Network Device Auto Detecting Direct Link via Signal Handshake
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cable area networks, existing methods are inefficient for a network device to actively detect a direct link with another network device, as they require manual search or pre-login authentication, and cannot distinguish between direct connections and connections through relay devices.
Innovation Solution
A network device sends a signal with a specific pattern to a second network port and determines if it receives a matching signal, using a signal handshake mechanism to establish whether a direct link exists, thereby differentiating between direct and relayed connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual search method is used to detect directly linked network device, then user can obtain network device information, but detection efficiency is low and not applicable in practice due to large quantity and interwoven lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical search method with an automated signal-based detection system. The network device automatically sends detection signals through the transmission line and analyzes the returned signals to identify directly linked devices, eliminating the need for manual line tracing and significantly improving detection efficiency while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device performs self-detection by automatically generating detection signals, transmitting them through the connection, and analyzing the responses. This self-service mechanism eliminates dependence on manual operation and enables the system to autonomously identify direct links, improving both efficiency and practical applicability.
2Ease of operation
If program is installed on both network devices to allow user operation for detection, then direct link detection is enabled, but first network device has to acquire login authority of second network device in advance, making detection passive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the first network device to login to the second network device for detection (active authentication approach), the patent inverts the approach by having the first network device send passive detection signals that the second network device automatically responds to. This eliminates the need for pre-acquired login authority and transforms passive detection into an automated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized detection signal as an intermediary mechanism between the two network devices. This signal serves as a universal communication protocol that eliminates the need for complex authentication procedures, allowing automated detection without requiring the first device to have login authority of the second device.
3Reliability
If existing monitoring method is used where network device monitors its own network port connection, then connection status can be monitored, but network device cannot learn about the network device at another end of transmission line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the first network device sends detection signals and receives response signals from the second network device.通过分析 the response signals, the first network device can identify information about the remotely connected device, thereby obtaining remote device information while maintaining reliable connection monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a network device and an auto detecting method for automatically detecting direct link between communication devices. In an aspect, the auto detecting method includes following steps. A first network device sends a first signal having a specific pattern from a first network port of the first network device to a second network port of a second network device through a cable network. The first network device determines whether the first network port receives a second signal having the specific pattern from the second network device. When the first network device receives the second signal having the specific pattern from the second network device, the first network device determines that the first network port directly links to the second network port of the second network device; otherwise the first network device determines that the first network device lacks a direct link to the second network device.