Computer Node Optical Free-Space Interconnection

Abstract

A system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics may include multiple optical transceivers that facilitate free-space optical communication between the multiple computing nodes. The system may ensure line-of-sight between the multiple computing nodes and the optical transceivers to facilitate the free-space optical communication. The line-of-sight may be ensured by the location or placement of the computing nodes in the system. The location or placement of the computing nodes may be achieved by using different shaped enclosures to hold the computing nodes.

Description

Background Art

[0001]

[0001] A data center is physical equipment used to house computer systems and related components. A data center typically includes a very large number of servers that can be stacked in racks placed side by side.

[0002]

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

[0003]

[0003] By separating the server into resource components, additional flexibility can be provided. Workloads can vary significantly, especially in commercial data centers. One of the main objectives of data center operations is to have sufficient resources to cover peak demand, while not underutilizing these same resources during non-peak demand periods. Disaggregation increases the opportunity to supply sufficient resources during high-demand periods, while also guaranteeing optimal utilization.

[0004]

[0004] To achieve disaggregation, the interconnection between computing resources must provide a wide bandwidth and short latency, similar to the wide bandwidth and short latency provided by the communication interfaces within conventional servers. This can be a challenge in some cases for data centers with a very large number of computing nodes that must be interconnected.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for interconnecting a plurality of computing nodes using free-space optics is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of optical modules coupled to the plurality of computing nodes and a plurality of optical transceivers that facilitate free-space optical communication between the plurality of optical modules. Each individual optical module of the plurality of optical modules has a line of sight to a region that includes one or more 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] The plurality of computing nodes can be arranged horizontally with respect to the region, and the plurality of optical modules can be coupled to the top portion of the computing nodes.

[0007]

[0007] The plurality of computing nodes can be arranged vertically with respect to the region, and the plurality of optical modules can be coupled to the edge portion of the computing nodes.

[0008]

[0008] The plurality of computing nodes can be arranged at a certain angle with respect to the region, and the plurality of optical modules can be coupled to the edge portion or the top portion of the computing nodes.

[0009]

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

[0010]

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

[0011]

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for interconnecting a plurality of computing nodes using free space optics is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of optical modules coupled to the plurality of computing nodes and a plurality of optical transceivers facilitating free space optical communication with these plurality of optical modules. Individual optical modules of the plurality of optical modules have a line of sight to a region including one or more 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 of the plurality of computing nodes at a position providing a line of sight for the optical module of the computing node to the region. 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.

[0012]

[0012] The plurality of apertures of the enclosure can be angled and conical.

[0013]

[0013] The plurality of apertures of the enclosure can form a circle.

[0014]

[0014] The plurality of computing nodes can be placed at a vertical position, i.e., an upward position, within the enclosure, and the plurality of optical modules can be coupled to an edge portion of the computing nodes.

[0015]

[0015] The plurality of openings of the enclosure can be angled, and the plurality of computing nodes can be placed in an upward position within the enclosure, and the plurality of optical modules are coupled to the edge portions of the computing nodes.

[0016]

[0016] The plurality of openings of the enclosure are horizontal and can be spaced from each other in a stepped pattern.

[0017]

[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 a line of sight to a region including one or more of the plurality of optical transceivers, and the optical transceivers can be used for free space optical communication.

[0018]

[0018] The plurality of computing nodes can have a common shape or size.

[0019]

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for interconnecting a plurality of computing nodes using free space optics is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of optical modules electrically coupled to the plurality of computing nodes. These plurality of optical modules are disposed at portions remote from the computing nodes. The system also includes an enclosure having a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of openings holds one of the plurality of computing nodes. The system also includes a plurality of optical transceivers that facilitate free space optical communication with the plurality of optical modules. Each of the plurality of optical modules can have a line of sight to a region including one or more 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.

[0020]

[0020] Each of the plurality of optical modules can be individually arranged to provide a line of sight to the region.

[0021]

[0021] The plurality of openings of the enclosure may be horizontal, and the plurality of computing nodes may be in a horizontal position.

[0022]

[0022] The plurality of openings of the enclosure can be angled, and the plurality of computing nodes may be in an angled position.

[0023]

[0023] The plurality of openings of the enclosure may be vertical, and the plurality of computing nodes may be in a vertical position.

[0024]

[0024] The plurality of optical modules can be arranged using micromachines.

[0025]

[0025] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that will be further described in the following modes for carrying out the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0026]

[0026] Additional features and advantages are shown in the following description. The features and advantages of the present disclosure can 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 the appended claims, or can be learned by practicing the disclosed subject matter as shown below.

[0027] In order to describe a method by which the features described above and other features of the present disclosure can be obtained, a more specific description will be given below with reference to specific embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings. For better understanding, similar elements are denoted by similar reference numerals throughout the various accompanying drawings. The embodiments will be described and explained in further particularity and detail using the accompanying drawings, based on the understanding that the drawings depict several exemplary embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

[0028] FIG. is a diagram showing an exemplary system for using free-space optics having a plurality of computing nodes at an angled position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2A

[0029] FIG. is 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. is an example of a computing node having an optical module located in a portion separate from the computing node, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3

[0031] FIG. is a diagram showing an exemplary system for using free-space optics having a plurality of computing nodes in a flat position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4

[0032] FIG. is a top view of an exemplary enclosure having a plurality of computing nodes arranged in a circular array in a vertical position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5

[0033] FIG. is a top view of an exemplary enclosure having a plurality of computing nodes arranged in a circular array at an angled position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029]

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

[0030]

[0035] One type of network topology that can be used to provide a wide - bandwidth and low - latency interconnection between computing resources is sometimes called a network fabric. In this type of architecture, computing resources can be deployed in a relatively small number of highly interconnected layers. Unlike traditional multi - layer architectures, a network fabric effectively flattens the network architecture, thereby shortening the distance between endpoints.

[0031]

[0036] In theory, a network fabric that provides wide bandwidth and low latency can be achieved using wired connections. However, in a data center that includes a very large number of computing nodes, a large number of wired connections are required to provide this type of network topology. Therefore, it is unrealistic to interconnect a very large number of computing nodes using wired connections in a way that provides wide bandwidth and low latency.

[0032]

[0037] The present disclosure can generate a network fabric that interconnects a very large number of computing nodes using free - space optics. Free - space optics is an optical communication technology that uses optical 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 receiver to provide full - duplex (bidirectional) capability. The optical transmitter can include a light source (e.g., a laser, light - emitting diode, infrared light - emitting diode) and a modulator. The modulator can be configured to change one or more characteristics of the optical beam generated by the light source using a modulation signal that includes the data to be transmitted. The modulated optical 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 optical beam into an electrical signal, and the demodulator can be configured to demodulate the electrical signal to extract the transmitted data.

[0033]

[0038] Advantageously, by using free space optics, the network fabric can be provided with a wide bandwidth and a short latency. At the same time, by using free space optics, it is not necessary to achieve the desired wide bandwidth and short latency by using a large number of wired connections, which may be unrealistic in some cases (as pointed out above).

[0034]

[0039] In some embodiments, the techniques disclosed herein can be utilized in a split computing system. In a split computing system, computing resources can be separated into dedicated nodes such as processing nodes, memory nodes, storage nodes, and so on. The various types of nodes utilized in the computing system are collectively referred to herein as computing nodes in some cases. In a split system, the term "computing node" can mean a processing node, a memory node, a storage node, and / or another type of node utilized by the computing system.

[0035]

[0040] In an embodiment, 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 communication can occur between an optical module electrically coupled to a computing node and an optical transceiver coupled to a router. In some embodiments, for each optical modulator coupled to a particular computing node, a corresponding optical transceiver is present at the router. Free space optical communication sent by the optical modulator of the computing node can be received by the corresponding optical transceiver of the router, and vice versa.

[0036]

[0041] The router can be configured to route free-space optical communications between computing nodes in the system. In other words, different computing nodes can communicate with each other via the router. Thus, the router, the optical transceiver coupled to the router, and the optical modulator coupled to the computing node can all function together to interconnect the computing nodes in order to form a network fabric.

[0037]

[0042] The present disclosure can ensure a line of sight between an optical transceiver in a router and an optical module of a computing node for use in free-space optics. The optical module can receive free-space communications. In an embodiment, the optical module may not include a light source. Thus, the light source may be remote from the optical module, and the optical module can include a modulator configured to modulate the received optical beam and an optical system for reflecting the modulated optical beam back towards the router. In another embodiment, the optical module can include a light source. For example, the optical module can include an optical transceiver. The line of sight may be a clear, unobstructed straight-line path between the optical transceiver in the router and the optical module of the computing node. Each of the computing nodes can be arranged or arrayed such that the optical module of the computing node has a line of sight to a single area, i.e., a common focus, of the optical transceiver in the router. Thus, the line of sight can provide a clear view enabling data transmission using optical propagation between the optical module of the computing node and the optical transceiver of the router.

[0038]

[0043] The relative position of the transceivers, i.e., the common focus, of the computing nodes can be achieved by the shape of the enclosure (e.g., a rack or other structure) that supports or otherwise holds the computing nodes. Thus, instead of using a conventional computing rack, the present disclosure can use enclosures of different shapes for holding the computing nodes. By modifying the shape of the enclosure, computing nodes of the same shape and size can be used within the enclosure, while the computing nodes can be arranged such that each of the optical modules of the computing nodes has a direct line of sight to the area of the optical transceivers in the router, i.e., the common focus. Thus, the configuration of the computing nodes may be the same, and common computing nodes can be used throughout the enclosure without the need to custom-design the computing nodes to achieve the line of sight.

[0039]

[0044] In an embodiment, the enclosure can include angled slots, i.e., openings, such that the computing nodes can be placed in the slots, i.e., openings, at a certain angle. By angling the computing nodes, a direct line of sight can be allowed from each of the optical modules of the computing nodes to the area of the optical transceivers in the router, i.e., the common focus. The individual computing nodes can have different angles relative to other computing nodes such that the optical module for each of the computing nodes has a clear line of sight to the optical transceivers in the router. By angling the computing nodes, the present disclosure can optimize the density of computing nodes in the network by increasing the number of computing nodes in the network, while maintaining a line of sight between each of the optical modules for the individual computing nodes and the area of the optical transceivers in the router, i.e., the common focus.

[0040]

[0045] In another embodiment, the line of sight between one or more optical transceivers in the router and the optical module in the computing node can be achieved by spacing different computing nodes apart from each other. Different computing nodes can maintain a right angle to the optical transceivers in the router while being spaced apart from each other. Thus, the computing nodes can be placed in a flat position within the enclosure, and due to the spacing between different computing nodes, the optical module for each of the computing nodes can have a direct line of sight to the area of the optical transceivers in the router, i.e., a common focus.

[0041]

[0046] In another embodiment, the optical module may be present on a part separate from the computing node. The line of sight between the optical module of the computing node and the area of the optical transceivers in the router, i.e., the common focus, can be achieved by individually arranging and / or angling the individual parts having the optical module. For example, a micromachine can adjust the angle and / or position of the individual parts. Thus, the computing nodes can be placed in one position within the enclosure, and the individual parts having the optical module can be angled or arranged such that they have a line of sight to the area of the optical transceivers in the router, i.e., the common focus.

[0042]

[0047] By modifying the relative position of the computing node with respect to the optical transceiver in the router or the relative position of the optical module of the computing node, a line of sight to the area of the transceiver in the router, i.e., the common focus, can be ensured for each of the optical modules in the computing node. By having a clear line of sight between the optical module of the computing node and the optical transceiver of the router, data transmission using optical propagation can allow for the occurrence of free space optical communication between the computing node and the router.

[0043]

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system 100 for interconnecting a plurality of computing nodes 102 using free space optics, according to an embodiment. System 100 may be a distributed computing system that includes a plurality of computing nodes 102. The computing nodes 102 can include processing nodes and / or memory nodes. Further, the computing nodes 102 can also include optical modules 18. The optical modules 18 can be coupled to the computing nodes 102 at any location on the computing nodes 102. In the depicted system 100, the optical module 18 is coupled to the top portion of the computing node 102.

[0044]

[0049] Further, a light source 10 for generating an optical beam for sending free space optical communication from the computing node 102 to the router 106 is disposed away 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 can include a light source disposed on the computing node 102. In these embodiments, the optical module 18 can include an optical transceiver that includes a light source 10 for sending free space optical communication from the computing node 102 to the router 106.

[0046]

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

[0047]

[0052] The light sources 10 are shown within the router 106. The light sources 10 can include, but are not limited to, lasers, light-emitting diodes, infrared light-emitting diodes. Alternatively, the light sources 10 can be separate from the router 106. In some embodiments, the light sources 10 are separate from the router 106 and can also be coupled to the router 106. In some embodiments, the light sources 10 are separate from the router 106 and need not be coupled to the router 106.

[0048]

[0053] The router 106 can also include a plurality of optical transceivers 12. The optical transceivers 12 can be used by the router 106 to transmit data to the computing nodes 102 using optical propagation. The router 106 can direct, or otherwise guide, the optical beam toward the corresponding optical transceivers 12 and optical modules 18.

[0049]

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

[0050]

[0055] In an embodiment, a plurality of optical transceivers 12 can be subdivided into a region 14, i.e., a common focus, and can direct optical beams from all optical modules 18. The region 14 can include a subset 15 of the optical transceivers 12. The width 16 of the region may be proportional to the number of computing nodes 102 in the system 100. Thus, as the number of computing nodes 102 in the system 100 increases, the width 16 of the region 14 widens, and the number of optical transceivers 12 in the subset 15 of the optical transceivers 12 increases. Further, as the number of computing nodes 102 in the system 100 decreases, the width 16 of the region 14 narrows, and the number of optical transceivers 12 in the subset 15 of the optical transceivers 12 decreases.

[0051]

[0056] Each of the computing nodes 102 can be arranged or arrayed with respect to the region 14 such that each of the modules 18 can have a direct line of sight to the region 14. The line of sight to the region 14 may be a straight-line path without obstruction. Thus, the line of sight can provide a clear field of view across the region 14 that enables data transmission between the subset 15 of the optical transceivers 12 and the optical module 18 using free-space optical communication.

[0052]

[0057] Although a single area 14 is depicted in system 100, the optical transceiver 12 can be subdivided into multiple areas 14. Thus, different optical modules 18 can have direct line-of-sight to different areas 14 within the router 106. Further, the optical module 18 can have direct line-of-sight to two or more areas 14 within the router 106.

[0053]

[0058] As depicted in system 100, the line-of-sight between the computing nodes 102 and the area 14 is achieved by angling the computing nodes 102 relative to each other. The computing nodes 102 can be arranged in an inclined pattern such that the lowest computing nodes 102 are closer together and the computing nodes 102 are further apart near the top of the stack of computing nodes 102. Further, the angle 20 between individual computing nodes 102 can vary such that the higher angle 20 can be made steeper relative to the lower angle 20. The different angles 20 between computing nodes 102 can hold a narrow angle to maintain a constant focal length across the entire optical field. By having a slight angle change between computing nodes 102, the individual optical modules 18 of the computing nodes 102 can have direct line-of-sight to the light source 10 and / or the area 14.

[0054]

[0059] The computing nodes 102 are depicted as being aligned at an angle, but the computing nodes 102 may be located at any position, such as, but not limited to, a horizontally aligned position, a vertically aligned position, and / or any number of intermediate positions aligned with respect to the region and / or the ground. Different positions of the computing nodes 102 can be used to provide direct lines of sight to the light source 10 and / or the region 14 of the router 106. Further, the computing nodes 102 can be aligned in any combination of positions. For example, a portion of the computing nodes 102 can be aligned at an angle, while a portion of the computing nodes 102 can be aligned horizontally. Another example can include that a portion of the computing nodes 102 can be aligned vertically, while a portion of the computing nodes 102 can be aligned at an angle. Another example can include that a portion of the computing nodes 102 can be aligned vertically, while a portion of the computing nodes 102 can be aligned horizontally, and another portion of the computing nodes 102 can be aligned at an angle. Thus, the computing nodes 102 can be arranged in various positions to achieve a clear line of sight to the light source 10 and / or the region 14 of the router 106.

[0055]

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

[0056]

[0061] The relative position of the computing node 102 with respect to the area 14 can 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 conventional computing rack in which the computing nodes 102 can be stacked on top of each other row by row, when the computing nodes 102 are placed within the enclosure 104, the shape of the enclosure 104 can be modified so that the optical modules 18 of the computing nodes 102 can have a direct line of sight to the light source 10 of the router 106 and / or to the area 14.

[0057]

[0062] By modifying the shape of the enclosure 104, the computing 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 of the router 106 and / or to the area 14. Thus, the configuration of the computing nodes 102 can be made the same, and common computing nodes 102 can be used throughout the enclosure 104 without the need to specially design the computing 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 openings 22 arranged in a slopping pattern. The compute nodes 102 can be placed within the openings 22. The angle 20 between individual openings 22 can be varied, and the higher angle 20 can be made steeper with respect to the lower angle 20. By having a slight angle change between the openings 22, a line of sight can be ensured between the individual optical modules 18 of the compute nodes 102 to the light source 10 and / or region 14 of the router. Thus, the compute nodes 102 may be present in a cascade pattern. The angle 20 can be adjusted to generate a direct line of sight between each of the optical modules 18 and the light source 10 and / or region 14 of the router 106. For example, the angle 20 can be adjusted to maintain the position of the optical modules 18 at a right angle to the light source 10 and / or region 14. Further, the angle 20 can be adjusted to increase or decrease the number of compute nodes 102 in system 100. Thus, by angling the compute nodes 102, the enclosure 104 can optimize the density of the compute nodes 102 by increasing and / or decreasing the number of compute nodes 102 in system 100, while maintaining a direct line of sight between the optical modules 18 of the compute nodes 102 and the light source 10 and / or region 14.

[0059]

[0064] The router 106, the optical transceivers 12 coupled to the router 106, and the optical modules 18 can function together to form a network fabric to interconnect the compute nodes 102. According to the network fabric in the depicted system 100, all compute nodes 102 can access each other. For example, all memory nodes of an individual compute node 102 can access all processing nodes of the individual compute node 102 via the network fabric.

[0060]

[0065] By modifying the relative position of the computing node 102 such that the computing node 102 has a clear line of sight to a subset 15 of the light transceivers 12 in the light source 10 and / or region 14 of the router 106, data transmission using optical propagation allows for the occurrence of free space optical communication in the system 100.

[0061]

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

[0062]

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

[0063]

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

[0064]

[0069] In an embodiment, the light source can be disposed on top of the computing node 102. An optical transceiver including a light source for sending free space optical communication from the computing node 200 to the router 106 can be included on top of the edge portion 202.

[0065]

[0070] Next, referring to FIG. 2B, an example of a possible embodiment of the computing node 208 that can be used with the system 100 or other systems and / or the enclosures described in FIGS. 3-5 is shown. The computing node 208 can include the optical module 18 in a portion 204 separate from the computing node 208. The 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 wiring 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 node and / or the memory node of the computing node 208.

[0066]

[0071] The portion 204 can be angled separately from the computing node 208, and thus the optical module 18 can have a direct line of sight to a subset 15 (FIG. 1) of the light source 10 (FIG. 1) of the router 106 (FIG. 1) and / or the optical transceiver 12 (FIG. 1) in the region 14 (FIG. 1). The optical modules 18 on the individual computing 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 module 18 has a clear line of sight. Micromachines can include, but are not limited to, any device or machine structured at the microscopic scale. An example of a micromachine can include a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device. Thus, the computing node 208 can be placed in one position and the portion 204 within the enclosure, and the optical module 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 can be used together with the computing node 208, and the portion 204 can be arranged and / or angled such that the optical module 18 has a clear line of sight to a subset 15 of the light sources 10 and / or the optical transceivers 12 in the region 14. For example, the computing node 208 can be placed horizontally in the rack, and the portion 204 can be arranged and / or angled separately from the computing node 208 to achieve a line of sight.

[0068]

[0073] In another embodiment, enclosures of different shapes discussed herein can be used together with the computing node 208 and the portion 204, and the optical module 18 can be adjusted as needed to ensure that the optical module 18 has a clear line of sight. For example, the computing node 208 can be placed in the enclosure at a certain angle, and additional positioning and / or angling of the portion 204 may occur to achieve a line of sight to a subset 15 of the light sources 10 and / or the optical transceivers 12 in the region 14.

[0069]

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

[0070]

[0075] In an embodiment, the light source can be placed on top of the computing node 208. An optical transceiver including a light source for sending free space optical communication from the computing node 208 to the router 106 can be included on a portion 204 separate from the computing node 208.

[0071]

[0076] Next, referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary system 300 for interconnecting a plurality of computing nodes 102 in a flat position using free-space optics according to an embodiment is shown. System 300 is similar to the exemplary system 100 discussed in relation to FIG. 1. System 300 shows another example of an array of computing nodes 102 that enables free-space optical communication by ensuring a clear line of sight between the optical module 18 of the computing node 102 and the light source 10 and / or region 14 of the router 106, i.e., a subset 15 of the optical transceivers 12 at a common focus.

[0072]

[0077] The line of sight between the optical module 18 and the light source 10 and / or region 14 of the router 106 can be achieved by offsetting the computing nodes 102 such that the computing nodes 102 are spaced apart from each other. The computing nodes 102 can maintain a horizontal position perpendicular to the router 106. Thus, by increasing the offset between the computing nodes 102, the width of region 14 can be widened, thereby ensuring that the light beams from all the optical modules 18 have a direct line of sight to region 14 without being blocked. The offset in system 300 can be increased, and since the number of computing nodes 102 that can be used in system 300 can be limited by the width of the enclosure, fewer computing nodes 102 can be used in system 300.

[0073]

[0078] The width 16 of the region can be widened and / or narrowed according to the number of computing nodes 102 in system 100. Thus, when the number of computing nodes 102 in system 100 increases, the width 16 of region 14 can be widened to increase the number of optical transceivers 12 in the subset 15 of optical transceivers 12. Further, when the number of computing nodes 102 in system 100 decreases, the width 16 of region 14 can be narrowed to reduce the number of optical transceivers 12 in the subset 15 of optical transceivers 12.

[0074]

[0079] The relative position of the computing nodes 102 with respect to the area 14 can be achieved by the shape of the enclosure 304. The enclosure 304 can include a plurality of slots or openings 302 arranged in a stepped pattern such that the lowest computing nodes 102 are closer together and the computing nodes 102 are further apart near the top of the stack of computing nodes 102. Although the computing nodes 102 are depicted as being horizontally aligned, the computing nodes 102 can be aligned at any position and / or any combination of positions with respect to the area and / or the ground. Different positions of the computing nodes 102 can be used to provide a direct line of sight to the light source 10 of the router 106 and / or the subset 15 of the optical transceivers 12 in the area 14. For example, a portion of the computing nodes 102 can be horizontally aligned while a portion of the computing nodes 102 can be aligned at an angle.

[0075]

[0080] Thus, the computing nodes 102 can be positioned at horizontal positions within the openings 302 while maintaining a direct line of sight to the light source 10 of the router 106 and / or the subset 15 of the optical transceivers 12 in the area 14, and thus data transmission using optical propagation can allow for the occurrence of free space optical communication in the system 300.

[0076]

[0081] Referring now to FIG. 4, a top view of an exemplary enclosure 400 for use with the systems 100 and 300 discussed in FIGS. 1 and 3 is shown. The enclosure 400 can be used in place of the enclosures 104 and / or 304 described in FIGS. 1 and 3. Additionally, the enclosure 400 can be used in combination with the enclosures 104 and / or 304. This figure can be discussed below with reference to the architectures of FIGS. 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. Thus, when the computing node 200 is placed in the slot or opening 402, the computing node 200 assumes a circular shape. The computing node 200 can slide radially into the opening 402 in a position perpendicular or upward with respect to the region 14 and / or the ground.

[0078]

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

[0079]

[0084] Although FIG. 4 depicts a single ring of computing nodes 200, multiple rings of computing nodes 200 can be included in the enclosure 400. These rings may be one computing node 200 deep. By placing the computing nodes 200 in a vertical or upward position within the enclosure 400, more computing nodes 200 can be included in individual rings. Thus, the number of rings included in the enclosure 400 can be reduced while maintaining the same number of computing nodes 200 or increasing the number of computing nodes 200 in the enclosure 400. For example, instead of a 40-row rack, the enclosure 400 can have five rings while maintaining the same number of computing nodes 200 or increasing the number of computing nodes 200 to the number typically housed in a rack.

[0080]

[0085] Individual rings can have different diameters 404 such that the rings are offset from each other. Thus, the lower rings can have a larger diameter than the higher rings. By offsetting the rings from each other, the optical modules 18 of the computational nodes 200 of the lower rings can have direct lines of sight to a subset 15 of the light sources 10 of the router 106 and / or the optical transceivers 12 in the region 14.

[0081]

[0086] By aligning the computational nodes 200 vertically, the number of computational nodes 200 that can have direct lines of sight to a subset 15 of the light sources 10 and / or the optical transceivers 12 in the region 14 can be increased. Thus, more computational nodes 200 can be implemented within the enclosure 400. Further, since the computational nodes 200 are aligned vertically instead of horizontally, the size of the enclosure 400 can be made smaller.

[0082]

[0087] Next, referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary enclosure 500 for use with the systems 100 and 300 discussed in FIGS. 1 and 3 is shown. The enclosure 500 can be used in place of the enclosures 104, 304 and / or 400 described in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. Also, the enclosure 500 can be used in combination with the enclosures 104, 304 and / or 400 described in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. This figure can be discussed below with reference to the architectures of FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0083]

[0088] The enclosure 500 may be circular in shape and may include a plurality of slots or openings 502 arranged in a circular shape at a certain angle. Thus, when the computing nodes 102 are placed in the slots or openings 502, the computing nodes 102 can overlap each other and can also slightly spread out from each other in a circular shape. The computing nodes 102 can slide radially into the openings 502 in an upward position with respect to the region 14 and / or the ground.

[0084]

[0089] The computing nodes 200 can be slightly angled so that the angle 506 between the computing nodes 200 can vary slightly. By having a slight angular change between the computing nodes 200, a line of sight can be ensured between the individual optical modules 18 of the computing nodes 200 and a subset 15 of the light sources 10 and / or the optical transceivers 12 in the region 14.

[0085]

[0090] The exemplary computing node 200 discussed in FIG. 2A can be used with an enclosure 500 in which the optical module 18 is coupled to the edge portion of the computing node 200. By having an optical module coupled to the edge portion of the computing node 200, the optical module 18 can direct a clear line of sight upward to the light source 10 of the router 106 and / or a subset 15 of the optical transceivers 12 in the region 14.

[0086]

[0091] Although FIG. 5 depicts a single row of computing nodes 200, a plurality of rows of computing nodes 200 can be included in the enclosure 500. By placing the computing nodes 200 in an upward position within the enclosure 500, more computing nodes 200 can be included in individual rows. Thus, the number of rows included in the enclosure 500 can be reduced while maintaining the same number of computing nodes 200 or increasing the number of computing nodes 200 within the enclosure 500.

[0087]

[0092] By angling the compute nodes 200, individual rows in the enclosure 500 can have the same diameter 504. The angle 506 of the compute nodes 200 can vary between different rows such that the compute nodes 200 in lower rows in the enclosure 500 can spread at a greater angle 506 relative to the angle 506 of the compute nodes 200 in higher rows. Further, by having the same diameter 504, the density of the number of compute nodes 200 included in the enclosure 500 can be increased. Thus, the enclosure 500 can optimize the density of the compute nodes 102 in the enclosure 500, while maintaining direct lines of sight from each of the optical modules 18 of the compute nodes 200 to a subset 15 of the light sources 10 of the router 106 and / or the optical transceivers 12 in the region 14.

[0088]

[0093] In some embodiments, a “network fabric” refers to a computer network architecture in which multiple computing systems or compute nodes are interconnected. In some embodiments, computing systems or compute nodes in a network fabric can be interconnected using routers, switches, and other types of network components. In some embodiments, computing systems or compute nodes in a network fabric can be interconnected in a way that provides low latency and / or high bandwidth interconnectivity between various computing systems or compute nodes. In some embodiments, computing systems or compute nodes in a network fabric can be interconnected using a relatively small number of layers (e.g., two or three layers). This flattens the network architecture essentially, thereby shortening 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, when current can flow from one component to another, the two components are "electrically coupled." In some embodiments, two electrically coupled components may be in direct contact with each other such that current flows directly from one component to the other. However, this is not necessarily required. In some embodiments, two electrically coupled components may not be in direct contact with each other. As long as current can flow, any number of other conductive materials and electrically arranged components may be present between the two electrically coupled components.

[0091]

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

[0092]

[0097] The term "determine" (and its grammatical variations) encompasses a wide variety of actions, and thus "determine" can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, finding (e.g., finding from a table, database, or another data structure), ascertaining, etc. Also, "detect" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), etc. Also, "determine" 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 recited elements. Further, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features. For example, any element or feature described in relation to an embodiment herein can be combined with any element or feature of any other embodiment described herein, if compatible.

[0094]

[0099] The described embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the present disclosure can be embodied in other forms than those particularly described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated not by the above description but by the appended claims. Modifications that are within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims are to be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for interconnecting a plurality of computing nodes using free-space optics, a plurality of optical modules coupled to the plurality of computing nodes, a plurality of optical transceivers that facilitate free-space optical communication with the plurality of optical modules, wherein each individual optical module of the plurality of optical modules has a line of sight to a region containing one or more of the plurality of optical transceivers, the plurality of optical transceivers, a router that includes the plurality of optical transceivers and that receives the free-space optical communication from the plurality of optical modules coupled to the plurality of computing nodes, and that is configured to route the free-space optical communication between the plurality of computing nodes using the line of sight, wherein the router and the plurality of optical modules coupled to the plurality of computing nodes form a network fabric that enables communication between the plurality of computing nodes via the router, the router comprising, the plurality of computing nodes are (i) arranged perpendicular to the region, and the plurality of optical modules are coupled to an edge portion of the computing nodes, or (ii) arranged at an angle to the region, and the plurality of optical modules are coupled to an edge portion or a top portion of the computing nodes system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each individual 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 an optical beam received from at least one light source to generate a modulated optical beam, the optical system in the particular optical module is configured to direct the modulated optical beam toward one of the plurality of optical transceivers using the line of sight, system.

3. A system for interconnecting a plurality of computing nodes using free-space optics, a plurality of optical modules coupled to the plurality of computing nodes, a plurality of optical transceivers that facilitate free-space optical communication with the plurality of optical modules, an enclosure having a plurality of openings, wherein each individual opening of the plurality of openings holds one of the plurality of computing nodes, the enclosure A router including the plurality of optical transceivers and configured to route the free-space optical communication among the plurality of computing nodes, wherein each of the plurality of optical modules has a line of sight to a region of the router including the plurality of optical transceivers, and the plurality of openings of the enclosure are inclined with respect to the router to enable the free-space optical communication, and a router and A system comprising.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of openings of the enclosure are arranged along a circular shape.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of openings of the enclosure are inclined with respect to the router, and the plurality of optical modules are coupled to edge portions of the computing nodes.

6. The system according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of openings of the enclosure are spaced apart from each other in a stepped pattern.

7. The system according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of computing nodes have a common shape or size.

8. A system for interconnecting a plurality of computing nodes using free-space optics, comprising A plurality of optical modules electrically coupled to the plurality of computing nodes, An enclosure having a plurality of openings, each of the plurality of openings holding one of the plurality of computing nodes, and an enclosure, A plurality of optical transceivers facilitating free-space optical communication with the plurality of optical modules, wherein each of the plurality of optical modules has a line of sight to a region including one or more of the plurality of optical transceivers, and a plurality of optical transceivers. A router coupled to the plurality of optical transceivers and configured to route the free space optical communication between the plurality of computing nodes using the line of sight, wherein the plurality of openings of the enclosure are arranged in a stepped pattern, and the stepped pattern is arranged such that a first distance between a first subset of the plurality of computing nodes is shorter than a second distance between a second subset of the plurality of computing nodes, and the first subset of the plurality of computing nodes is located farther from the router than the second subset of the plurality of computing nodes, and in the stepped pattern, the first subset is a group of computing nodes placed on a first step, and the second subset is a group of computing nodes placed on a second step different from the first step, the router and A system comprising. **Claim 9** The system according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of optical modules is individually arranged to provide the line of sight to the area. **Claim 10** The system according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of openings of the enclosure are arranged to face in a horizontal direction, and the plurality of computing nodes are present in the horizontal direction. **Claim 11** The system according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of openings of the enclosure are arranged inclined with respect to the area, and the plurality of computing nodes are arranged inclined with respect to the area. **Claim 12** The system according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of openings of the enclosure are arranged in a vertical direction, and the plurality of computing nodes are arranged in the vertical direction. **Claim 13** The system according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of optical modules are arranged using micromachines.

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