Multi-stage switching topology

摘要

A multi-stage switching fabric provides a plurality switching boxes. Each switching box includes a plurality of switches and a plurality of interconnects, and each interconnect is coupled to each switch. The switching boxes may be arranged in a first stage and a second stage. In this example, each switching box in the first stage may be coupled to each switching box in the second stage via a single high capacity cable. In this regard, each switch in the first stage may be coupled to each switch in the second stage using a reduced amount of cabling.

主权项

1. A network, comprising:
a first stage comprising a first plurality of switching boxes; and a second stage comprising a second plurality of switching boxes, wherein each switching box in the first stage is coupled to at least one switching box in the second stage; wherein each switching box of the first plurality of switching boxes and second plurality of switching boxes comprises:
two or more switches; andtwo or more interconnects for coupling at least one external physical link to the switching box, each interconnect having at least one external connector capable of providing a physical connection to the at least one external physical link and a set of connectors, each connector of the set of connectors having an associated position among a plurality of positions on the respective interconnect, for connecting the interconnect to respective ports of the two or more switches of the switching box,wherein:
a first interconnect of the at least two or more interconnects of the switching box includes a first set of connectors,a second interconnect of the at least two or more interconnects of the switching box includes a second set of connectors, anda connector in one position of the plurality of positions on the first interconnect connects the first interconnect to a first switch of the two or more switches of the switching box, and a connector in the same position on the second interconnect connects the second interconnect to a switch of the two or more switches of the switching box other than the first switch.