Optical-Wireless Datacenter Links for Rapid Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Structured cabling in datacenters is time-consuming to install and maintain, lacks flexibility, and is vulnerable to physical attacks and degradation, with limited bandwidth and high costs.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for contactless point-to-point communication using optical-wireless-communication (OWC) or Light Fidelity (LiFi) between datacenter components, allowing for automatic configuration and reconfiguration of network links without physical changes, leveraging Software Defined Networking (SDN) for dynamic management and high-bandwidth connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If structured cabling is used to connect network nodes, then reliable physical connections are established, but installation and reconfiguration become time-consuming and inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation and reconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with electromagnetic wave-based wireless communication (optical, infrared, or radio frequency). Network nodes communicate through air interfaces instead of physical cable plugging/unplugging, eliminating the time-consuming mechanical connection process while maintaining reliable communication through protocol-layer error correction and handshaking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless communication protocols and software-defined networking layers as intermediaries between physical nodes. These intermediaries manage connection establishment, authentication, and data transmission without requiring direct physical contact, thereby reducing installation time while ensuring connection reliability through layered abstraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If physical cabling infrastructure is deployed, then network connectivity is established, but flexibility for physical changes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidphysical reconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic wireless connections that can be rapidly established, modified, or terminated through software control. Network topology changes are achieved by reconfiguring wireless communication parameters rather than physically moving cables, enabling flexible adaptation to changing network requirements while maintaining continuous connectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the network connection function into independent wireless communication channels between node pairs. Each connection is independently manageable through software, allowing selective activation/deactivation of specific links without affecting the entire physical cabling infrastructure, thereby enhancing reconfiguration flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If electromagnetic wave-based wireless communication is implemented, then installation time is reduced and flexibility is improved, but new technology adoption complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork deployment speedVSAvoidwireless communication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs wireless communication interfaces that can operate across multiple frequency bands and modulation schemes using the same hardware platform. The system provides universal connectivity through air interfaces while supporting various communication standards, reducing deployment complexity through standardized multi-functional components rather than specialized hardware for each protocol

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach reduces installation and maintenance time, enhances security, and provides flexible, high-bandwidth networks with improved stability and adaptability, decoupling network control and forwarding functions.

Implementation Method 1

communicate with adjacent components using electromagnetic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

optical-wireless-communication (OWC) uses light to carry a signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS10644794B2Contactless low-distance network-connection in datacenters

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 NEC CORP

AI summary

A method for connecting nodes in a datacenter includes installing a first network node in a datacenter adjacent to at least a second network node. A wireless communication link is automatically established between the first network node and the second network node. A network is configured with the first network node, the second network node, and a third network node.