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modules and switch modules. Fundamentally, Orthogonal Connectors provide a direct, right angle interconnection

between a vertical PWA (Printed Wiring Assembly, also known as a Printed Circuit Board Assembly, PCBA) such as a

compute module, and a horizontal PWA, i.e. a switch module, without a midplane. This direct interconnection is shown

in Figure 2 below:

Figure 2: The PowerEdge MX7000 Orthogonal Connectors enable direct interconnection of compute/storage and

switch (I/O) modules, liberating the architecture from the encumbrances and cost of a midplane.

The use of direct orthogonal connectors in the MX7000 eliminates airflow impedance caused by a midplane, and

enhances overall airflow and cooling. The schematic in Figure 3 below illustrates how eliminating the midplane opens

up internal areas of the PowerEdge MX7000 and improves airflow:

Figure 3: Elimination of the midplane in the PowerEdge MX7000 architecture opens up internal areas to improve airflow.