Ultra Low Latency Optical Networks

In many supercomputing applications, high data reference locality (HDL) allows hardware and software designers to reduce the impact of long data access latency through caching and migration techniques. Other applications (e.g., cryptography, data mining) exhibit low data reference locality (LDL), forcing system designers to pursue minimum data access latency using non-traditional techniques. This paper presents research on an ultra low latency optical network that is on the order of minimum time of flight limits on data access latency. Employed techniques include a non-blocking, bufferless topology, single pulse packets incorporating wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) for both routing header and payload data, and ultra-fast electro optical interfaces built from commercially available components. Early results from simulations and prototype system components show concept feasibility and potential to impact both LDL and HDL supercomputer applications of the future.