A scalable optically-switched datacenter network with multicasting

Abstract

We demonstrate a scalable optical datacenter architecture with multicasting capability. The modular architecture relies on pods interconnected on a WDM fiber ring. Inter-pod traffic is handled on a per-wavelength basis, whereas slotted network operation allows fine switching granularity within the pod. Network operation and dynamic reconfiguration are enabled by the frequency-selectivity of a novel, phase agnostic coherent receiver scheme that obviates the need for DSP at the receiver. System performance is investigated through numerical simulations and successful operation is validated experimentally. Slotted network operation is demonstrated by means of an FPGA implementation.

Virtual Output Queues Architecture for High Throughput Data Center Nodes

“…In an effort to overcome these deficiencies researchers and engineers have introduced data center interconnections including an optical circuit switching as well as an electrical packet switching networks [5,6,7]. A notable design is the all optical data center proposed by the Nephele project [8].…”