Modular Switching Matrix Diagonal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular switching systems face challenges in efficiently distributing control data and scaling to accommodate a large number of edge nodes in a modular switching system configured as a large-scale data center or global network, particularly in maintaining effective communication and indexing as the system grows.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a matrix of switches with diagonal pairs of switches collocated for efficient control data distribution, using spectral routers and multiplexers for communication, and a method of indexing edge nodes to maintain consistent indexing as the system expands, allowing for the addition of new switches and edge nodes while maintaining communication paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of switches in the modular switching system is increased to accommodate more edge nodes, then the system capacity and coverage are improved, but the complexity of distributing control data from switches to edge nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control data distribution by organizing switches into diagonal pairs where each pair shares a common control path to edge nodes. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity by dividing the control distribution task into smaller, manageable units rather than having each switch independently manage control data for all edge nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
Diagonal pairs of switches are designed to serve multiple edge nodes simultaneously through shared control paths. The universal control mechanism allows the same control infrastructure to serve multiple switches and edge nodes, reducing the overall control data distribution complexity while supporting system expansion.
2Productivity
If diagonal pairs of switches are spatially collocated to reduce control data distribution complexity, then control efficiency is improved, but the physical space requirements and system layout complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Diagonal pairs of switches are physically collocated and merged into shared enclosures or mounting structures. This merging reduces the physical footprint and simplifies the overall system layout while maintaining the control efficiency benefits of spatial proximity. The combined physical structure reduces cable lengths and simplifies infrastructure requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If the switching system is designed to scale to a large number of switches, then the system capacity is improved, but maintaining consistent indexing and communication paths becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmentation by organizing switches into diagonal pairs and further dividing them into sub-matrices. This hierarchical segmentation allows for consistent indexing schemes that can be applied recursively as the system scales, making it easier to manage communication paths and maintain organization regardless of system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a two-dimensional matrix arrangement of switches with row and column indexing, creating a structured coordinate system for communication paths. This dimensional organization allows for systematic addressing and routing that scales predictably, making it easier to manage communication paths as the system grows by adding more rows and columns.
Data Source
AI summary
A large-scale switching system configured as a global network or a large-scale data center employs switches arranged in a matrix having multiple rows and multiple columns. The switching system supports a large number of access nodes (edge nodes). Each access node has a channel to each switch in a respective row and a channel from each switch of a respective column. Thus, an access node connects to input ports of a set of switches and output ports of a different set of switches. Each access node has a path to each other access node traversing only one of the switches. Controllers of switches of each diagonal pair of switches are integrated or mutually coupled to provide a return control path for each access node. The switches may be arranged into constellations of collocated switches to facilitate edge-node access to switches using wavelength-division-multiplexed links. The switches are preferably fast optical switches.