Network Tap Using Coupling Transformers for Parallel Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network monitoring technologies face challenges in simultaneously and non-intrusively analyzing multiple aspects of network traffic across connections, as single-purpose network taps interfere with traffic and are inadequate for assessing transient or spoofed signals, especially in high-speed networks.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-usage, simultaneous, and multiple-access network tap that regenerates and spreads signals, allowing multiple parallel analytical devices to monitor network traffic without interference, using impedance-matching coupling transformers and signal regeneration to maintain signal integrity and enable feedback for correcting flawed communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-purpose network tap is used to monitor network traffic, then the monitoring function is simple and reliable, but multiple analytical devices cannot simultaneously access the same connection without using multiple taps
Solution Approach 1:
The network tap is designed with multiple coupling transformers, each providing independent access to the same network connection. This allows multiple analytical devices to simultaneously monitor the same connection without requiring multiple separate taps, making the single tap device universal and multi-functional for supporting numerous analytical instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The tap divides the network signal into multiple independent copies through separate coupling transformers. Each transformer creates an isolated signal path that can be accessed by different analytical devices simultaneously, segmenting the signal distribution while maintaining the integrity of the original network traffic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple taps are installed to provide access for multiple analytical devices, then each device can monitor independently, but the interference potential increases linearly with each additional tap
Solution Approach 1:
The tap creates multiple identical copies of the network signal through separate coupling transformers. Each analytical device receives a copy of the original signal rather than the original itself, ensuring that monitoring activities on any device cannot interfere with or alter the primary network traffic flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling transformers act as intermediary devices that decouple the analytical devices from the main network traffic. These transformers provide galvanic isolation, allowing signal monitoring while preventing electrical interference, ground loops, and potential network disruptions that would occur with direct connections.
3Measurement precision
If a tap is inserted into the signal flow for monitoring, then communication flows can be analyzed, but the act of monitoring may interfere with the traffic being monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling transformers serve as intermediary devices that provide galvanic isolation between the monitoring path and the network traffic path. This isolation allows precise measurement and analysis of communication flows while preventing any electrical interference, ground potential differences, or loading effects from the monitoring equipment from affecting the integrity of the original network traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The tap creates a faithful copy of the network signal that can be analyzed without affecting the original. The coupling transformers ensure that the monitor receives an exact replica of the traffic while the original traffic flows uninterrupted, eliminating the Heisenberg observation effect where measurement alters the system being measured.
4Measurement precision
If single-purpose taps are used for each analytical device, then each device has dedicated access, but the system becomes complex and requires serial-over-time or serial-over-communication analysis options
Solution Approach 1:
The network tap is designed as a universal device that can simultaneously support multiple analytical devices monitoring the same connection. By incorporating multiple coupling transformers within a single tap housing, the device enables parallel analysis capabilities without requiring multiple separate taps or complex serial configuration, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple coupling transformer elements into a single integrated tap device. This merging of multiple functional elements into one unified device allows multiple analytical devices to access the same network connection simultaneously through a single installation point, eliminating the need for multiple separate tap installations and their associated complexity.
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
Enables comprehensive, non-disruptive monitoring and analysis of network traffic across connections, reducing interference and improving detection of transient issues and spoofed signals, while allowing for permanent installation at multiple network nodes without disrupting ongoing data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
These elements match the impedance and other characteristics of the network signal, both in the through path, and in the monitoring ports to avoid interference
Implementation Method 2
In a further embodiment of the invention, a feedback circuit is added which allows interaction with the communication flow, enabling a 'kill signal' to be sent back to a flawed communication's origin
Data Source
AI summary
A single-usage network tap monitors network information flow over a particular connection. Instead of requiring a tap for each analytical device, by incorporating elements that regenerate, spread, and coordinate the timing of the signal, multiple, simultaneous, and parallel analytical devices can monitor a particular network connection through one tap, It incorporates four amplifiers preferably manufactured on the same IC die with high-impedance input terminals connected directly to the two conductors of a gigabit Ethernet local area network digital transmission line so as not to load or otherwise upset its impedance or other parameters. The output terminals of the operational amplifiers are connected to and match the input impedance of the digital transmission protocol Gigabit analyzer. The gain of the operational amplifiers is arranged so as to replicate at the input of the analyzer the signals appearing on the Gigabit local area network transmission line with uninterruptible power supply.