Optical I/O Switch Fabric Integration for Bandwidth Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication devices face limitations in bandwidth capacity growth due to their architecture, necessitating a new design to enhance data bandwidth capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a communication equipment architecture that integrates optical input/output units and a switch fabric within a single component, such as a printed circuit board, allowing direct communication with a minimum number of intermediate components, and includes multiple optical I/O units and base layers to increase bandwidth capacity and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical I/O units and switch fabric are integrated in separate components, then device functionality is maintained, but bandwidth capacity is limited and electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical I/O units and switch fabric into a single printed circuit board component, eliminating the need for separate components and intermediate connection interfaces. This merging directly increases bandwidth capacity by enabling direct communication between optical I/O units and switch fabric while reducing electromagnetic interference from multiple interfaces.
2Reliability
If multiple intermediate components are used for communication, then device functionality is maintained, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating optical I/O units and switch fabric on the same printed circuit board with direct communication pathways, the patent eliminates multiple intermediate components that would generate electromagnetic interference. This merging improves signal quality by reducing the number of interfaces and potential sources of electromagnetic disruption.
3Productivity
If existing architecture is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but bandwidth capacity growth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves enhanced bandwidth capacity while maintaining architectural simplicity by integrating optical I/O units and switch fabric into a single printed circuit board. This integration eliminates the need for complex inter-component communication infrastructure, achieving high bandwidth through direct communication pathways without sacrificing operational simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular expansion is not implemented, then device simplicity is maintained, but scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements modular expansion capability by designing the printed circuit board with multiple optical I/O units that can be independently configured and expanded. This segmentation allows the system to scale bandwidth capacity by adding or configuring additional optical I/O units on the same board without requiring complex modular architectures or separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device includes a plurality of optical input/output (I/O) units to exchange one or more optical signals with the optical network. The network device further includes a switch fabric to process one or more optical signals exchanged with an optical network. The network device also includes a connector configured to receive a connector to couple the network device to another device. The network device also includes a base layer connecting to the plurality of optical I/O units and the switch fabric. The base layer is included in a connection that does not include a back plane and that enables communications between the plurality of I/O units, the switch fabric, and the connector.