Patent attributes
A reconfigurable free-space optical inter-rack network includes a plurality of server racks, each including at least one switch mounted on a top thereof, where each top-mounted switch includes a plurality of free-space-optic link connector, each with a free-space optical connection to a free-space-optic link connector on another top-mounted switch, a single ceiling mirror above the plurality of server racks that substantially covers the plurality of server racks, wherein the single ceiling mirror redirects optical connections between pairs of free-space-optic link connectors to provide a clear lines-of-sight between each pair of connected free-space-optic link connectors, and a controller that preconfigures a free-space optical network connecting the plurality of server racks by establishing connections between pairs of free-space-optic link connectors, and that reconfigures connections between pairs of free-space-optic link connectors in response to network traffic demands and events.
