Network Bridge With Priority-Based Software Module Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bridges in network connectivity lack performance, configurability, and reliability, particularly in handling data between different network types and providing efficient access to storage area networks.
Innovation Solution
A bridge design featuring processor means and memory that implement software modules with prioritization, allowing sequential arrangement and efficient data handling between network connections, enabling improved communication protocol conversion and additional functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple software modules are implemented in the bridge to provide additional functionality and protocol conversion, then the adaptability and versatility of the bridge improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge functionality is divided into separate software modules, each handling specific protocol conversion or data processing tasks. This segmentation allows the bridge to provide multiple functions while keeping each module independent and manageable, reducing overall system complexity despite increased versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge is designed with universal software modules that can handle multiple protocol types and conversion scenarios. These modules are configured through priority settings to serve various network connectivity needs, allowing a single bridge device to adapt to different network environments and requirements.
2Productivity
If software modules are arranged sequentially based on priority to improve data processing efficiency, then the productivity of data handling improves, but the device complexity increases due to prioritization management
Solution Approach 1:
Software modules are pre-configured with priority levels before runtime operation. This preliminary assignment of priorities establishes a predetermined execution sequence, allowing the bridge to efficiently process data without complex real-time decision-making, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through advance planning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bridge implements protocol conversion and additional functionality through software modules, then the adaptability to different network types improves, but the reliability may deteriorate due to increased software complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bridge functionality into separate software modules, each handling specific protocol conversion tasks, the system isolates potential failure points. This modular approach allows individual modules to be tested, validated, and maintained independently, improving overall system reliability while maintaining adaptability to different network types.
Data Source
AI summary
A bridge includes first and second network connections, and processor means and memory together operating to implement plural software modules. These allow data to be passed between the network connections and allow the data to be handled as it passes. Each software modules has a priority, either pre-set in software or settable by the bridge in response to receiving a command from a device connected to the bridge. The bridge is operable to arrange the software modules sequentially between the network connections, such that data provided by a software module is received at the next software module in the sequence, according to their priorities. Software modules can be added to or removed from the sequence. This can be carried out dynamically, for instance by the bridge following a determination from monitoring of data flow that such would improve performance.