The count follows from three inputs and one topology rule, and getting it wrong by the leaf-to-spine half is the classic error. The arithmetic, the radix check that says two tiers is enough, and the power the transceivers add that nobody put in the budget.
Updated Sep 2026 · Grounded in real AI infrastructure interview loops and written to a senior-engineer editorial bar, with every number worked and every diagram hand-built.
The count follows from three inputs and one topology rule, and getting it wrong by the leaf-to-spine half is the classic error. The arithmetic, the radix check that says two tiers is enough, and the power the transceivers add that nobody put in the budget.
Ranked by how closely each one overlaps this question's topic, so the first card is the thing to read if the answer above moved too fast.
Scored on counting both halves of the cabling, on the radix check for tier count, and on including transceiver power in the total.
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