Data Center Network Wiring Reconfiguration via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reconfiguring data center networks are computationally intensive, impractical for scalable expansions, and often require the network to become inoperable during reconfiguration, especially in mesh-based networks, failing to efficiently update logical topologies to support changing traffic demands or hardware upgrades.
Innovation Solution
The technology enables efficient rewiring of logical links within patch panels to adapt to new network topologies by partitioning integer linear programming problems, allowing for real-time, minimally disruptive changes that maintain network functionality during reconfiguration, applicable to all types of data center networks including mesh networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods are used to reconfigure data center networks, then network reconfiguration can be achieved, but the process becomes computationally intensive and requires the network to become inoperable during reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network reconfiguration process into multiple stages: (1) computing the new logical topology, (2) generating a wiring plan that maps old to new connections, (3) executing reconfiguration in stages by processing patch panels sequentially, and (4) validating the new topology. This segmentation allows the network to remain partially operational during reconfiguration by processing only specific segments at a time, rather than shutting down the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first computing the complete new logical topology and generating the wiring plan before actually executing the reconfiguration. The system pre-calculates the mapping between old and new connections, and determines the optimal processing sequence for patch panels. This preliminary planning allows the actual reconfiguration to proceed more efficiently with minimal disruption to network operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network reconfiguration is performed to support scalable expansions, then the network can adapt to changing traffic demands, but the computational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach by formulating the reconfiguration problem as an integer linear programming problem with specific parameters: (1) binary decision variables indicating whether to rewire each logical link, (2) constraints ensuring valid topology mappings, and (3) objectives optimizing reconfiguration cost and disruption. This parameterization transforms the complex adaptive problem into a structured optimization problem that can be solved systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wiring plan as a mediator between the desired new logical topology and the physical reconfiguration process. The wiring plan serves as an intermediate representation that maps old connections to new connections, providing a concrete execution guide. This intermediary structure simplifies the complex transformation by breaking it down into manageable wiring operations that can be executed sequentially.
3Reliability
If mesh-based network topologies are reconfigured, then network functionality can be maintained, but the reconfiguration process becomes impractical for large-scale networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reconfiguration process by processing patch panels in a determined sequence rather than attempting to reconfigure the entire mesh network simultaneously. The system identifies independent or semi-independent segments and processes them in stages, allowing other parts of the network to remain operational. This sequential segmentation approach makes large-scale mesh network reconfiguration feasible within acceptable timeframes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by designing the reconfiguration process to maintain network functionality throughout the transition. The wiring plan is generated to preserve operational capability, and the sequential execution approach ensures that at least some network paths remain functional while reconfiguration progresses. This continuous operational approach prevents the network from becoming completely inoperable during large-scale reconfiguration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A datacenter network can be made of points of deliveries and patch panels. Rewiring the logical links within the datacenter network to meet a new network topology is computationally intense. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided to modify an existing network topology with a provided existing physical topology and logical topology into the new network topology. For example, the provided physical topology can include changes to the network, such as adding new points of delivery, adding additional patch panels, increasing the number of physical connections between points of delivery and patch panels, or removing a point of delivery.