Multi-Fiber Cable Shuffle Box Layout for Dense Network Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of physically connecting a large number of cables in high-density network environments, such as large-scale supercomputers or datacenters, are exacerbated by the need for precise wiring and the potential for human error, especially in multi-fiber cable networks with complex topologies like all-to-all, HyperX, and Dragonfly.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a single-stage shuffle box solution using multi-fiber cables (MFCs) and shuffle boxes, such as connected and bipartite shuffle boxes, to reduce the number of shuffle boxes and fiber length, thereby reducing signal loss and power consumption, while maintaining connectivity across nodes or switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional individual fiber connections are used, then connectivity between devices is established, but the number of cables and wiring complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual fiber connections are merged into a single multi-fiber cable assembly. The patent combines multiple fibers (e.g., 8, 16, or more fibers) into one bundled cable that connects to multiple ports simultaneously, reducing the total number of separate cable connections required while maintaining all necessary connectivity paths between network devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more shuffle boxes are used to manage fiber connections, then connectivity flexibility is improved, but signal loss and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates intermediate shuffle boxes from the fiber connection path by implementing direct multi-fiber cable connections between network devices. This removes unnecessary signal transmission stages, reducing signal loss and power consumption while maintaining connectivity flexibility through the multi-fiber cable's inherent ability to support multiple connection patterns.
3Area of stationary object
If individual fiber connections are used, then connection precision is maintained, but the physical footprint and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fiber connections are merged into a single multi-fiber cable assembly with integrated connectors. This consolidation reduces the physical footprint by grouping multiple fibers together in one cable bundle rather than requiring separate cable routes and connector positions for each individual fiber, while maintaining precise connections through standardized multi-fiber connector designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples described herein relate to a network configured according to a topology, where the network is to provide communication between the first computing device and the second computing device. In some examples, the network includes a combination of a connected shuffle box or a bipartite shuffle box. Various examples of connected shuffle boxes and bipartite shuffle boxes are described herein.