Network Tap Link Fault Detector Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network taps do not effectively alert other network devices to link failures, leading to blind fault conditions where data packets may not reach their intended destination, as a faulty component may not provide a reliable alarm signal, especially in power supply failures, and failures in one link do not notify active network devices on other links.
Innovation Solution
A communications network tap with a link fault detector that couples in-line with network devices, featuring a link fault circuit to detect failures and cause a failure signal on the other terminal, ensuring that network devices are alerted to faults, allowing for rerouting of data packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a network tap is inserted into a communications network, then monitoring capability is provided, but failure in one link does not alert active network devices on other links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the link fault detector continuously monitors the status of network links and provides real-time feedback signals to network devices. When a link failure is detected, the feedback signal immediately notifies other network devices, enabling them to respond to the fault condition. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring that fault information is not lost but actively communicated back to the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network monitoring function into distinct components: the network tap for capturing traffic, the link fault detector for analyzing link status, and the feedback mechanism for notifying devices. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, improving overall reliability while ensuring that fault information is properly captured and transmitted throughout the network.
2Reliability
If a faulty component does not provide a reliable alarm signal, then power consumption is reduced, but network integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary link fault detector that acts as a mediator between the network links and the monitoring system. This intermediary continuously monitors link status and generates alarm signals independently of the power status of individual network components. By placing the fault detection function in this intermediary position, the system ensures network integrity is maintained even when individual components fail or lose power.
3Productivity
If network devices continuously attempt communication with inoperable devices, then data packet delivery fails, but device operation simplicity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting link failures before they cause data packet delivery failures. The link fault detector continuously monitors link status and proactively generates alarm signals when failures are detected, allowing network devices to preemptively stop attempting communication with inoperable devices. This preliminary detection and notification mechanism improves productivity by preventing wasted communication attempts while maintaining device operation simplicity through automated fault detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications network tap with a link fault detector, comprises a first terminal and a second terminal adapted to couple the tap in-line in the network and communicate data packets with network devices. A tap circuit is coupled to the first terminal and second terminal and configured to provide data packets to a monitor terminal. A link fault circuit coupled to the first terminal and second terminal and when a failure is detected in the first terminal, to cause a failure on the second terminal. Advantages of the invention include ensuring the integrity of the network by alerting network devices of fault conditions.