Ethernet Frame Injector Segmentation for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard Ethernet switches are costly and overly complex, making them unsuitable for certain applications and markets, particularly for attaching nodes to Ethernet switched networks efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A frame injection apparatus that allows an Ethernet node to be attached to a switched Ethernet network without the overhead of a standard switch unit, utilizing an injector with receive and transmit inputs/outputs, frame memory, receive router, transmit frame selector, and injection state apparatus to manage frame injection and routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard Ethernet switch is used to attach nodes to an Ethernet switched network, then network connectivity and frame routing are achieved, but device cost and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Ethernet switch functionality into two separate components: a simplified frame injector device that performs frame injection and a receive analysis device that handles frame reception and analysis. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex switching logic in the frame injector while maintaining network connectivity functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the frame injection functionality from the standard Ethernet switch, creating a dedicated frame injector device that only handles frame injection and reception. By taking out the complex switching and routing logic from this component, the device complexity is reduced while reliability is maintained through the separate receive analysis device.
2Productivity
If a standard Ethernet switch is used to attach nodes to an Ethernet switched network, then frame routing capabilities are provided, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame routing functionality into two parts: basic frame injection handled by the simple frame injector device, and advanced frame reception/analysis handled by the receive analysis device. This segmentation allows each device to be manufactured with simpler, lower-cost components while collectively providing full frame routing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame injector device is designed as a low-cost, simplified component that handles only the basic frame injection function. By accepting that this device doesn't need complex switching logic and can be replaced or supplemented by the receive analysis device, the overall system cost is reduced while maintaining productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a standard Ethernet switch with multiple functionally equivalent ports is used, then network flexibility and adaptability are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry into the network attachment approach by creating two distinct device types with specialized functions: the frame injector for transmission and the receive analysis device for reception and analysis. This asymmetric division eliminates the need for complex port equivalence mechanisms while maintaining network configuration flexibility through the coordinated operation of the two specialized devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
Frame injection apparatus for injecting frames from a host device into a switched Ethernet network comprises a frame memory operable to receive and store one host frame at a time and to inject the frame onto the Ethernet switched network between network frames and to buffer network frames received during the time that the host frame is being injected onto the network.