Multi-Port Communication Device Secure Serial TCP Gateway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current terminal servers in healthcare settings face issues with unauthenticated TCP port access, leading to data loss and connectivity problems due to human error or malicious intent, and require complex manual configuration, resulting in increased support costs and hardware costs from additional hardware implementations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port communication device with multiple serial and TCP interfaces that enables remote management, automatic reconnection logic, and secure data communication using locally installed drivers and Java Message Service, reducing the need for additional hardware and simplifying configuration and troubleshooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If unauthenticated TCP port access is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to data loss from foreign systems accessing the same port
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication intermediary layer between TCP connections and serial ports. The terminal server acts as a mediator that verifies authentication credentials before allowing access to serial ports, preventing foreign systems from directly accessing ports and causing data loss, while still allowing authenticated systems easy access
2Device complexity
If manual configuration is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to proprietary software and command line interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities through automated authentication and configuration management. The system automatically authenticates users, manages TCP port assignments, and configures serial port connections without requiring manual intervention through proprietary software or command line interfaces, making operation easier while maintaining simple device architecture
3Reliability
If additional hardware is added, then reliability is improved by reducing network impacts, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the terminal server multi-functional by integrating authentication services, TCP port management, and serial port control into a single device. This eliminates the need for separate authentication servers and configuration management systems, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining reliability through centralized control
4Device complexity
If half-duplex Ethernet is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to limited bandwidth of 800 Kbps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation and optimization techniques that adapt to varying data transmission requirements. The system dynamically manages TCP connections and data flow to maximize utilization of the available 800 Kbps bandwidth, improving productivity without requiring complex full-duplex Ethernet hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port communication device having a plurality of serial interfaces and a plurality of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) interfaces is provided. Data is received from one or more medical devices at a serial interface of the plurality of serial interfaces and communicated to a healthcare information system via a TCP interface of the plurality of TCP interfaces. The multi-port communication device can be remotely managed by a remote device via a set of management tools. In embodiments, the set of management tools run locally on the multi-port communication device. The multi-port communication device may additionally comprise locally installed drivers that enable communication with the healthcare information system via TCP.