Backplane module

A device, comprising:

• a backplane oriented in a first plane;
• a first module including a major surface oriented parallel to the first plane and a first minor surface oriented perpendicular to the first plane, wherein the major surface of the first module includes a connector thereon that releasably mates with a corresponding connector located on a first side of the backplane;
• and
• a second module including a major surface oriented perpendicular to the first plane and a first minor surface oriented parallel to the first plane, wherein the first minor surface of the second module includes a connector thereon that releasably mates with a corresponding connector located on a second side of the backplane;
• wherein circuitry within the first module provides interconnections for the second module.

A system, comprising:

• a system enclosure;
• a backplane oriented in a vertical plane and fixed within the system enclosure;
• a number of interface modules each including a major surface oriented parallel to the vertical plane and a number of minor surfaces oriented perpendicular to the vertical plane, wherein the major surface of the number of interface modules includes a connector thereon that releasably mates with a corresponding connector located on a first side of the backplane;
• and
• a number of fabric modules each including a major surface oriented perpendicular to the vertical plane and a number of minor surfaces oriented parallel to the vertical plane, wherein at least one of the first minor surfaces of the number of fabric modules includes a connector thereon that releasably mates with a corresponding connector located on a second side of the backplane;
• wherein circuitry within the number of fabric modules provides interconnections between the number of interface modules via the backplane.