Configurable Optical Communications System Between Servers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current blade server architectures face limitations in communications between individual blades due to bottlenecks in midplane bus connections and non-configurable point-to-point communications, which restrict flexibility and scalability in resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental optical communications system with configurable point-to-point pathways and pivotable mirrors within the blade server enclosure allows for dynamic or static configuration of optical connections between blade servers, enabling flexible resource allocation without requiring physical re-arrangement of blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If midplane bus connections are used for blade server communications, then system integration is simplified, but communication bandwidth and speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication pathway by introducing dedicated optical communication channels between blade pairs, separating high-speed point-to-point communication from the general-purpose midplane bus. This allows critical communications to bypass the bus bottleneck while maintaining system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical transceivers and optical cables as intermediary components between blades, enabling high-speed communication without direct electrical connection through the midplane bus. The optical intermediary bypasses the electrical bus limitations while maintaining compatibility with the existing blade architecture.
2Speed
If dedicated point-to-point connections are implemented between blades, then communication speed improves, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal optical transceiver modules that can be installed in any blade slot position, allowing the same component to serve multiple configuration needs. The optical pathway components are designed to work with any blade pair, eliminating the need for custom wiring for each connection scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamically reconfigurable optical connections where transceivers can be activated or deactivated based on communication needs. The system allows flexible pairing of blades through software configuration rather than fixed physical connections, enabling adaptive topology changes without physical reinstallation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical re-arrangement of blades is required for reconfiguration, then communication pathways are fixed, but flexibility and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically reconfigurable optical connections where transceivers can be activated or deactivated based on communication needs. The system allows flexible pairing of blades through software configuration rather than fixed physical connections, enabling adaptive topology changes without physical reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reconfiguration process (physically moving blades) with an optical/electronic control system. The optical transceivers are controlled by software or management systems, allowing logical reconfiguration of communication pathways without any physical movement of blade components.
4Quantity of substance
If optical communications pathway is added to blade server enclosure, then communication bandwidth increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical communication pathway with the existing blade server enclosure structure, integrating optical transceivers into blade slots and routing optical cables through existing pathways. This consolidation adds optical capability without requiring separate standalone optical infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal optical transceiver modules that can be installed in any blade slot position, allowing the same component to serve multiple configuration needs. The optical pathway components are designed to work with any blade pair, eliminating the need for custom wiring for each connection scenario.
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 enhances flexibility and scalability by allowing arbitrary blade-to-blade communications, enabling efficient allocation of compute resources without dedicated connections or front access issues, thus improving performance in high-speed applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least two pivotable mirrors carried inside the optical pathway and in-line with the input/output devices, and orientating the pivotable mirrors to direct the optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable optical communications system (100) for establishing point-to-point communications between multiple computer servers (160) coupled to a common midplane or backplane communications bus (132), wherein at least two of the servers include an optical input/output device (170) for sending and receiving an optical signal (112). The system further includes an optical communications pathway (140) that is configured to carry the optical signal, and at least two pivotable mirrors (150) located within the optical pathway and in-line with the optical input/output devices that are selectively orientated to direct the optical signal between the optical input/output devices to establish the point-to-point communication between the at least two servers.