Co-Packaged Multiplane Network Cabling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cost of cabling in large-scale interconnection networks grows super-linearly with the number of network components, making it expensive to increase bandwidth, as passive cables are limited in length and active optical cables are costly.
Innovation Solution
The approach of co-packaging multiple network planes within an enclosure, where each plane is independent and has the same topology, reduces the number of cables needed by using a single switch per plane with four ports, connected via four optical or electrical lines, eliminating inter-plane connections and scaling with the number of switches and planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of network components is increased to expand bandwidth, then the network capacity is improved, but the cabling cost increases super-linearly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple network planes (first network plane and second network plane) into a single enclosure with shared connectors. Each plane has its own switches and interconnections, but both planes share the same external connectors and enclosure space, reducing the total cabling required compared to separate implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The network is segmented into independent network planes (first network plane and second network plane), each with its own switches and interconnections. This segmentation allows each plane to be independently configured and connected, reducing the overall cabling complexity compared to a single monolithic network.
2Quantity of substance
If passive cables are used to reduce cost, then cabling cost is reduced, but cable length is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional cabling arrangements to a three-dimensional co-packaged structure within an enclosure. Multiple network planes are stacked vertically within the same enclosure, allowing connections to be made through vertical interconnects rather than requiring long horizontal cables between separate locations.
3Length of moving object
If active optical cables are used to increase cable length, then cable length is extended, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple network planes within a single enclosure before final deployment. The switches and interconnections are arranged in advance within the enclosure, so that when the system is deployed, the connections are already optimized and require minimal external cabling, avoiding the need for expensive active optical cables.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are provided for each network plane, then connectivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing connectors that can serve multiple network planes. The same enclosure and connector infrastructure supports both the first network plane and the second network plane, allowing a single connector to potentially serve multiple planes or at least reducing the total number of unique connectors needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A co-packaged, multiplane network includes: an enclosure; a portion of a first network plane disposed within the enclosure and comprising a first plurality of interconnected switches; a portion of a second network plane disposed within the enclosure and comprising a second plurality of interconnected switches, the second network plane being independent of the first network plane and having the same topology as the first network plane; and a plurality of connectors, each connector being communicatively coupled to a respective port of each of the first plurality of interconnected switches and the second plurality of interconnected switches.