Network Link Breaker for Selective Signal Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management systems lack efficient methods for selectively activating and interrupting network connections, particularly for testing network responses to failures and cybersecurity threats, which limits their ability to identify and mitigate potential disruptions.
Innovation Solution
The use of a switching circuit that can transmit or block network signals by connecting or shunting differential pairs of wires through resistors, allowing for rapid switching and independent operation without external control, enabling selective activation or interruption of network connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional network management systems are used to monitor and control network connections, then network security and stability can be maintained, but the system cannot rapidly identify failure points or respond to cybersecurity threats due to lack of selective connection interruption capability
Solution Approach 1:
The network connection is segmented into controllable segments by inserting the link breaker device between network devices. This allows selective interruption of specific connection segments without affecting the entire network, enabling rapid isolation of compromised or failed segments while maintaining overall network reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The link breaker device acts as an intermediary component inserted into the network connection between devices. This intermediary provides the capability to rapidly make or break connections on demand, enabling fast response to security threats and failure points without requiring changes to the core network management systems.
2Productivity
If additional controlling circuitry is added to enable selective connection interruption, then network response capability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The link breaker device is designed to be controlled directly by the network devices themselves through simple control signals, eliminating the need for complex external controlling circuitry. The device autonomously performs connection making/breaking based on received control signals, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining rapid response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex control logic is extracted from the network devices and placed in a separate, dedicated link breaker device. This extraction allows the network devices to remain simple while the link breaker handles the complexity of connection management, achieving rapid switching capability without increasing the complexity of the core network devices.
3Reliability
If network connections are continuously monitored for security threats, then security detection capability is maintained, but the system cannot rapidly mitigate threats due to inability to quickly disconnect suspicious connections
Solution Approach 1:
The link breaker device is pre-positioned in the network connection path and remains in a ready state with connection capability already established. When a security threat is detected, the device can immediately execute disconnection without requiring time to set up control mechanisms, enabling rapid threat mitigation while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The link breaker device provides preliminary protective capability by being pre-configured to rapidly disconnect connections. This preliminary anti-action capability ensures that when security threats are detected, the system can immediately counteract the threat by breaking the connection, minimizing the time window for threat propagation while maintaining continuous security monitoring.
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
This solution allows for rapid identification of network failure points and effective mitigation of cybersecurity threats by enabling temporary disconnection of suspicious connections, enhancing network resilience and security without requiring additional controlling circuitry.
Implementation Method 1
The switching circuit may be embodied by a plurality of switches, each switch of the plurality of switches associated with a respective differential pair of the plurality of differential pairs, wherein each switch of the plurality of switches is configured to selectively shunt a respective differential pair of the plurality of differential pairs through a respective resistor of the plurality of resistors
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods to selectively interrupt a communication link. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a first communication port and a second communication port, each of which comprises a plurality of differential pairs of electrical wires. A control select circuit may be in communication with the first communication port and the second communication port and may comprise a plurality of solid-state switches operable to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the differential pairs of electrical wires are electrically connected to corresponding differential pairs of electrical wires in the second communication port. In the second configuration, the differential pairs of wires are shunted through a resistor to dissipate energy associated with an electrical signal. A control port may be operable to cause the plurality of solid-state switches to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration.