Indicator Activation via Alternative Cable Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex systems with multiple electronic components connected by cables, identifying faulty cables and their ports can be challenging when communication is broken, as indicators may not activate at both ends due to the failure of the cable, hindering the identification and replacement process.
Innovation Solution
A method that identifies a faulty cable and checks for an alternative path to send a command from one component to another, allowing the activation of an indicator on the remote port connected to the faulty cable, enabling quick identification of the faulty cable and its ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indicators are activated on ports at both ends of a cable to identify faulty cables, then identification accuracy is improved, but communication over the cable is required which may not be possible when the cable fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a management network as an intermediary communication path. Instead of requiring direct communication over the faulty cable, the system sends indicator activation commands through a separate management network that connects to both components. This mediator path allows the system to activate indicators on both ports even when the original cable is defective, resolving the contradiction between needing communication reliability and achieving identification accuracy.
2Reliability
If the system waits for cable communication to activate remote indicators, then communication reliability is maintained, but repair time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively activating indicators on both ports as soon as a cable failure is detected, without waiting for communication over the faulty cable. The system uses the management network to preemptively send activation commands to both ends, ensuring immediate identification of the faulty cable. This eliminates the time delay that would otherwise occur while waiting for communication establishment.
3Device complexity
If indicators are only activated on local ports, then device complexity is reduced, but identification capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the management network serve multiple functions: it not only manages system components but also serves as a communication path for activating indicators on remote ports. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve bidirectional indicator activation without adding dedicated communication infrastructure, thus improving identification capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed to identify a port that is associated with a faulty cable. In one embodiment, such a method identifies a cable to replace. The cable provides a path between a first port, residing on a first component, and a second port, residing on a second component. The method further identifies whether an alternative path, bypassing the first cable, exists between the first component and the second component. In the event the alternative path exists, the method sends, over the alternative path, from the first component to the second component, a command to activate an indicator on the second port. This command is received and executed by the second component to activate the indicator. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed.