Fat Tree Network Apparatus Switch Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale Fat Tree network systems, the average number of hops between nodes increases with scale, leading to delays in signal transmission and difficulties in securing a wide band for all-to-all communication using the shift communication pattern.
Innovation Solution
The network apparatus reconfigures signal transmitting units to minimize hops by classifying switches into groups based on node address remainders, ensuring that signals are routed through distinct paths, thereby reducing contention and increasing the number of adjacent connection switches, which enhances bandwidth and reduces transmission delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the network scale is increased to connect more nodes, then the network coverage and connectivity are improved, but the average number of hops between nodes increases leading to transmission delays
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple Fat Tree structures connected via edge switches, where each Fat Tree serves as an independent domain. This segmentation allows nodes within the same Fat Tree to communicate with fewer hops, while inter-Fat Tree communication is handled by edge switches, preventing hop count explosion in large-scale networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the network topology by connecting multiple Fat Tree structures through edge switches. This creates a multi-layer architecture where intra-Fat Tree communication occurs at the lower level and inter-Fat Tree communication occurs at the upper level, effectively managing large-scale connectivity without proportionally increasing hop counts.
2Quantity of substance
If the network scale is increased to support more nodes, then the network capacity is improved, but securing a wide band for all-to-all communication becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the large-scale network into multiple Fat Tree domains, each domain maintains sufficient bandwidth for all-to-all communication among its nodes. The segmentation prevents bandwidth contention that would occur in a single large Fat Tree, as each domain independently manages its communication resources.
Solution Approach 2:
Edge switches act as intermediaries between multiple Fat Tree domains, enabling all-to-all communication across the entire network while maintaining wide band within each domain. The edge switches coordinate communication between domains, preventing bandwidth exhaustion in any single domain.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of switches is increased to support more nodes, then the network capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into standardized Fat Tree domains, each with a fixed number of switches and nodes. This segmentation reduces configuration complexity by allowing repeated deployment of identical domain templates, rather than configuring each switch individually in a large heterogeneous network.
Solution Approach 2:
Each Fat Tree domain is designed with sufficient switching capacity to handle all communication within the domain without requiring additional switches. This partial action approach ensures that each domain is self-sufficient, reducing the overall complexity of inter-domain coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
First-stage switches (B1 to B9), second-stage switches (M1 to M9), and third-stage switches (T1 to T9) include a bottom connection path that configure to interchange a connection point of one or more second signal transmitting units and a connection point of another one or more second signal transmitting units, in a Fat Tree configuration between the first-stage switches (B1 to B9) and the second-stage switches (M1 to M9) constituting a one-set Fat Tree with the third-stage switches (T1 to T9).