Layer-One Switch for Dynamic Network Topology Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reconfiguring network topology to add devices or optimize performance is time-consuming and often requires disconnecting and reconnecting cables or redesigning backplane wiring, with additional challenges from testing and qualifying these changes, and potential vulnerabilities to malicious software during rapid reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a layer-one switch that interconnects bidirectional communications between disjoint pairs of communication interfaces, eliminating the need for manual cable reconfiguration and ensuring security by requiring physical access to alter configurations, thereby enabling rapid and secure reconfiguration of network topology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual cable reconnection or backplane wiring redesign is used to reconfigure network topology, then network topology can be reconfigured, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires extensive testing and qualification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of network topology through a layer-one switch that can rapidly change communication pairings between devices. The switch enables runtime reconfiguration of disjoint pairings without requiring physical cable changes or backplane redesign, allowing the network topology to adapt dynamically while maintaining minimal downtime and eliminating extensive testing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The layer-one switch acts as an intermediary device that manages communication paths between devices. Instead of directly reconfiguring physical connections, the switch mediates the communication flow by programmatically changing which devices are paired together, thereby enabling rapid topology changes without manual intervention or extensive testing.
2Productivity
If rapid reconfiguration is implemented without physical access requirements, then reconfiguration speed increases, but vulnerability to malicious software attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by requiring physical access to the switch for any configuration changes. This preventive measure blocks malicious software from remotely altering network topology, as the attack would require physical presence at the switch location. The design proactively counteracts potential cyber threats by making remote exploitation impossible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of remote attack vulnerability into a benefit by designing the system so that the only way to reconfigure is through physical access. This limitation, which might seem restrictive, actually protects the system from remote malicious attacks while still enabling legitimate reconfiguration needs through controlled physical access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional reconfiguration methods are used, then system changes can be made, but extensive testing and qualification are required
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic nature of the layer-one switch allows rapid topology changes without requiring extensive testing and qualification. The switch can programmatically reconfigure communication pairings in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to new requirements quickly without the lengthy validation processes associated with traditional reconfiguration methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A system with flexible communication interconnections includes devices and a layer-one switch interconnecting disjoint pairings of communication interfaces. The devices each have at least one communication interface. The layer-one switch has ports, each coupled to a respective one of the communication interfaces, which include the communication interface of each of the devices. For every pairing of a first and different second one of the ports within the disjoint pairings, the layer-one switch is configurable to interconnect bidirectional communications between the respective communication interface for the first port and the respective communication interface for the second port.