Interface Switching Device for SDH SONET Ethernet Redundancy

Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication devices that support both SDH/SONET and Ethernet interfaces are complex and expensive due to the need for separate switch control sections for each type, and they do not accommodate different types of network interfaces in a redundant system effectively.

Innovation Solution

An interface switching device that transforms automatic switch information between different types of network interfaces using a transformer and a switch controller, allowing for seamless switching between SDH/SONET and Ethernet interfaces without complicating the device configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate switch control sections are provided for SDH/SONET and Ethernet interfaces, then interface switching control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface switching controlVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal switch control section that can handle both SDH/SONET and Ethernet interfaces through a common control architecture. The control section uses a unified data structure and processing logic that adapts to different interface types, eliminating the need for separate control sections for each interface type while maintaining full functionality for both protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter-based interface identification and configuration, where the switch control section dynamically adjusts its behavior based on interface type parameters. By using configurable parameters and data structures that can represent different interface types, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring hard-coded separate control paths for each interface type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate switch control sections are provided for SDH/SONET and Ethernet interfaces, then interface switching control is achieved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface switching controlVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal switch control section that can handle both SDH/SONET and Ethernet interfaces through a common control architecture. The control section uses a unified data structure and processing logic that adapts to different interface types, eliminating the need for separate control sections for each interface type while maintaining full functionality for both protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the previously separate SDH/SONET switch control section and Ethernet switch control section into a single unified switch control section. This consolidation combines the control functions for both interface types into one module, reducing component count, simplifying manufacturing, and lowering overall device cost while preserving all necessary switching capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the system assumes only same-type network interfaces, then switching control is simplified, but adaptability to different network interface types is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching control complexityVSAvoidinterface type compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter-based interface identification and configuration, where the switch control section dynamically adjusts its behavior based on interface type parameters. By using configurable parameters and data structures that can represent different interface types, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring hard-coded separate control paths for each interface type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic switch control architecture that can adapt its control logic based on the detected interface type. The system automatically configures itself according to the connected interface (SDH/SONET or Ethernet), enabling the same hardware to handle different protocols appropriately without manual reconfiguration or separate dedicated control sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8279762B2Interface switching method and device

Publication Date: 2012.10.02 RAKUTEN GROUP INC

AI summary

In a redundant system where multiple network interfaces can be switched, an interface switching device includes: a transformer for transforming automatic switch information between a predetermined type used for a predetermined network interface and each of other types used for network interfaces other than the predetermined network interface; a switch controller for performing switch control for automatic switch information of the predetermined type; and a control interface for connecting a first network interface to the switch controller via the transformer when first automatic switch information received from the first network interface is not of the predetermined type.