FISSION: Flexible interconnection of scalable systems integrated using optical networks for data centers

We propose a framework called Fission that facilitates good scalability in terms of supporting large number of servers as well as a protocol that allows efficient, low-latency communication within the data-center. The Fission concept combines an optical backplane (using UDWDM - ultra dense wavelength division multiplexing based speedup in conjunction with a series of optical buses) to physically scale the data-center. The Fission framework uses an efficient protocol that is a modification of Carrier Ethernet. The working of the Fission architecture from a systems and a protocol perspective are described. Issues such as scalability, protocol working and support for services within the data-center are discussed. A simulation study validates our design for latency and scalability - two critical aspects of data-center design.