Communications system architecture and design

摘要

A network device includes a plurality of optical input/output (I/O) units to exchange one or more optical signals with the optical network. The network device further includes a switch fabric to process one or more optical signals exchanged with an optical network. The network device also includes a connector configured to receive a connector to couple the network device to another device. The network device also includes a base layer connecting to the plurality of optical I/O units and the switch fabric. The base layer is included in a connection that does not include a back plane and that enables communications between the plurality of I/O units, the switch fabric, and the connector.

主权项

1. A network device comprising:
a plurality of first optical input/output (I/O) units to exchange optical signals with an optical network, wherein each of the plurality of first optical I/O units includes:
a light source to generate a first optical signal of the optical signals, anda photo-detector to receive a second optical signal of the optical signals; a first switch fabric to process the optical signals; a first base layer connecting to the plurality of first optical I/O units and the first switch fabric, wherein:
the first base layer is included in a connection that enables communications between the plurality of first optical I/O units and the first switch fabric,the connection omits a backplane, andthe plurality of first optical I/O units are positioned on two more edges of the first base layer to exchange the optical signals with the optical network; a second base layer that differs from the first base layer, wherein a first cooling unit is positioned proximate to the first base layer and the second base layer, and wherein the first base layer and the second base layer are separated by a distance corresponding to a width associated with the first cooling unit; a second switch fabric coupled to the second base layer; and a plurality of second optical I/O units positioned on two or more edges of the second base layer.