Optical network architects need scalable east-west bandwidth solutions for AI training and inferencing without continual fabric redesign, while minimizing power and thermal overhead as network speeds and port counts increase. Designs with unnecessary optical-electrical-optical (OEO) conversions often increase costs and complexity, making it difficult to meet tight optical link budgets for longer reaches. Quick reconfigurations for job scheduling, isolation or maintenance without manual recabling or disruptions are also necessary and should be designed for improved availability, serviceability and supply chain readiness for deployment.
Optical circuit switches (OCS) establish direct optical paths using micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) mirrors, avoiding energy-inefficient OEO conversions and reducing power and thermal overhead along the data path. Using software-controlled connections, OCS can be quickly reconfigured to adapt fabrics to changing traffic patterns and job schedules without manual recabling. In high-availability environments, portioning control across multiple drivers helps limit the impact of component events and supports serviceability at scale.
The High-Radix OCS Platform from Molex supports up to 544x544 ports with a roadmap to support 1,000+ ports, enabling fewer switch tiers and hops with software-reconfigurable connectivity as workloads evolve. Low insertion loss extends optical reach with fewer amplifiers and regenerators, simplifying optical power budgeting. With improved serviceability and a reduced blast radius, sixteen hot-swappable MEMS driver cards help limit impact during on-site field service, reducing downtime. A SONiC-based OCS Network Operating System helps operators integrate management tools and automatically recalibrate mirrors, saving time and costs. With proven high-volume manufacturing processes and a robust global supply chain capability for mass deployments, the Molex OCS platform is an ideal solution for optical network architects.
