Network Device Self-Isolation via Electromechanical Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network devices experience unavailability due to maintenance, hardware or software failures, and sub-standard performance, leading to interrupted traffic and proprietary communication protocols that limit interoperability and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

A network device with a processor that determines its functionality and generates a signal to activate or deactivate a link to a policy-based routing system, using an electromechanical mechanism to create an open circuit when malfunctioning, ensuring seamless traffic redirection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a network device remains coupled to the communication network during software errors or infinite loops, then the device continues to receive communications, but network resources are wasted and traffic cannot be redirected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork availabilityVSAvoidself-diagnosis and self-isolation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network device performs self-diagnosis through a diagnostic module that continuously monitors its own operational status, detecting software errors, infinite loops, and hardware failures. When a fault is detected, the device automatically isolates itself from the communication network through an electromechanical mechanism, without requiring external intervention or complex external monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical circuit breakers or manual isolation mechanisms with an electromechanical mechanism that can be controlled by the device's own processing unit. This allows electronic detection and control signals to trigger mechanical isolation, combining the speed of electronic detection with the reliability of mechanical disconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary communication protocols are used in policy based routers, then routing control is maintained, but interoperability with other network devices is limited and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinteroperabilityVSAvoidrouting control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network device is designed with standard communication interfaces and protocols that are universally compatible with policy based routers from different manufacturers. The device can interact with any policy based router using standard protocols, eliminating vendor lock-in while maintaining the ability to trigger routing policy changes through standardized signaling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a standardized signaling mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the network device and the policy based router. Instead of requiring proprietary direct communication channels, the device uses standard protocols to send status information and trigger routing changes, with the policy based router's standard interfaces serving as the mediator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traffic redirection is not immediate upon network device failure, then user transparency is maintained, but network continuity is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork continuityVSAvoidtraffic interruption duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network device continuously monitors its own health status and maintains a ready-to-isolate state through the electromechanical mechanism. When a fault is detected, the isolation action is immediately triggered without requiring detection or decision delays from external systems. The routing system is预先 configured to recognize the isolation signal and redirect traffic instantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device implements continuous self-monitoring with immediate feedback from the diagnostic module to the electromechanical isolation mechanism. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that any fault condition is detected and acted upon immediately, with the isolation status itself providing feedback to the network to trigger automatic traffic redirection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures network continuity by automatically redirecting traffic away from malfunctioning devices, maintaining transparent transitions and reducing costs associated with proprietary protocols.

Implementation Method 1

The network device may also include an electromechanical mechanism that activates and deactivates the link

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical mechanism:

Data Source

PatentUS7630295B2Network device continuity

Publication Date: 2009.12.08 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

A network device that ensures network continuity includes a processor and a communications interface. The processor determines whether the network device is functioning properly. The processor then generates a signal indicating whether the network device is functioning properly and transmits the signal to the communications interface. The communications interface is coupled to the processor and a policy based routing system. The communications interface processes the signal to activate or deactivate a link to the policy based routing system.