Overview
- AWS disclosed May 28 that it has been rolling out a new quasi‑random topology called RNG and that most newly built data centers are being outfitted with the design.
- RNG replaces the traditional layered 'fat‑tree' layout with a flatter, quasi‑random mesh so traffic can take more direct paths and avoid choke points inside a facility.
- AWS built a bespoke optical component called the ShuffleBox to mix connections inside racks and reduce the need for conventional routers and long cabling runs.
- Company figures in a May technical paper claim large gains—about 69% fewer routers and switches, 33% higher throughput, 40% lower network power and 27% lower operating costs—but those numbers are supplied by AWS and lack independent third‑party benchmarks.
- RNG draws on academic work like the 2012 'Jellyfish' random‑graph idea, and if AWS’s claims hold it could shrink cloud networking costs, cut cooling energy at scale and change economics for large cloud customers and services that run on AWS.