Ethernet Control via Simulated Cable Reconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Ethernet network control methods fail to enable seamless startup and shutdown of Ethernet networks when the network cable is physically connected all the time, leading to inconvenience and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

An Ethernet control method and device that utilize a system terminal and a device terminal to simulate the unplugging, plugging, and reconnection of a network cable, allowing for software-controlled startup and shutdown of Ethernet networks by managing the address management module's state through IPv6 data packets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the network cable is physically connected all the time, then the network connection is stable, but the network cannot be started up or shut down without manual plugging and unplugging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connection stabilityVSAvoidnetwork startup and shutdown convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of plugging and unplugging network cables with software-based control mechanisms. The system terminal sends control commands (IPv6 data packets) to the device terminal, which then simulates the physical connection state changes through software control of the address management module and network cable connection state, eliminating the need for manual mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control system comprising a system terminal and a device terminal as intermediaries between the user and the physical network connection. These terminals communicate through IPv6 data packets to coordinate the simulated plugging and unplugging actions, enabling remote and automated control of network connection states without direct manual handling of the network cable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual plugging and unplugging is used to control network on-off, then the network controller can be controlled, but manual participation is required which is very inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork controller accessibilityVSAvoidtime for manual plugging and unplugging

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated network control where the system terminal and device terminal work together autonomously. When the system terminal sends a control command, the device terminal automatically executes the simulated plugging and unplugging actions and manages the address management module state changes without requiring continuous manual intervention, making the system self-sufficient in managing network connection states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical plugging and unplugging actions with automated software-controlled simulations. The control commands transmitted as IPv6 data packets trigger automated responses from the device terminal, which programmatically changes connection states and manages IP address allocation, eliminating the time-consuming manual physical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the address management module is kept enabled during simulated reconnection, then the system terminal can acquire IP address, but the Ethernet network cannot be shut down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork startup capabilityVSAvoidnetwork shutdown capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the address management module's operational state. The module transitions between enabled and disabled states based on the network connection status. When the network cable is simulated to be connected, the module is enabled to allow IP address acquisition; when disconnected, it is disabled to prevent IP address allocation, thereby enabling both startup and shutdown functionalities through state transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250097062A1Ethernet control method and device used in network terminal

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 NANJING QINHENG MICROELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An Ethernet control method in a network terminal comprises the following steps of: after initialization, acquiring, by a system terminal, an IPv6 Link-Local address of a first Ethernet module of the network terminal; when the system terminal receives a network startup trigger signal, issuing a network startup command, wherein the network startup command is an IPv6 data packet; receiving, by a device terminal, the network startup command, simulating unplugging, plugging and reconnection of a network cable; issuing, by the system terminal, an address acquisition request to acquire an IP address; when the system terminal receives a network shutdown trigger signal, issuing a network shutdown command; after the device terminal receives the command, simulating unplugging, plugging and reconnection of the network cable; and issuing, by the system terminal, the address acquisition request, but being unable to acquire the IP address.