Selector Switch Using Preconfigured Patterns for Scalable Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crossbar switches for computing networks are expensive, power-intensive, and prone to signal degradation due to the need for extensive hardware to achieve full interconnectivity, which is not economically viable for large-scale networks.
Innovation Solution
A selector switch that operates by switching between a subset of pre-configured interconnection patterns, using fewer switching elements and less expensive components such as beam steering devices, optical waveguides, and fiber optic cables, to achieve partial connectivity that can be cycled over time to realize full network interconnectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a crossbar switch is used to achieve full interconnectivity, then network connectivity is complete, but cost and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interconnection network into multiple stages, with each stage implementing a subset of the full crossbar functionality. Instead of one large crossbar switch providing all N×N connections simultaneously, the network is divided into smaller switching elements that collectively provide the same connectivity through multiple stages of switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching where the interconnection pattern changes over time. Switching elements can be reconfigured between different connection patterns, allowing the same physical hardware to provide different logical connections at different times, thereby achieving full connectivity without requiring all connections to exist simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a crossbar switch is used to achieve full interconnectivity, then network connectivity is complete, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power-intensive crossbar switch into multiple smaller switching stages, each consuming less power. By segmenting the switching function across multiple lower-power elements rather than one large high-power element, the overall power consumption is reduced while maintaining the same connectivity capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic reconfiguration of switching patterns, where connections are established in time-multiplexed fashion rather than all simultaneously. This allows the system to achieve full connectivity over time while keeping the active switching elements fewer at any given moment, thereby reducing instantaneous power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a crossbar switch is used to achieve full interconnectivity, then network connectivity is complete, but signal degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal path into multiple shorter stages rather than one long direct path through a large crossbar switch. Each switching element in the segmented path introduces less signal degradation individually, and the cumulative effect is managed through proper staging and buffering, reducing overall signal degradation compared to a single large switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary buffering and regeneration stages between switching elements. These intermediaries restore signal quality between switching operations, preventing cumulative signal degradation that would occur in a direct path through extensive switching hardware.
4Device complexity
If fewer switching elements are used, then cost and complexity are reduced, but connectivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration where a small set of switching elements can be repositioned and reconfigured to create different connection patterns over time. This temporal dimension allows fewer physical elements to provide the same connectivity as many more elements would provide statically, achieving full N×N connectivity with reduced hardware by utilizing time-multiplexed switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic switching patterns where connections are established in sequences rather than all at once. By cycling through different connection patterns periodically, the system achieves comprehensive connectivity coverage over time while using fewer switching elements than would be required to establish all connections simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for network switching may include a plurality of input ports, a plurality of output ports, and a subset of pre-configured interconnection patterns including some but not all of the possible interconnection patterns between the input ports and the output ports. The apparatus may be communicatively coupled to a network via the input ports and/or the output ports. The apparatus may be configured to switch to a first interconnection pattern and a second interconnection pattern from the subset of pre-configured interconnection patterns. The first interconnection pattern and the second interconnection pattern may each provide a set of connections between the input ports and the output ports. At least one signal between the input ports and the output ports may be transmitted via the first interconnection pattern and/or the second interconnection pattern. Related methods are also provided.