Computer node optical free space interconnection

Abstract

To provide a system for interconnecting a plurality of computing nodes using free-space optics.SOLUTION: In a system 100, an enclosure 104 in which a plurality of openings 22 receive a plurality of computing devices and a first computing device including a first computing node 102 and a first optical module 18 coupled to the first computing node are placed within a first opening of the plurality of openings such that the first optical module has a line of sight with each optical transceiver of a first set of optical transceivers 12 on a router. A second computing device including a second computing node and a second optical module coupled to the second computing node is placed within a second opening of the plurality of openings such that the second optical module has an additional line of sight with each of the first set of optical transceivers on the router.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] A data center is a physical facility used to house computer systems and related components. Data centers typically contain a large number of servers that may be stacked in racks placed side by side.

[0002]

[0002] One of the relatively recent developments in data center technology involves disaggregation. Currently, most data centers include multiple servers, with each server containing one or more central processing units (CPUs) and a certain amount of memory. Disaggregation involves separating a server into its component processing and memory resources so that these resources can be allocated as needed, depending on the needs of individual workloads.

[0003]

[0003] Separating a server into resource components can provide additional flexibility. Workloads can vary significantly, especially in commercial data centers. One of the primary objectives of data center operations is to have enough resources to cover peak demand, but not underutilize these same resources during non-peak demand conditions. Separation increases the chances of being able to provide sufficient resources during periods of high demand, while still ensuring optimal utilization.

[0004] To achieve partitioning, the interconnections between computing resources must provide high bandwidth and low latency, similar to the high bandwidth and low latency provided by communication interfaces within traditional servers, which can be a challenge for data centers with a large number of computing nodes that must be interconnected. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of optical modules coupled to the multiple computing nodes and a plurality of optical transceivers facilitating free-space optical communication with the plurality of optical modules. Each optical module of the plurality of optical modules has a line of sight to an area containing one or more optical transceivers of the plurality of optical transceivers. The system also includes a router coupled to the plurality of optical transceivers and configured to route free-space optical communication between the plurality of computing nodes using the line of sight.

[0006]

[0006] A plurality of computing nodes may be arranged horizontally across the area, and a plurality of optical modules may be coupled to a top portion of the computing nodes.

[0007]

[0007] A plurality of computing nodes may be arranged perpendicular to the area, and a plurality of optical modules may be coupled to edge portions of the computing nodes.

[0008]

[0008] The computing nodes may be positioned at an angle to the area, and the optical modules may be coupled to the edge of the computing nodes or to the top of the computing nodes.

[0009]

[0009] The multiple computing nodes can be arranged using a combination of horizontal, vertical or angled positions.

[0010]

[0010] Each optical module of the plurality of optical modules can include a modulator and an optical system. The modulator in a particular optical module can be configured to modulate a light beam received from at least one light source to generate a modulated light beam. The optical system in a particular optical module can be configured to direct the modulated light beam toward one optical transceiver of the plurality of optical transceivers using line of sight.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of optical modules coupled to the multiple computing nodes and a plurality of optical transceivers facilitating free-space optical communications with the plurality of optical modules. Each optical module of the plurality of optical modules has a line of sight to an area including one or more optical transceivers of the plurality of optical transceivers. The system also includes an enclosure having a plurality of apertures. Each aperture of the plurality of apertures holds one computing node of the multiple computing nodes in a position that provides a line of sight to the area for the optical module of the computing node. The system also includes a router coupled to the plurality of optical transceivers and configured to route free-space optical communications between the plurality of computing nodes using the line of sight.

[0012]

[0012] The openings in the enclosure may be angled to form a conical shape.

[0013]

[0013] The plurality of openings in the enclosure may form a circle.

[0014]

[0014] The plurality of computing nodes may be placed in a vertical, ie, upward position, within the enclosure, and the plurality of optical modules may be coupled to the edge portions of the computing nodes.

[0015]

[0015] The openings in the enclosure may be angled, and the computing nodes may be positioned in an upright position within the enclosure, with the optical modules coupled to edge portions of the computing nodes.

[0016] The openings in the enclosure may be horizontal and spaced apart from one another in a stepped pattern.

[0017] The system can further include a plurality of optical transceivers coupled to the plurality of computing nodes, the plurality of optical transceivers can have line-of-sight to an area containing one or more optical transceivers of the plurality of optical transceivers, and the optical transceivers can be used for free-space optical communications.

[0018]

[0018] The multiple compute nodes may have a common shape or size.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of optical modules electrically coupled to the multiple computing nodes. The plurality of optical modules are located at a distance from the computing nodes. The system also includes an enclosure having a plurality of apertures, each aperture holding a computing node of the multiple computing nodes. The system also includes a plurality of optical transceivers facilitating free-space optical communications with the plurality of optical modules. Each optical module of the plurality of optical modules can have a line of sight to an area containing one or more optical transceivers of the plurality of optical transceivers. The system also includes a router coupled to the plurality of optical transceivers and configured to route free-space optical communications between the plurality of computing nodes using the line of sight.

[0020]

[0020] Each of the multiple optical modules can be individually positioned to provide line of sight to an area.

[0021]

[0021] The openings in the enclosure may be horizontal, and the computing nodes may be in horizontal positions.

[0022]

[0022] The openings in the enclosure may be angled, and the computing nodes may be in angled positions.

[0023]

[0023] The openings in the enclosure may be vertical, and the computing nodes may be in vertical positions.

[0024]

[0024] Multiple optical modules can be arranged using micromachines.

[0025] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter or to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0026]

[0026] Additional features and advantages are set forth in the following description. The features and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by the systems and methods particularly pointed out in the appended claims. The features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

[0027] To explain how the above-described and other features of the present disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will now be made by reference to specific embodiments of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For better understanding, like elements are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various accompanying drawings. The embodiments will be described and explained with additional particularity and detail using the accompanying drawings, with the understanding that the drawings depict several exemplary embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1]

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system for using free-space optics with multiple computational nodes at angled positions, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A]

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a computing node having an optical module coupled to an edge portion of the computing node, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B]

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a computing node having an optical module located in a separate portion of the computing node, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system for using free-space optics with multiple computational nodes in a planar location, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary enclosure having multiple computing nodes arranged vertically in a circular configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary enclosure having multiple computing nodes arranged in a circular and angled position, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029]

[0034] This disclosure relates generally to line of sight between two points used for optical communication.

[0030]

[0035] One type of network topology that can be used to provide high-bandwidth, low-latency interconnections between computing resources is sometimes referred to as a network fabric. In this type of architecture, computing resources can be deployed in a relatively small number of highly interconnected tiers. Unlike traditional multi-tier architectures, a network fabric effectively flattens the network architecture, thereby reducing the distances between endpoints.

[0031]

[0036] In theory, a network fabric that provides high bandwidth and low latency can be achieved using hardwired connections. However, in a data center that contains a large number of computing nodes, a large amount of hardwired connections would be required to provide this type of network topology. Therefore, it is impractical to interconnect a large number of computing nodes using hardwired connections in a manner that provides high bandwidth and low latency.

[0032]

[0037] The present disclosure can use free-space optics to create a network fabric that interconnects a very large number of computing nodes. Free-space optics is an optical communication technology that uses light propagation in free space to transmit data between two points. Free-space optical communication is typically implemented using two systems, each including an optical transceiver. The optical transceiver can include an optical transmitter and an optical transceiver to provide full-duplex (bidirectional) capability. The optical transmitter can include a light source (e.g., laser, light-emitting diode, infrared-emitting diode) and a modulator. The modulator can be configured to change one or more characteristics of a light beam generated by the light source using a modulation signal that includes the data to be transmitted. The modulated light beam can be transmitted through the atmosphere to an optical receiver. The optical receiver can include a photodetector and a demodulator. The photodetector can be configured to convert the modulated light beam into an electrical signal, and the demodulator can be configured to demodulate the electrical signal to extract the transmitted data.

[0033]

[0038] Advantageously, the use of free space optics allows the network fabric to have high bandwidth and low latency, while at the same time eliminating the need to utilize a large amount of wired connections to achieve the desired high bandwidth and low latency, which may be impractical (as noted above).

[0034]

[0039] In some implementations, the techniques disclosed herein can be utilized in a partitioned computing system. In a partitioned computing system, computing resources can be separated into specialized nodes, such as processing nodes, memory nodes, storage nodes, and the like. The various types of nodes utilized in a computing system are sometimes collectively referred to herein as computational nodes. In a partitioned system, the term "computational node" can refer to processing nodes, memory nodes, storage nodes, and / or other types of nodes utilized by the computing system.

[0035]

[0040] In embodiments, a router coupled to a plurality of optical transceivers and a plurality of computing nodes coupled to an optical module can communicate using free-space optics. Free-space optical communications can occur between an optical module electrically coupled to a computing node and an optical transceiver coupled to the router. In some embodiments, for each optical modulator coupled to a particular computing node, there is a corresponding optical transceiver in the router. Free-space optical communications sent by an optical modulator in a computing node can be received by a corresponding optical transceiver in the router, and vice versa.

[0036]

[0041] The routers can be configured to route free-space optical communications between the computational nodes in the system. In other words, different computational nodes can communicate with each other through the routers. Thus, the routers, the optical transceivers coupled to the routers, and the optical modulators coupled to the computational nodes can all work together to interconnect the computational nodes to form a network fabric.

[0037]

[0042] The present disclosure can ensure a line of sight between an optical transceiver in a router used for free-space optics and an optical module in a compute node. The optical module can receive free-space communications. In some embodiments, the optical module may not include a light source. Thus, the light source may be separate from the optical module, and the optical module may include a modulator configured to modulate a received optical beam and an optical system for reflecting the modulated optical beam back toward the router. In other embodiments, the optical module may include a light source. For example, the optical module may include an optical transceiver. The line of sight may be an unobstructed, straight-line path between the optical transceiver in the router and the optical module in the compute node. Each of the compute nodes may be positioned or arranged such that the optical module in the compute node has a line of sight to a single area, i.e., a common focal point, of the optical transceiver in the router. Thus, the line of sight can provide a clear field of view that enables data transmission using optical propagation between the optical module in the compute node and the optical transceiver in the router.

[0038]

[0043] The relative location of the compute nodes to the transceiver area, or common focal point, can be achieved by the shape of the enclosure (e.g., rack or other structure) that supports or otherwise holds the compute nodes. Thus, instead of using a traditional compute rack, the present disclosure can use enclosures of different shapes to hold the compute nodes. By modifying the enclosure shape, compute nodes of the same shape and size can be used within the enclosure, while the compute nodes can be positioned so that each of the optical modules of the compute nodes has a direct line of sight to the optical transceiver area, or common focal point, in the router. Thus, the configuration of the compute nodes can be the same, and common compute nodes can be used throughout the enclosure without having to custom-design the compute nodes to achieve line of sight.

[0039]

[0044] In embodiments, the enclosure may include angled slots or openings, allowing the computing nodes to be placed into the slots or openings at an angle. Angling the computing nodes may allow each of the computing node's optical modules to have a direct line of sight to the area, or common focal point, of the optical transceivers in the router. Individual computing nodes may be angled differently relative to other computing nodes, such that the optical modules for each of the computing nodes have a clear line of sight to the optical transceivers in the router. By angling the computing nodes, the present disclosure may optimize the density of computing nodes in a network by increasing the number of computing nodes in the network, while maintaining a line of sight between each of the optical modules for each computing node and the area, or common focal point, of the optical transceivers in the router.

[0040]

[0045] In another embodiment, line of sight between one or more optical transceivers in a router and the optical modules in a compute node can be achieved by spacing the different compute nodes apart. The different compute nodes can maintain a right angle to the optical transceivers in the router while being spaced apart from one another. Thus, the compute nodes can be placed flat within the enclosure, and the spacing between the different compute nodes allows the optical modules for each of the compute nodes to have a direct line of sight to the area, or common focal point, of the optical transceivers in the router.

[0041]

[0046] In another embodiment, the optical modules may be on separate parts from the compute nodes. Line of sight between the optical modules of the compute nodes and the area or common focal point of the optical transceivers in the router can be achieved by individually positioning and / or angling the individual parts having the optical modules. For example, a micromachine can adjust the angle and / or position of the individual parts. Thus, the compute nodes can be placed in one position within the enclosure, and the individual parts having the optical modules can be angled or positioned to have line of sight to the area or common focal point of the optical transceivers in the router.

[0042]

[0047] By modifying the relative positions of the compute nodes or the optical modules of the compute nodes to the optical transceivers in the router, it is possible to ensure line of sight to the area, or common focal point, of the transceivers in the router for each of the optical modules in the compute nodes. Having a clear line of sight between the optical modules of the compute nodes and the optical transceivers of the router allows data transmission using optical propagation to occur in free space optical communication between the compute nodes and the router.

[0043]

[0048] 1 illustrates an example system 100 for interconnecting multiple computing nodes 102 using free-space optics, according to an embodiment. The system 100 may be a partitioned computing system including multiple computing nodes 102. The computing nodes 102 may include processing nodes and / or memory nodes. Additionally, the computing nodes 102 may also include optical modules 18. The optical modules 18 may be coupled to the computing nodes 102 anywhere on the computing nodes 102. In the depicted system 100, the optical modules 18 are coupled to the top portions of the computing nodes 102.

[0044]

[0049] Additionally, the light source 10 that generates the optical beam for transmitting free-space optical communications from the computing node 102 to the router 106 is located remotely from the computing node 102. In other words, the computing node 102 is not coupled to an optical transceiver that includes a light source. Instead, the computing node 102 is coupled to an optical module 18 that does not include a light source.

[0045]

[0050] Other embodiments for use with system 100 may include a light source located on top of computational node 102. In these embodiments, optical module 18 may include an optical transceiver including light source 10 for transmitting free-space optical communications from computational node 102 to router 106.

[0046]

[0051] The multiple computing nodes 102 can communicate with one or more routers 106 configured to route free-space optical communications between the multiple computing nodes 102. The optical modules 18 of the computing nodes 102 can receive the free-space optical communications from the routers 106. The routers 106 can include one or more light sources 10 that generate and direct light beams to the optical modules 18 of the computing nodes 102. Each optical module 18 can include a modulator configured to modulate the light beam received from the router 106 and an optical system for reflecting the modulated light beam back toward the router 106. The optical modules 18 can be configured in many different ways in accordance with the present disclosure. Many different types of optical components can be used in the optical system, such as mirrors, lenses, diffraction gratings, etc.

[0047]

[0052] Light source 10 is shown within router 106. Light source 10 may include, but is not limited to, a laser, a light emitting diode, or an infrared light emitting diode. Alternatively, light source 10 may be separate from router 106. In some embodiments, light source 10 may be separate from router 106 and coupled to router 106. In some embodiments, light source 10 may be separate from router 106 and not coupled to router 106.

[0048]

[0053] The router 106 may also include multiple optical transceivers 12. The optical transceivers 12 may be used by the router 106 to transmit data to the computational nodes 102 using optical propagation. The router 106 may direct or otherwise guide optical beams to corresponding optical transceivers 12 and optical modules 18.

[0049]

[0054] In some embodiments, system 100 may be configured such that for each optical module 18, there is a corresponding optical transceiver 12 coupled to router 106 and optically coupled to the optical module 18. In some embodiments, system 100 may be configured such that an optical module 18 can communicate with multiple optical transceivers 12 coupled to router 106. For example, different optical transceivers 12 may be used for different wavelengths. Thus, an optical module 18 may direct an optical beam to one or more optical transceivers 12.

[0050]

[0055] In an embodiment, the optical transceivers 12 may be subdivided into regions 14, or common focal points, at which the optical beams from all of the optical modules 18 may be directed. The regions 14 may include a subset 15 of the optical transceivers 12. The width 16 of the regions may be proportional to the number of computational nodes 102 in the system 100. Thus, as the number of computational nodes 102 in the system 100 increases, the width 16 of the regions 14 increases, resulting in a greater number of optical transceivers 12 in the subset 15 of optical transceivers 12. Furthermore, as the number of computational nodes 102 in the system 100 decreases, the width 16 of the regions 14 decreases, resulting in a smaller number of optical transceivers 12 in the subset 15 of optical transceivers 12.

[0051]

[0056] Each of the compute nodes 102 may be positioned or arranged relative to the region 14 such that each of the modules 18 has a direct line of sight to the region 14. The line of sight to the region 14 may be an unobstructed straight-line path. Thus, the line of sight may provide a clear line of sight across the entire region 14, enabling data transmission between the subset 15 of optical transceivers 12 and the optical modules 18 using free-space optical communications.

[0052]

[0057] Although a single region 14 is depicted in system 100, optical transceiver 12 may be subdivided into multiple regions 14. Thus, different optical modules 18 may have a direct line of sight to different regions 14 within router 106. Furthermore, optical modules 18 may have a direct line of sight to more than one region 14 within router 106.

[0053]

[0058] As depicted in system 100, line of sight between the compute nodes 102 and the region 14 is achieved by angling the compute nodes 102 with respect to one another. The compute nodes 102 may be arranged in a skewed pattern, with the lowest compute nodes 102 closer together and the compute nodes 102 further apart near the top of the stack of compute nodes 102. Additionally, the angles 20 between individual compute nodes 102 may vary, with higher angles 20 being steeper relative to lower angles 20. The different angles 20 between compute nodes 102 may remain narrow to maintain a constant focal length throughout the optical field. By having slight angle variations between the compute nodes 102, the individual optical modules 18 of the compute nodes 102 may have a direct line of sight to the light source 10 and / or the region 14.

[0054]

[0059] Although the computing nodes 102 are depicted aligned at an angle, the computing nodes 102 may be in any position, including, but not limited to, horizontally aligned positions, vertically aligned positions, and / or aligned positions at any number of intermediate positions relative to the area and / or ground. Different positions of the computing nodes 102 may be used to provide a direct line of sight of the router 106 to the light source 10 and / or area 14. Furthermore, the computing nodes 102 may be aligned in any combination of positions. For example, some of the computing nodes 102 may be aligned at an angle, while some of the computing nodes 102 may be aligned horizontally. Another example may include some of the computing nodes 102 may be aligned vertically, while some of the computing nodes 102 may be aligned at an angle. Another example may include some of the computing nodes 102 may be aligned vertically, while some of the computing nodes 102 may be aligned horizontally, and other portions of the computing nodes 102 may be aligned at an angle. Thus, the computing nodes 102 may be arranged in various locations to achieve a clear line of sight to the light sources 10 and / or regions 14 of the routers 106 .

[0055]

[0060] The compute nodes 102 may be disposed within an enclosure 104. The enclosure 104 may include, but is not limited to, a rack or other support structure for the compute nodes 102. In an embodiment, the enclosure 104 may be a tank, such as a tank (which may be referred to herein as a cryogenic tank) that may be utilized in a cryogenic computing system. A cryogenic computing system may be designed to operate at extremely low temperatures, and thus, the compute nodes 102 operating in the cryogenic computing system may be disposed within a tank that is cooled to a desired temperature.

[0056]

[0061] The relative position of the computing nodes 102 with respect to the region 14 may be achieved by the shape of the enclosure 104. The shape of the enclosure 104 may be any shape, such as, but not limited to, a cone, a circle, an hourglass, a spiral, a square, a triangle, and / or an octagon. Thus, instead of using a traditional computing rack in which the computing nodes 102 may be stacked on top of each other in rows, the shape of the enclosure 104 may be modified such that when the computing nodes 102 are placed within the enclosure 104, the optical modules 18 of the computing nodes 102 have a direct line of sight to the light sources 100 of the router 106 and / or the region 14.

[0057]

[0062] By modifying the shape of the enclosure 104, the compute nodes used within the enclosure 104 can have a common shape and / or size while maintaining a direct line of sight to the light source 10 and / or area 14 of the router 106. Thus, the configuration of the compute nodes 102 can be the same, and common compute nodes 102 can be used throughout the enclosure 104 without having to custom design the compute nodes 102 to achieve a direct line of sight.

[0058]

[0063] As depicted in system 100, enclosure 104 may be conical in shape with one or more slots or apertures 22 arranged in a sloping pattern. Computing nodes 102 may be positioned within the apertures 22. The angles 20 between individual apertures 22 may vary, with higher angles 20 being steeper relative to lower angles 20. Having slight angular variations between apertures 22 may ensure line-of-sight between individual optical modules 18 of a computing node 102 to light sources 10 and / or regions 14 of the router. Thus, computing nodes 102 may be present in a cascade pattern. The angles 20 may be adjusted to create a direct line-of-sight between each of the optical modules 18 and light sources 10 and / or regions 14 of the router 106. For example, the angles 20 may be adjusted to maintain the position of the optical modules 18 perpendicular to the light sources 10 and / or regions 14. Additionally, the angles 20 may be adjusted to increase or decrease the number of computing nodes 102 in system 100. Thus, by angling the computing nodes 102, the enclosure 104 can optimize the density of the computing nodes 102 by increasing and / or decreasing the number of computing nodes 102 in the system 100, while maintaining a direct line of sight between the optical modules 18 of the computing nodes 102 and the light sources 10 and / or regions 14.

[0059]

[0064] The routers 106, the optical transceivers 12 coupled to the routers 106, and the optical modules 18 may work together to interconnect the computing nodes 102 to form a network fabric. The network fabric in the depicted system 100 allows all of the computing nodes 102 to access each other. For example, all of the memory nodes of each computing node 102 may access all of the processing nodes of each computing node 102 via the network fabric.

[0060]

[0065] By modifying the relative positions of the computing nodes 102 so that they have a clear line of sight to the light sources 10 of the router 106 and / or a subset 15 of the optical transceivers 12 in the region 14, data transmission using optical propagation allows free-space optical communication to occur in the system 100.

[0061]

[0066] 2A, an example of a possible implementation of a computing node 200 that can be used with system 100 or other systems and / or enclosures described in FIGS. 3-5 is shown. Computing node 200 can include an optical module 18 coupled to an edge portion 202 of computing node 200. Thus, instead of optical module 18 being coupled to a top portion of computing node 200 as shown in FIG. 1, optical module 18 is coupled to edge portion 202 of computing node 200.

[0062]

[0067] By having optical modules 18 coupled to edge portion 202, computational node 200 can be placed in different positions, such as a vertical or upward position, with edge portion 202 directed upward toward light sources 10 (FIG. 1) of router 106 (FIG. 1) and / or a subset 15 (FIG. 1) of optical transceivers 12 (FIG. 1) in region 14 (FIG. 1).

[0063]

[0068] Optical module 18 can be configured in many different ways in accordance with the present disclosure. Many different types of optical components can be used in the optical system, such as mirrors, lenses, diffraction gratings, etc.

[0064]

[0069] In an embodiment, the light source may be located on the compute node 102. An optical transceiver including a light source for transmitting free-space optical communications from the compute node 200 to the router 106 may be included on the edge portion 202.

[0065]

[0070] Referring now to FIG. 2B, an example of a possible implementation of a computing node 208 that can be used with system 100 or other systems and / or enclosures described in FIGS. 3-5 is shown. The computing node 208 can include an optical module 18 in a portion 204 separate from the computing node 208. A connection 206 can couple the portion 204 to the computing node 208. The connection 206 can be an electrical connection, such as, but not limited to, a hardwired connection. The optical module 18 can access the computing node 208 via the connection 206. Similarly, the computing node 208 can access the optical module 18 via the connection 206. Thus, the optical module 18 can be separate from the processing and / or memory nodes of the computing node 208.

[0066]

[0071] The portion 204 can be angled separately from the compute nodes 208, so that the optical modules 18 can have a direct line of sight to the light sources 10 (FIG. 1) of the router 106 (FIG. 1) and / or a subset 15 (FIG. 1) of the optical transceivers 12 (FIG. 1) in the region 14 (FIG. 1). The optical modules 18 on individual compute nodes 208 can be individually positioned and / or angled to ensure a direct line of sight. For example, a micromachine can adjust the angle and / or position of the portion 204 so that the optical modules 18 have a clear line of sight. Micromachines can include, but are not limited to, any device or machine structured on a microscopic scale. An example of a micromachine can include a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device. Thus, the compute nodes 208 can be located in one position and portion 204 within the enclosure, and the optical modules 18 can be angled or positioned to have a line of sight to the region 14 of the router 106.

[0067]

[0072] In an embodiment, a conventional rack may be used with compute nodes 208, and portions 204 may be positioned and / or angled such that optical modules 18 have a clear line of sight to light sources 10 and / or subsets 15 of optical transceivers 12 in region 14. For example, compute nodes 208 may be placed horizontally in the rack, and portions 204 may be positioned and / or angled separately from compute nodes 208 to achieve line of sight.

[0068]

[0073] In alternative embodiments, different shaped enclosures as discussed herein may be used with compute nodes 208 and portions 204, and optical modules 18 may be adjusted as needed to ensure that optical modules 18 have a clear line of sight. For example, compute nodes 208 may be placed in the enclosure at an angle, and additional positioning and / or angling of portions 204 may occur to achieve line of sight to light sources 10 and / or subset 15 of optical transceivers 12 in region 14.

[0069]

[0074] Optical module 18 can be configured in many different ways in accordance with the present disclosure. Many different types of optical components can be used in the optical system, such as mirrors, lenses, diffraction gratings, etc.

[0070]

[0075] In an embodiment, the light source may be located on the computational node 208. An optical transceiver including a light source for transmitting free-space optical communications from the computational node 208 to the router 106 may be included on a portion 204 separate from the computational node 208.

[0071]

[0076] Referring now to Figure 3, an exemplary system 300 for interconnecting multiple computing nodes 102 in a planar position using free-space optics is shown, according to an embodiment. System 300 is similar to the exemplary system 100 discussed in connection with Figure 1. System 300 illustrates another example of an arrangement of computing nodes 102 that ensures a clear line of sight between the optical modules 18 of the computing nodes 102 and the light sources 10 of the router 106 and / or a subset 15 of the optical transceivers 12 in a region 14, i.e., a common focal point, to enable free-space optical communications.

[0072]

[0077] Line of sight between the optical modules 18 and the light sources 10 and / or region 14 of the router 106 can be achieved by offsetting the computing nodes 102 so that they are spaced apart from one another. The computing nodes 102 can maintain a horizontal position perpendicular to the router 106. Thus, a larger offset between the computing nodes 102 can be used to increase the width of the region 14, thereby ensuring that the light beams from all of the optical modules 18 have a direct, unobstructed line of sight to the region 14. The offset in system 300 can be larger, and fewer computing nodes 102 can be used in system 300 because the number of computing nodes 102 that can be used in system 300 can be limited by the width of the enclosure.

[0073]

[0078] The width 16 of the region may be increased and / or decreased depending on the number of computational nodes 102 in the system 100. Thus, as the number of computational nodes 102 in the system 100 increases, the width 16 of the region 14 may be increased, resulting in a larger number of optical transceivers 12 in the subset 15 of optical transceivers 12. Furthermore, as the number of computational nodes 102 in the system 100 decreases, the width 16 of the region 14 may be decreased, resulting in a smaller number of optical transceivers 12 in the subset 15 of optical transceivers 12.

[0074]

[0079] The relative positioning of the compute nodes 102 with respect to the region 14 can be achieved by the shape of the enclosure 304. The enclosure 304 can include multiple slots or openings 302 arranged in a stepped pattern, such that the lowest compute nodes 102 are closer together and the compute nodes 102 are further apart near the top of the stack of compute nodes 102. Although horizontally aligned compute nodes 102 are depicted, the compute nodes 102 can be aligned in any position and / or combination of positions relative to the region and / or ground. Different positions of the compute nodes 102 can be used to provide a direct line of sight to the light source 100 of the router 106 and / or the region 14. For example, some of the compute nodes 102 can be aligned horizontally, while some of the compute nodes 102 can be aligned at an angle.

[0075]

[0080] Thus, the computational node 102 can be placed in a horizontal position within the aperture 302 while maintaining a direct line of sight to the light sources 10 of the router 106 and / or a subset 15 of the optical transceivers 12 in the region 14, and thus data transmission using optical propagation can allow free-space optical communications to occur in the system 300.

[0076]

[0081] Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a top view of an exemplary enclosure 400 for use with the systems 100 and 300 discussed in Figures 1 and 3. The enclosure 400 may be used in place of the enclosures 104 and / or 304 described in Figures 1 and 3. The enclosure 400 may also be used in combination with the enclosures 104 and / or 304. This view may be discussed below with reference to the architectures of Figures 1 and 3.

[0077]

[0082] The enclosure 400 may be circular in shape and may include a plurality of slots or openings 402 arranged in a circle, such that when the computing node 200 is placed in the slots or openings 402, the computing node 200 assumes a circular shape. The computing node 200 may slide radially into the openings 402 in a vertical or upward position relative to the area 14 and / or the ground.

[0078]

[0083] The exemplary computing node 200 discussed in Figure 2A can be used with an enclosure 400 in which optical modules 18 are coupled to an edge portion of the computing node 102. By having optical modules coupled to an edge portion of the computing node 200, the optical modules 18 can be directed upward toward a subset 15 of optical transceivers 12 in a region 14 and / or light sources 10 of a router 106 located above the enclosure 400, as shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0079]

[0084] Although FIG. 4 depicts a single ring of compute nodes 200, multiple rings of compute nodes 200 can be included within the enclosure 400. These rings may be one compute node 200 deep. By placing the compute nodes 200 in a vertical or upward position within the enclosure 400, more compute nodes 200 can be included in each ring. Thus, the enclosure 400 can include fewer rings while maintaining the same number of compute nodes 200, or the number of compute nodes 200 in the enclosure 400 can be increased. For example, instead of 40 rows of racks, the enclosure 400 can have five rings while maintaining the same number of compute nodes 200, or the number of compute nodes 200 can be increased to match what the rack typically accommodates.

[0080]

[0085] The individual rings may have different diameters 404 such that the rings are offset from one another. Thus, lower rings may have larger diameters relative to higher rings. By offsetting the rings from one another, optical modules 18 of compute nodes 200 in the lower rings may have direct line of sight to the light sources 10 of routers 106 and / or a subset 15 of optical transceivers 12 in region 14.

[0081]

[0086] Aligning the computing nodes 200 vertically allows for an increased number of computing nodes 200 that can have a direct line of sight to the light source 10 and / or the subset 15 of optical transceivers 12 in the region 14. Thus, more computing nodes 200 can be packed into the enclosure 400. Furthermore, because the computing nodes 200 are aligned vertically instead of horizontally, the size of the enclosure 400 can be smaller.

[0082]

[0087] Referring now to Figure 5, an exemplary enclosure 500 is shown for use with the systems 100 and 300 discussed in Figures 1 and 3. The enclosure 500 may be used in place of the enclosures 104, 304 and / or 400 described in Figures 1, 3 and 4. The enclosure 500 may also be used in combination with the enclosures 104, 304 and / or 400 described in Figures 1, 3 and 4. This figure may be discussed below with reference to the architecture of Figures 1 and 3.

[0083]

[0088] The enclosure 500 may be circular in shape and may include multiple slots or openings 502 arranged at an angle in a circular shape such that when the computing nodes 102 are placed in the slots or openings 502, the computing nodes 102 may overlap each other and may also slightly spread out from each other in a circular shape. The computing nodes 102 may slide radially into the openings 502 in an upward position relative to the area 14 and / or the ground.

[0084]

[0089] The computing nodes 200 may be angled slightly to allow for slight variations in the angle 506 between the computing nodes 200. Having slight variations in angle between the computing nodes 200 may ensure line of sight between the individual optical modules 18 of the computing nodes 200 and the light sources 10 and / or subsets 15 of the optical transceivers 12 in the region 14.

[0085]

[0090] 2A can be used with an enclosure 500 in which optical modules 18 are coupled to an edge portion of the compute node 200. Having optical modules coupled to an edge portion of the compute node 200 allows the optical modules 18 to have a clear line of sight up to the light sources 10 of the router 106 and / or a subset 15 of the optical transceivers 12 in the region 14.

[0086]

[0091] 5 depicts a single row of computing nodes 200, multiple rows of computing nodes 200 can be included within the enclosure 500. More computing nodes 200 can be included in each row by placing the computing nodes 200 in an upward position within the enclosure 500. Thus, the enclosure 500 can include fewer rows while maintaining the same number of computing nodes 200 or increasing the number of computing nodes 200 in the enclosure 500.

[0087]

[0092] Angling the computing nodes 200 allows individual rows in the enclosure 500 to have the same diameter 504. The angles 506 of the computing nodes 200 can vary between different rows such that the computing nodes 200 in lower rows in the enclosure 500 can be spread out at a larger angle 506 relative to the angles 506 of the computing nodes 200 in higher rows. Furthermore, having the same diameter 504 allows for a higher density of the number of computing nodes 200 included in the enclosure 500. Thus, the enclosure 500 can optimize the density of the computing nodes 102 in the enclosure 500 while maintaining a direct line of sight from each of the optical modules 18 of the computing nodes 200 to the light sources 10 of the router 106 and / or to a subset 15 of the optical transceivers 12 in the region 14.

[0088]

[0093] In some embodiments, "network fabric" refers to a computer network architecture in which multiple computing systems or nodes are interconnected. In some embodiments, the computing systems or nodes in the network fabric may be interconnected using routers, switches, and other types of network components. In some embodiments, the computing systems or nodes in the network fabric may be interconnected in a manner that provides low latency and / or high bandwidth interconnection between the various computing systems or nodes. In some embodiments, the computing systems or nodes in the network fabric may be interconnected using relatively few layers (e.g., two or three layers). This essentially flattens the network architecture, thereby reducing the distance between endpoints.

[0089]

[0094] In some embodiments, two components are "coupled" if they are electrically coupled, optically coupled, or mechanically coupled.

[0090]

[0095] In some embodiments, two components are "electrically coupled" if an electric current can flow from one component to the other. In some embodiments, two electrically coupled components may be in direct contact with each other so that an electric current can flow directly from one component to the other. However, this is not required. In some embodiments, two electrically coupled components do not need to be in direct contact with each other. There may be any number of other electrically conductive materials and electrically arranged components between two electrically coupled components, as long as an electric current can flow.

[0091]

[0096] In some embodiments, two optical components are “optically coupled” if an optical path exists between them. Thus, in such embodiments, a first optical component may be considered optically coupled to a second optical component (e.g., router optical transceiver 12) if the second optical component receives an optical transmission sent by the first component (e.g., optical module 18 and / or node optical transceiver).

[0092]

[0097] The term "determining" (and grammatical variations thereof) encompasses a wide variety of actions, and thus "determining" can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, finding (e.g., finding in a table, database, or another data structure), ascertaining, etc. Also, "detecting" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), etc. Also, "determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0093]

[0098] The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Furthermore, it is to be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "embodiments" in this disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, any element or feature described herein in the context of an embodiment can be combined, where compatible, with any element or feature of any other embodiment described herein.

[0094]

[0099] The described embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms than those specifically described herein. The scope of the present disclosure is therefore indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. 1. A system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free space optics, comprising: a plurality of optical modules coupled to the plurality of computing nodes; a plurality of optical transceivers facilitating free-space optical communications with the plurality of optical modules, each optical module of the plurality of optical modules having a line of sight to an area containing one or more optical transceivers of the plurality of optical transceivers; a router coupled to the plurality of optical transceivers and configured to route the free-space optical communications between the plurality of computing nodes using the line-of-sight; A system comprising:

2. the plurality of computing nodes are disposed horizontally relative to the area, and the plurality of optical modules are coupled to top portions of the computing nodes; or the plurality of computing nodes are arranged perpendicular to the area, and the plurality of optical modules are coupled to edge portions of the computing nodes; The system of claim 1 .

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of computing nodes are positioned at an angle to the area, and the plurality of optical modules are coupled to edge portions of the computing nodes or to top portions of the computing nodes.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of computing nodes are positioned using a combination of horizontal, vertical, or angled positions.

5. each optical module of the plurality of optical modules comprises a modulator and an optical system; the modulator in a particular optical module is configured to modulate a light beam received from at least one light source to generate a modulated light beam; the optical system within the particular optical module is configured to direct the modulated light beam toward one optical transceiver of the plurality of optical transceivers using the line of sight; The system of claim 1 .

6. 1. A system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free space optics, comprising: a plurality of optical modules coupled to the plurality of computing nodes; a plurality of optical transceivers facilitating free-space optical communications with the plurality of optical modules, each optical module of the plurality of optical modules having a line of sight to an area containing one or more optical transceivers of the plurality of optical transceivers; an enclosure having a plurality of openings, each opening of the plurality of openings holding one of the plurality of computing nodes in a position that provides the line of sight for the optical module of the computing node to the area; a router coupled to the plurality of optical transceivers and configured to route the free-space optical communications between the plurality of computing nodes using the line-of-sight; A system comprising:

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the plurality of openings in the enclosure are conically angled.

8. the plurality of openings in the enclosure form a circle, the plurality of computing nodes are placed in a vertical position within the enclosure, i.e., in an upward position, and the plurality of optical modules are coupled to edge portions of the computing nodes; or 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the openings in the enclosure are angled, and the computing nodes are positioned in an upward position within the enclosure, and the optical modules are coupled to edge portions of the computing nodes.

9. The system of claim 6 , wherein the openings in the enclosure are horizontal and spaced apart from one another in a stepped pattern.

10. further comprising a plurality of optical transceivers coupled to the plurality of computing nodes; the plurality of optical transceivers have the line of sight to the area containing one or more optical transceivers of the plurality of optical transceivers, and the optical transceivers are used for the free space optical communications. The system of claim 6.

11. The system of claim 6 , wherein the plurality of computing nodes have a common shape or size.

12. 1. A system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free space optics, comprising: a plurality of optical modules electrically coupled to a plurality of computing nodes, the plurality of optical modules being located at a distance from the computing nodes; an enclosure having a plurality of openings, each opening of the plurality of openings holding one of the plurality of computing nodes; a plurality of optical transceivers facilitating free-space optical communications with the plurality of optical modules, each optical module of the plurality of optical modules having a line of sight to an area containing one or more optical transceivers of the plurality of optical transceivers; a router coupled to the plurality of optical transceivers and configured to route the free-space optical communications between the plurality of computing nodes using the line-of-sight; A system comprising:

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein each of the plurality of optical modules is individually positioned to provide the line of sight to the area.

14. the plurality of openings in the enclosure are horizontal and the plurality of computing nodes are in a horizontal position; or the plurality of openings in the enclosure are vertical, and the plurality of computing nodes are in a vertical position; or the plurality of openings in the enclosure are angled, and the plurality of computing nodes are in angled positions; The system of claim 13.

15. The system of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of optical modules are positioned using a micromechanical device.

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