Amazon Thinks the Future of Data Centers Depends on a Technical Problem It Just Solved

Amazon researchers are exploring new data-center network topologies beyond the traditional fat-tree design.

The article reviews prior approaches such as Jellyfish and optical circuit switching as steps toward flatter, more scalable networks.

Amazon’s latest interest is a Penrose-tiling-inspired mesh that could simplify cabling while preserving flexibility and resilience.

A better topology could lower infrastructure costs and improve performance as cloud data centers continue to grow.