Optical circuit switching method, lightpath control method, and optical interconnect system

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of data centers, and provides an optical circuit switching method, a lightpath control method, and an optical interconnect system. In an optical interconnect system, communication among a plurality of nodes executing a task is carried out by means of an optical interconnect network. When a first node transmits an optical signal to a second node by means of a first lightpath corresponding to a first optical processing module, an optical cross-connect module in the optical interconnect network performs optical circuit switching for the first lightpath, so that the first node transmits the optical signal to the second node by means of a second lightpath corresponding to a second optical processing module, enabling dynamic switching of inter-node interconnect lightpaths, effectively preventing bandwidth insufficiency, and thereby reducing system task execution latency.

Description

Optical path switching methods, optical path control methods, and optical interconnect systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510125221.X, filed on January 26, 2025, entitled "Optical Path Switching Method, Optical Path Control Method and Optical Interconnect System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of data center technology, and in particular to an optical path switching method, an optical path control method, and an optical interconnect system. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, in order to address the problems of low resource utilization and insufficient flexibility in data centers, the split data center has emerged. The split data center builds computing, storage, and networking resources into independent resource pools. These resource pools can be distributed in different areas of the data center and work together through network connections.

[0004] In related technologies, split data centers include nodes of various types such as computing, storage, and networking. These nodes are connected through high-speed interconnect links such as remote direct memory access (RDMA) or compute express link (CXL) to achieve resource pool interconnection.

[0005] However, as the scale of split data centers increases, they often experience insufficient bandwidth when performing tasks, resulting in high latency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides an optical path switching method, an optical path control method, and an optical interconnect system, which can effectively avoid insufficient bandwidth and reduce the latency of system task execution.

[0007] Firstly, an optical path switching method is provided, applied to an optical interconnect system. The optical interconnect system includes multiple nodes and an optical interconnect network. The multiple nodes are used to perform tasks, and the optical interconnect network includes an optical cross-connect module and multiple optical processing modules. The method includes:

[0008] The first node among multiple nodes transmits an optical signal to the second node among multiple nodes through the first optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module. The optical signal is used to carry the data of the task.

[0009] The optical cross module switches the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module. Both the first and second optical processing modules are connected to the first node.

[0010] The first node transmits optical signals to the second node through the second optical path.

[0011] The aforementioned optical interconnect system is applied to a split data center scenario. Typically, a split data center includes nodes of various types, such as computing, storage, and networking. Through resource pooling, the computing, storage, and networking resources of these nodes are constructed into independent resource pools. These resource pools can be distributed across different areas of the data center and work collaboratively through network connections, enabling flexible resource allocation and sharing. Using this method, multiple nodes performing tasks communicate through the optical interconnect network in the optical interconnect system. When a first node transmits an optical signal to a second node through the first optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module, the optical cross-connect module in the optical interconnect network can switch the first optical path, allowing the first node to transmit optical signals to the second node through the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module. This dynamic switching of the interconnect optical paths between nodes effectively avoids bandwidth shortages, thereby reducing the latency of system task execution.

[0012] In some embodiments, the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module, including: the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path according to the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system.

[0013] In some embodiments, the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path according to the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, including any of the following:

[0014] When bandwidth contention occurs among multiple optical paths corresponding to the first optical processing module, the optical cross module switches the first optical path to the second optical path, where the multiple optical paths include the first optical path.

[0015] If the bandwidth occupancy rate of the first optical path is greater than a first threshold, the optical cross-connect module will switch the first optical path to the second optical path.

[0016] If the signal transmission delay of the first optical path is greater than the second threshold, the optical cross module will switch the first optical path to the second optical path.

[0017] If the predicted bandwidth requirement of the first optical path is greater than the third threshold, the optical cross-connect module will switch the first optical path to the second optical path.

[0018] Using the above method, the optical cross-connect module can fully consider various situations in the system that may lead to insufficient bandwidth based on the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, and switch optical paths in a timely manner, effectively reducing the latency of the system in executing tasks.

[0019] In some embodiments, the optical interconnect system further includes a management module connected to the optical cross module, and the method further includes:

[0020] The management module obtains the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system and sends control information to the optical cross-connect module based on the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system.

[0021] The optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path according to the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, including: the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path according to the instruction of the control information.

[0022] Using the above method, the management module in the optical interconnect system controls the optical cross-connect module to switch optical paths. Since the management module is usually a global resource scheduling module, it can manage pooled resources (including the allocation and release of pooled resources). Therefore, the management module has the ability to obtain the global resource allocation status, can quickly know the bandwidth usage status of the system, and thus control the optical cross-connect module to switch optical paths in a timely manner, thereby improving the optical path switching efficiency.

[0023] In some embodiments, before the optical cross module switches the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module, the method further includes: the first node transmitting an optical signal to the third node among a plurality of nodes through the third optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module;

[0024] The optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module, including: the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path and switches the third optical path to the fourth optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module;

[0025] The first node transmits optical signals to the third node through the fourth optical path.

[0026] By utilizing the optical path switching capability of the optical cross-connect module, dynamic switching between interconnected optical paths can be achieved, minimizing bandwidth contention and maximizing the use of physical bandwidth resources.

[0027] In some embodiments, if the first node is a computing node and the second node is a storage node, the first node and the second node are connected through at least one optical cross-connect module; if both the first node and the second node are computing nodes, the first node and the second node are connected through at least two optical cross-connect modules.

[0028] The above method allows for precise directional transmission of optical signals. Since the communication mode between compute nodes and storage nodes is typically unidirectional (compute node accesses storage node), single-receive and single-transmit ports can be configured on the optical cross-connect module to ensure stable transmission of optical signals in a specific direction and reduce unnecessary interference. However, since the communication mode between nodes of the same type is usually bidirectional, multiple optical cross-connect modules need to be deployed between nodes of the same type to achieve peer-to-peer full interconnection.

[0029] In some embodiments, the optical cross module and multiple optical processing modules are integrated on the optical interconnect board.

[0030] By integrating the optical cross-connect module and the optical processing module onto a single optical interconnect board, the transmission distance of optical signals between different modules is shortened, and intermediate links in the signal transmission process are reduced, thereby effectively reducing signal transmission delay. This enables data to be exchanged and transmitted more quickly between different optical paths, further reducing the latency of system task execution.

[0031] Secondly, an optical path control method is provided, applied to the management module of an optical interconnect system. The optical interconnect system also includes multiple nodes and an optical interconnect network. The multiple nodes are used to perform tasks, and the optical interconnect network includes an optical cross-connect module and multiple optical processing modules. The method includes:

[0032] Obtain the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system;

[0033] During the process of the first node transmitting optical signals to the second node through the first optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module, the optical cross-connect module sends control information to the optical cross-connect module according to the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system. This allows the optical cross-connect module to switch the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module according to the instructions of the control information. The optical signal is used to carry the data of the task. Both the first optical processing module and the second optical processing module are connected to the first node.

[0034] In some embodiments, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module based on the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, including any of the following:

[0035] When bandwidth contention occurs among multiple optical paths corresponding to the first optical processing module, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module, including the first optical path;

[0036] If the bandwidth occupancy rate of the first optical path is greater than the first threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module;

[0037] If the signal transmission delay of the first optical path is greater than the second threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross module;

[0038] If the predicted bandwidth requirement of the first optical path is greater than the third threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module.

[0039] In some embodiments, during the process of the first node transmitting an optical signal to the second node through the first optical path, the first node also transmits an optical signal to the third node among multiple nodes through the third optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module.

[0040] Based on the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module, so that the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module according to the instructions of the control information, including:

[0041] Based on the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module so that the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path and the third optical path to the fourth optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module.

[0042] Thirdly, an optical interconnect system is provided, which includes multiple nodes and an optical interconnect network. The multiple nodes are used to perform tasks, and the optical interconnect network includes an optical cross-connect module and multiple optical processing modules. The optical interconnect system is used to implement the optical path switching method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0043] Fourthly, an optical path control device is provided, which is applied to the management module of an optical interconnect system. The optical interconnect system also includes multiple nodes and an optical interconnect network, and different nodes are connected through the optical interconnect network. The device includes at least one functional module, which is used to implement the optical path control method provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0044] Fifthly, a management device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory, the processor being configured to execute at least a segment of program code stored in the memory to cause the management device to perform the optical path control method provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0045] In a sixth aspect, a device cluster is provided, comprising multiple devices and an optical interconnection network, wherein different devices are connected to each other via the optical interconnection network, and each device includes a processor and a memory, the device cluster being used to implement the optical path switching method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing at least one piece of program code, which is used to implement the optical path switching method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to implement the optical path control method provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The storage medium includes, but is not limited to, volatile memory, such as random access memory, and non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), and solid-state drive (SSD).

[0047] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided, which is used to implement the optical path switching method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or to implement the optical path control method provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0048] Based on the implementation methods provided in the above aspects, this application can be further combined to provide more implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the resource architecture of a split data center;

[0050] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an optical interconnect system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an implementation of an optical interconnect system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the optical path switching process in an optical interconnect system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the optical path switching process in another optical interconnect system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a global optical interconnect system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a local domain optical interconnection of an optical interconnection system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another implementation of an optical interconnect system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the optical path switching process in another optical interconnect system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the optical path switching process in another optical interconnect system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a global optical interconnection system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a local domain optical interconnection of an optical interconnection system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 13 is a flowchart of an optical path switching method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 14 is a flowchart of an optical path control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 15 is a structural schematic diagram of a management device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical path control device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0065] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that all information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.), data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, stored data, displayed data, etc.), and signals involved in this application are authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use, and processing of related data must comply with the relevant laws, regulations, and standards of the relevant countries and regions. For example, the task data and control information involved in this application are obtained under fully authorized conditions.

[0066] To facilitate understanding, the key terms and concepts involved in this application will be explained below.

[0067] An optical processing module (also known as an optical module) is used to perform photoelectric conversion on received electrical signals and on received optical signals. The optical processing module includes interface circuitry and optical ports. The interface circuitry provides an electrical interface with external devices, while the optical ports are used for transmitting and receiving optical signals. Typically, the optical processing module integrates various optical and electronic components, such as electro-optical and photoelectric conversion devices, enabling smooth conversion between electrical and optical signals at the port. It may also include optical amplification and shaping units to ensure the quality of optical signals entering and exiting the optical port, allowing the optical signals to be transmitted with sufficient strength and accurate waveforms. Furthermore, after receiving externally input optical signals, the optical processing module can use modulation, multiplexing, amplification, and detection to change the characteristics of the optical signals, such as amplitude, phase, and wavelength, or to integrate or split multiple optical signals, ultimately achieving mutual conversion between optical and electrical signals to adapt to the needs of different business scenarios for optical signal transmission and data carrying. It should be noted that the optical processing module may also include other components to achieve more functions; this application does not limit this.

[0068] An optical cross-connect module is used to interface with numerous optical paths, enabling flexible and efficient changes to the transmission path of optical signals based on network control commands. Typically, an optical cross-connect module includes optical ports, an optical cross-connect matrix, and a control unit. Utilizing various optical switch and waveguide technologies, the module allows optical signals input from different ports to switch directions according to a preset plan, dynamically allocating them to corresponding output ports, thus completing on-demand optical path reconfiguration and enhancing the flexibility and reliability of the optical network. The optical cross-connect matrix consists of a series of optical switching devices and optical waveguides. The optical switching devices can change the transmission path of optical signals based on commands issued by the control unit. For example, the optical switching devices are micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) optical switches, switching optical paths through the mechanical movement of micromirrors. The optical waveguides guide the transmission of optical signals along different paths, constructing optical signal routes within the matrix to meet the different cross-connection requirements of various optical signals. It should be noted that the optical cross-connect module may also include other components to achieve more functions; this application does not limit this.

[0069] In addition, the optical ports in the aforementioned optical processing module and optical cross-connect module include, but are not limited to, single-receive, single-transmit, or transceiver ports. When actually deploying an optical network architecture, the type of optical port can be flexibly selected according to business needs.

[0070] The application scenarios and implementation environment of this application are described below.

[0071] This application applies to the scenario of a split data center. Typically, a split data center includes nodes of various types such as computing, storage, and networking. By pooling resources, the computing, storage, and networking resources of these nodes are built into independent resource pools. These resource pools can be distributed in different areas of the data center and work together through network connections to achieve flexible allocation and sharing of resources.

[0072] For example, referring to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the resource architecture of a split data center, the data center includes an application layer, computing resources, memory resources, and distributed shared storage. The application layer includes applications such as virtualization, databases, and artificial intelligence (AI), which are the specific forms of services provided by the data center. Computing resources include central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), neural network processing units (NPUs), intelligent processing units (IPUs), tensor processing units (TPUs), domain-specific architecture (DSA) chips, etc., responsible for executing various computing tasks and instructions, providing computing power for upper-layer applications. Memory resources include multiple double data rate (DDR) memory, also known as RAM, used to temporarily store data and programs being processed by computing resources, enabling rapid data exchange with computing resources. Distributed shared storage includes multiple hard disk drives (HDDs) and multiple solid-state drives (SSDs), allowing computing resources to share storage resources, improving resource utilization and data availability. The aforementioned computing resources, memory resources, and distributed shared storage are pooled using high-speed, low-latency interconnect technologies such as Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) or Compute Express Link (CXL). For example, when an application needs computing resources, these resources can be dynamically allocated from the computing resource pool; when memory space is needed, DDR memory can be allocated from the memory resource pool, and so on. The resource architecture shown in Figure 1 can be applied to cloud computing data centers, big data processing platforms, high-performance computing clusters, enterprise-level data centers, and more, but is not limited to these.

[0073] However, as discrete data centers grow larger, they often experience insufficient bandwidth when executing tasks, leading to higher latency. Furthermore, the limited number of physical ports per node in a data center restricts the number of direct physical links between nodes, further contributing to high latency. For example, a compute node with four physical ports can only directly connect to a maximum of four other nodes, limiting the direct connection domain and necessitating the use of switches to extend inter-node links, which significantly increases latency.

[0074] Based on this, this application provides an optical interconnect system. In this system, the physical ports of nodes are expanded through optical processing modules. Each optical processing module includes multiple optical ports. Based on this, the optical processing module can perform photoelectric conversion on electrical signals from connected nodes and transmit the converted optical signals to at least one optical processing module connected to a destination node through the multiple optical ports on the optical processing module. This achieves the effect of one node directly connecting to multiple nodes via a single optical processing module, significantly improving resource utilization in the optical interconnect system while ensuring low-latency interconnection between nodes. Furthermore, the optical interconnect system also includes an optical cross-connect module. When a first node transmits an optical signal to a second node through a first optical path corresponding to a first optical processing module, the optical cross-connect module in the optical interconnect network can switch the first optical path, allowing the first node to transmit an optical signal to the second node through a second optical path corresponding to a second optical processing module. This achieves dynamic switching of interconnection optical paths between nodes, effectively avoiding insufficient bandwidth and reducing system latency.

[0075] The optical interconnect system provided in this application will be described below with reference to Figure 2.

[0076] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an optical interconnect system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the optical interconnect system includes multiple nodes 100 and an optical interconnect network 200, which provides optical transmission functionality for the multiple nodes 100. The optical interconnect network 200 includes multiple optical processing modules 201 and optical cross-connect modules 202. Each optical processing module 201 includes multiple optical ports, and each optical processing module 201 is connected to one node 100. For any given node 100, at least one optical processing module 201 can be connected.

[0077] Multiple nodes 100 are used to perform tasks in the optical interconnect system, such as data read / write tasks, big data analysis tasks, AI tasks, high-performance computing tasks, network communication tasks, etc. This application does not limit the type of task in the optical interconnect system. Indicatively, multiple nodes 100 include at least one of computing nodes, storage nodes, and network nodes. The computing node can be a general-purpose server containing a CPU, an edge computing device, a smart terminal, or a server configured with an accelerator card, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), neural network processing unit (NPU), intelligent processing unit (IPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), domain-specific architecture (DSA) chip, etc., and is not limited to these. The storage node can be a disk array server, an all-flash storage server, or a general-purpose server with storage capabilities. The network node can be a router, switch, gateway, or other device. It should be noted that this application does not limit the type of node 100 in the optical interconnect system; multiple nodes 100 can include one or more of the above-mentioned types of nodes.

[0078] In this application, for any node 100, the node 100 is used to transmit and receive signals through the connected optical processing module 201. For example, when performing a task, node 100 transmits electrical signals carrying data to the connected optical processing module 201 to access other nodes through the connected optical processing module 201, or to receive electrical signals from other nodes from the connected optical processing module 201.

[0079] For any optical processing module 201 connected to node 100, the optical processing module 201 includes multiple optical ports for transmitting and receiving optical signals. For example, each optical port of the optical processing module 201 is connected to an optical fiber, and optical signals are transmitted between the optical processing modules 201 via the optical fiber. Of course, other optical transmission media can also be used, and this application does not limit this. Schematic, the optical processing module 201 is used to perform photoelectric conversion on the electrical signals from the connected node 100, and transmit the multiple converted optical signals through the multiple optical ports on the optical processing module 201 to the optical processing module connected to at least one destination node among multiple nodes. The optical signals are used to carry data of tasks in the optical interconnect system. In this application, the destination node refers to the node that node 100 needs to access. In addition, the optical processing module 201 is also used to perform photoelectric conversion on optical signals from other optical processing modules, and transmit the converted electrical signals to the connected node 100. In some scenarios, node 100 can also send multiple optical signals to multiple optical processing modules connected to the same destination node through the connected optical processing module 201, and this application does not limit this.

[0080] The optical cross-connect module 202 includes an optical port for transmitting and receiving optical signals from the optical processing module 201. Indicatively, the optical cross-connect module 202 is connected to multiple optical processing modules 201 to provide optical path switching capability between different nodes 100. The optical cross-connect module 202 and the multiple optical processing modules 201 can be integrated on a single optical interconnect board, which can shorten the transmission distance of optical signals between different modules, reduce intermediate links in the signal transmission process, thereby effectively reducing signal transmission latency, enabling data to be exchanged and transmitted more quickly between different optical paths, and further reducing the latency of system task execution.

[0081] Schematic illustration: For any node 100 (hereinafter referred to as the first node), the optical cross-connect module 202 can switch the first optical path between the first node and the second node to a second optical path, so that the first node transmits optical signals to the second node through the second optical path. The second node is the destination node that the first node needs to access. Here, the first optical path refers to the optical transmission path between the first optical processing module connected to the first node and the optical processing module connected to the second node, and the second optical path refers to the optical transmission path between the second optical processing module connected to the first node and the optical processing module connected to the second node. For example, node A is connected to optical processing module 1 and optical processing module 2, and node B is connected to optical processing module 3. Originally, optical signals between nodes A and B were transmitted through the optical path between optical processing modules 1 and 3. The optical cross-connect module 202 can switch the optical path between nodes A and B through the optical cross-connection matrix, so that optical signals between nodes A and B are transmitted through the optical path between optical processing modules 2 and 3. This approach enables dynamic switching of optical paths between nodes, effectively avoiding bandwidth shortages and reducing system latency. Furthermore, it expands the scale of the resource sharing domain in the optical interconnect system, providing more flexible resource sharing strategies, improving pooled resource utilization, and reducing latency.

[0082] In some embodiments, the optical interconnect system further includes a management module 300, which is connected to the optical cross-connect module 202. The management module 300 may be a resource scheduling server independent of the aforementioned multiple nodes 100 in the optical interconnect system, used to monitor the node status and coordinate resource allocation. The management module 300 may also run as a software toolkit on the computing nodes among the multiple nodes 100; this application does not limit this. Indicatively, the management module 300 can determine and predict the usage of pooled resources in the optical interconnect system by applications, and based on this usage, send control information to the optical cross-connect module 202 to control the optical cross-connect module 202 to flexibly switch interconnect optical paths between different nodes, thereby maximizing the utilization of hardware bandwidth resources and improving bandwidth utilization efficiency while realizing a full interconnect resource pooling domain.

[0083] In some embodiments, the management module 300 acquires the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system. This bandwidth usage status includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: the bandwidth of multiple optical paths corresponding to a node, the bandwidth occupancy rate of the optical path, the signal transmission delay of the optical path, the predicted bandwidth demand of the optical path, the packet loss rate of the optical path, the priority of the optical path, etc. The management module 300 can acquire the predicted bandwidth demand of the optical path using an AI model trained based on the historical bandwidth demand of communication between nodes in the optical interconnect system. The management module 300 can also acquire the predicted bandwidth demand based on the bandwidth required by the current access request of the optical interconnect system, etc., and this application does not limit this to any particular method.

[0084] Schematic illustration: The management module 300 can determine whether optical path switching between nodes in the optical interconnect system needs to be performed based on the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system. If optical path switching is required, it sends control information to the optical cross-connect module 202 to control the optical cross-connect module 202 to perform optical path switching. This application does not limit the conditions for optical path switching; for example, a bandwidth contention threshold, such as 50Gbps, can be set (this is only an example and does not constitute a limitation on the bandwidth contention threshold). For example, node A is connected to optical processing module 1, node B is connected to optical processing module 3, and node C is connected to optical processing module 4. Node A is directly optically connected to nodes B and C through multiple optical ports on optical processing module 1. Since the bandwidth of the physical ports on node A is limited, for example, 200Gbps, the bandwidth when node A accesses node B through the physical port and the bandwidth when node A accesses node C through the same physical port are approximately 50Gbps each (taking optical processing module 1 as an example with 4 optical ports). If the predicted bandwidth demand for communication between node A and node B, and the predicted bandwidth demand for communication between node A and node C, both exceed the bandwidth contention threshold of 50Gbps, it indicates that there is bandwidth contention in the communication between node A and nodes B and C. At this time, the management module 300 sends control information to the optical cross-connect module 202, so that the optical cross-connect module 202 switches the optical path between node A and node B to another optical path, or switches the optical path between node A and node C to another optical path, thereby reducing the occurrence of bandwidth contention and maximizing the utilization of physical bandwidth resources.

[0085] In some embodiments, the optical interconnect system described above can also access wireless networks or other wired networks, which use standard communication technologies and / or protocols. These networks are typically Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) networks and RDMA networks in data center networks, such as RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) networks, InfiniBand (IB) networks, etc., and are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, customized and / or dedicated data communication technologies can be used to replace or supplement the aforementioned data communication technologies.

[0086] As can be seen from the optical interconnect system shown in Figure 2 above, the multiple nodes in the optical interconnect system involve one or more types of nodes. When deploying the optical interconnect system, there are differences in the way nodes of the same type are connected through the optical interconnect network and the way nodes of different types are connected through the optical interconnect network. The following are several examples to introduce the various implementation methods of the optical interconnect system.

[0087] Implementation Method 1

[0088] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an implementation of an optical interconnect system provided in this application embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the optical interconnect system includes multiple nodes and an optical interconnect network, which provides optical transmission functionality for the multiple nodes. The optical interconnect network includes multiple optical processing modules and optical cross-connect modules. Each optical processing module includes multiple optical ports, and each optical processing module is connected to one node. For any given node, it can connect to at least one optical processing module. In the multiple nodes shown in Figure 3, the physical ports of the nodes are expanded through optical processing modules, enabling interconnection between different types of nodes via the optical interconnect network. It can be seen that there is at least one link between each pair of type 1 nodes and type 2 nodes, and this link is a direct optical path connection with a latency in the nanosecond (ns) range. It should be noted that Figure 3 uses an example of one node connecting two optical processing modules, with each optical processing module including four optical ports. In practical applications, the number of optical processing modules connected to a node and the number of optical ports in each optical processing module can be flexibly adjusted according to the requirements of the optical interconnect system. In addition, to avoid excessive lines in the attached diagram affecting clarity, the diagram only shows two optical paths for node 1 to transmit optical signals to the optical processing modules connected to nodes 3 and 4 respectively through an optical processing module. The implementation of other optical paths between nodes in the optical interconnect system is similar and will not be described in detail.

[0089] It should be noted that in the optical interconnect network shown in Figure 3, the optical ports on the optical cross-connect module can be single-receive and single-transmit ports. For example, type 1 nodes are compute nodes and type 2 nodes are storage nodes. The communication mode between these two types of nodes is usually one-way communication between the compute node and the storage node. Therefore, single-receive and single-transmit ports can be configured on the optical cross-connect module to accurately direct the optical signal, ensure stable transmission of optical signals in a specific direction, and reduce unnecessary interference.

[0090] Referring to Figure 4 below, we will explain how the optical cross-connect module shown in Figure 3 provides the ability to switch optical paths between different nodes.

[0091] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the optical path switching process in an optical interconnect system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the optical interconnect system expands the physical ports of nodes through optical processing modules, enabling full interconnection between different types of nodes through an optical interconnect network. The figure illustrates the interconnection between compute nodes and storage nodes through an optical interconnect network, with compute nodes represented as Host nodes and storage nodes represented as Res nodes, also known as resource nodes.

[0092] As shown in Figure 4(a), Host Node 1 is connected to two optical processing modules. Host Node 1 can directly connect to multiple Res nodes via multiple optical ports configured on one of these modules. For example, Host Node 1 is directly connected to Res Node 3 and Res Node 4, respectively; that is, the figure shows two optical paths corresponding to Host Node 1. Typically, these two optical paths can meet the bandwidth requirements of Host Node 1 when accessing Res Node 3 and when accessing Res Node 4. However, in some service scenarios, such as when Host Node 1 needs to frequently access Res Node 3 and Res Node 4, bandwidth contention can occur because these two optical paths extend from a single physical link. Therefore, the optical cross-connect module in the optical interconnect network switches the optical paths to reduce bandwidth contention.

[0093] As shown in Figure 4(b), the optical path switching capability of the optical cross-connect module switches the optical path between Host Node 1 and Res Node 4 from the first optical path 401 to the second optical path 402. It can be seen that the first optical path 401 refers to the optical transmission path between the optical processing module 1 connected to Host Node 1 and the optical processing module connected to Res Node 4, while the second optical path 402 refers to the optical transmission path between the optical processing module 2 connected to Host Node 1 and the optical processing module connected to Res Node 4. In this way, the two optical paths with bandwidth contention are distributed across two optical processing modules, i.e., across two physical links, minimizing bandwidth contention and effectively utilizing physical bandwidth resources.

[0094] In some embodiments, the physical port of the Host node 1 connected to the second optical path 402 is an idle physical port. In this way, the physical bandwidth resources of the system are fully utilized, and bandwidth contention is avoided when there are idle ports in the system.

[0095] In some embodiments, before the optical path switching shown in Figure 4(b), the optical port on the optical processing module 2 connected to the second optical path 402 transmits optical signals through the third optical path to interconnect the Host node 1 and the Res node 5. Based on this, when the optical cross-connect module switches the optical path between the Host node 1 and the Res node 4 from the first optical path 401 to the second optical path 402, it switches the third optical path to the fourth optical path. After the switch, there is no bandwidth contention between the optical paths corresponding to the Host node 1. Here, the third optical path refers to the optical transmission path between the optical processing module 2 connected to the Host node 1 and the optical processing module connected to the Res node 5, and the fourth optical path refers to the optical transmission path between the optical processing module 1 connected to the Host node 1 and the optical processing module connected to the Res node 5. This process will be described below with reference to Figure 5.

[0096] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the optical path switching process in another optical interconnect system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0097] As shown in Figure 5(a), Host Node 1 is connected to two optical processing modules. Host Node 1 can directly connect to multiple Res nodes via multiple optical ports configured on one of these modules. For example, Host Node 1 is directly connected to Res nodes 3 and 4 via optical processing module 1, and to Res node 5 via optical processing module 2. That is, the figure shows three optical paths corresponding to Host Node 1. Typically, these three optical paths can meet the bandwidth requirements of Host Node 1 when accessing Res nodes 3, 4, and 5. However, in some business scenarios, such as when Host Node 1 needs to frequently access Res nodes 3 and 4, bandwidth contention can occur because the two optical paths corresponding to Res nodes 3 and 4 are extended from a single physical link. If the bandwidth requirement for communication between Host Node 1 and Res node 5 is less than that for communication between Host Node 1 and Res node 4, the optical cross-connect module can switch the optical paths to reduce bandwidth contention. Schematic, the optical path between Host node 1 and Res node 5 can be defined as a low-bandwidth-demand optical path (as shown in the third optical path 503 in the figure), and the optical path between Host node 1 and Res node 3 and the optical path between Host node 1 and Res node 4 can be defined as a high-bandwidth-demand optical path (as shown in the first optical path 501 in the figure).

[0098] As shown in Figure 5(b), the optical path switching capability of the optical cross-connect module switches the optical path between Host Node 1 and Res Node 4 from the first optical path 501 to the second optical path 502, and switches the optical path between Host Node 1 and Res Node 5 from the third optical path 503 to the fourth optical path 504. After the switching, there is no bandwidth contention between the optical paths corresponding to Host Node 1. Specifically, the first optical path 501 refers to the optical transmission path between the optical processing module 1 connected to Host Node 1 and the optical processing module connected to Res Node 4; the second optical path 502 refers to the optical transmission path between the optical processing module 2 connected to Host Node 1 and the optical processing module connected to Res Node 4; the third optical path 503 refers to the optical transmission path between the optical processing module 2 connected to Host Node 1 and the optical processing module connected to Res Node 5; and the fourth optical path 504 refers to the optical transmission path between the optical processing module 1 connected to Host Node 1 and the optical processing module connected to Res Node 5. It should be noted that the diagram is illustrated by using the optical cross-connect module to switch the optical paths between Host node 1 and Res node 4 and between Host node 1 and Res node 5 in pairs. The optical cross-connect module can switch the optical paths between Host node 1 and Res node 3 and between Host node 1 and Res node 5 in pairs, and this application does not limit this.

[0099] As shown in Figure 5, the optical path switching capability of the optical cross-connect module is used to realize dynamic switching between the two interconnected optical paths. The two optical paths with bandwidth competition are distributed on two optical processing modules, that is, distributed on two physical links, which minimizes the occurrence of bandwidth competition and maximizes the utilization of physical bandwidth resources.

[0100] In some embodiments, the optical cross-connect module performs optical path switching as shown in Figure 4 or Figure 5 above, based on control information sent by the management module in the optical interconnect system. Schematic, the management module obtains the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system and, based on the bandwidth usage status, sends control information to the optical cross-connect module to switch the optical path between Host node 1 and Res node 3 to another optical path, or to switch the optical path between Host node 1 and Res node 4 to another optical path; this application does not limit the specific implementation.

[0101] Based on the optical interconnect systems shown in Figures 3 to 5, full-domain or local-domain optical interconnects can be achieved. For example, referring to Figure 6, which is a schematic diagram of full-domain optical interconnects provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 6, different types of nodes in the optical interconnect system are connected through an optical interconnect network to achieve full-domain optical interconnects. As another example, referring to Figure 7, which is a schematic diagram of local-domain optical interconnects provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 7, different types of nodes in the optical interconnect system can be connected either through an optical interconnect network or through a switch to achieve local-domain optical interconnects, reducing networking costs.

[0102] Implementation Method Two

[0103] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another implementation of the optical interconnect system provided in this application embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the optical interconnect system includes multiple nodes and an optical interconnect network, which provides optical transmission functionality for the multiple nodes. The optical interconnect network includes multiple optical processing modules and multiple optical cross-connect modules. Each optical processing module includes multiple optical ports, and each optical processing module is connected to one node. For any given node, it can connect to at least one optical processing module. In the multiple nodes shown in Figure 8, the physical ports of the nodes are expanded through optical processing modules, enabling interconnection between nodes of the same type via the optical interconnect network. It can be seen that there is at least one link between any two nodes, and this link is a direct optical path connection with a latency in the nanosecond (ns) range. It should be noted that Figure 8 uses an example of one node connecting two optical processing modules, with each optical processing module including four optical ports. In practical applications, the number of optical processing modules connected to a node and the number of optical ports in each optical processing module can be flexibly adjusted according to the requirements of the optical interconnect system. In addition, to avoid excessive lines in the attached diagram affecting clarity, the diagram only shows two optical paths for node 1 to transmit optical signals to the optical processing modules connected to nodes 2 and 3 respectively through an optical processing module. The optical path between node 1 and node 2 is the incremental optical path compared to the scenario shown in Figure 3 above. The implementation of the other optical paths between nodes in the optical interconnect system is similar and will not be described in detail.

[0104] It should be noted that in the optical interconnect network shown in Figure 8, the communication mode between nodes of the same type is usually bidirectional. For example, when the resources on compute node 1 are insufficient, it needs to borrow resources from compute node 2. In this case, the communication between compute node 1 and compute node 2 includes both compute node 1 accessing compute node 2 and compute node 2 accessing compute node 1. Therefore, multiple optical cross-connect modules need to be deployed between nodes of the same type to achieve peer-to-peer full interconnection between nodes of the same type.

[0105] Referring to Figure 9 below, we will explain how the optical cross-connect module shown in Figure 8 provides the optical path switching capability between nodes.

[0106] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the optical path switching process in another optical interconnect system provided in this application embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the optical interconnect system expands the physical ports of nodes through optical processing modules, enabling full interconnection between nodes of the same type through an optical interconnect network. The figure illustrates the interconnection between computing nodes through an optical interconnect network, with the computing nodes represented as Host nodes.

[0107] As shown in Figure 9(a), Host Node 1 is connected to two optical processing modules. Host Node 1 can directly connect to multiple host nodes via optical ports configured on one of these modules. For example, Host Node 1 is directly connected to Host Node 2 and Host Node 3, respectively; that is, the figure shows two optical paths corresponding to Host Node 1. Typically, these two optical paths can meet the bandwidth requirements of Host Node 1 when accessing Host Node 2 and when accessing Host Node 3. However, in some service scenarios, such as when Host Node 1 needs to frequently access Host Node 2 and Host Node 3, bandwidth contention can occur because these two optical paths extend from a single physical link. Therefore, the optical cross-connect module in the optical interconnect network switches the optical paths to reduce bandwidth contention.

[0108] As shown in Figure 9(b), the optical path switching capability of the optical cross-connect module switches the optical path between Host Node 1 and Host Node 2 from the first optical path 901 to the second optical path 902. It can be seen that the first optical path 901 refers to the optical transmission path between optical processing module 1 connected to Host Node 1 and optical processing module 2 connected to Host Node 2, and the second optical path 902 refers to the optical transmission path between optical processing module 2 connected to Host Node 1 and optical processing module 2 connected to Host Node 2. In this way, the two optical paths with bandwidth contention are distributed across two optical processing modules, that is, across two physical links, minimizing bandwidth contention and effectively utilizing physical bandwidth resources.

[0109] In some embodiments, the physical port of the Host node 1 connected to the second optical path 902 is an idle physical port. In this way, the physical bandwidth resources of the system are fully utilized, and bandwidth contention is avoided when there are idle ports in the system.

[0110] In some embodiments, before the optical path switching shown in Figure 9(b), the optical port on the optical processing module 2 connected to the second optical path 902 transmits optical signals through the third optical path to interconnect Host Node 1 and Host Node 4. Based on this, when the optical path between Host Node 1 and Host Node 2 is switched from the first optical path 901 to the second optical path 902, the optical cross-connect module switches the third optical path to the fourth optical path. After the switch, there is no bandwidth contention between the optical paths corresponding to Host Node 1. Here, the third optical path refers to the optical transmission path between the optical processing module 2 connected to Host Node 1 and the optical processing module connected to Host Node 4, and the fourth optical path refers to the optical transmission path between the optical processing module 1 connected to Host Node 1 and the optical processing module connected to Host Node 4. This process will be described below with reference to Figure 10.

[0111] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the optical path switching process in another optical interconnect system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0112] As shown in Figure 10(a), Host Node 1 is connected to two optical processing modules. Host Node 1 can directly connect to multiple host nodes via optical ports configured on one of these modules. For example, Host Node 1 is directly connected to Host Node 2 and Host Node 3 via optical processing module 1, and directly connected to Host Node 4 via optical processing module 2. That is, the figure shows three optical paths corresponding to Host Node 1. Typically, these three optical paths can meet the bandwidth requirements of Host Node 1 when accessing Host Node 2, Host Node 3, and Host Node 4. However, in some business scenarios, such as when Host Node 1 frequently needs to access Host Node 2 and Host Node 3, bandwidth contention can occur because the two optical paths corresponding to Host Node 2 and Host Node 3 are extended from a single physical link. If the bandwidth requirement for communication between Host Node 1 and Host Node 4 is less than the bandwidth requirement for communication between Host Node 1 and Host Node 2, the optical cross-connect module can switch the optical paths to reduce bandwidth contention. Schematic, the optical path between Host Node 1 and Host Node 4 can be defined as a low-bandwidth-demand optical path (as shown in the third optical path 1003 in the figure), and the optical path between Host Node 1 and Host Node 2 and the optical path between Host Node 1 and Host Node 3 (as shown in the first optical path 1001 in the figure) can be defined as a high-bandwidth-demand optical path.

[0113] As shown in Figure 10(b), the optical path switching capability of the optical cross-connect module switches the optical path between Host Node 1 and Host Node 2 from the first optical path 1001 to the second optical path 1002, and switches the optical path between Host Node 1 and Host Node 4 from the third optical path 1003 to the fourth optical path 1004. After the switching, there is no bandwidth contention between the optical paths corresponding to Host Node 1. Here, the first optical path 1001 refers to the optical transmission path between the optical processing module 1 connected to Host Node 1 and the optical processing module connected to Host Node 2; the second optical path 1002 refers to the optical transmission path between the optical processing module 2 connected to Host Node 1 and the optical processing module connected to Host Node 2; the third optical path 1003 refers to the optical transmission path between the optical processing module 2 connected to Host Node 1 and the optical processing module connected to Host Node 4; and the fourth optical path 1004 refers to the optical transmission path between the optical processing module 1 connected to Host Node 1 and the optical processing module connected to Host Node 4. It should be noted that the diagram is illustrated by using the optical cross-connect module to switch the optical paths between Host Node 1 and Host Node 2 and between Host Node 1 and Host Node 4 in pairs. The optical cross-connect module can switch the optical paths between Host Node 1 and Host Node 3 and between Host Node 1 and Host Node 4 in pairs, and this application does not limit this.

[0114] As shown in Figure 10, the optical path switching capability of the optical cross-connect module is used to realize dynamic switching between the two interconnected optical paths. The two optical paths with bandwidth competition are distributed on two optical processing modules, that is, distributed on two physical links, which minimizes the occurrence of bandwidth competition and maximizes the utilization of physical bandwidth resources.

[0115] In some embodiments, the optical cross-connect module performs optical path switching as shown in Figure 9 or Figure 10 above, based on control information sent by the management module in the optical interconnect system. Schematic, the management module obtains the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system and, based on the bandwidth usage status, sends control information to the optical cross-connect module to switch the optical path between Host Node 1 and Host Node 2 to another optical path, or to switch the optical path between Host Node 1 and Host Node 3 to another optical path; this application does not limit this to any particular path.

[0116] Based on the optical interconnect systems shown in Figures 8 to 10, full-domain or local-domain optical interconnection can be achieved. For example, referring to Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of full-domain optical interconnection in an embodiment of this application, different types of nodes in the optical interconnect system are connected through an optical interconnect network to achieve full-domain optical interconnection. As another example, referring to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of local-domain optical interconnection in an embodiment of this application, different types of nodes in the optical interconnect system can be connected either through an optical interconnect network or through a switch to achieve local-domain optical interconnection, reducing networking costs.

[0117] The optical path switching method and optical path control method provided in this application will be introduced below through several method embodiments and in conjunction with the optical interconnect system shown in Figures 2 to 12 above.

[0118] Figure 13 is a flowchart of an optical path switching method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, the method is applied to an optical interconnect system, which includes multiple nodes. Taking the interaction between different nodes as an example, the method includes the following steps 1301 to 1306.

[0119] 1301. The first node transmits optical signals to the second node through the first optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module. The optical signals are used to carry the data of the task.

[0120] The first node performs photoelectric conversion on the electrical signal from the first node through the first optical processing module, and transmits the converted optical signal to the optical processing module connected to the second node through the optical port on the first optical processing module.

[0121] The first node and the second node are used to distinguish between the sender and receiver of data. The first node refers to any one of the multiple nodes in the optical interconnect system, i.e., the sender of data. The second node refers to the destination node reached by the electrical signal emitted by the first node in the optical interconnect system after passing through the first optical processing module, i.e., the receiver of data.

[0122] 1302. The optical processing module connected to the second node receives optical signals from the first node through the first optical path.

[0123] The optical processing module connected to the second node performs photoelectric conversion on the optical signal from the first node and transmits the resulting electrical signal to the second node.

[0124] In steps 1301 and 1302 above, taking the transmission of optical signals between the first node and the second node via a first optical path as an example, the first optical path refers to the optical transmission path between the first optical processing module and the optical processing module connected to the second node. The method also includes the following steps:

[0125] 1303. The management module obtains the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system and sends control information to the optical cross-connect module according to the bandwidth usage status.

[0126] The bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: bandwidth of multiple optical paths corresponding to a node, bandwidth occupancy rate of optical paths, signal transmission delay of optical paths, predicted bandwidth demand of optical paths, packet loss rate of optical paths, priority of optical paths, etc. Furthermore, this application does not limit the timing at which the management module obtains the bandwidth usage status; the management module can update the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system in real time, or it can obtain the bandwidth usage status at preset intervals, etc.

[0127] The following describes several scenarios in which the management module sends control information to the optical cross-connect module based on bandwidth usage status.

[0128] Scenario 1: When bandwidth contention occurs among multiple optical paths corresponding to the first optical processing module, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module. These multiple optical paths include the first optical path. Bandwidth contention refers to any one of the optical paths having a bandwidth exceeding a bandwidth contention threshold. The bandwidth contention threshold is, for example, 50Gbps (this is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on the bandwidth contention threshold). Illustratively, if the bandwidth of any one of the multiple optical paths corresponding to the first optical processing module exceeds the bandwidth contention threshold, it indicates that bandwidth contention exists among these multiple optical paths. Based on this, the management module sends control information to the optical cross-connect module to control the optical cross-connect module to perform optical path switching. It should be noted that this application does not limit the method for determining whether bandwidth contention occurs among multiple optical paths. For example, it could also be set that at least two of the multiple optical paths have bandwidths exceeding the bandwidth contention threshold, indicating that bandwidth contention exists among these multiple optical paths, and so on.

[0129] Scenario 2: When the bandwidth occupancy rate of the first optical path exceeds a first threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module. Illustratively, the management module continuously acquires the data traffic transmitted on the first optical path, counts the number and size of data packets passing through the first optical path within a preset time period (e.g., 1 second), and compares this with the total bandwidth of the first optical path. For example, if a first optical path with a bandwidth of 100Gbps transmits 80Gbps of data in 1 second, its bandwidth occupancy rate is 80%. If this value exceeds the first threshold (assumed to be 50%, this is only an example and does not constitute a limitation on the first threshold), the management module sends control information to the optical cross-connect module.

[0130] Scenario 3: If the signal transmission delay of the first optical path exceeds the second threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module. Illustratively, the management module uses timestamp technology. When the first node sends an optical signal, a timestamp is embedded in the signal. When the optical processing module connected to the second node receives the signal, it records the reception time. The time difference between the two is the signal transmission delay. If this delay exceeds the second threshold (e.g., 5 milliseconds; this is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on the second threshold), the management module sends control information to the optical cross-connect module.

[0131] Scenario 4: If the predicted bandwidth demand for the first optical path exceeds the third threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module. Illustratively, the management module uses an AI model to obtain the predicted bandwidth demand for the first optical path. The AI ​​model is trained based on historical bandwidth demand for communication between nodes in the optical interconnect system. For example, considering the data traffic variation patterns of different time periods and different service types, the management module can predict the bandwidth demand for the first optical path in advance using the AI ​​model. If the predicted bandwidth demand for the first optical path exceeds the third threshold (e.g., 80Gbps; this is only an example and does not constitute a limitation on the third threshold), the management module sends control information to the optical cross-connect module.

[0132] It should be noted that the above situations are only examples. The management module can also send control information to the optical cross-connect module based on other information about bandwidth usage. For example, if the packet loss rate of the first optical path is greater than the fourth threshold (e.g., 10%), control information can be sent to the optical cross-connect module. Or, if the priority of the first optical path changes, control information can be sent to the optical cross-connect module, and so on. In practical applications, these settings can be configured according to business requirements.

[0133] 1304. The optical cross-connect module receives control information and switches the first optical path to the second optical path according to the instructions in the control information.

[0134] The second optical path refers to the optical transmission path between the second optical processing module connected to the first node and the optical processing module connected to the second node.

[0135] In some embodiments, before the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path, the first node transmits an optical signal to a third node among multiple nodes through the third optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module. The third node refers to the destination node reached by the electrical signal emitted by the first node after passing through the second optical processing module, i.e., the data receiver. In this scenario, when the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path, it also switches the third optical path between the first node and the third node to a fourth optical path. Here, the third optical path refers to the optical transmission path between the second optical processing module and the optical processing module connected to the third node, and the fourth optical path refers to the optical transmission path between the first optical processing module and the optical processing module connected to the third node. This process can be referred to the embodiments shown in Figure 5 or Figure 10 above, and will not be repeated here. Accordingly, in step 1303 above, the control information sent by the management module, in addition to instructing the optical cross-connect module to switch the first optical path to the second optical path, also instructs the optical cross-connect module to switch the third optical path to the fourth optical path.

[0136] 1305. The first node transmits optical signals to the second node through the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module.

[0137] 1306. The optical processing module connected to the second node receives optical signals from the first node through the second optical path.

[0138] Furthermore, steps 1301 to 1306 above are described using the example of the management module controlling the optical cross-connect module to achieve optical path switching. In some embodiments, the optical cross-connect module itself has the ability to obtain the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system. In this scenario, steps 1304 and 1305 above are replaced by: the optical cross-connect module obtaining the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system and switching the first optical path to the second optical path according to the bandwidth usage status. The several situations involved in the optical cross-connect module performing optical path switching according to the bandwidth usage status are the same as those in step 1303 above, and therefore will not be described again.

[0139] Using the above method, in an optical interconnect system, multiple nodes performing tasks communicate with each other through an optical interconnect network. When the first node transmits an optical signal to the second node through the first optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module, the optical cross-connect module in the optical interconnect network can switch the first optical path so that the first node transmits an optical signal to the second node through the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module. This achieves dynamic switching of the interconnection optical path between nodes, effectively avoiding insufficient bandwidth and reducing the latency of system task execution.

[0140] Figure 14 is a flowchart of an optical path control method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 14, the method is applied to the management module of an optical interconnect system, which includes multiple nodes. The method includes the following steps 1401 and 1402.

[0141] 1401. The management module obtains the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system.

[0142] 1402. During the process of the first node in a plurality of nodes transmitting optical signals to the second node in a plurality of nodes through the first optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module, the management module sends control information to the optical cross-connect module according to the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, so that the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module according to the instructions of the control information.

[0143] The optical signal is used to carry the data of the task, and both the first optical processing module and the second optical processing module are connected to the first node.

[0144] In some embodiments, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module based on the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, including any of the following:

[0145] When bandwidth contention occurs among multiple optical paths corresponding to the first optical processing module, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module, including the first optical path;

[0146] If the bandwidth occupancy rate of the first optical path is greater than the first threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module;

[0147] If the signal transmission delay of the first optical path is greater than the second threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross module;

[0148] If the predicted bandwidth requirement of the first optical path is greater than the third threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module.

[0149] In some embodiments, during the process of the first node transmitting an optical signal to the second node through the first optical path, the first node also transmits an optical signal to the third node among multiple nodes through the third optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module.

[0150] Based on the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module, so that the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module according to the instructions of the control information, including:

[0151] Based on the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module so that the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path and the third optical path to the fourth optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module.

[0152] The optical path control method executed by the above management module is the same as step 1303 in the embodiment shown in Figure 13 above, so it will not be described again.

[0153] Using the above method, in an optical interconnect system, multiple nodes performing tasks communicate with each other through an optical interconnect network. When the first node transmits an optical signal to the second node through the first optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module, the optical cross-connect module in the optical interconnect network can switch the first optical path so that the first node transmits an optical signal to the second node through the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module. This achieves dynamic switching of the interconnection optical path between nodes, effectively avoiding insufficient bandwidth and reducing the latency of system task execution.

[0154] Based on the above-described method embodiments, this application also provides a management device that can be configured as the aforementioned management module. Referring to FIG15, FIG15 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a management device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG15, the management device 1500 includes a memory 1501, a processor 1502, a communication interface 1503, and a bus 1504. The memory 1501, processor 1502, and communication interface 1503 are interconnected via the bus 1504.

[0155] Memory 1501 refers to a device for storing data, which may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code having an instruction or data structure form and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. Indicatively, memory 1501 is used to store at least one piece of program code. When the program code stored in memory 1501 is executed by processor 1502, processor 1502 is used to execute the optical path control method provided in the above method embodiments.

[0156] The processor 1502 may be a network processor (NP), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or an integrated circuit used to control the execution of the program of the present application. The processor 1502 may be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. The number of processors 1502 may be one or more.

[0157] The communication interface 1503 uses a transceiver module, such as a transceiver, to enable communication between the management device 1500 and other devices or communication networks. For example, data can be acquired through the communication interface 1503.

[0158] The memory 1501 and the processor 1502 can be set separately or integrated together.

[0159] Bus 1504 may include a pathway for transmitting information between various components of management device 1500 (e.g., memory 1501, processor 1502, communication interface 1503).

[0160] In addition, this application also provides a device cluster, which includes multiple devices and an optical interconnect network. Different devices are connected to each other through the optical interconnect network. Each device includes a processor and a memory. The device cluster is used to implement the optical path switching method provided in the above-described method embodiments. The multiple devices are used to implement the functions of multiple nodes in the above-described optical interconnect system. In some embodiments, the multiple devices include a management device 1500, used to implement the optical path control method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0161] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of an optical path control device provided in an embodiment of this application. This device can implement some or all of the functions of the aforementioned management module through software, hardware, or a combination of both. As shown in Figure 16, the device includes an acquisition module 1601 and a transmission module 1602.

[0162] The acquisition module 1601 is used to acquire the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system.

[0163] In the process of transmitting optical signals from the first node among multiple nodes to the second node among multiple nodes through the first optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module, the transmitting module 1602 sends control information to the optical cross-connect module according to the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, so that the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module according to the instruction of the control information. The optical signal is used to carry the data of the task. Both the first optical processing module and the second optical processing module are connected to the first node.

[0164] In some embodiments, the sending module 1602 is configured to perform any of the following:

[0165] When bandwidth contention occurs among multiple optical paths corresponding to the first optical processing module, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module, including the first optical path;

[0166] If the bandwidth occupancy rate of the first optical path is greater than the first threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module;

[0167] If the signal transmission delay of the first optical path is greater than the second threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross module;

[0168] If the predicted bandwidth requirement of the first optical path is greater than the third threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module.

[0169] In some embodiments, during the process of the first node transmitting an optical signal to the second node through the first optical path, the first node also transmits an optical signal to the third node among multiple nodes through the third optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module.

[0170] The transmitting module 1602 is used to: send control information to the optical cross-connect module according to the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, so that the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path and switches the third optical path to the fourth optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module.

[0171] With the above-mentioned device, when the first node transmits optical signals to the second node through the first optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module, the optical cross-connect module in the optical interconnect network can switch the first optical path so that the first node can transmit optical signals to the second node through the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module. This realizes the dynamic switching of the interconnection optical path between nodes, which can effectively avoid insufficient bandwidth and reduce the latency of system task execution.

[0172] It should be noted that the optical path control device provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above functional modules. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. In addition, the optical path control device and the optical path control method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and the specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0173] In this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function. It should be understood that there is no logical or temporal dependency between "first," "second," and "nth," nor does it limit the quantity or execution order. It should also be understood that although the following description uses the terms "first," "second," etc., to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the various examples described, a first node can be referred to as a second node, and similarly, a second node can be referred to as a first node. Both first and second nodes can be nodes, and in some cases, they can be separate and distinct nodes.

[0174] In this application, the term "at least one" means one or more, and the term "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple nodes means two or more nodes.

[0175] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0176] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of program structure information. This program structure information includes one or more program instructions. When these program instructions are loaded and executed on a computing device, the processes or functions according to the embodiments of this application are generated, in whole or in part.

[0177] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0178] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An optical path switching method characterized by, The method, applied to an optical interconnect system comprising multiple nodes and an optical interconnect network, wherein the multiple nodes are used to perform tasks, and the optical interconnect network includes an optical cross-connect module and multiple optical processing modules, comprises: The first node among the plurality of nodes transmits an optical signal to the second node among the plurality of nodes through the first optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module. The optical signal is used to carry the data of the task. The optical cross module switches the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module. Both the first optical processing module and the second optical processing module are connected to the first node. The first node transmits optical signals to the second node through the second optical path.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module, including: The optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path according to the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path according to the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, including any one of the following: When bandwidth contention occurs among multiple optical paths corresponding to the first optical processing module, the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path, where the multiple optical paths include the first optical path. When the bandwidth occupancy rate of the first optical path is greater than a first threshold, the optical cross module switches the first optical path to the second optical path. If the signal transmission delay of the first optical path is greater than the second threshold, the optical cross module will switch the first optical path to the second optical path. When the predicted bandwidth requirement of the first optical path is greater than a third threshold, the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The optical interconnect system further includes a management module, which is connected to the optical cross-connect module, and the method further includes: The management module obtains the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system and sends control information to the optical cross-connect module according to the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system. The optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path according to the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, including: the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path according to the instruction of the control information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Before the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module, the method further includes: The first node transmits an optical signal to the third node among the plurality of nodes through the third optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module; The optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module, including: The optical cross module switches the first optical path to the second optical path and the third optical path to the fourth optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module; The first node transmits optical signals to the third node through the fourth optical path.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, If the first node is a computing node and the second node is a storage node, then the first node and the second node are connected through at least one optical cross module; If both the first node and the second node are computing nodes, then the first node and the second node are connected by at least two optical cross-connect modules.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The optical cross module and the plurality of optical processing modules are integrated on the optical interconnect board.

8. An optical path control method characterized by, A management module applied in an optical interconnect system, the optical interconnect system further including multiple nodes and an optical interconnect network, the multiple nodes being used to perform tasks, the optical interconnect network including an optical cross-connect module and multiple optical processing modules, the method comprising: Obtain the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system; During the process of the first node transmitting optical signals to the second node through the first optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module, the first node sends control information to the optical cross-connect module according to the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system. This causes the optical cross-connect module to switch the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module according to the instruction of the control information. The optical signal is used to carry the data of the task. Both the first optical processing module and the second optical processing module are connected to the first node.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, Sending control information to the optical cross-connect module based on the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system includes any one of the following: When bandwidth contention occurs among multiple optical paths corresponding to the first optical processing module, control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module, wherein the multiple optical paths include the first optical path; If the bandwidth occupancy rate of the first optical path is greater than the first threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross module; If the signal transmission delay of the first optical path is greater than the second threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross module; If the predicted bandwidth requirement of the first optical path is greater than the third threshold, control information is sent to the optical cross module.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, During the process of the first node transmitting optical signals to the second node through the first optical path, the first node also transmits optical signals to the third node among the plurality of nodes through the third optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module. The step of sending control information to the optical cross-connect module based on the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, so that the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path corresponding to the second optical processing module according to the instruction of the control information, includes: Based on the bandwidth usage status of the optical interconnect system, the control information is sent to the optical cross-connect module so that the optical cross-connect module switches the first optical path to the second optical path and the third optical path to the fourth optical path corresponding to the first optical processing module.

11. An optical interconnection system characterized by comprising: The optical interconnect system includes multiple nodes and an optical interconnect network. The multiple nodes are used to perform tasks, and the optical interconnect network includes an optical cross module and multiple optical processing modules. The optical interconnect system is used to implement the optical path switching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

12. An optical path control device characterized by comprising: A management module applied to an optical interconnect system, the optical interconnect system further including multiple nodes and an optical interconnect network, different nodes being connected through the optical interconnect network, the device including at least one functional module, the at least one functional module being used to implement the optical path control method as described in any one of claims 8 to 10.

13. A management device, characterized by comprising: The management device includes a processor and a memory, the processor being configured to execute at least one piece of program code stored in the memory to cause the management device to perform the optical path control method as described in any one of claims 8 to 10.

14. A cluster of devices, characterized in that, The device cluster includes multiple devices and an optical interconnection network, with different devices connected to each other through the optical interconnection network. Each device includes a processor and a memory. The device cluster is used to implement the optical path switching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store at least one piece of program code, which is used to implement the optical path switching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or to implement the optical path control method as described in any one of claims 8 to 10.

16. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product is used to implement the optical path switching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or to implement the optical path control method as described in any one of claims 8 to 10.

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