Fabric Cable Emulation for High-Density Cluster Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of nodes in rack enclosures increases, the space dedicated to interconnections becomes insufficient for cable-based solutions, leading to the loss of configuration parameters stored in memory devices on cables, which are removed with the elimination of fabric cables and connectors.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves emulating fabric cable interconnects by locating memory devices on fabric nodes to store configuration parameters, with a fabric configuration manager calculating and updating these parameters for connections between nodes and switches via a backplane, eliminating the need for physical cables and connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cable-based interconnect solutions are used, then configuration parameters can be stored in memory devices on cables, but space dedicated to interconnections becomes insufficient as the number of nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the memory device that stores configuration parameters from the cable itself and relocates it to the node. This allows the cable to be eliminated entirely while preserving the configuration parameter storage function, thereby reducing interconnection space requirements as node density increases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the configuration parameter storage function into the node structure itself, combining multiple functions (node operation and parameter storage) into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate cable-based storage
2Area of stationary object
If fabric cables and connectors are eliminated to reduce space, then space usage decreases, but configuration parameters stored in memory devices on cables are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fabric configuration manager as an intermediary system that calculates and provides configuration parameters to nodes. This mediator replaces the physical cable-based storage with a centralized management approach, preventing information loss while enabling cable elimination
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation of configuration parameters based on connection data before the actual connection is established. This advance preparation ensures that configuration parameters are available and preserved even though the physical cable carrying them is removed
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to fabric cable emulation. Some examples disclosed herein include determining connection data associated with a connection between a fabric interface of a cluster node in a fabric cluster and a fabric switch. Based on the determined connection data, configuration parameters for the connection may be calculated and stored in a memory device on the cluster node. An interface signal may be asserted to the fabric interface of the cluster node after the calculated configuration parameters are stored to indicate that the cluster node is available in the fabric cluster.