Modular Optical Broadcast Interconnect Fabric

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current interconnect technologies for computer systems face challenges in efficiently connecting multiple nodes without data congestion, switches, and heterogeneous hardware elements, leading to delays and increased costs in data centers and supercomputer applications.

Innovation Solution

A modular interconnect system that uses fully connected, direct-broadcast, point-to-point, all-to-all interconnect fabric, eliminating the need for switches and heterogeneous hardware by connecting multiple direct-broadcast interconnect modules to enable continuous, uninterrupted data flow between any input and output nodes, ensuring non-blocking and congestion-free operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If switches and heterogeneous hardware elements are used to connect multiple nodes, then connectivity between nodes is achieved, but data congestion and delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity between nodesVSAvoiddata transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes switches and heterogeneous hardware elements from the interconnect system, replacing them with a homogeneous network fabric where nodes directly communicate through standardized interfaces. This elimination of intermediate switching hardware removes the sources of data congestion and delays while maintaining full connectivity between nodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the interconnect into modular units with standardized interfaces, allowing direct peer-to-peer communication between nodes. Each node is equipped with multiple network interface cards (NICs) that can independently communicate with other nodes, eliminating the need for centralized switches and enabling parallel data paths that prevent congestion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If switches and heterogeneous hardware elements are used to connect multiple nodes, then connectivity between nodes is achieved, but delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity between nodesVSAvoiddata transfer delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes continuous direct data paths between nodes without interruption from switching operations. Data flows continuously through the network fabric from source to destination nodes without being stopped, buffered, or re-routed by intermediate switches, eliminating switching delays and enabling uninterrupted data transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If switches and heterogeneous hardware elements are used, then node connectivity is achieved, but system complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenode connectivityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs universal standardized interfaces and protocols across all nodes, eliminating the need for specialized heterogeneous hardware. Each node can communicate with any other node through the same standardized network fabric, simplifying the system architecture while maintaining full connectivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If switches and heterogeneous hardware elements are used, then node connectivity is achieved, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenode connectivityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system discards expensive specialized switching hardware and heterogeneous components in favor of standardized, commoditized network interface cards and cables. By using off-the-shelf standardized components rather than custom proprietary hardware, the system reduces costs while maintaining or improving connectivity capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS8909047B2Scalable optical broadcast interconnect

Publication Date: 2014.12.09 LIGHTFLEET CORP

AI summary

A modular interconnect includes an mn-by-mn fully connected, direct broadcast, point-to-point, all-to-all interconnect fabric, wherein the mn-by-mn fully connected, direct broadcast, point-to-point, all-to-all interconnect fabric is non-blocking and congestion free, and wherein m is an integer≧2 and n is an integer≧2. Operating the modular interconnect includes distributing each of mn inputs to each and every one of mn outputs.