Data Switching System Using Intra-Group and Inter-Group Ports

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data switching systems face limitations in scalability due to the capacity constraints of core layer switching apparatuses, making it difficult to meet the growing demands of bandwidth and service expansion in cloud computing environments.

Innovation Solution

A data switching system is designed with multiple subsystems interconnected by intra-group and inter-group optical interleavers, allowing network side ports to function as both intra-group and inter-group ports, enabling a full mesh of switching apparatuses with only one type of switching apparatus, thereby overcoming capacity limitations and reducing the number of required fibers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional core layer switching apparatuses are used to implement intercommunication between all servers, then network connectivity is achieved, but the system capacity is limited by the core switching apparatus capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the network into multiple subsystems, each with its own switching apparatuses. This segmentation allows the system capacity to exceed the capacity of any single core switching apparatus by distributing traffic across multiple subsystems and interconnected switching nodes, thereby resolving the bottleneck of conventional single-core architectures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new architectural dimension by enabling switching apparatuses to function in multiple roles (intra-group ports for local subsystem communication, inter-group ports for subsystem interconnection). This multi-functional capability adds a dimensional layer to the network architecture, allowing capacity scaling without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple types of switching apparatuses are deployed to achieve full mesh connectivity, then network capacity is improved, but the number of required fibers and construction costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidfiber quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal switching apparatus that can perform multiple functions: serving as a core switching apparatus for inter-subsystem communication and as an access switching apparatus for intra-subsystem communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switching apparatus types, reducing the total number of fibers required while maintaining full mesh connectivity and high network capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of core switching and access switching into a single unified switching apparatus. By combining these previously separate roles into one device that can operate in different modes (intra-group and inter-group ports), the system achieves the same connectivity and capacity benefits with fewer fibers and lower construction costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If core layer switching apparatus capacity is increased to meet future service development requirements, then network capacity is improved, but the system becomes more expensive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice expansion capabilityVSAvoidswitching apparatus capacity requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic network architecture where switching apparatuses can flexibly switch between different operational modes (intra-group or inter-group) based on traffic requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to accommodate future service development needs by reconfiguring existing apparatuses rather than requiring proportional increases in capacity or complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The universal switching apparatus designed in the patent can adapt to different network scenarios and future service requirements by performing multiple functions. This multi-functionality provides inherent adaptability for service expansion without requiring specialized high-capacity core apparatuses, thereby avoiding increased complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to meet future demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3094056B1Data switching system, method for sending data traffic, and switching apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3094056B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3094056B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3094056B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a data switching system, including K subsystems, where a first subsystem in the K subsystems includes M switching apparatuses, a first switching apparatus in the M switching apparatuses includes X network side ports, and the X network side ports include M-1 intra-group ports and K-1 inter-group ports, where the M-1 intra-group ports are respectively connected to M-1 switching apparatuses in the first subsystem except the first switching apparatus; and the K-1 inter-group ports are respectively connected to direct switching apparatuses, of the first switching apparatus, in K-1 subsystems in the K subsystems except the first subsystem. Such a structure improves a capacity of a switching system in a case in which no core switching apparatus is required.