Link Routing Block for Supercomputer Node Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for networking in supercomputers, involving manual wiring of numerous nodes, are time-consuming, prone to errors, and limited by physical and economic constraints, making it difficult to implement complex topologies that could enhance computational performance.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a link routing block that encodes node-to-node mapping into a physical structure, using ordered interfaces to simplify and automate the connection of nodes, reducing manual wiring time and errors, and allowing for the implementation of complex topologies like hypercubes without constraining network topology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual wiring is used to connect nodes in supercomputers, then physical link routing can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring accuracyVSAvoidwiring time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring link routing blocks with predetermined connection paths and interfaces before deployment. These blocks are prepared in advance with all necessary routing information and physical connections pre-established, eliminating the need for manual wiring during system assembly and thereby reducing both time and errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating standardized link routing block templates that can be replicated and deployed throughout the supercomputer system. These identical pre-fabricated blocks contain the same connection patterns and routing logic, allowing rapid deployment without manual configuration for each connection, thus reducing wiring time and improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If manual wiring is used to establish node connections, then physical connections can be made, but wiring errors occur and time is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment speedVSAvoidwiring time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The link routing blocks are pre-configured with all necessary connection paths and interfaces before being installed in the supercomputer system. This preliminary preparation of connection routes eliminates the need for manual wiring during assembly, dramatically increasing connection establishment speed while reducing the time required for physical link routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The link routing blocks are designed to be self-configuring and self-routing, automatically establishing connections between nodes based on their predetermined interfaces and paths. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual wiring operations, thereby increasing productivity and reducing the time consumed for connection establishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If manual wiring is used for node connections, then physical links can be routed, but the process is prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex wiring task into discrete, standardized link routing blocks, each handling a specific subset of connections. By dividing the overall wiring complexity into smaller, manageable, and identical units with predetermined routes, the system reduces the complexity of individual wiring operations while improving overall connection accuracy through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs copying by using identical link routing block templates that are replicated throughout the system. These standardized blocks contain the same connection patterns and routing logic, eliminating variability and human error in wiring operations. The repetition of identical, pre-verified connection patterns ensures high reliability while reducing the complexity of individual wiring tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual wiring is used to connect nodes, then physical connections can be established, but it is difficult to implement complex topologies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetopology implementation flexibilityVSAvoidwiring time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics by designing link routing blocks with configurable interfaces and paths that can adapt to different topology requirements. The blocks can be dynamically arranged and connected in various configurations to support complex topologies such as hypercubes, while the predetermined routing mechanisms ensure that even these complex topologies can be implemented efficiently without consuming excessive wiring time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring link routing blocks with multiple possible connection paths and interfaces that can be selected to match different topology requirements. This pre-preparation of versatile connection options within each block allows the system to implement complex topologies like hypercubes by simply assembling the pre-configured blocks, thereby maintaining flexibility while reducing wiring time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9246769B2Systems and methods for physical link routing
Publication Date: 2016.01.26 LIFELINE RES OY
  • US9246769B2 patent drawing
  • US9246769B2 patent drawing
  • US9246769B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for physical link routing includes a link routing block, comprising a volume of solid material, that defines a set of link routing paths; and a first link interface, comprising a set of access points arranged in a pattern, wherein each access point of the set of access points is associated with an endpoint of a link routing path.