Computer Node Optical Free Space Interconnection

Abstract

A system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics may include multiple optical transceivers that enable free-space optical communication between multiple computing nodes. To enable free-space optical communication, the system may ensure a line of sight between multiple computing nodes and optical transceivers. The line of sight may be preserved by the location or arrangement of the computing nodes within the system. The location or arrangement of the computing nodes may be achieved by using enclosures of different shapes to accommodate the computing nodes.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] A data center is a physical facility used to house computer systems and related components. Typically, a data center contains a large number of servers that can be stacked in rows of racks.

[0002] One of the relatively recent advancements in data center technology involves disaggregation. Currently, most data centers include multiple servers, each containing one or more central processing units (CPUs) and a certain amount of memory. Disaggregation involves separating servers into processing and memory resources, which are components of the server, so that these resources can be allocated as needed based on the requirements of each workload.

[0003] Separating servers into resource components can provide additional flexibility. Workloads in commercial data centers, in particular, can vary significantly. One of the primary goals of data center operations is to have sufficient resources to handle peak demand while fully utilizing the same resources under non-peak conditions. Partitioning increases the opportunity to supply sufficient resources during periods of high demand, while ensuring optimal utilization.

[0004] To achieve partitioning, interconnections between computing resources must provide high bandwidth and low latency similar to that provided by conventional internal server communication interfaces. This can be a problem for data centers with a large number of computing nodes that need to be interconnected.

[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 comprises a plurality of optical modules coupled to a plurality of computing nodes and a plurality of optical transceivers that enable free-space optical communication with the plurality of optical modules. Each of the plurality of optical modules has a line of sight for an area containing one or more of the plurality of optical transceivers. The system also comprises 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] Multiple computing nodes can be positioned horizontally with respect to the area, and multiple optical modules can be combined with the upper part of the computing nodes.

[0007] Multiple computing nodes can be positioned vertically with respect to the area, and multiple optical modules can be connected to the edge portions of the computing nodes.

[0008] Multiple computing nodes may be positioned obliquely with respect to the area, and multiple optical modules may be coupled to the edge portion of the computing node or the top portion of the computing node.

[0009] Multiple computing nodes can be arranged using a combination of horizontal, vertical, or oblique positions.

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

[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 that enable free-space optical communication with the plurality of optical modules. Each of the plurality of optical modules has a line of sight to an area containing one or more of the plurality of optical transceivers. The system also includes an enclosure having a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of openings accommodates one of the plurality of computing nodes at a location to provide a line of sight to the optical module of the computing node for the area. 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] Multiple openings of the enclosure can be positioned obliquely in a conical shape.

[0013] Multiple openings in the enclosure can form a circle.

[0014] Multiple computing nodes can be positioned vertically or upwardly within an enclosure, and multiple optical modules can be coupled to the edge portions of the computing nodes.

[0015] Multiple openings of the enclosure may be positioned obliquely, and multiple computing nodes may be positioned upward within the enclosure together with multiple optical modules coupled to the edge portions of the computing nodes.

[0016] Multiple openings of the enclosure can be horizontal and spaced apart from each other in a stepping pattern.

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

[0018] Multiple computing nodes may have a common shape or size.

[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 a plurality of computing nodes. The plurality of optical modules are located on a portion separated from and spaced apart from the computing nodes. The system also includes an enclosure having a plurality of openings. Each of the openings accommodates one of the computing nodes. The system also includes a plurality of optical transceivers that enable free-space optical communication with the plurality of optical modules. Each of the plurality of optical modules may have a line of sight to an area containing one or more of the 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] Each of the multiple light modules can be individually arranged to provide a line of sight for the area.

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

[0022] Multiple openings of the enclosure may be slanted, and multiple computing nodes may be located at an slanted position.

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

[0024] Multiple optical modules can be arranged using a micromachine.

[0025] [Description of the Invention] is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, some of the concepts further described in [Description of the Invention for Practice]. [Description of the Invention] is not intended to identify the principal or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it used as an auxiliary means to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0026] Additional features and benefits are described in the following description. The features and benefits of the present disclosure can be realized and obtained through systems and methods clearly specified in the appended claims. The features of the present disclosure become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or can be known through the practice of the subject matter of the disclosed invention as described below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] To explain how the foregoing features and other features of the present disclosure can be obtained, a more specific description is provided with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding, identical components throughout the accompanying drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. The drawings illustrate some exemplary embodiments, which are described and explained more specifically and in detail using the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system using free-space optics at a plurality of computing nodes in oblique positions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2a illustrates an example of a computing node having an optical module coupled to an edge portion of the computing node according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2b illustrates an example of a computing node having an optical module in a portion separated from the computing node, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system for using free-space optics having a plurality of computing nodes in a horizontal position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of an exemplary enclosure having a plurality of computing nodes arranged in a circular vertical position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of an exemplary enclosure having a plurality of computing nodes arranged in an oblique position in a circular arrangement according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] The present disclosure relates to a line of sight between two points generally used in optical communication.

[0029] A type of network topology that can be used to provide high-bandwidth and low-latency interconnections between computing resources is often referred to as a network fabric. In this type of architecture, computing resources can be placed across a relatively small number of highly interconnected layers. Unlike conventional multi-tier architectures, network fabrics effectively flatten the network architecture, reducing the distance between endpoints.

[0030] Theoretically, a network fabric providing high bandwidth and low latency can be achieved using wired connections. However, in data centers containing a large number of computing nodes, a massive number of wired connections are required to provide this type of network topology. Therefore, using wired connections to interconnect a large number of computing nodes in a way that provides high bandwidth and low latency is unrealistic.

[0031] The present disclosure can create a network fabric that interconnects multiple computing nodes using free-space optics. Free-space optics is an optical communication technology that transmits data between two points using light propagating in free space. Generally, free-space optical communication is performed using two systems, each comprising an optical transceiver. The optical transceiver may include an optical transmitter and an optical receiver to provide full-duplex (bidirectional) functionality. The optical transmitter may include a light source (e.g., a laser, a light-emitting diode, or an infrared-emitting diode) and a modulator. The modulator may be configured to change one or more characteristics of the light beam generated by the light source using a modulation signal containing the data to be transmitted. The modulated light beam may be transmitted through the atmosphere to the optical receiver. The optical receiver may include a photodetector and a demodulator. The photodetector may be configured to convert the modulated light beam into an electrical signal, and the demodulator may be configured to demodulate the electrical signal to extract the transmitted data.

[0032] Advantageously, using free-space optics allows the network fabric to have high bandwidth and low latency. At the same time, using free-space optics eliminates the need to utilize a large number of wired connections to achieve the desired high bandwidth and low latency (as mentioned above, this may be unrealistic).

[0033] In some implementations, the technology disclosed herein may be used in a disaggregated computing system. In a disaggregated computing system, computing resources may be separated into dedicated nodes, such as processing nodes, memory nodes, storage nodes, etc. Various types of nodes used in a computing system may generally be referred to as computing nodes in this specification. In a disaggregated system, the term "computing node" may refer to processing nodes, memory nodes, storage nodes, and / or other types of nodes used by the computing system.

[0034] In one implementation, a router coupled to multiple optical transceivers and multiple computing nodes coupled to optical modules may communicate using free-space optics. Free-space optical communication may occur between an optical module electrically coupled to a computing node and an optical transceiver coupled to a router. In some implementations, for each optical modulator coupled to a specific computing node, a corresponding optical transceiver exists in the router. Free-space optical communication transmitted by the optical modulator at the computing node may be received by the corresponding optical transceiver at the router, and vice versa.

[0035] Routers can be configured to route free-space optical communication between computing nodes of a system. That is, different computing nodes can communicate with each other through the router. Therefore, 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 and form a network fabric.

[0036] The present disclosure may preserve a line of sight between an optical module of a computing node used for free-space optics and an optical transceiver of a router. The optical module may receive free-space communication. In one embodiment, the optical module may not include a light source. Accordingly, the light source may be located away 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 another embodiment, 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 path between the optical transceiver of the router and the optical module of the computing node. Each computing node may be positioned or arranged so that the optical module of the computing node has a line of sight to a single area or common focus of the optical transceiver of the router. Accordingly, the line of sight may provide a clear line of sight, enabling data transmission using optical propagation between the optical module of the computing node and the optical transceiver of the router.

[0037] The relative position of a computing node to the area of ​​a transceiver or common focus can be achieved by the shape of an enclosure (e.g., a rack or other structure) that supports or accommodates the computing node. Thus, instead of using a conventional computing rack, the present disclosure may use an enclosure of a different shape to accommodate the computing node. By adjusting the shape of the enclosure, computing nodes of the same shape and size can be used within the enclosure while positioning the computing nodes so that each optical module of the computing node has a direct line of sight to the area of ​​the router's optical transceiver or common focus. Thus, the configuration of the computing nodes can be identical, and a common computing node can be used throughout the enclosure without the need to custom-design the computing nodes to achieve a line of sight.

[0038] In one embodiment, the enclosure may include an oblique slot or opening so that a computing node can be positioned obliquely within the slot or opening. By positioning the computing node obliquely, each optical module of the computing node may have a direct line of sight to the area or common focus of the router's optical transceiver. Each computing node may have a different angle relative to other computing nodes so that the optical module for each computing node has a clear line of sight to the router's optical transceiver. By positioning the computing node obliquely, the present disclosure can optimize the density of computing nodes by increasing the number of computing nodes in the network while maintaining a line of sight between each optical module for each computing node and the area or common focus of the router's optical transceiver.

[0039] In another implementation, a line of sight between one or more optical transceivers of a router and an optical module of a computing node can be achieved by separating the different computing nodes from each other. The different computing nodes can be spaced apart from each other and maintained perpendicular to the router's optical transceivers. Thus, the computing nodes can be positioned horizontally within an enclosure, and the space between the different computing nodes can allow the optical module for each computing node to have a direct line of sight to the area of ​​the router's optical transceivers or a common focus.

[0040] In other implementations, the optical module may be located on a portion separated from the computing node. A line of sight between the computing node's optical module and the area of ​​the router's optical transceiver or common focus can be achieved by individually positioning and / or tilting the portion containing the optical module. For example, the micromachine can adjust the angle and / or position of the portion. Thus, the computing node may be positioned in one location within the enclosure, and the portion containing the optical module may be tilted or positioned to have a line of sight to the area of ​​the router's optical transceiver or common focus.

[0041] By adjusting the relative position of the computing node to the router's optical transceiver or the relative position of the computing node's optical module, the line of sight of each optical module of the computing node to the area or common focus of the router's transceiver can be preserved. If there is a clear line of sight between the computing node's optical module and the router's optical transceiver, free-space optical communication can occur between the computing node and the router through data transmission using optical waves.

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system (100) that interconnects a plurality of computing nodes (102) using free-space optics according to one implementation. The system (100) may be a disaggregated computing system comprising a plurality of computing nodes (102). A computing node (102) may include a processing node and / or a memory node. Additionally, a computing node (102) may also include an optical module (18). The optical module (18) may be coupled to the computing node (102) at any location on the computing node (102). In the illustrated system (100), the optical module (18) is coupled to the upper portion of the computing node (102).

[0043] Additionally, the light source (10) that generates a light beam for transmitting free-space optical communication from the computing node (102) to the router (106) is located away from the computing node (102). That is, the computing node (102) is not coupled to an optical transceiver containing the light source. Instead, the computing node (102) is coupled to an optical module (18) that does not contain the light source.

[0044] Another implementation for use with the system (100) may include a light source located on a computing node (102). In this implementation, the light module (18) may include an optical transceiver including a light source (10) for transmitting free-space optical communication from the computing node (102) to a router (106).

[0045] A plurality of computing nodes (102) may communicate with one or more routers (106) configured to route free-space optical communication between the plurality of computing nodes (102). An optical module (18) of a computing node (102) may receive free-space optical communication from the router (106). The router (106) may include one or more light sources (10) that generate an optical beam and aim the optical beam toward the optical module (18) of the computing node (102). Each optical module (18) may 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) may be configured in various ways according to the present disclosure. Various types of optical components, such as mirrors, lenses, gratings, etc., may be used in the optical system.

[0046] Light source(s) (10) are shown within the router (106). The light source(s) (10) may include, but are not limited to, a laser, a light-emitting diode, or an infrared-emitting diode. Alternatively, the light source(s) (10) may be separated from the router (106). In some embodiments, the light source(s) (10) may be separated from the router (106) and coupled to the router (106). In some embodiments, the light source(s) (10) may be separated from the router (106) and not coupled to the router (106).

[0047] The router (106) may also include a plurality of optical transceivers (12). The optical transceivers (12) may be used by the router (106) for data transmission with a computing node (102) that uses optical waves. The router (106) may aim or direct an optical beam toward a corresponding optical transceiver (12) and an optical module (18).

[0048] In some implementations, the system (100) may be configured such that for each optical module (18), there exists a corresponding optical transceiver (12) coupled to the router (106) and optically coupled to the optical module (18). In some implementations, the system (100) may be configured such that the optical module (18) can communicate with a plurality of optical transceivers (12) coupled to the router (106). For example, different optical transceivers (12) may be used for different wavelengths. Accordingly, the optical module (18) can direct an optical beam toward one or more optical transceivers (12).

[0049] In one implementation, a plurality of optical transceivers (12) may be subdivided into an area (14) or a common focus where light beams from all optical modules (18) can be directed. The area (14) may include a subset (15) of optical transceivers (12). The width (16) of the area may be proportional to the number of computing nodes (102) of the system (100). Accordingly, as the number of computing nodes (102) in the system (100) increases, the width (16) of the area (14) may increase, which increases the number of optical transceivers (12) within the subset (15) of optical transceivers (12). Additionally, as the number of computing nodes (102) in the system (100) decreases, the width (16) of the area (14) may decrease, which reduces the number of optical transceivers (12) in a subset (15) of optical transceivers (12).

[0050] Each computing node (102) may be positioned or arranged for the area (14) such that each module (18) can have a direct line of sight to the area (14). The line of sight to the area (14) may be a straight path without obstacles. Thus, the line of sight can provide a clear view across the area (14), thereby enabling data transmission between a subset (15) of optical transceivers (12) and optical modules (18) using free-space optical communication.

[0051] Although a single area (14) is shown in the system (100), the optical transceiver (12) may be subdivided into multiple areas (14). Accordingly, different optical modules (18) may have a direct line of sight to different areas (14) within the router (106). Furthermore, an optical module (18) may have a direct line of sight to two or more areas (14) within the router (106).

[0052] As illustrated in the system (100), the line of sight between the computing nodes (102) and the region (14) is achieved by positioning the computing nodes (102) at an angle relative to each other. The computing nodes (102) are arranged in a sloping pattern so that the computing nodes (102) at the bottom are positioned closer to each other, and the computing nodes (102) near the top of the computing node (102) stack are positioned further apart from each other. Additionally, the angle (20) between each computing node (102) is different, and the angle (20) at a higher position may be steeper than the angle (20) at a lower position. The different angles (20) between the computing nodes (102) may be kept narrow to maintain a constant focal distance between the optical fields. By having a slight angle change between the computing nodes (102), each light module (18) of the computing node (102) can have a direct line of sight to the light source (10) and / or area (14).

[0053] Although the computing node (102) is depicted as being aligned obliquely, the computing node (102) may be located at any position, for example, horizontally aligned, vertically aligned, and / or aligned at numerous intermediate positions relative to the area and / or ground (though not limited thereto). Different positions of the computing node (102) may be used to provide a direct line of sight to the area (14) of the light source (10) and / or router (106). Additionally, the computing node (102) may be aligned in any combination of positions. For example, part of the computing node (102) may be aligned obliquely while part of the computing node (102) may be aligned horizontally. As another example, it may include part of the computing node (102) being aligned vertically while part of the computing node (102) is aligned obliquely. As another example, it may include a part of the computing node (102) being vertically aligned, a part of the computing node (102) being horizontally aligned, and another part of the computing node (102) being obliquely aligned. In this way, the computing node (102) may be arranged in various positions to achieve a clear line of sight to the area (14) of the light source (10) and / or router (106).

[0054] A computing node (102) may be located within an enclosure (104). The enclosure (104) may include, but is not limited to, a rack or other support structure for the computing node (102). In one embodiment, the enclosure (104) may be a tank, such as a tank (which may be referred to herein as a cryogenic tank) that can be used in a cryogenic computing system. A cryogenic computing system may be designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures, and thus, a computing node (102) operating in a cryogenic computing system may be located in a tank that is cooled to a desired temperature(s).

[0055] The relative position of the computing node (102) to the area (14) can be achieved by the shape of the enclosure (104). The shape of the enclosure (104) can be any shape, for example, conical, circular, hourglass, spiral, square, triangular and / or octagonal (not limited thereto). Thus, instead of using a conventional computing rack where computing nodes (102) can be stacked on top of each other in multiple rows, the shape of the enclosure (104) can be adjusted so that when the computing node (102) is placed within the enclosure (104), the light module (18) of the computing node (102) can have a direct line of sight to the area (14) of the light source (10) and / or router (106).

[0056] By adjusting the shape of the enclosure (104), the computing nodes (102) used within the enclosure (104) may have a common shape and / or size while maintaining a direct line of sight to the area (14) of the light source (10) and / or router (106). Thus, the configuration of the computing nodes (102) may be the same, and common computing nodes (102) may be used throughout the enclosure (104) without the need to custom-design the computing nodes (102) to achieve a direct line of sight.

[0057] As illustrated in the system (100), the enclosure (104) may be conical, having one or more slots or openings (22) arranged in an inclined pattern. A computing node (102) may be located in the openings (22). The angle (20) between each opening (22) may differ, and the angle (20) at a higher position may be steeper than the angle (20) at a lower position. By having slight angle variations between the openings (22), a line of sight between each optical module (18) of the computing node (102) and the area (14) of the light source (10) and / or router may be preserved. In this way, the computing node (102) may be in a cascading pattern. The angle (20) may be adjusted to create a direct line of sight between each optical module (18) and the area (14) of the light source (10) and / or router (106). For example, the angle (20) may be adjusted to maintain a vertical position of the light module (18) relative to the light source (10) and / or area (14). Additionally, the angle (20) may be adjusted to increase or decrease the number of computing nodes (102) in the system (100). In this way, by positioning the computing nodes (102) at an angle, the enclosure (104) can optimize the density of 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 light module (18) of the computing nodes (102) and the light source (10) and / or area (14).

[0058] A router (106), an optical transceiver (12) coupled to the router (106), and an optical module (18) can all function together to interconnect computing nodes (102) to form a network fabric. The network fabric of the illustrated system (100) enables all computing nodes (102) to access each other. For example, all memory nodes of each computing node (102) may be able to access all processing nodes of each computing node (102) through the network fabric.

[0059] By adjusting the relative position of the computing node (102) so that the computing node (102) has a clear line of sight to a subset (15) of optical transceivers (12) within the area (14) of the light source (10) and / or router (106), free-space optical communication can occur in the system (100) through data transmission using optical waves.

[0060] Now, referring to FIG. 2a, an example of a possible implementation of a computing node (200) that can be used with the system (100) or other systems and / or the enclosures described in FIGS. 3 through 5 is illustrated. The computing node (200) may 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).

[0061] By having the optical module (18) coupled to the edge portion (202), the computing node (200) can be positioned at different locations, such as a vertical or upward position, so that the edge portion (202) is oriented upward toward a subset (15) (Fig. 1) of the optical transceivers (12) (Fig. 1) within the area (14) (Fig. 1) of the light source(s) (10) (Fig. 1) and / or router (106) (Fig. 1).

[0062] The optical module (18) can be configured in various ways according to the present disclosure. Various types of optical components, such as mirrors, lenses, gratings, etc., can be used in the optical system.

[0063] In one implementation, a light source may be located on a computing node (102). An optical transceiver including a light source for transmitting free-space optical communication from a computing node (200) to a router (106) may be included on an edge portion (202).

[0064] Now, referring to FIG. 2b, an example of a possible implementation of a computing node (208) that can be used with the system (100) or other systems and / or the enclosures described in FIGS. 3 through 5 is illustrated. The computing node (208) may include an optical module (18) in a portion (204) separated from the computing node (208). A connection (206) may connect the portion (204) to the computing node (208). The connection (206) may be an electrical connection, such as (but not limited to) a wired connection. The optical module (18) may be accessible to the computing node (208) through the connection (206). Similarly, the computing node (208) may be accessible to the optical module (18) through the connection (206). Thus, the optical module (18) may be separated from the processing node and / or memory node of the computing node (208).

[0065] The part (204) may be tilted obliquely independently of the computing node (208) so that the optical module (18) may have a direct line of sight to a subset (15) (Fig. 1) of optical transceivers (12) (Fig. 1) within the area (14) (Fig. 1) of the light source(s) (10) (Fig. 1) and / or router (106) (Fig. 1). The optical module (18) on each computing node (208) may be individually positioned and / or tilted obliquely to ensure a direct line of sight. For example, a micromachine may adjust the angle and / or position of the part (204) so ​​that the optical module (18) has a clear line of sight. A micromachine may include, but is not limited to, any device or machine configured on a microscopic scale. An example of a micromachine may include a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device. In this way, the computing node (208) can be placed in one location within the enclosure, and the part (204) containing the optical module (18) can be tilted or positioned at an angle to have a line of sight to the area (14) of the router (106).

[0066] In one implementation, a conventional rack may be used with a computing node (208), and a portion (204) may be positioned and / or tilted obliquely so that the optical module (18) has a clear line of sight to a subset (15) of optical transceivers (12) within the light source (10) and / or area (14). For example, the computing node (208) may be positioned horizontally in the rack, and the portion (204) may be positioned independently of the computing node (208) and / or tilted obliquely to achieve a line of sight.

[0067] In other implementations, the enclosure of different shapes discussed herein may be used with the computing node (208), and the portion (204) containing the optical module (18) may be adjusted so that the optical module (18) has a clear line of sight if necessary. For example, the computing node (208) may be positioned obliquely within the enclosure, and additional positioning and / or tilting of the portion (204) may occur to achieve a line of sight to a subset (15) of the optical transceivers (12) within the light source (10) and / or area (14).

[0068] The optical module (18) can be configured in various ways according to the present disclosure. Various types of optical components, such as mirrors, lenses, gratings, etc., can be used in the optical system.

[0069] In one implementation, a light source may be located on a computing node (208). An optical transceiver including a light source for transmitting free-space optical communication from the computing node (208) to a router (106) may be included on a portion (204) separated from the computing node (208).

[0070] Now, referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary system (300) is illustrated for interconnecting a plurality of computing nodes (102) in a horizontal position using free-space optics according to one implementation. The system (300) is similar to the exemplary system (100) discussed in relation to FIG. 1. The system (300) illustrates another example of an arrangement of computing nodes (102) to ensure a clear line of sight between the optical module (18) of the computing node (102) and the area (14) of the light source (10) and / or router (106) or a subset (15) of optical transceivers (12) within a common focus to enable free-space optical communication.

[0071] A line of sight between the area (14) of the light module (18) and the light source (10) and / or router (106) can be achieved by offsetting the computing nodes (102) to space the computing nodes (102) apart from each other. The computing nodes (102) may be in a horizontal position perpendicular to the router (106). Accordingly, the offset between the computing nodes (102) may be larger, thereby increasing the width of the area (14) to ensure that the light beams from all light modules (18) have an unobstructed direct line of sight to the area (14). Since the offset may be larger in the system (300) and the number of computing nodes (102) that can be used in the system (300) may be limited by the width of the enclosure, fewer computing nodes (102) may be used in the system (300).

[0072] The width (16) of the area may increase and / or decrease depending on the number of computing nodes (102) of the system (100). Accordingly, as the number of computing nodes (102) in the system (100) increases, the width (16) of the area (14) may increase, which increases the number of optical transceivers (12) in the subset (15) of optical transceivers (12). Additionally, as the number of computing nodes (102) in the system (100) decreases, the width (16) of the area (14) may decrease, which decreases the number of optical transceivers (12) in the subset (15) of optical transceivers (12).

[0073] The relative position of the computing nodes (102) to the area (14) can be achieved by the shape of the enclosure (304). The enclosure (304) may include a plurality of slots or openings (302) arranged in a stepped pattern so that the computing nodes (102) at the bottom are positioned closer to each other and the computing nodes (102) near the top of the computing node (102) stack are positioned further apart from each other. Although the computing nodes (102) are depicted as being horizontally aligned, the computing nodes (102) may be aligned at any position and / or any combination of positions relative to the area and / or the ground. Different positions of the computing nodes (102) may be used to provide a direct line of sight to the area (14) of the light source (10) and / or router (106). For example, some parts of the computing nodes (102) may be horizontally aligned, while other parts of the computing nodes (102) may be obliquely aligned.

[0074] In this way, the computing node (102) can be positioned horizontally within the opening (302) while maintaining a direct line of sight to a subset (15) of optical transceivers (12) within the area (14) of the light source (10) and / or router (106), thereby allowing data transmission using optical waves to occur in free-space optical communication in the system (300).

[0075] Now, referring to FIG. 4, a plan view of an exemplary enclosure (400) for use with the systems (100, 300) discussed in FIG. 1 and 3 is shown. The enclosure (400) may be used instead of the enclosure (104 and / or 304) described in FIG. 1 and 3. The enclosure (400) may also be used in combination with the enclosure (104 and / or 304). This drawing may be discussed below with reference to the architecture of FIG. 1 and 3.

[0076] The enclosure (400) may be circular and may include a plurality of slots or openings (402) arranged in a circular manner, so that when a computing node (200) is placed in a slot or opening (402), the computing node (200) becomes circular. The computing node (200) may slide radially into the opening (402) in a vertical or upward position relative to the area (14) and / or the ground.

[0077] The exemplary computing node (200) discussed in FIG. 2a, in which the optical module (18) is coupled to the edge portion of the computing node (102), can be used with an enclosure (400). By coupling the optical module to the edge portion of the computing node (200), the optical module (18) can be oriented upward toward a subset (15) of optical transceivers (12) within the area (14) of the light source (10) and / or router (106) placed over the enclosure (400) as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.

[0078] Although a single ring of computing nodes (200) is illustrated in FIG. 4, multiple rings of computing nodes (200) may be contained in the enclosure (400). A ring may be one computing node (200) deep. More computing nodes (200) may be contained in each ring by positioning computing nodes (200) in a vertical or upward position within the enclosure (400). In this way, the number of rings contained in the enclosure (400) may be reduced while maintaining the same number of computing nodes (200) within the enclosure (400) or increasing the number of computing nodes (200) within the enclosure (400). For example, instead of a rack with 40 rows, the enclosure (400) may have 5 rings while maintaining the same number of computing nodes (200) that a rack typically accommodates or increasing the number of computing nodes (200).

[0079] Each ring may have a different diameter (404) so ​​that the rings are offset from each other. Thus, the lower ring may have a larger diameter (404) than the upper ring. By offsetting the rings from each other, the optical module (18) of the computing node (200) in the lower ring may have a direct line of sight to a subset (15) of optical transceivers (12) within the area (14) of the light source (10) and / or router (106).

[0080] By aligning the computing nodes (200) vertically, the number of computing nodes (200) that can have a direct line of sight to a subset (15) of the light transceivers (12) within the light source (10) and / or area (14) can be increased. Thus, more computing nodes (200) can be filled into the enclosure (400). Furthermore, because the computing nodes (200) are aligned vertically rather than horizontally, the size of the enclosure (400) can be smaller.

[0081] Now, referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary enclosure (500) for use with the systems (100, 300) discussed in FIG. 1 and 3 is shown. The enclosure (500) may be used instead of the enclosures (104, 304 and / or 400) described in FIG. 1, 3 and 4. The enclosure (500) may also be used in combination with the enclosures (104, 304 and / or 400) described in FIG. 1, 3 and 4. This figure may be discussed below with reference to the architecture of FIG. 1 and 3.

[0082] The enclosure (500) may be circular and may include a plurality of slots or openings (502) arranged obliquely in a circular manner, so that when computing nodes (102) are placed in the slots or openings (502), the computing nodes (102) may overlap each other and spread slightly apart 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.

[0083] The computing nodes (200) may be tilted slightly at an angle so that the angle (506) between the computing nodes (200) is slightly different. By having a slight change in angle between the computing nodes (200), the line of sight between each optical module (18) of the computing node (200) and a subset (15) of the optical transceivers (12) within the light source (10) and / or area (14) can be preserved.

[0084] The exemplary computing node (200) described in FIG. 2a, in which the optical module (18) is coupled to the edge portion of the computing node (200), can be used with an enclosure (500). By coupling the optical module to the edge portion of the computing node (200), the optical module (18) can be oriented upward and have a clear line of sight to a subset (15) of optical transceivers (12) within the area (14) of the light source (10) and / or router (106).

[0085] Although a single column of computing nodes (200) is illustrated in FIG. 5, multiple columns of computing nodes (200) may be contained in the enclosure (500). By positioning the computing nodes (200) in an upward position within the enclosure (500), more computing nodes (200) may be contained in each column. Thus, the number of columns contained in the enclosure (500) may be reduced while maintaining the same number of computing nodes (200) within the enclosure (500) or increasing the number of computing nodes (200) within the enclosure (500).

[0086] By tilting the computing nodes (200) at an angle, each row of the enclosure (500) can have the same diameter (504). Since the angle (506) of the computing nodes (200) can differ between different rows, the computing nodes (200) in the lower row can be spread out at a larger angle (506) compared to the angle (506) of the computing nodes (200) in the upper column of the enclosure (500). Additionally, by having the same diameter (504), the density of the number of computing nodes (200) contained in the enclosure (500) can be increased. In this way, the enclosure (500) can optimize the density of computing nodes (102) within the enclosure (500) while maintaining a direct line of sight from each optical module (18) of the computing node (200) to a subset (15) of optical transceivers (12) within the area (14) of the light source (10) and / or router (106).

[0087] In some implementations, a "network fabric" refers to a computer network architecture in which multiple computing systems or computing nodes are interconnected. In some implementations, computing systems or computing nodes in a network fabric may be interconnected using routers, switches, and other types of network components. In some implementations, computing systems or computing nodes in a network fabric may be interconnected in a manner that provides low-latency and / or high-bandwidth interconnections between various computing systems or computing nodes. In some implementations, computing systems or computing nodes in a network fabric may be interconnected using a relatively small number of layers (e.g., two or three layers). This essentially flattens the network architecture to reduce the distance between endpoints.

[0088] In some implementations, if two components are electrically coupled, optically coupled, or mechanically coupled, these components are "coupled".

[0089] In some implementations, if current can flow from one component to another, these two components are "electrically coupled." In some implementations, two electrically coupled components may be in direct contact with each other so that current flows directly from one component to the other. However, this is not mandatory. In some implementations, two electrically coupled components may not be in direct contact with each other. Any number of other conductive materials and components may be present electrically placed between the two electrically coupled components as long as current can flow between them.

[0090] In some implementations, where an optical path exists between two optical components, these two optical components are "optically coupled." Thus, in such implementations, if an optical transmission transmitted by a first optical component (e.g., an optical module (18) and / or a node optical transceiver) is received by a second optical component (e.g., a router optical transceiver (12)), the first optical component may be considered to be optically coupled to the second optical component.

[0091] The term "determining" (and its grammatical variations) encompasses a wide variety of operations; therefore, "determining" may include calculation, operation, processing, derivation, investigation, search (e.g., searching in tables, databases, or other data structures), verification, etc. Additionally, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), etc. Furthermore, "determining" may include resolution, selection, choice, setting, etc.

[0092] The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be comprehensive and imply that additional components other than those listed may exist. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “one implementation” or “an implementation” in this disclosure should not be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementations that include the described features. For example, any component or feature described in relation to one implementation of this specification may be combined with any component or feature of any other implementation described in this specification if compatible.

[0093] The described embodiments are to be regarded as exemplary and not limiting, and the present disclosure may be implemented in forms other than those specifically described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Modifications occurring within the meaning and equivalent scope of the claims are included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics, comprising: multiple optical modules coupled to the multiple computing nodes; multiple optical transceivers enabling free-space optical communication with the multiple optical modules—each optical module of the multiple optical modules having a line of sight for an area including one or more of the multiple optical transceivers; and a router comprising the multiple optical transceivers, receiving the free-space optical communication from the multiple optical modules coupled to the multiple computing nodes, and configured to route the free-space optical communication between the multiple computing nodes using the line of sight; wherein the router and the multiple optical modules coupled to the multiple computing nodes form a network fabric that enables communication between the multiple computing nodes through the router; wherein the multiple computing nodes are positioned perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the optical transceivers within the area, and the multiple optical modules are coupled to the edge portions of the computing nodes, or the multiple computing nodes are positioned to have an inclination between 0° and 90° with respect to the arrangement direction of the optical transceivers within the area. A system in which the plurality of optical modules are coupled to the edge portion of the computing node or the top portion of the computing node. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of light modules comprises a modulator and an optical system, wherein the modulator in a specific light module is configured to generate a modulated light beam by modulating a light beam received from at least one light source, and the optical system in the specific light module is configured to direct the modulated light beam toward one of the plurality of light transceivers using the line of sight. Claim 7 A system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics, comprising: multiple optical modules coupled to the multiple computing nodes; multiple optical transceivers enabling free-space optical communication with the multiple optical modules; an enclosure having multiple openings—each opening of the multiple openings accommodates one of the multiple computing nodes—; and a router configured to route the free-space optical communication between the multiple computing nodes, wherein the multiple openings of the enclosure are positioned to have an inclination between 0° and 90° with respect to the arrangement direction of the optical transceivers within the router, so that each optical module of the multiple optical modules has a line of sight to the area of ​​the router containing the multiple optical transceivers so as to allow the occurrence of the free-space optical communication. Claim 8 In paragraph 7, the above enclosure is a conical system. Claim 9 In claim 7, the plurality of openings of the enclosure are arranged along a circle, in a system. Claim 10 A system according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of computing nodes are positioned within the enclosure at a position perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the optical transceivers within the router or at a position inclined with respect to the router, and the plurality of optical modules are coupled to the edge portions of the computing nodes. Claim 11 A system according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of computing nodes are positioned within the enclosure at an inclined position relative to the router, together with the plurality of optical modules coupled to the edge portions of the computing nodes. Claim 12 In claim 7, the plurality of openings of the enclosure are spaced apart from each other in a stepped pattern, in a system. Claim 13 In paragraph 7, the system wherein the plurality of computing nodes have a common shape or size. Claim 14 A system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics, comprising: multiple optical modules electrically coupled to the multiple computing nodes; an enclosure having multiple openings, wherein each of the multiple openings accommodates one of the multiple computing nodes; multiple optical transceivers enabling free-space optical communication with the multiple optical modules, wherein each of the multiple optical modules has a line of sight to an area containing one or more of the multiple optical transceivers; and a router coupled to the multiple optical transceivers and configured to route the free-space optical communication between the multiple computing nodes using the line of sight, wherein the multiple openings within the enclosure are arranged in a stepped pattern, and the stepped pattern is arranged such that a first distance between two computing nodes of a first subset of the multiple computing nodes is smaller than a second distance between two computing nodes of a second subset of the multiple computing nodes, and the first subset of the multiple computing nodes is located further from the router than the second subset of the multiple computing nodes. Claim 15 A system according to claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of light modules is individually arranged to provide the line of sight for the area. Claim 16 A system according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of openings of the enclosure are parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of optical transceivers within the area and the plurality of computing nodes are located in a position parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of optical transceivers within the area. Claim 17 A system according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of openings of the enclosure have an inclination between 0° and 90° with respect to the arrangement direction of the optical transceivers within the area, and the plurality of computing nodes are positioned at an oblique angle with an inclination between 0° and 90° with respect to the arrangement direction of the optical transceivers within the area. Claim 18 A system according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of openings of the enclosure are perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the plurality of optical transceivers within the area and the plurality of computing nodes are positioned perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the optical transceivers within the area. Claim 19 In claim 14, the system wherein the plurality of optical modules are arranged using a micromachine.

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