US Patent 10305217 Thermally-enhanced pluggable modules

In one embodiment, a pluggable module has fins along a length of its shell, and a planar gap on its shell in front of the fins. The fins may rise higher than an industry-standard pluggable module. The planar gap provides for a pressure drop as air reaches the fins, and thereby improves air flow. The pluggable module plugs into a port of a cage. A key pattern or rotating door on the port is configured to allow the pluggable module's fins to pass through, while also placing a height limit on non-fin regions of the shell.