Communication Device Bypass Path for Standby State Network Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks using a line topology, if one or more communication devices enter a standby or failure state, it can lead to restricted functions and reduced availability of the entire network system, as other devices connected beyond the affected device become unable to communicate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a first and second communication interface, a control unit, and a processing unit that allows signal routing by bypassing the processing unit when in a standby state, enabling communication path control and maintaining network availability by switching signals between the interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a communication device is set to standby state to save energy or reduce processing load, then energy consumption and processing requirements are reduced, but network availability and communication continuity are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is segmented into two independent signal paths: a normal path through the processing unit for full communication functions, and a bypass path that circumvents the processing unit for basic signal transmission. This segmentation allows the device to maintain network connectivity through the bypass path while consuming minimal energy, resolving the contradiction between energy savings and network availability.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass unit is introduced as an intermediary component that provides an alternative signal transmission path when the processing unit is inactive. The bypass unit acts as a mediator that maintains communication continuity without requiring the processing unit to be active, thus preserving network availability while enabling energy-saving standby mode.
2Productivity
If a communication device is set to standby state, then processing load is reduced, but communication functionality and network connectivity are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is divided into two functional segments: the processing unit for comprehensive communication processing, and the bypass unit for basic signal transmission. This segmentation enables the device to operate with minimal processing load through the bypass path while maintaining essential communication functionality, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced processing load and preserved communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the communication device are assigned different levels of functionality: the bypass path provides basic signal transmission capability with minimal processing, while the normal path through the processing unit provides full communication functions. This local quality differentiation allows the device to maintain adaptability for basic communication while operating with reduced processing load.
3Reliability
If signal routing goes through the processing unit in standby state, then communication functions are maintained, but energy consumption and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass unit serves as an intermediary that provides a direct signal transmission path without requiring processing unit activation. This intermediary path maintains communication continuity while avoiding the energy consumption associated with processing unit operation, thus resolving the contradiction between communication continuity and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The essential signal transmission function is extracted from the processing unit and placed in the bypass unit. This extraction allows the core communication function to be maintained independently of the processing unit, enabling communication continuity with minimal energy consumption from the bypass path.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device includes a first communication interface for a first transmission path, a second communication interface for a second transmission path, a control unit that controls a communication path internal to the communication device of a signal received by the first communication interface, and a processing unit that performs predetermined processing on the received signal, wherein the control unit performs control to output, in a case where the communication device is in a first state, the received signal to the second communication interface via the processing unit, and output, in a case where the communication device is in a second state, the received signal to the second communication interface by bypassing the processing unit.