Embedded Switch for IoT Network Failover and Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current IoT frameworks face challenges in managing network communications for edge computing devices, particularly in environments with limited or unreliable infrastructure, where traditional data center dependencies are not available, and there is a need for robust remote management and failover capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A computer architecture incorporating an embedded switch that provides both the central processing unit and management processor with access to external networks through multiple network adapters, enabling independent network access and failover mechanisms, along with standby power to ensure continuous operation and remote management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional data center dependencies are used for network management, then centralized control is achieved, but reliability deteriorates in environments with limited or unreliable infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network management into two independent parts: an embedded switch that provides autonomous local network switching capabilities, and optional remote management processors that can operate independently. This segmentation allows the system to function reliably without centralized data center control while maintaining ease of operation through the embedded switch's autonomous decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded switch is designed to self-manage network communications autonomously, making its own routing decisions and managing network traffic without requiring centralized control. This self-service capability ensures reliability in environments where data center dependencies are unavailable, while still allowing optional remote management when infrastructure permits
2Reliability
If multiple network adapters are implemented for failover capability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded switch acts as an intermediary that simplifies the management of multiple network adapters. It automatically monitors the status of multiple network adapters, detects failures, and performs failover operations without requiring complex configuration or intervention. This mediator approach maintains reliability through multiple adapters while hiding the complexity from the system administrator
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded switch autonomously manages the multiple network adapters, automatically detecting failures and performing failover without external intervention. This self-service capability provides reliable network connectivity through multiple adapters while eliminating the need for complex manual configuration and monitoring
3Reliability
If embedded switch provides autonomous network management, then reliability is improved in remote locations, but ease of operation for remote management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments management functions into local autonomous operation by the embedded switch and optional remote management through separate processors. This segmentation allows the embedded switch to reliably manage network operations independently at remote locations while still providing interfaces for remote management when needed, balancing autonomy with accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded switch is designed with multi-functionality to both autonomously manage network operations and provide interfaces for remote management. It can operate independently in remote locations without centralized control while also accepting remote management commands when infrastructure is available, making it universally adaptable to different deployment scenarios
4Power
If network processing is centralized in the cloud, then data analysis capability is improved, but latency increases for edge devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments processing functions between edge devices with embedded switches for immediate local network operations and cloud data centers for comprehensive data analysis. This segmentation enables time-sensitive network communications to be handled locally at the edge, reducing latency, while still leveraging cloud computing power for non-time-critical data processing and analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A computer includes a central processing unit, a first network adapter, a second network adapter, and an embedded switch. The embedded switch has a port coupled to the central processing unit, a port coupled to the first network adapter, and a port coupled to the second network adapter. The embedded switch provides a central processing unit with access to an external network using a selected one of the first and second network adapters, runs a baseboard management controller module that includes the functionality of a baseboard management controller, and provides the baseboard management controller module with access to an external network through the embedded switch to communicate with a remote management node.