Optical Interface Devices with Tunable Transmitters for Data Center Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical networks connecting multiple servers in data centers, existing technologies require numerous optical devices for full mesh topology, leading to increased power consumption, size, and cost due to the need for many transmitters and receivers at each node.
Innovation Solution
An optical network with an optical switch and optical interface devices that include fixed-wavelength and wavelength-tunable transmitters and receivers, managed by a traffic manager to dynamically set up optical paths, reducing the number of required devices by using a combination of fixed and tunable wavelengths for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a full mesh topology is adopted to one-hop connect all node equipments, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but the number of optical devices (transmitters and receivers) at each node increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling wavelength switching at each node equipment. Instead of static full mesh connectivity requiring N-1 transmitters and N-1 receivers per node, the system dynamically configures optical paths by switching wavelengths at the AWG. Each node only needs one transmitter and one receiver, while the AWG's wavelength routing capability provides the necessary connectivity flexibility to achieve one-hop transmission when needed.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the number of optical devices at each node is reduced, then power consumption and cost are lowered, but the ability to achieve one-hop connectivity between all node pairs is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The AWG serves multiple functions: it acts as a wavelength router, a switch fabric, and a topology configurator. By concentrating the routing intelligence in the AWG rather than distributing it across all node equipments, the system achieves universal connectivity capability with minimal devices at each node. The AWG's wavelength-based routing provides multi-functional capability to establish any-to-any one-hop connection without requiring each node to have multiple transmitters and receivers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wavelength switching means is implemented at each node equipment, then dynamic topology change is enabled, but the complexity and cost of each node equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AWG acts as an intermediary that centralizes the wavelength switching function. Instead of each node equipment implementing complex wavelength switching means, the AWG serves as a mediator that handles all wavelength routing decisions. Node equipments only need simple wavelength selection capability, while the AWG performs the complex wavelength-based path configuration, thereby reducing node complexity while maintaining dynamic topology change capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the number of optical devices needed, lowering power consumption and costs while enhancing data transmission efficiency by dynamically adjusting paths based on traffic demands, thereby improving network performance.
Implementation Method 1
an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG), which has N input ports and N output ports and has a routing function for guiding input light to a corresponding output port according to a wavelength of the input light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical network includes: an optical switch; a plurality of optical interface devices provided respectively for a plurality of servers and connected to the optical switch; and a manager to manage communication traffic of the plurality of servers. Each of the optical interface devices includes a fixed-wavelength optical transmitter and a wavelength tunable optical transmitter. A first optical path is set up via the optical switch by using the fixed-wavelength optical transmitters of the plurality of optical interface devices. The manager identifies first and second optical interface devices from among the plurality of optical interface devices in accordance with the communication traffic of the plurality of servers. A second optical path is set up between the first and second optical interface devices via the optical switch by using the wavelength tunable optical transmitters of the first and second optical interface devices.