Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a stackable distributed communication and control hub (DCCH) configured to provide a wide viewing angle for instantly inspecting multiple connections when multiple DCCHs are stacked. In an illustrative example, a DCCH may include multiple connection ports distributed on one or more edge surfaces. An offset bracket, for example, may couple two DCCHs, each at a coupling surface of the corresponding DCCH. Upon coupling, the DCCHs are held at substantially parallel planes. For example, a first DCCH is offset from a second DCCH in two directions. In a first direction, respective planes are offset along a vertical axis by a predetermined first offset. In a second direction, the DCCHs are offset by a predetermined second offset, orthogonal to the first direction. Various embodiments may advantageously allow visual status of the connection ports visible in at least one viewing angle along the vertical axis.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a stackable distributed communication and control hub (DCCH) configured to provide a wide viewing angle for instantly inspecting multiple connections when multiple DCCHs are stacked. In an illustrative example, a DCCH may include multiple connection ports distributed on one or more edge surfaces. An offset bracket, for example, may couple two DCCHs, each at a coupling surface of the corresponding DCCH. Upon coupling, the DCCHs are held at substantially parallel planes. For example, a first DCCH is offset from a second DCCH in two directions. In a first direction, respective planes are offset along a vertical axis by a predetermined first offset. In a second direction, the DCCHs are offset by a predetermined second offset, orthogonal to the first direction. Various embodiments may advantageously allow visual status of the connection ports visible in at least one viewing angle along the vertical axis.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a dynamically reconfigurable distributed communication and control hub (DCCH) configured to identify and configure its multiple connection ports independently and automatically. In an illustrative example, the DCCH may include a controller circuit and multiple independent reconfigurable connection ports (IRCPs). For example, the DCCH may be connected to multiple edge devices and controllers at the IRCPs. The edge devices and controllers may use different communication protocols. Upon receiving a signal at a IRCP, for example, the control circuit may retrieve a first predetermined set of rules to determine whether the IRCP is to be operated as a master port, a slave port, or a pass-through port. Based on a second set of rules, for example, the control circuit may determine a communication protocol of the IRCP. Various embodiments may advantageously avoid human intervention in setting up each of the multiple IRCPs of the DCCH.