Switch Shuffle Layer for High Radix Optical Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In data center networks, increasing switch radix (port count) leads to a corresponding increase in physical links, which can be cumbersome and costly, especially when using optical transceivers, and may exceed the capacity of switch face plates and cable management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a WDM-based optical interface with a shuffle layer in spine or leaf switch module housing units to increase switch radix without additional optical fibers, by using a multiplexer to combine signals from multiple lanes into a single optical medium and a demultiplexer to direct them to different destinations within the switch fabric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switch radix (port count) is increased, then more client devices can be connected, but the number of physical links increases correspondingly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shuffle layer that operates in an additional dimensional space between the switch fabric and optical interfaces. This shuffle layer enables signals to be redirected across different spatial planes, allowing multiple logical connections to share the same physical fiber infrastructure through wavelength-based routing, thereby increasing switch radix without proportionally increasing physical links.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switch module is designed to perform multiple functions: standard switching through the fabric, wavelength division multiplexing, and shuffle operations. By integrating these diverse functions into a single module, the system achieves high adaptability and versatility without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thus avoiding proportional increases in physical infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If switch radix is increased, then more ports are available, but cable management becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple physical connections into a single optical fiber by implementing wavelength division multiplexing and shuffle operations within the switch module. Instead of requiring separate cables for each port connection, multiple logical channels are combined and transmitted through shared physical infrastructure, dramatically simplifying cable management while maintaining high port count.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more optical transceivers are added to increase port count, then switching capability increases, but the switch face plate capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested architecture where the shuffle layer is contained within the switch module housing unit, and wavelength multiplexing is integrated within the shuffle layer. This nested structure allows multiple functional layers to be packed into a compact form factor, enabling enhanced switching capability without exceeding the physical capacity of the switch face plate.
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 allows for increased switching capability within the switch modules, reducing the need for additional physical links and fiber cables, thereby enhancing network flexibility and reducing infrastructure requirements while maintaining high data transfer rates.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging standards-compliant WDM-based optical interfaces
Implementation Method 2
a demultiplexer to direct them to different destinations within the switch fabric
Data Source
AI summary
A switch for switching a signal between a source client device and a destination client device, the switch includes: a switch module housing unit including a switch module, configured to output a first signal, and a second signal; a shuffle including: a first input, a first output, and a second output, wherein the first input is configured to receive the first signal and the second signal from the switch module, and to direct the first signal to the first output and the second signal to the second output. A switch including a switch module housing unit, including: a first input, a second input, and a first output, wherein the first input is configured to receive a first signal and direct it to the first output, and the second input is configured to receive a second signal and direct it to the first output.