Ethernet Fault Detection Through Wireless Peer Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnosing faults in wired connections with external networks, such as the internet, is resource-intensive and often leads to unnecessary device returns and increased downtime due to difficulties in identifying the cause of connection failures, which can arise from installation errors, hardware defects, or software issues.
Innovation Solution
Network devices equipped with both wired and wireless communication modules can connect to other network devices wirelessly to perform tests and generate fault determination data, enabling on-site identification of fault causes without physical inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical inspection and manual diagnosis of wired connection faults is performed, then fault detection capability is improved, but loss of time and resource expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network device performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting connection faults and initiating troubleshooting procedures without requiring manual physical inspection. The device uses its wireless communication module to connect to remote devices and execute diagnostic tests, enabling autonomous fault detection and reduction of diagnosis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote network device as an intermediary that assists in diagnosing faults. When a fault is detected, the network device connects wirelessly to a remote device which then performs additional testing and analysis to identify the fault cause, thereby improving detection capability without requiring constant physical presence.
2Ease of manufacture
If network devices are returned for repair without proper diagnosis, then manufacturing and repair processes are simplified, but loss of time and resource expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network device performs preliminary diagnostic actions automatically when a connection fault occurs. It detects the fault, connects to remote devices, executes tests, and identifies the cause before the device is returned for repair. This preliminary action ensures that only devices with confirmed hardware defects are returned, reducing unnecessary returns and downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring connection status and automatically initiating diagnostic procedures when faults are detected. The diagnostic results provide feedback that determines whether the device needs to be returned for repair or can be resolved remotely, optimizing the repair process and reducing device downtime.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive fault testing is performed on-site, then measurement precision of fault identification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device utilizes its existing wireless communication module and processor to perform multiple functions including normal data communication and fault diagnostic testing. By making the device multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated testing equipment, thereby improving fault identification accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of identifying faults in wired connections between network devices and an external network is provided. The method involves detecting a fault in a wired connection between a first network device and a second network device, establishing a wireless connection between the first and second network devices, testing the first network device using the second network device, and generating fault determination data representing the cause of the fault. A network device for implementing at least part of the method is also provided. The network device is configured to detect a fault, connect to a further network device, enable the further network device to test the network device, and to generate fault detection data.