MEMS-based reconfigurable optical wireless networking in data centers

Abstract

A flexible wireless Data Center (DC) network based on precise steerable Free Space Optical (FSO) links is described as a promising solution to meet future DC demands of high-throughput, with robustness to dynamic traffic patterns, reducing cabling complexity and increased energy efficiency. Robust and precise steerable FSO links over dynamic traffic play a key role in the reconfigurable optical wireless DC inter-rack networks. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a reconfigurable 10 Gbps FSO system incorporating a smart beam acquisition and tracking mechanism based on gimbal-less two-axis MEMS micro-mirror and retro-reflective film marked aperture. The fast MEMS-based beam acquisition switches laser beam of FSO terminal from one rack to the next for reconfigurable networking, and the precise beam tracking makes FSO device auto-correct any misalignments in real-time. We present the measured optical power loss and b it e rror rate performance of steerable FSO links in various directions. Experimental results suggest that the MEMS based beam steerable FSO links hold merit for future reconfigurable wireless DC networks.