Network Switch By-Pass Tap for Continuous Packet Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network switch devices often fail to maintain packet transmission when either the instrument connected to the inline port or the network switch itself fails, leading to disruptions in communication between nodes.
Innovation Solution
A network switch apparatus with a by-pass device that operates in multiple modes, allowing direct packet transmission between nodes without involving the packet switch or instrument in case of failures, utilizing mechanical relays and a CPU for condition detection and automatic mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packets are transmitted through the instrument port for analysis, then packet security analysis is improved, but network transmission reliability deteriorates when the instrument fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a by-pass device as an intermediary component that can route packets either through the instrument port for analysis or directly between network ports. This mediator allows the system to maintain security analysis functionality while providing an alternative path when the instrument fails, thus resolving the contradiction between security analysis and transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The by-pass device dynamically switches between two operational modes: normal mode (routing packets through the instrument) and by-pass mode (routing packets directly). This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to instrument failure conditions while maintaining network connectivity, resolving the reliability-complexity contradiction.
2Speed
If the network switch processes all packets through the packet switch, then packet routing control is improved, but transmission speed deteriorates during failures due to reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The by-pass device is pre-configured with the capability to immediately switch to by-pass mode upon detecting instrument failure. This preliminary preparation of the alternative path eliminates reconfiguration delays during failures, maintaining high transmission speed while ensuring continuous transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous packet transmission by maintaining the by-pass path as a ready-state alternative. When instrument failure occurs, packets continue flowing through the network without interruption or reconfiguration delay, preserving both transmission speed and continuous transmission capability.
3Reliability
If the by-pass device is always active, then failure tolerance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The by-pass device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a normal routing component and a failure recovery mechanism. This universal design allows the same component to provide failure tolerance without requiring separate dedicated by-pass hardware, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A network switch apparatus includes a first network port, a second network port, a first inline port, a second inline port, wherein the first and second inline ports are for communication with a pass-through device, a packet switch, and a by-pass device configured to operate in a first mode of operation, wherein in the first mode of operation, the by-pass device is configured to pass a first packet received at the first network port to the packet switch. The by-pass device is configured to switch from the first mode of operation to a second mode of operation upon an occurrence of a condition, and wherein in the second mode of operation, the by-pass device is configured to transmit a second packet received at the first network port to the second network port without passing the second packet to the packet switch.