CAWG Data Center Network Reducing Optical Fiber Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center networks face limitations in scalability due to core switch capacity constraints, require excessive optical fibers, and incur high cabling and maintenance costs, making it difficult to meet growing bandwidth demands and simplify operations.
Innovation Solution
A data center network architecture utilizing cyclic arrayed waveguide grating (CAWG) groups and edge switch groups, which reduces the number of optical fibers needed by using CAWGs as intermediate devices for connecting edge and core switches, and employs optical multiplexers/demultiplexers for efficient signal management, allowing for flexible port capacity expansion without additional cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional three-layer network structure with direct optical fiber connections between access and convergence switches is used, then network connectivity is achieved, but the number of optical fibers increases dramatically and equipment room space is severely constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wavelength selective switch (WSS) as an intermediary device between access switches and convergence switches. The WSS enables multiple optical signals with different wavelengths to be multiplexed onto a single optical fiber pair, thereby reducing the number of physical fiber connections required while maintaining full network connectivity. This mediator allows wavelength-division multiplexing to occur at the network infrastructure level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the wavelength dimension to the traditional spatial fiber connection model. Instead of requiring separate spatial paths for each connection, the system uses multiple wavelengths on the same spatial fiber path. This dimensional transformation allows N access switches to connect to M convergence switches using only N×M wavelength slots across a reduced number of physical fiber pairs.
2Ease of operation
If direct optical fiber connections are established between each access switch and convergence switch, then network functionality is provided, but cabling costs increase to 3 to 4 times the cost of optical modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate fiber connections into a single shared fiber infrastructure by implementing wavelength-division multiplexing. Multiple logical connections that would traditionally require separate physical fibers are combined onto shared fiber pairs, with the WSS managing wavelength allocation. This consolidation dramatically reduces the quantity of expensive multi-core optical fibers and associated cabling infrastructure required.
3Power
If core switch capacities are increased to meet growing data center traffic demands, then network bandwidth is improved, but the bottleneck of core switch capacities limits further scale expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic wavelength allocation system where the WSS can flexibly assign and reassign wavelength resources based on real-time network traffic demands. This dynamic resource management allows the network to adapt to changing bandwidth requirements without physical reconfiguration, enabling scale expansion through software-controlled wavelength assignment rather than hardware capacity upgrades alone.
4Productivity
If numerous ports are deployed in the data center to handle increasing traffic, then network capacity is increased, but the number of required optical modules and connector costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each optical fiber pair multi-functional by enabling it to carry multiple wavelength channels simultaneously. A single fiber pair that would traditionally support one connection now supports multiple logical connections through wavelength multiplexing. This universality allows the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple network functions and connections, reducing the total number of optical modules and connectors needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution significantly reduces the number of optical fibers required, lowers cabling costs, simplifies maintenance, and enables convenient network capacity expansion, addressing the scalability and cost issues of traditional data center networks.
Implementation Method 1
cyclic arrayed waveguide grating (CAWG) groups... Y uplink CAWGs are connected to each core switch in the core switch group separately by using an optical uplink, and the Y downlink CAWGs are connected to each core switch in the core switch group separately by using an optical downlink
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a data center network and a method for deploying the data center network. The data center network includes one core switch group, m cyclic arrayed waveguide grating CAWG groups, and m edge switch groups, where the core switch group includes k core switches; each CAWG group includes 2*Y N*N CAWGs, where the 2*Y CAWGs include Y uplink CAWGs and Y downlink CAWGs, the Y uplink CAWGs are connected to each core switch in the core switch group separately by using an optical uplink, and the Y downlink CAWGs are connected to each core switch in the core switch group separately by using an optical downlink; and each edge switch of an edge switch group is connected to an uplink CAWG and a downlink CAWG in a corresponding CAWG group separately. The present invention can reduce the number of optical fibers in a data center network.