Optical Circuit Switch Network Fabric Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data throughput loss occurs during the reconfiguration of network connections in hybrid optical and electrical switches when data centers expand, as existing methods break and reconnect links, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for reconfiguring data center networks by determining a delta topology that identifies decomposable link sets within optical circuit switches, allowing for the selective cutting and reconnecting of links to minimize the number of links broken during transition from one logical topology to another, thereby reducing data throughput loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network connections are reconfigured by breaking and reconnecting links during data center expansion, then the network topology can be updated to accommodate growth, but data throughput loss occurs during the reconfiguration process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the delta topology and identifying decomposable link sets before executing the reconfiguration. The controller determines the optimal sequence of link cuts and connections in advance, preparing the reconfiguration plan while the network operates in its current state, thus minimizing disruption to data throughput during the actual transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the reconfiguration process into decomposable link sets that can be independently manipulated. By dividing the overall topology change into smaller, manageable units of link cuts and connections, the system can execute reconfiguration in controlled steps rather than all at once, reducing the impact on data throughput during each segment's execution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple links are cut and reconnected during network reconfiguration, then the desired logical topology can be achieved, but the number of reconfiguration operations increases leading to greater data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary calculation of the delta topology to identify the minimal set of link cuts and connections required. By pre-determining the optimal reconfiguration sequence and identifying decomposable link sets beforehand, the system minimizes the number of operations needed and reduces the total reconfiguration time, thereby reducing data loss during the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of link configuration from individual link manipulation to grouped decomposable link set manipulation. By organizing links into sets that can be cut and reconnected together in coordinated fashion, the system reduces the total number of separate reconfiguration operations required, thereby reducing the time lost during reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional link reconfiguration methods are used, then network expansion can be supported, but inefficiencies in data transmission occur due to link breaking and reconnecting
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of the delta topology and identifies decomposable link sets before executing reconfiguration. This advance planning allows the network to maintain efficient data transmission during the transition by minimizing the duration and impact of link disruptions, thus preserving data transmission efficiency while supporting network expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by focusing reconfiguration operations on specific decomposable link sets within the network rather than globally reconfiguring all links. By locally manipulating only the necessary link sets that affect the topology change, the system maintains efficient data transmission in unaffected parts of the network while supporting expansion.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for reconfiguring the links made by a plurality of optical circuit switches between the nodes of the first layer and the nodes of the second layer that reduces the throughput loss when the network transitions form a first logical topology to a second logical topology. More particularly, the first logical topology is realized by a specific physical topology, while the second logical topology may be realized by one or more physical topologies. The disclosure describes a method for selecting a second physical topology from the one or more physical topologies that will realize the second logical topology while reducing the number of links within each of the optical circuit switches that must be reconfigured (i.e, disconnected from their present ports and reconnected to new ports within the optical circuit switch) to transition from the first to second logical topology.