Intelligent Network Tap Port Aggregator for Real-Time Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network taps lack real-time display capabilities, complicating the detection of network problems and requiring redundant equipment for full-duplex monitoring, which increases costs and reduces configurability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent network tap port aggregator that aggregates network feeds, provides real-time display of selected parameters, and offers remote management through web-based and SNMP-enabled interfaces, utilizing a network controller for communication and a memory buffer to handle data bursts, with optional wireless access and LED indicators for alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional network taps are used without real-time display capabilities, then device complexity is reduced, but network problem detection speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing unit within the tap structure that captures and displays network traffic parameters in real-time. This intermediary component provides immediate visibility of network conditions without requiring complex external monitoring systems, thus reducing detection time while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tap structure incorporates self-service monitoring capabilities by integrating display functions directly into the tap device. This allows the network tap to monitor and display its own traffic parameters autonomously, eliminating the need for separate complex external systems and enabling immediate problem detection.
2Reliability
If redundant equipment is used for full-duplex monitoring, then monitoring reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal monitoring interface that can handle both full-duplex and half-duplex traffic streams through a single configuration. The tap structure includes a multi-functional processing unit that adapts to different monitoring requirements, providing reliable full-duplex monitoring capability without requiring separate redundant equipment for each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the monitoring of both forward and reverse traffic streams into a single integrated tap structure. By combining the monitoring functions for both directions of full-duplex communication into one unified device with unified configuration, the system achieves reliable comprehensive monitoring while reducing equipment complexity and eliminating the need for separate redundant NICs.
3Reliability
If multiple NICs are used for full-duplex monitoring, then monitoring capability is improved, but configurability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal monitoring interface that consolidates multiple NIC functions into a single multi-functional component. This interface can dynamically adapt to monitor both directions of full-duplex traffic, as well as half-duplex traffic, through unified configuration parameters, thereby maintaining monitoring capability while significantly improving configurability and flexibility.
4Measurement precision
If local management is used for network monitors, then management precision is improved, but accessibility and remote management capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web-based management interface as an intermediary that provides remote access to the tap structure's monitoring functions. This web interface acts as a mediator between remote administrators and the local monitoring components, allowing precise control and configuration of monitoring parameters while enabling accessibility from any location with web browser capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Intelligent network tap port aggregators for use in monitoring a network and methods for use therein are presented including: a number of device interface terminals for receiving network feeds; a tap structure coupled with device interface terminals, the tap structure configured to monitor the second network feeds and to aggregate the network feeds into an aggregated network feed; a monitor interface terminal coupled to the tap structure for providing the aggregated network feed to a network monitor; and a display coupled to the tap structure and configured to display selected network parameters corresponding to the network feeds. In some embodiments, the intelligent network tap port aggregator also includes: a network controller coupled with the tap structure for providing communication between the tap structure and a number of managing devices; and a managing device interface coupled with the network controller for providing Internet access to the network controller.