Data Diode Transmission Suppression for Buffer Overflow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data diodes, which enable unidirectional communication, cannot effectively manage data overflow or loss due to buffer fullness on the receiving side, as the transmitting side cannot be informed of reception difficulties, leading to incomplete communication.

Innovation Solution

A data diode system with a transmitting device, receiving device, and unidirectional communication part, featuring a determination part in the receiving device to suppress data transmission when necessary, and a comparison part in the transmitting device to stop transmission if data mismatch is detected, ensuring secure communication by preventing overflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If unidirectional communication is implemented to ensure network security, then security is improved, but the ability to manage data overflow and loss is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork securityVSAvoiddata overflow and loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

A buffer device is introduced as an intermediary component between the transmitting device and receiving device. The buffer temporarily stores data packets, allowing the transmitting device to continue sending data even when the receiving device is temporarily unable to process all incoming data. This mediator prevents data loss during transient congestion while maintaining the unidirectional security architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer provides a cushioning capacity ahead of time to absorb data flow variations. By pre-allocating buffer space, the system can handle sudden increases in data transmission rates without immediate data loss, cushioning against the effects of network congestion before they cause information loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Loss of information

If buffer capacity is increased to prevent data overflow, then data loss is reduced, but device complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata overflow preventionVSAvoidbuffer management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer device autonomously manages its own data storage and forwarding operations without requiring complex external control mechanisms. It automatically accepts data from the transmitting device, stores it temporarily, and forwards it to the receiving device at appropriate rates, reducing the need for sophisticated buffer management systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer dynamically adjusts its operational parameters such as storage duration and forwarding rate based on the actual data flow conditions. By changing these parameters adaptively rather than using fixed large capacity, the system prevents data overflow with minimal buffer size, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If data transmission rate is increased to improve productivity, then communication efficiency is improved, but the risk of buffer overflow and data loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidbuffer overflow risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer is prepared in advance to handle high-rate data transmission by having pre-allocated storage capacity. When the transmitting device sends data at high rates, the buffer is already positioned to receive and temporarily hold these data packets, preventing overflow even during transient high-speed transmission bursts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250260551A1Data diode and transmission control method

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 AZBIL CORP

AI summary

A receiving device includes a determination part that determines the necessity of suppressing data transmission from a transmitting device via a unidirectional communication part, and a transmission suppression part that outputs a transmission suppression signal to the unidirectional communication part when the determination part determines that suppression of data transmission is necessary. The unidirectional communication part, when receiving the transmission suppression signal from the transmission suppression part, stops transmitting data transmitted by the transmitting device to the receiving device and the transmitting device. The transmitting device includes a comparison part that compares transmitted data with data from the unidirectional communication part, and stops data transmission when the comparison part determines that data do not match.