Data processing network having an optical network interface

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/529,983, filed on Mar. 31, 2005, and entitled “Data Processing Network Having an Optical Network Interface,” filed as a Rule 371 of PCT Application No. US2003/026956, filed Aug. 28, 2003, which are incorporated herein by reference.

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to computer networks in general and in particular to optical computer networks. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a data processing network having an optical network interface.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, multi-processor systems are employed to solve problems that cannot be solved quickly or efficiently with single processor systems. All processors within a multi-processor system are typically interconnected to each other. Such interconnections are typically accomplished by a network switch connected to each processor that can switch signals from any processor to any other processor.

As the processing speed of processors become faster, the speed that they need to communicate with each other also increases in order to maintain optimum performance in a multi-processor system. The amount of data transferred among processors also increases as the speed of the processor increases. Thus, the network switches tend to become the bottle-neck of a multi-processor system and subsequently limit the overall performance of the multi-processor system.

Further, in some cases, the more processors there are in a multi-processor system, the more wires are needed to connect from processors to a network switch. As a result, the cabling becomes too bulky.

The present disclosure describes an improved data processing network having multi-processors.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an optical data processing network includes a first multi-processor system and a second multi-processor system. The first multi-processor system includes a first set of processors and a first set of optical network interfaces electrically coupled to the first set of processors. Similarly, the second multi-processor system includes a second set of processors and a second set of optical network interfaces electrically coupled to the second set of processors. An optical cable is connected between the first set and the second set of optical network interfaces. The first multi-processor system communicates with the second multi-processor system via the optical cable.

The optical network interface is a single integrated component formed by two chips. The first chip uses optical circuitry with the various voltage and signal characteristics that are required for optical communication. The second chip uses electrical circuitry with the various voltage and signal characteristics that are required for electrical communication. The optical network interface is connected to both a processor and a fiber optic network. During operation, the first chip interfaces with the fiber optic network and the second chip interfaces with the processor to provide an optical channel between the processor and the fiber optic network.

All objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed written description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data processing network, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an optical network interface within the multi-processor system of FIG. 1, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

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