Network Adapter Loopback Diagnosis During Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for diagnosing network adapters require physical disconnection from the network, making remote diagnosis impractical and disrupting normal network functionality, which is inefficient and costly, especially in data centers with multiple adapters or redundant systems.

Innovation Solution

A network adapter configured with integrated circuits and software to perform loopback testing concurrently with normal network traffic, using loopback pathways to route specific communication units back to the controller for diagnosis without disconnecting from the network, allowing for simultaneous testing and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional diagnosis methods are used to test network adapters, then diagnosis can be performed, but physical disconnection from the network is required which disrupts normal network functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnosis capabilityVSAvoidnetwork operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network adapter is divided into separate functional components: a network interface chip for handling network traffic and a controller for managing loopback testing. This segmentation allows independent operation of testing and network functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A loopback pathway acts as an intermediary route that redirects specific communication units from the network output back to the controller input, enabling diagnosis without physical disconnection while maintaining normal network traffic flow through separate pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the network adapter is disconnected from the network for diagnosis, then testing can be performed, but normal network operations are disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadapter diagnosisVSAvoidnetwork downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The loopback pathway is pre-configured within the network adapter hardware, allowing immediate initiation of diagnosis without preliminary disconnection steps. Testing can begin instantly while network operations continue uninterrupted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous network operation through dedicated network pathways while simultaneously performing diagnosis through the separate loopback pathway. Both useful actions (network communication and adapter testing) occur continuously and concurrently without interruption to either.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If remote diagnosis is attempted without loopback pathways, then physical presence is eliminated, but network disconnection is still required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote diagnosis capabilityVSAvoidnetwork functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network adapter performs self-diagnosis through integrated loopback pathways that automatically route test packets from the controller back to itself. This self-service capability enables remote diagnosis without requiring external testing equipment or physical presence while maintaining network connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The network adapter is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a network interface device and a self-testing system. The same hardware components handle both normal network traffic and diagnostic testing, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment and enabling remote operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If integrated loopback pathways are implemented, then simultaneous testing and operation are enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcurrent testing and operationVSAvoidadapter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loopback pathway is integrated into the existing network adapter structure, merging the testing function with the network interface components. The controller and network interface chip work together using existing communication pathways, avoiding the need for completely separate testing hardware and minimizing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10355968B2Diagnosis of a network adapter during network operation

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

An adapter is configured to connect to a network. The adapter including a controller configured to receive a stream of network communication from a computer system physically connected to the adapter. The controller is further configured to detect a first identifier. The first identifier is related to a first communication unit of the stream of network communication. In response to detecting the first identifier, the controller is further configured to direct the first communication unit away from the network and back toward the controller through a loopback pathway. The controller is further configured to direct the stream of network communication away from the computer system and to the network.