Central Controller for Optical Data Center Network Topology
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data center networks experience high latency and latency skew due to hierarchical architectures and lack contextual information for optimal resource provisioning, leading to inefficiencies and bottlenecks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing optical network topologies with central controllers that manage computing resources based on network and application component topologies, using affinity modeling and topology fitting engines to optimize network paths and reduce physical interconnectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hierarchical network architecture with multiple switches and routers is used to interconnect servers, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but latency and latency skew increase due to excessive data traversal through multiple nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hierarchical network architecture into a flat network topology where servers are directly interconnected without requiring traversal through multiple switches and routers. This segmentation eliminates the need for data to pass through excessive network nodes, thereby reducing latency while maintaining comprehensive network connectivity through direct peer-to-peer connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical hierarchical dimension (access layer → aggregation layer → core layer) to a horizontal flat dimension where all servers operate at the same network level. This dimensional change allows data to travel directly between servers without climbing up and down the hierarchy, significantly reducing latency skew while preserving full network adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If configuration data is used for resource allocation without contextual information about network topology and application requirements, then resource provisioning is simplified, but application performance optimization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors network topology, application component topology, and performance metrics. This feedback loop enables the network management system to dynamically adjust resource allocation and routing decisions based on real-time contextual information, thereby optimizing application performance while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of network topology and application requirements before making resource provisioning decisions. By pre-processing contextual information about network structure and application characteristics, the system can make informed allocation decisions that optimize performance from the outset, rather than relying on generic configuration data alone.
Data Source
AI summary
Data center networks that employ optical network topologies and optical nodes to efficiently allocate bandwidth within the data center networks, while reducing the physical interconnectivity requirements of the data center networks. Such data center networks employ at least one central controller for controlling and provisioning computing resources within the data center networks based at least in part on the network topology and an application component topology, thereby enhancing overall application program performance.