Multi-Stage Switch Fabric for Data Center Virtualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center systems are complex and costly, with increased latency due to multiple layers of switches performing Ethernet and IP packet processing, leading to poor scalability and high costs as more servers are added, necessitating additional ports and devices.
Innovation Solution
A data center architecture featuring a multi-stage switch fabric with virtualized resources, allowing any-to-any connectivity at low latency and enabling flexible oversubscription, with a modular and distributed switch core that reduces network infrastructure costs and improves scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers of switches are used for Ethernet and IP packet processing, then connectivity and functionality are improved, but latency increases and scalability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the packet processing function from multiple switch layers and consolidates it into a single network edge device. This eliminates the need for data to traverse multiple switching layers, thereby reducing latency while maintaining connectivity. The core switching fabric directly connects compute nodes, storage nodes, and network edge devices without intermediate processing layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network architecture into distinct functional zones: compute nodes, storage nodes, and network edge devices, each with specific responsibilities. This segmentation allows optimized data paths where time-sensitive traffic bypasses processing layers, while still providing full connectivity through the switching fabric.
2Productivity
If more servers are added to the data center, then computing capacity is improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to additional ports and devices
Solution Approach 1:
The network edge device serves multiple functions: it performs packet processing, enforces security policies, manages network access, and provides connectivity to external networks. This multi-functionality means that adding servers does not require additional specialized devices for each function, as the edge device handles all these roles, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple network functions (routing, switching, security, packet processing) into a unified architecture where the switching fabric and edge devices work together as an integrated system. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed when scaling, as the fabric can dynamically accommodate additional servers without requiring proportional increases in infrastructure complexity.
3Productivity
If more servers are added to the data center, then computing capacity is improved, but operational costs increase due to additional ports and devices
Solution Approach 1:
The switching fabric provides self-service capabilities through automated resource allocation and dynamic path selection. When new servers are added, the system automatically integrates them into the network without requiring manual configuration of additional infrastructure. The fabric intelligently manages bandwidth and routing, ensuring that operational costs do not scale linearly with computing capacity additions.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a switch core that has a multi-stage switch fabric. A first set of peripheral processing devices coupled to the multi-stage switch fabric by a set of connections that have a protocol. Each peripheral processing device from the first set of peripheral processing devices is a storage node that has virtualized resources. The virtualized resources of the first set of peripheral processing devices collectively define a virtual storage resource interconnected by the switch core. A second set of peripheral processing devices coupled to the multi-stage switch fabric by a set of connections that have the protocol. Each peripheral processing device from the first set of peripheral processing devices is a compute node that has virtualized resources. The virtualized resources of the second set of peripheral processing devices collectively define a virtual compute resource interconnected by the switch core.