Data Center Network Fiber Mesh Interconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data center networks face challenges in efficiently managing physical interconnections, leading to complexity, high costs, and increased power consumption due to the need for numerous pathway controlling devices, which complicates data packet routing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a high-density fiber mesh interconnect system that enables direct optical fiber connections between network devices within a row, reducing the need for traditional switches and core switches, and utilizing an orchestration system to manage and map out logical and physical topologies for efficient data path definition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional packet switching and pathway controlling devices are used, then data routing flexibility is improved, but network complexity and device quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into functional domains: fabric interconnects handle connectivity, orchestration systems handle configuration, and network devices handle data processing. This segmentation distributes complexity across specialized components rather than requiring every device to handle all routing decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
An orchestration system acts as an intermediary between network administrators and fabric interconnects, automatically generating and managing pathway configurations. This mediator handles the complexity of routing decisions centrally, simplifying the overall network architecture.
2Reliability
If numerous pathway controlling devices are deployed, then data transmission control is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Fabric interconnects are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide physical connectivity, enforce security policies, manage power distribution, and handle data routing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, lowering operational costs while maintaining transmission control.
3Productivity
If traditional switch architectures are used, then data packet routing capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electronic packet switching mechanisms with optical fiber-based direct connections. Optical transmission consumes less power than electronic switching while maintaining or improving data routing capability, especially for high-speed connections between fabric interconnects.
4Productivity
If fiber port density is increased, then interconnection efficiency is improved, but physical space constraints worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs nested hierarchical structures where fabric interconnects are organized in tiers, with higher-level interconnects aggregating connections from lower-level devices. This nesting allows efficient interconnection of numerous devices while managing physical space through structured organization rather than requiring all connections at a single level.
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 reduces network complexity, lowers operational costs, and minimizes power consumption by eliminating unnecessary devices, while enhancing data center scalability and reliability through direct connections and intelligent management of fiber interconnects.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of optical fibers within the housing and connected between one or more of the plurality of connectors in a predefined mapping to provide a direct optical fiber connection between connectors
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a data center network having one or more data center rows, where each row has one or more racks, and each rack has one or more network devices, such as servers, storage devices and switches. The rows and racks are interconnected by a fiber interconnect core that reduces the number of switching nodes in the data center network, and reduces the individual path latency, the overall data center network cost, power consumption, and power and cooling requirements.