Network Device Communication Setting Data Storage and Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices face issues where incorrect communication setting data input leads to communication function failures, causing the device to become unable to execute the communication function until the correct data is re-input, resulting in a prolonged downtime.
Innovation Solution
A network device equipped with an input device, storage, and a communication test device that allows for the storage of multiple communication setting patterns, enabling the device to maintain functionality using one pattern while testing another, ensuring continuous operation even if the second pattern is incorrect, and automatically switching to the correct pattern once verified.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network device stores only one pattern of communication setting data, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability deteriorates because incorrect setting data causes communication function failure
Solution Approach 1:
The storage is divided into two distinct areas: main setting data storage area for storing the current operational communication setting data, and sub setting data storage area for storing alternative communication setting data. This segmentation allows the device to maintain multiple setting patterns simultaneously while keeping the storage structure organized and manageable, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary testing of sub communication setting data before switching to it. The communication test device tests the sub setting data while the communication device continues to use the main setting data, ensuring that the alternative settings are verified to be correct before becoming the active settings, thus preventing communication function failure
2Reliability
If the network device tests communication setting data before switching, then the reliability improves, but the loss of time increases due to prolonged testing process
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device continues to execute communication functions using the main communication setting data while the communication test device simultaneously tests the sub communication setting data. This parallel operation ensures that testing occurs without interrupting normal communication operations, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous useful action
Solution Approach 2:
Testing of sub communication setting data is performed preliminarily and in parallel before any potential switch occurs. By preparing and verifying alternative settings in advance while current operations continue, the system ensures rapid switching capability without service interruption, thus reducing perceived downtime
3Ease of operation
If the network device allows easy switching between setting patterns, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically manages the switching between main and sub communication setting data based on test results, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services by autonomously determining when to switch settings based on communication test outcomes, simplifying operation while the added complexity is confined to the automatic control logic rather than user interaction mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
A network device (10) is to be connected with a communication network. The network device (10) is capable of executing a communication function by utilizing the communication network. The network device (10) is provided with an input device (12), a storage (14), a communication device (16), and a communication test device (18). The input device (12) inputs communication setting data for executing the communication function. The storage (14) is capable of storing at least two patterns of the communication setting data. The communication device (16) executes the communication function by utilizing one pattern of the communication setting data stored in the storage (14). The communication test device (18) tests whether it is possible to execute the communication function by utilizing the other pattern of the communication setting data stored in the storage (14) while maintaining a state where it is possible for the communication device (16) to execute the communication function by utilizing the one pattern of the communication setting data.