Performance analysis and experimental demonstration of a novel network architecture using optical burst rings for interpod communications in data centers

In this paper, we propose to use a novel network architecture of multiple optical burst rings to improve the interpod communications of the internal networks of data centers. In the proposed network architecture, bursty and fast-changing interpod traffic is handled by the electrical core switches, while the relatively stationary traffic is handled via optical burst rings. Compared to previously proposed hybrid optical/electrical switching schemes of using optical circuit switches, the proposed scheme offers high interpod transmission bandwidth, supports large number of pods, requires smaller connection reconfiguration time, and has better bandwidth utilization. Moreover, the proposed scheme only employs relatively low-cost commercial optical components, making it more practical for near-term implementations.