.

Figure 2c is a schematic diagram of another oblique view of a switch provided in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 2d is a schematic diagram of the front view of the rear panel of a switch provided in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 2e is a top view of a switch provided in an embodiment of this application after the top cover has been removed;

Figure 2f is a top view of a switch provided in an embodiment of this application after removing the top cover, fan assembly and power supply assembly;

Figure 3a is a schematic diagram of the first example of the air duct switching component provided in the embodiments of this application from an oblique view direction;

Figure 3b is a schematic diagram of the first air duct of the first example of the air duct switching component provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 3c is a schematic diagram of the second air duct of a first example of the air duct switching component provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of the working process of the first air duct of the first example of the air duct switching component provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of the operation of the second air duct of the first example of the air duct switching component provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of the first example of the drive assembly of the air guide plate of the first example of the air duct switching assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of a second example of the drive assembly of the air guide plate of the first example of the air duct switching assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 5c is a schematic diagram of the third example of the drive assembly of the air guide plate of the first example of the air duct switching assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the second air duct of a second example of the air duct switching component provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the first air duct of a second example of the air duct switching component provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the working process of the first air duct of the second example of the air duct switching component provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of the working process of the second air duct of the second example of the air duct switching component provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 7c is a schematic diagram of the fan assembly moving to the initial position when the slide rail assembly moves obliquely in the second example of the air duct switching assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 7d is a schematic diagram of the fan assembly moving to the middle position when the slide rail assembly moves obliquely in the second example of the air duct switching assembly provided in the embodiment of this application;

Figure 7e is a schematic diagram of the fan assembly moving to its final position when the slide rail assembly moves obliquely in the second example of the air duct switching assembly provided in the embodiments of this application.

Figure 8a is a schematic diagram of the second air duct of a third example of the air duct switching component provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 8b is a schematic diagram of the first air duct of a third example of the air duct switching component provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 9a is a schematic diagram of the working process of the first air duct of the third example of the air duct switching component provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 9b is a schematic diagram of the working process of the second air duct of the third example of the air duct switching component provided in the embodiments of this application;

Figure 10a is a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation device of the heat-generating device provided in the embodiment of this application;

Figure 10b is a schematic diagram of the wind shield corresponding to the heat dissipation device of the heat-generating device provided in the embodiment of this application;

Figure 11a is a schematic diagram of the oblique view direction of a server provided in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 11b is a schematic diagram of another oblique view of a server provided in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 12a is a schematic diagram of the main view direction of the network device group provided in the embodiment of this application;

Figure 12b is a schematic diagram of the rear view of the network device group provided in the embodiment of this application;

Figure 12c is a schematic diagram of the network device group provided in the embodiment of this application from the right view direction;

Detailed Implementation

The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this article, the term "and/or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and/or B can represent three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The symbol "/" in this article indicates that the related objects have an "or" relationship; for example, A/B means A or B.

The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and claims herein are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order of objects. For example, "first response message" and "second response message," etc., are used to distinguish different response messages, not to describe a specific order of response messages.

In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more, for example, multiple processing units means two or more processing units, multiple elements means two or more elements, etc.

In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "several" means one or more, for example, several processing units means one or more processing units, and several elements means one or more elements.

To facilitate understanding of the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to some of the terms involved in this solution will be given first.

A switch, also known as a network switch, is a network device used for forwarding optical and electrical signals. It provides shared network resources, distributing limited network resources to each client. Its main functions include physical addressing, network topology management, error checking, frame sequencing, and flow control. Optionally, switches may also have other functions, such as support for VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), link aggregation, and some even include firewall functionality.

A server, also known as a servo server, is a device that provides computing services. Because servers need to respond to and process service requests, they generally need to have the capability to undertake and guarantee services. Optionally, a server's components include a processor, hard drive, memory, system bus, etc., meaning that the architecture of a server is similar to that of a general-purpose computer.

An optical module is a module that uses optical signals for data transmission. It typically contains an optical transmitter and an optical receiver, used to convert electrical signals into optical signals for transmission, or vice versa. Optical modules are also known as optical interface modules, optical port modules, or simply optical ports. Generally, an optical module is a physical interface for connecting fiber optic cables. Common types of optical modules include SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable), LC (Lucent connector), SC (Subscriber Cable), FC (ferrule connector), ST (Straight Tip), and MPO (Multiple-fiber push-on). The principle of an optical module is based on the principle of total emission of light from a denser medium to a less dense medium, allowing the optical signal to propagate rapidly through the fiber. Optical modules primarily operate in single-channel (single-receive/single-transmit) and quad-channel (four-receive/four-transmit) modes. The interface is primarily LC duplex, information transmission is wavelength-based, the core component is a laser, and the transmission distance can reach 5km to 100km.

An electrical module is a module that uses electrical signals for data transmission. It typically contains an electrical transmitter and an electrical receiver. Generally, an electrical module is a physical interface for transmitting and receiving electrical signals. Electrical modules are also known as electrical interface modules, electrical port modules, or electrical ports. The interface of an electrical module is RJ45 (Registered Jack), which connects to various copper cables. The transmission distance varies depending on the cable parameters, but can reach up to 100 meters.

U (Unit) is a unit used to represent the external dimensions (such as height) of network devices. Specifically, U is a height unit defined by IEC 60297 (19-inch standard), where 1U = 44.45mm. A 27U rack means that the rack can effectively accommodate multiple network devices with a total height of 1210mm (27 * 44.45mm).

Please refer to Figure 1, which illustrates a schematic diagram of a data center network. As shown in Figure 1, in this data center network, each switch 1 can interconnect dozens of servers 2, and through the upstream switch 1, hundreds or thousands of servers 2 can be connected into a large network. The more external ports a switch 1 provides, the more servers 2 it can connect. Therefore, as a device for expanding the network, if a switch 1 can provide more connection ports in the subnetwork, it can connect more servers 2. Thus, the number of external ports it can provide is one of the key performance indicators of a switch.

In one solution, the front side of the switch provides external ports, while the back side is configured with interfaces for plugging in fan modules and power supply components, enabling hot-swapping and in-line replacement of the fan modules and power supply components.

In this solution, because only one end face provides external ports, the data capacity of these external ports is limited. For example, a 2U switch can only provide approximately 64 external ports. However, with the increasing scale of data center networks, the demand for switches to provide more and more external ports is growing. At the same time, with the improvement of chip technology, the number of ports that can be supported is also increasing. Therefore, the limited number of external ports that switches can provide has become a bottleneck for the development of data center networks.

In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a network device in which a plurality of first network components are mounted on the front panel and a plurality of second network components are mounted on the rear panel. In one example, the network device is a switch, and the first and second network components are optical modules, thereby enabling the provision of external ports on both ends of the switch and improving the switch's ability to provide external ports.

For example, taking a 2U switch as an example, the front panel of the switch can provide 64 external interfaces. While ensuring the hot-swappable online maintenance functions of fan components, power components, etc., the rear panel can provide at least 32 external ports, which increases the external port provisioning capacity of the switch by at least 50%.

The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Those skilled in the art will understand that, with technological advancements and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems. The first direction, second direction, and third direction in the accompanying drawings are intended to identify the observation perspective of the current drawing.

It should be noted that, in one application scenario, for example, the network device is a switch. The first network component includes a first optical module, and the second network component includes a second optical module. Alternatively, the first network component includes a first optical module, and the second network component includes an electrical module. In another application scenario, the network device is a server, where the first network component includes a first hard drive, and the second network component includes a second hard drive. Below, using a switch as an example, the first network component is described as a first optical module, and the second network component as either an electrical module or a second optical module, but this does not constitute a limitation on the network device. That is, the network device can also be a server or other devices; the relevant implementation methods and technical effects can be found in the description using a switch as an example. The statement that the network components plugged into the front or rear panel include optical modules means that all plugged-in network components can be optical modules, or some can be optical modules and some can be electrical modules.

As exemplarily shown in Figures 2a-2f, the switch includes a frame 100, a first port 210, and a second port 310. The frame 100 includes a front panel 110 and a rear panel 120. The first port 210 is mounted on the front panel 110 and provides an external port for transmitting optical signals. The second port 310 is mounted on the rear panel 120 and provides an external port for transmitting optical signals.

As shown in Figure 2a, optionally, the switch includes a frame 100, the frame 100 includes a front panel 110, and a first port 210 is disposed on the front panel 110 for providing a communication interface to the outside world. Each first port 210 corresponds to a first optical module or a first electrical module.

As shown in Figure 2b, optionally, a plurality of first ventilation openings are provided in the front panel 110, such as through holes 111 shown in the partially enlarged portion of Figure 2b. These through holes 111 are located on the outer side of the first port, providing a channel for airflow when dissipating heat from the first optical module. Optionally, mounting plates 700 are also provided on both sides of the switch. For example, the mounting plates 700 are provided with through holes 710 for fixing the switch.

As shown in Figure 2c, optionally, the frame 100 includes a rear panel 120, and a second port 310 is disposed on the rear panel 120 for providing a communication interface to the outside world. Each first port 310 corresponds to a second optical module or an electrical module.

Optionally, the rear panel 120 also houses the fan assembly 400 and the power supply assembly 500, enabling the fan assembly 400 and the power supply assembly 500 to be hot-swapped and maintained online.

As shown in Figure 2d, optionally, a plurality of second ventilation openings are provided in the rear panel 120. The second ventilation openings are, for example, a plurality of through holes 121 shown in the partially enlarged portion of Figure 2d. The plurality of through holes 121 are arranged on the outside of the second optical module to provide a channel for air circulation when the second optical module is cooled.

As shown in Figure 2e, for example, the first optical module 220 corresponding to the first port 210 is shown, and the fan assembly 400 and the power supply assembly 500 are shown in the portion located inside the frame 100.

As shown in Figure 2f, for example, the second optical module 320 corresponding to the second port 310 is shown.

Generally, switches are rarely used alone; they are usually provided in groups. In an exemplary scenario, multiple switches are inserted side-by-side into a cabinet with openings on both the front and rear sides. The switches are inserted into the cabinet from the front side. The front side of the switches in the cabinet is used to enhance external port services, while the rear side is used to provide online maintenance services, such as hot-swapping of easily damaged components like fan modules and power supply units.

In this embodiment, the switch frame 100 generally has multiple panels. A first network component is plugged into the front panel, and a second network component is plugged into the rear panel. This solves the problem that a switch can only provide external ports on one panel, limiting the total number of external ports. Taking a 2U switch as an example, the front panel can provide 64 external interfaces. While ensuring hot-swappable online maintenance functions for components such as fans and power supplies, the rear panel can provide at least 32 more external ports, increasing the switch's external port capacity by at least 50%.

In one possible implementation, the front panel 110 and the rear panel 120 are opposite panels in the frame.

In this implementation, for box-type switches, the front and rear panels are generally operable, enabling communication with external devices and online maintenance. When both the front panel 110 and the rear panel 120 provide external ports, the switch's port capacity can be significantly improved. In other implementations, for other types of switches, the front panel 110 and rear panel 120 may not be opposite panels in the frame; for example, they may be adjacent panels.

In one possible implementation, the network device further includes a fan assembly 400. The fan assembly 400 is plugged into the rear panel 120 and is used to dissipate heat generated by the first network component, or by the first network component and the second network component.

Generally, because switches connect multiple servers simultaneously, the impact of a switch failure is widespread. Therefore, vulnerable components of a switch, such as fan modules and power supply units, should typically be designed for online replacement without affecting service operations. However, online replacement modules take up panel space, reducing the switch's ability to provide external ports.

In this implementation, the front panel 110 can be understood as the front surface providing external ports, and the rear panel 120 can be understood as the rear surface where the fan assembly 400 is plugged in. Therefore, the fan assembly 400 plugged into the rear panel 120 can be used to install the first optical module on the front panel 110. The second optical module installed on the rear panel 120 can be understood as a newly added optical module, which can provide more external ports compared to existing solutions. However, the heat dissipation problem of the newly added optical module needs further resolution. In this embodiment, the fan assembly 400 plugged into the rear panel 120 can also dissipate heat for the second optical module installed on the rear panel 120. Therefore, although the number of optical modules and corresponding external ports has increased, the number of fan assemblies 400 has not increased, meaning it does not occupy more panel area (i.e., rear panel 120), thus improving the utilization efficiency of the rear panel 120 and enabling the switch to provide more external ports. In other words, the fan assembly 400 can dissipate the heat generated by the first network component, and can also dissipate the heat generated by both the first and second network components in a "shared" manner.

In one possible implementation, a plurality of first vents are provided on the front panel 110 outside the first network component, and a plurality of second vents are provided on the rear panel 120 outside the second network component. The fan assembly 400 includes: a mounting bracket with a plurality of third vents communicating with the outside; a fan mounted on the mounting bracket; and an air duct switching assembly mounted on the mounting bracket for switching between a first air duct and a second air duct formed when the fan is operating. The first air duct refers to the air duct formed by the first and second vents, through which the fan removes heat generated by the first and second network components; the second air duct refers to the air duct formed by the first and third vents, through which the fan removes heat generated by the first network component.

In this implementation, when both the first and second network components generate heat during operation, the airflow switching component switches the airflow to the first airflow. The fan then carries away the heat generated by both components through the first airflow, thus achieving heat dissipation for both. Conversely, when the first network component generates heat but the second network component does not, the airflow switching component switches the airflow to the second airflow. The fan then carries away the heat generated by the first network component through the second airflow, achieving heat dissipation for both. This allows for heat dissipation for both network components when both generate heat, or for cooling only the first network component when the second component does not generate heat. This prevents air from passing through the second ventilation opening around the second network component, reducing airflow resistance and lowering fan power consumption.

Understandably, the airflow switching component has two operating modes: a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The component can switch between these modes. When switched to the first operating mode, a first airflow is formed inside the network device. When the fan assembly operates, the air in the first airflow carries away the heat generated by the first and second network components. When switched to the second operating mode, a second airflow is formed inside the network device. When the fan assembly operates, the air in the second airflow carries away the heat generated by the first network component.

In other words, when the first network component includes several first optical modules and the second network component includes several second optical modules, the airflow switching component switches to the first airflow, and the fan assembly dissipates heat from both the first and second optical modules. When the first network component includes several first optical modules and the second network component includes several electrical modules, since the electrical modules do not generate heat during operation, the airflow switching component switches to the second airflow, and the fan assembly dissipates heat from the first optical modules. This prevents air from passing through the second ventilation openings around the second optical modules, reducing airflow resistance and lowering fan power consumption.

In other words, by switching between the first air duct and the second air duct, the air duct switching component enables the fan assembly 400 to remove the heat generated by the first network component, and also to remove the heat generated by the first network component and the second network component in a "shared" manner.

The following three examples illustrate possible implementations of the fan assembly 400 and do not constitute a limitation on the fan assembly 400.

In the first example, the duct switching assembly includes an air guide plate rotatably connected to a first mounting bracket. When the air guide plate is rotated to a first position, a first vent and a second vent connect to form a first air duct; when the air guide plate is rotated to a second position, the first vent and a third vent connect to form a second air duct. The air guide plate has a simple structure and low cost.

Optionally, the first mounting bracket has a hollow cavity structure with a first slot, a second slot, and a third vent. The fan is fixedly mounted in the first slot, and the air guide plate is rotatably mounted in the second slot. When the air guide plate is rotated to the first position, the first slot and the second slot are connected, and the first vent, the first slot, the second slot, and the second vent form a first air duct. When the air guide plate is rotated to the second position, the first slot and the third vent are connected, and the first vent, the first slot, and the third vent form a second air duct.

The structure of the first example will be described below with reference to Figures 3a to 3c.

As shown in Figure 3a, the fan assembly 400 includes an air duct switching component, which includes a mounting bracket 411 and a fan 412. The fan 412 is mounted on the mounting bracket 411. The fan 412 is also referred to as the first fan, and the mounting bracket 411 is also referred to as the second mounting bracket.

As shown in Figure 3b, the air duct switching assembly includes an air guide plate 413, which is rotatably connected to a mounting bracket 411. The first position of the air guide plate 413 is shown in Figure 3b. When the air guide plate 413 is rotated to the first position, under the drive of the fan 412, air sequentially enters the fan 412, the first slot at the mounting position of the fan 412, and the second slot at the mounting position of the air guide plate 413. After passing through the second slot, the air passes through the second ventilation opening around the second network component, thereby achieving heat dissipation for the second network component.

As shown in Figure 3b, optionally, the fan assembly 400 also includes a power connector 415. When the fan assembly 400 is plugged into the rear panel of the switch, the power connector 415 is connected to the corresponding interface in the switch, thereby providing power to the fan 412.

Optionally, the fan assembly 400 also includes a handle 416 for inserting and removing the fan assembly 412.

Optionally, the fan assembly 400 also includes an unlocking pedal 417 for locking the fan assembly 412 after it is plugged in, thereby securing the fan assembly 412; when the unlocking pedal 417 is pressed down, the lock on the fan assembly 412 can be unlocked so that the fan assembly 412 can be pulled out.

As shown in Figure 3c, when the second network component does not require heat dissipation, the air guide plate 413 can be rotated to the second position. When the air guide plate 413 is rotated to the second position, it blocks the first slot while opening the passage from the first slot to the third slot. Therefore, driven by the fan 412, air sequentially enters the fan 412, the first slot at the fan 412 mounting position, and the third vent of the mounting bracket 411. After passing through the third vent, the air is directly discharged to the outside without passing through the second vent around the second network component, thereby reducing the resistance during airflow and increasing the power consumption of the fan 412.

The working method of the first example will be explained below with reference to Figures 4a to 4c.

As shown in Figure 4a, in the first example, the air guide plate 413 rotates to a first position, and the first slot and the second slot are connected. The first vent, the first slot, the second slot, and the second vent form a first air duct. Specifically, driven by the fan 412, air flows through the first vent around the first network component, thereby achieving heat dissipation for the first network component; air flows through the fan 412 and the first slot; under the guiding effect of the air guide plate 413, air enters the second slot below; air enters the second vent around the second network component and flows to the outside, achieving heat dissipation for the second network component.

As shown in Figure 4b, in the first example, the air guide plate 413 rotates to the second position, connecting the first slot and the third vent, forming a second air duct. Specifically, driven by the fan 412, air flows through the first vent around the first network component, thereby achieving heat dissipation for the first network component; air flows through the fan 412 and the first slot; the air guide plate 413 covers the first slot and opens the passage from the first slot to the third vent, allowing air to enter the third vent; air flows from the third vent to the outside.

It should be noted that, optionally, in order to form a first or second air duct and guide the airflow into the mounting bracket 411, the space within the frame needs to be sealed to a certain extent. For example, as shown in Figure 4a, at position A, the outer wall of the wind shield is tightly fitted with the outer wall of the mounting bracket 411, which can ensure that the airflow passes through the fan 412 and the first slot, thereby forming a first or second air duct.

Optionally, the air guide plate 413 can be rotated to the first or second position manually. For example, by pulling out the fan assembly 400 and manually pushing the air guide plate 413, the air guide plate 413 rotates from the second position to the first position; or by manually pulling the air guide plate 413, the air guide plate 413 rotates from the first position to the second position. This implementation method is simple and low in cost.

Optionally, as shown in FIG3b, the air guide plate 413 can be rotated to the first position or the second position by the air guide plate drive assembly 414. The air guide plate drive assembly 414 will be described exemplarily below with reference to FIG5a to FIG5c.

As shown in Figure 5a, the drive assembly 414 includes a spring 414-1, a rotating component 414-2, a rotating component 414-3, a pulley 414-4, a rope 414-5, and a handrail 414-6. The rotating components 414-2 and 414-3 may be components that include a rotating shaft.

When the air guide plate 413 rotates from the second position to the first position, it pulls the handrail 414-6; under the action of the rotating component 414-3 and the pulley 414-4, the rope 414-5 is tightened; the air guide plate 413 rotates around the rotating component 414-2 to the first position; the handrail 414-6 fixes the rope 414-5; the spring 414-1 is in a stretched state.

When the air guide plate 413 rotates from the first position to the second position, it releases the handrail 414-6 from fixing the rope 414-5; under its own elastic force, the spring 414-1 changes from the stretched state to the normal state, and drives the air guide plate 413 to rotate around the rotating component 414-2 to the second position.

As shown in Figure 5b, the drive assembly 414 includes a spring 414-1, a rotating component 414-2, a rotating component 414-3, a pulley 414-4, a rope 414-5, and a handrail 414-6. The rotating components 414-2 and 414-3 may be components that include a rotating shaft.

When the air guide plate 413 rotates from the second position to the first position, it pulls the handrail 414-6; under the action of the rotating component 414-3 and the pulley 414-4, the rope 414-5 is tightened; the air guide plate 413 rotates around the rotating component 414-2 to the first position; the handrail 414-6 fixes the rope 414-5; the spring 414-1 is in a compressed state.

When the air guide plate 413 rotates from the first position to the second position, it releases the handrail 414-6 from fixing the rope 414-5; under its own elastic force, the spring 414-1 changes from the compressed state to the normal state, and drives the air guide plate 413 to rotate around the rotating component 414-2 to the second position.

As shown in Figure 5c, the drive assembly 414 includes a planar four-bar linkage 414-7 and a motor 414-8. When the air guide plate 413 rotates from the second position to the first position, the motor 414-8 drives the drive rod to rotate clockwise, and the air guide plate 413 rotates around the rotating component 414-2 to the first position. When the air guide plate 413 rotates from the first position to the second position, the motor 414-8 drives the drive rod to rotate counterclockwise, and the air guide plate 413 rotates around the rotating component 414-2 to the first position.

In the second example, for instance, the fan and the second mounting bracket are slidably connected; wherein, when the fan slides to the third position, the first vent and the second vent are connected, and the first vent and the second vent form a first air duct; when the fan slides to the fourth position, the first vent and the third vent are connected, and the first vent and the third vent form a second air duct.

Optionally, multiple fans are provided, and at least one of the multiple fans is slidably connected to the second mounting bracket.

Optionally, the air duct switching assembly includes a slide rail assembly, which is connected to the fan and the second mounting bracket respectively, and is used to drive the fan to slide to the third and fourth positions.

The structure of the second example will now be described with reference to Figures 6a and 6b.

As shown in Figure 6a, the fan assembly 400 includes a fan 421 and a mounting bracket 424, with the fan 421 and the mounting bracket 424 slidably connected. Optionally, the fan assembly 400 may also include multiple fans, such as a fan 422, to increase the airflow in the first air duct, ensuring heat dissipation for the first network component and preventing insufficient heat dissipation for the first network component due to simultaneous heat dissipation for both the first and second network components. The fan 421 is also referred to as the second fan, and the mounting bracket 424 is also referred to as the second mounting bracket.

As shown in Figure 6b, the fan assembly 400 includes a fan 421 and a slide rail assembly 423. The slide rail assembly 423 can be implemented using structures such as lead screw and nut, gear and rack, etc. The specific implementation of the slide rail assembly 423 in this embodiment will not be described in detail.

The working method of the first example will be explained below with reference to Figures 7a to 7e.

As shown in Figure 7a, in the second example, the slide rail assembly 423 slides to the third position, and the first vent and the second vent connect, forming a first air duct. Specifically, as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 7a, driven by the fan 421, air flows through the first vent around the first network component, thereby achieving heat dissipation for the first network component; air flows through the fan 421; air enters the second vent around the second network component and flows to the outside, achieving heat dissipation for the second network component.

Optionally, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 7a, the fan assembly 400 further includes a fan 422. Driven by the fan 422, air flows through the first vent around the first network component, thereby achieving heat dissipation for the first network component; air flows through the fan 422; air enters the third vent and flows to the outside, ensuring heat dissipation for the first network component.

As shown in Figure 7b, in the second example, the slide rail assembly 423 slides until the fan slides to the fourth position, connecting the first and third vents to form a second air duct. Specifically, as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 7b, driven by the fan 421, air flows through the first vent around the first network component, thereby achieving heat dissipation for the first network component; air flows through the fan 421; air enters the third vent and flows to the outside. Here, the airflow resistance is low, and the fan power consumption is low.

It should be noted that the slide rail assembly 423 can be implemented using a lead screw and nut, gear and rack, etc., so that after the fan assembly is pushed to the final position, the fan 422 slides to the working position. Alternatively, it can be a slide rail assembly with oblique movement, in which the fan 422 slides to the working position during the process of the fan assembly being pushed to the final position.

The following description, in conjunction with Figures 7c to 7e, explains the oblique motion slide rail assembly.

As shown in Figure 7c, in the second example, the frame 100 is also provided with an inclined slide rail 423, and the mounting plate of the fan 422 is also provided with a sliding column 424.

As shown in Figure 7d, during the process of pushing the fan assembly to its final position, the sliding column 424 enters the upper section of the inclined slide rail 423. As the fan assembly is pushed inward, the sliding column 424 gradually enters the middle and lower sections of the inclined slide rail 423.

As shown in Figure 7e, when the fan assembly is pushed to the final position, the sliding column 424 gradually enters a certain position in the lower section of the inclined slide rail 423, so that the fan 422 enters the working position and can start working.

Optionally, as shown in FIG7e, the fan assembly further includes a guide shaft 425 for guiding the fan 422 during the process of pushing the fan assembly to the final position, thereby preventing the fan 422 from flipping over.

It should be noted that, as shown in Figures 7c to 7e, the lead screw nut, gear rack and pinion and other methods require a motor or other drive device, which is more complex and more expensive. However, the structure of the inclined slide rail 423 and the sliding column 424 allows the fan 422 to slide to the working position during the process of pushing the fan assembly to the final position, without the need for an additional drive device. The structure is simpler and the cost is lower.

In the third example, for instance, the fan and the mounting bracket are rotatably connected; wherein, when the fan rotates to the fifth position, the first vent and the second vent are connected, and the first vent and the second vent form a first air duct; when the fan rotates to the sixth position, the first vent and the third vent are connected, and the first vent and the third vent form a second air duct.

Optionally, multiple fans are provided, and at least one of the multiple fans is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket.

Optionally, the air duct switching assembly includes a linkage assembly connected to the fan and the mounting bracket respectively, and the linkage assembly is used to drive the fan to rotate to the fifth position and the sixth position.

The structure of the third example will be explained below with reference to Figures 8a and 8b.

As shown in Figure 8a, the fan assembly 400 includes a fan 431, a mounting plate 432, a connecting rod 433, a triangular plate 434, a handle 435, and a mounting bracket 437. The fan 431 is fixedly connected to the mounting plate 432; the mounting plate 432 is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 437; the connecting rod 433 is rotatably connected to the mounting plate 432; the connecting rod 433 is rotatably connected to the triangular plate 434; and the handle 435 is rotatably connected to the triangular plate 434. For example, the mounting plate 432, connecting rod 433, triangular plate 434, and mounting bracket 437 form a parallel four-bar linkage. The fan 431 is also referred to as the third fan, and the mounting bracket 437 is also referred to as the third mounting bracket.

Optionally, the fan assembly 400 may also include multiple fans such as fan 436, which can increase the airflow of the first air duct, ensure heat dissipation of the first network component, and prevent the first network component from being not cooled in time due to the simultaneous cooling of the first network component and the second network component.

As shown in Figure 8b, by pushing the triangular plate 434 through the handle 435, based on the motion principle of the parallel four-bar linkage, the mounting plate 432 and the fan 431 rotate from the sixth position shown in Figure 8a to the fifth position shown in Figure 8b.

The handle 435 is a folding handle. When the handle 435 is in operation, it can be rotated to the position shown in Figure 8a for easy operation; when the handle 435 is not in operation, it can be rotated to the position shown in Figure 8b to reduce the space occupied by the handle 435.

The working method of the third example will be explained below with reference to Figures 9a to 9c.

As shown in Figure 9a, in the third example, fan 431 rotates to the fifth position, connecting the first and second vents, forming a first air duct. Specifically, as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 9a, driven by fan 421, air flows through the first vent around the first network component, thereby dissipating heat from the first network component; air flows through fan 431; air enters the second vent around the second network component and flows to the outside, achieving heat dissipation from the second network component.

Optionally, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 9a, the fan assembly 400 further includes a fan 436. Driven by the fan 436, air flows through the first vent around the first network component, thereby achieving heat dissipation for the first network component; air flows through the fan 436; air enters the third vent and flows to the outside, ensuring heat dissipation for the first network component.

As shown in Figure 9b, in the third example, fan 431 rotates to the sixth position, connecting the first and third vents, forming a second air duct. Specifically, as indicated by the solid arrow in Figure 9b, driven by fan 431, air flows through the first vent around the first network component, thereby achieving heat dissipation for the first network component; air flows through fan 431; air enters the third vent and flows to the outside. Here, the airflow resistance is low, and the fan power consumption is low.

Optionally, air is cooled through the second air duct shown in Figure 9b. For example, there are several implementation methods. For instance, as shown in Figure 9b, after the fan assembly 400 rotates from the fifth position to the sixth position, the fan 431 blows air in an up-down direction. To meet usage requirements, the fan 431 can be rotated by a certain angle, such as ninety degrees, to achieve left-right airflow, thereby meeting the requirement of providing power to the second air duct; or, a fan 436 as shown in Figure 9b can be added to provide power for the airflow in the second air duct, thereby cooling the first network component.

In one possible implementation, the network device includes a heat-generating device and a shroud. The shroud can cover the heat-generating device to prevent the heat generated by the heat-generating device from being transferred to the heat dissipation duct of the fan assembly, such as the first duct and the second duct mentioned above.

In this implementation, the network device may include multiple heat-generating components, such as processors and processing circuits. A wind shield or similar structure can be installed around these heat-generating components. The wind shield is a heat-insulating material that can be bent or processed into any shape to match the shape of the heat-generating components and is then placed over them. The wind shield prevents the heat generated by the heat-generating components from being transferred to the first and second air ducts, thus avoiding any adverse effects on the heat dissipation of the first and second network components.

For example, the heat-generating device is a chip, and the device for dissipating heat from the chip is a cold plate. The cold plate is placed on the outside of the chip, and the cold plate also generates some heat, or after the cold plate dissipates heat, the chip still has some residual heat; the wind shield is placed on the outside of the cold plate, and the wind shield can prevent the heat generated by the chip from being transferred to the first air duct and the second air duct through the cold plate.

As shown in Figures 2d and 10a, the switch also includes a chip (not shown), a water inlet 610, a water inlet pipe 620, a cold plate 630, a water outlet pipe 640, and a water outlet 650. Specifically, the cooling liquid from the external cooling equipment sequentially enters the water inlet 610, the water inlet pipe 620, the cold plate 630, the water outlet pipe 640, and the water outlet 650. The liquid flowing out of the water outlet 650 enters the external cooling equipment. The cold plate 630 is located on the outside of the chip and can carry away the heat generated by the chip.

Optionally, as shown in FIG10a, the network device includes a power supply component 500, which is plugged into the rear panel 120.

As shown in Figure 10b, the wind shield 660 is disposed on the outside of the cold plate. The wind shield 660 is used to block the heat generated by the chip from being transferred to the first air duct and the second air duct through the cold plate 630, thereby avoiding adverse effects on the heat dissipation of the first network component or the first network component and the second network component.

It should be noted that the chip is an example of a heat-generating device. In other words, heat dissipation devices can also be other devices, and heat insulation plates can be used to prevent the heat from the heat-generating device from being transferred to the first and second air ducts.

In this embodiment, online maintenance of the fan assembly and power supply assembly is supported. The fan assembly is also referred to as a fan module, and the power supply assembly is also referred to as a power supply module. The special air duct formed by the fan module (i.e., the air duct switching component) can dissipate heat for both the optical modules exiting the front of the switch and the optical modules exiting the rear. When the interface of the rear panel 120 of the switch is an electrical module, the air duct switching component of the fan module supports the requirement that only the optical modules on the front panel 110 need to be cooled in the electrical module scenario.

As shown in Figures 11a and 11b, this application embodiment also provides a server. As shown in Figures 11a and 11b, the server is another example of a network device besides a switch. The frame 910 is provided with a front panel 911 and a rear panel 912; the first network component consists of a plurality of first hard disks 920, plugged into the front panel 911; the second network component consists of a plurality of second hard disks 930, plugged into the rear panel 912. The airflow switching component in the fan assembly 400 switches to the first airflow, and the fan assembly 400 dissipates heat from the plurality of first hard disks and the plurality of second hard disks. The fan assembly 400, as described above, will not be repeated here.

In other words, the network device in this embodiment is not limited to a switch; it can also be a server. The first and second network components are hard drives, thereby enabling multiple panel-mounted hard drives to be connected, increasing the number of hard drives in the server and improving its data storage, RAID (Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks), faulty drive replacement, and hot-swapping capabilities. The hot-swappable fan assembly 400 can also provide cooling for the multiple panel-mounted hard drives.

As shown in Figures 12a and 12b, based on the fan assembly, switch, and server provided above, this application embodiment also provides a cabinet 830 and a network device group (an example of a data center). The network device group includes several network devices and the cabinet 830. The network devices are plugged into the cabinet 830. An example of a switch is used as an example for illustrative purposes. In this application embodiment, the cabinet 830 has been modified. While retaining cable routing space on the front panel of the cabinet 830, cable routing space is also designed on the rear panel of the cabinet 830, allowing cables to be routed from both the front and rear panels of the cabinet 830. This meets the requirement that cables can exit from both the front and rear panels when external network devices are plugged into the front and rear panels of the switch.

As shown in Figure 12a, several switches are plugged into rack 830. The first port 210 of the front panel 110 of each switch communicates with external devices through the first cable 810; multiple first cables 810 form a cable bundle, which is then routed through the first cabling space of rack 820 and connected to the external devices. The first cabling space includes, for example, the left cabling space and the right cabling space as shown in Figure 12a.

As shown in Figure 12b, several switches are plugged into rack 830. The second port 310 of each switch's front panel 120 communicates with external devices via a second cable 820. Multiple second cables 820 form a cable bundle, which is then routed through the second cabling space of rack 820 before connecting to the external devices. The second cabling space includes, for example, the left and right cabling spaces shown in Figure 12b.

As shown in Figure 12c, in this embodiment, the cabling route of the switch installed in the cabinet 830 consists of a cable bundle formed by the first cable 810 of the first port 210 on the left and a cable bundle formed by the second cable 820 of the second port 310 on the right. That is, based on the cabling amount at the first port 210, the cabling amount at the second port 310 is increased, thereby improving the cabling capacity of the entire cabinet 830 by at least 50%.

For example, after the switch is installed in rack 820, the cables branch off to both sides after exiting the switch, ensuring easy replacement if a single switch fails. This cabling method avoids obstruction during switch insertion and removal. The cables then extend upwards along the side of rack 820. However, due to limited space on the side of rack 820 (approximately 50mm on each side for a standard 19-inch rack), the total cable output capacity of the rack is limited. In this embodiment, cables can exit from both the front (first cabling space) and rear (second cabling space) to the final device. This means high-speed cables can exit from both the front and rear of the switch, solving the problem of limited output capacity caused by single-sided interfaces in box-type switches, and also addressing the limitation of cabling capacity caused by switches being installed in racks and only being able to run cables from one side of the rack.

The types, quantities, shapes, installation methods, and structures of components in the technical solutions provided in this application are not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions implemented under the principles of this application are within the protection scope of this application. Any one or more embodiments or illustrations in the specification, combined in a suitable manner, are within the protection scope of this application.

Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application.

Claims (13)

A network device, characterized in that it comprises: The front panel is equipped with several first network components; The rear panel is equipped with several second network components; A fan assembly is disposed on the rear panel. The fan assembly includes an air duct switching component, which is provided with a first working mode and a second working mode. In one mode, the air duct switching component switches to the first operating mode, and under the drive of the fan component, air flows through the outer walls of the first network component and the second network component; in another mode, the air duct switching component switches to the second operating mode, and under the drive of the fan component, air flows through the outer wall of the first network component. The network device according to claim 1 is characterized in that the network device is a switch, the first network component is a first optical module, and the second network component is a second optical module; a plurality of first ventilation openings are provided on the front panel around the first network component; and a second ventilation opening is provided on the rear panel around the second network component. In this mode, the air duct switching component switches to the first working mode, and the first vent and the second vent are connected to form a first air duct. Driven by the fan assembly, the air in the first air duct flows through the outer wall of the first optical module and through the outer wall of the second optical module. According to claim 1, the network device is a switch, the first network component is a first optical module, and the second network component is an electrical module; a plurality of first ventilation openings are provided on the front panel around the first network component; the fan assembly is provided with a third ventilation opening, and the third ventilation opening is connected to the outside. In this mode, the air duct switching component switches to the second working mode, and the first vent and the third vent are connected to form a second air duct. Driven by the fan assembly, the air in the second air duct flows through the outer wall of the first optical module and carries away the heat generated by the first optical module. The network device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fan assembly further includes a first mounting bracket, and the air duct switching assembly includes an air guide plate, the air guide plate being rotatably connected to the first mounting bracket; When the air guide plate is rotated to the first position, the air duct switching component is switched to the first working mode; When the air guide plate is rotated to the second position, the air duct switching component switches to the second working mode. According to claim 4, the network device is characterized in that the fan assembly further includes a first fan, the interior of the first mounting bracket is a cavity structure, the cavity structure is provided with a first slot, a second slot and a third ventilation opening, the first fan is fixedly installed in the first slot, and the air guide plate is rotatably installed in the second slot; around the first network component, the front panel is provided with a plurality of first ventilation openings; around the second network component, the rear panel is provided with second ventilation openings. Wherein, the air guide plate rotates to the first position, the first slot and the second slot are connected, the first vent, the first slot, the second slot and the second vent form a first air duct, and the air duct switching component switches to the first working mode; When the air guide plate rotates to the second position, the first slot and the third vent connect, and the first vent, the first slot and the third vent form a second air duct. The air duct switching component switches to the second working mode. The network device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fan assembly includes a second fan and a second mounting bracket, the second fan is connected to the air duct switching assembly, and the air duct switching assembly and the second mounting bracket are slidably connected; When the second fan slides to the third position, the air duct switching component switches to the first working mode. The second fan slides to the fourth position, and the air duct switching component switches to the second working mode. According to claim 6, the fan assembly is characterized in that the air duct switching assembly includes a slide rail assembly, the slide rail assembly is connected to the second fan and the second mounting bracket respectively, and the slide rail assembly drives the second fan to slide to the third position and the fourth position. The network device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fan assembly includes a third fan and a third mounting bracket, the third fan is connected to the air duct switching assembly, and the air duct switching assembly and the third mounting bracket are rotatably connected. When the third fan rotates to the fifth position, the air duct switching component switches to the first working mode; When the third fan rotates to the sixth position, the air duct switching component switches to the second working mode. The network device according to claim 8, wherein the air duct switching assembly includes a linkage assembly, the third fan is mounted on the linkage assembly, the linkage assembly is rotatably connected to the third mounting bracket, and the linkage assembly drives the fan to rotate to the fifth position and the sixth position. The network device according to any one of claims 1-9 is characterized in that the network device includes a heat-generating device and a wind shield, the wind shield being disposed over the heat-generating device to prevent the heat generated by the heat-generating device from being transferred to the heat dissipation duct of the fan assembly. According to claim 10, the network device further includes a liquid cooling inlet, a cold plate, and a liquid cooling outlet, wherein the cold plate is connected to the liquid cooling inlet and the liquid cooling outlet respectively, the cold plate is disposed around the heat-generating device, and the wind shield is disposed on the cold plate; wherein the cooling medium flows in from the liquid cooling inlet, flows through the cold plate, and flows out from the liquid cooling outlet. A server rack, characterized in that it is used to install a plurality of network devices as described in any one of claims 1-11, the server rack including a first cable routing space provided on the front panel and a second cable routing space provided on the rear panel; The first cabling space is used to accommodate a plurality of first cables connected to the first network component on the front panel; the second cabling space is used to accommodate a plurality of second cables connected to the second network component on the rear panel. A data center, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of network devices as described in any one of claims 1-11.