Optical Interconnection Modules for Spine-Leaf Network Scale-Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional three-tier switch architectures and existing Folded Clos networks face challenges in providing low latency and scalability while managing complex mesh topologies with numerous fibers and connectors, leading to increased costs and complexity, especially when scaling to large numbers of switches.
Innovation Solution
The development of a modular optical interconnection assembly and method using Spine and Leaf multi-fiber optical connectors, enabling flexible deployment and scaling of Spine-and-Leaf networks with an arbitrary number of even uplinks, utilizing M-FLEX meshes that allow for simplified interconnection mapping and reduced installation errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mesh fabrics are implemented using patch panels with numerous patch cords, then network connectivity is achieved, but installation complexity and error rate increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple patch cord connections into a single pre-assembled optical interconnection assembly that contains all necessary fiber optic cables, connectors, and routing within one integrated unit. This merging of multiple individual components into a single assembly eliminates the complexity of handling numerous separate patch cords while ensuring correct connectivity through factory-preconfigured internal routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical interconnection assembly is pre-assembled and pre-configured in the factory with all fiber optic connections, routing, and mappings established before deployment. This preliminary action eliminates installation errors that would occur during field assembly and reduces installation time, as the assembly is simply plugged in rather than constructed on-site.
2Productivity
If the number of Spine and Leaf switches is increased to scale the network, then network capacity and server connectivity improve, but the number of required fiber connections and mesh complexity increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical interconnection system into standardized, modular assemblies that can be independently deployed between Spine and Leaf switches. Each assembly represents a discrete unit of connectivity that can be added incrementally as the network scales, avoiding the need to redesign the entire mesh topology when adding switches. This modular segmentation makes scaling predictable and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical interconnection assembly is designed as a universal component that can be used across different Spine and Leaf switch configurations regardless of the specific number of switches or ports. The standardized interface and configurable internal routing allow the same assembly type to serve multiple functions in different network sizes, simplifying inventory management and deployment procedures as the network grows.
3Device complexity
If multi-fiber optical connectors with higher port density are used, then the number of physical connections is reduced, but the complexity of interconnection mapping and configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical interconnection assembly incorporates self-identifying features and automated detection capabilities that allow the network system to automatically discover and configure the connectivity mapping. The assembly provides information about its internal fiber routing and port mappings, enabling the network management system to automatically configure connections without manual intervention, thus eliminating the complexity of manual mapping while maintaining high port density.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical interconnection assembly and method for the deployment and scaling of optical networks employing Spine-and-Leaf architecture has Spine multi-fiber optical connectors and Leaf multi-fiber optical connectors. The Spine optical connectors of the interconnection assembly are optically connected to multi-fiber connectors of Spine switches via Spine patch cords. The leaf multi-fiber connectors are optically connected to Leaf multi-fiber connectors of Leaf switches via Leaf patch cords. A plurality of fiber optic cables in said interconnection assembly serves to optically connect every Spine multi-fiber connector to every Leaf multi-fiber connector so that every Spine switch is optically connected to every Leaf switch. The optical interconnection assembly facilitates the deployment of network Spine-and-Leaf interconnections and the ability to scale out the network by using simplified methods described in this disclosure.