One-Way Data Diode Failover Mechanism for High-Availability Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-availability systems face challenges in maintaining real-time health status communication across one-way data diodes, which are essential for secure networks but restrict reverse data flow, leading to difficulties in deploying critical services effectively.
Innovation Solution
A failover mechanism using two secure one-way data channels with a heartbeat monitoring system and timing channel to ensure continuous operation by switching to a secondary channel if the primary channel fails, without needing to transmit health status upstream, and configuring failover intervals based on network security ratings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If one-way data diodes are used to secure networks against unwanted traffic, then network security is improved, but the ability to transmit health status information upstream is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission function by implementing multiple independent data channels (first data channel and second data channel) with unidirectional data diodes. Each channel operates independently, allowing the system to maintain security while providing alternative paths for information flow. The health status monitoring is segmented into downstream transmission only, eliminating the need for upstream transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary failover preparation by configuring a standby second data channel that remains ready to assume traffic if the primary first data channel fails. The system pre-configures failover logic and monitoring mechanisms upstream, so when a failure occurs, the transition to the backup channel can happen rapidly without compromising security or requiring upstream health status updates.
2Reliability
If failover mechanisms are implemented with multiple data channels, then system availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic failover capability where the system can automatically switch between static data channel configurations based on real-time operational status. The failover logic dynamically monitors channel health and executes switching decisions without manual intervention, maintaining simplicity in operation while providing robust reliability. The dynamic aspect is confined to the switching decision, while the channel structures remain static and well-defined.
3Measurement precision
If heartbeat monitoring and failover logic are implemented, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through heartbeat signals that flow downstream to monitor channel status. The downstream system sends periodic heartbeat signals that allow upstream systems to detect channel operational status. This feedback loop enables precise detection of channel failures while maintaining relatively simple implementation, as the feedback flows in the same direction as the data transmission and leverages the existing unidirectional infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of providing high-availability services across a one-way data diode is provided, wherein first network and second networks are connected by first and second data channels each including a one-way data diode. Identical signals are carried by both data channels, but only the signal carried by the first data channel reaches the second network under normal operating conditions. System heartbeats, or periodic shared signals, are used to monitor health status of the parallel data channels, and a loss of heartbeat on the high side of the data diode on the first data channel triggers a timing channel to begin measuring the failure interval relative to a preset failover value. If the failover interval is exceeded, a failover to the second data channel is executed, provided the second data channel is still receiving data from the first network.