Optical Shuffle Box for 3D Torus Network Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud computing systems face bottlenecks in network bandwidth and latency between servers and storage nodes, as well as management switch failures, leading to complex and error-prone cabling issues, airflow obstruction, and increased optical loss due to the high number of cables required for 3D torus network topologies.
Innovation Solution
An optical shuffle box with integrated 3D torus data and management networks using multi-fiber push-on (MPO) connectors and optical pigtails, reducing the number of connectors and cables needed, while utilizing a fabric processor for virtual networking paths to manage nodes and separate management traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate management and data networks are used, then network functionality is provided, but cable complexity and optical loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate management and data networks into a single integrated network infrastructure. Optical switches and shuffle boxes handle both management traffic and data traffic through the same physical cabling, reducing the number of cables and connectors while maintaining distinct logical pathways for different traffic types.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switching infrastructure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - handling both management plane traffic and data plane traffic through the same hardware components and cabling. The system provides universal connectivity that serves dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated management cabling.
2Speed
If high-speed optical connections are implemented, then data transmission speed improves, but optical loss increases with more connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary connectors from the optical path by implementing direct optical connections between switches and shuffle boxes. By removing intermediate connection points and reducing the number of optical interfaces, the system maintains high transmission speeds while minimizing cumulative optical loss that would otherwise accumulate across multiple connector interfaces.
3Productivity
If 3D torus network topology is implemented, then network bandwidth is improved, but airflow obstruction and heat dissipation issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a three-dimensional torus network topology that organizes optical switches and shuffle boxes across multiple spatial dimensions within the rack. This 3D arrangement distributes heat-generating components more effectively through vertical and horizontal spacing, improving airflow patterns and heat dissipation while maintaining the high-bandwidth connectivity characteristics of the torus topology.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include an optical shuffle box. The optical shuffle box may include a set of optical connector ports and a set of optical fiber pigtails. Each optical fiber pigtail may have a first end and a second end. The second end of each optical fiber pigtail may include an optical connector. Each optical connector port may be communicatively coupled to the first end of two or more optical fiber pigtails.