Collapsed Clos Switching Architecture for Multi-Chassis Fabric
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multi-chassis network systems with a Clos architecture require a separate dedicated middle stage fabric chassis, which increases capital and operational expenditures and complexity, and limits scalability and connectivity when only two network devices need to be connected in a back-to-back configuration.
Innovation Solution
A collapsed Clos architecture is implemented where a crossbar acts as both the ingress and egress stage and a portion of the middle stage, distributing the middle stage across multiple network devices, eliminating the need for a separate middle stage fabric chassis and reducing the number of crossbars and connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate dedicated middle stage fabric chassis is used in multi-chassis Clos architecture, then the system provides proper routing capability, but capital expenditures and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the middle stage fabric chassis with the first and second network devices into a single integrated device. The crossbar is partitioned into multiple crossbar components distributed across different network devices, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated middle stage chassis while maintaining routing capability through the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second network devices perform multiple functions: they act as both edge devices and middle stage fabric devices simultaneously. The crossbar components within these devices handle both local traffic and fabric-wide routing, reducing the need for dedicated specialized components.
2Reliability
If a separate dedicated middle stage fabric chassis is used in multi-chassis Clos architecture, then the system provides proper routing capability, but capital expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the middle stage fabric chassis with the first and second network devices, eliminating the need to purchase and deploy a separate dedicated chassis. This consolidation reduces capital expenditures by utilizing existing hardware resources for multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second network devices are designed to perform both edge device functions and middle stage fabric functions. This multi-functionality reduces the total quantity of hardware components needed, thereby reducing capital expenditures while maintaining routing capability.
3Quantity of substance
If crossbars are connected in back-to-back formation without a separate middle stage chassis, then capital expenditures are reduced, but connectivity and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar is segmented into multiple crossbar components distributed across different network devices. This segmentation allows the system to scale by adding more network devices with additional crossbar components, enhancing connectivity without requiring a separate middle stage chassis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional back-to-back crossbar connection to a three-dimensional distributed architecture where crossbar components are arranged across multiple network devices in a Clos fabric topology. This dimensional change enables enhanced scalability and connectivity while maintaining cost efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may comprise a first device and a second device associated with a Clos architecture. The first device may include a first crossbar that comprises a first component, a second component, and a third component. The second device may include a second crossbar that comprises a fourth component, a fifth component, and a sixth component. The first component may connect to the second component and the fifth component. The second component may connect to the first component, the third component, the fourth component, and the sixth component. The third component may connect to the second component and the fifth component. The fourth component may connect to the second component and the fifth component. The fifth component may connect to the first component, the third component, the fourth component, and the sixth component. The sixth component may connect to the second component and the fifth component.