Network TAP Unidirectional Data Transmission with Error Checking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data transmission methods lack efficient unidirectional data transfer from a first network to a second network, often resulting in data loss due to the absence of error-free confirmation and potential security vulnerabilities.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing a network TAP for unidirectional data transfer, equipped with a checking device that includes a processor to verify data integrity and provide a digital signal for error-free confirmation, ensuring data is only transmitted from the first network to the second network without feedback, thus preventing data loss and maintaining network security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bidirectional communication is implemented for error confirmation, then data transmission reliability is improved, but network security is worsened due to potential feedback loops and security vulnerabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork security vulnerabilities
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication channel is segmented into unidirectional data transmission path and separate acknowledgment path. The data flows only from first network to second network, while acknowledgments flow separately back to confirm receipt, eliminating the need for bidirectional communication while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary acknowledgment mechanism is introduced that provides error confirmation without enabling direct bidirectional communication. The acknowledgment system acts as a mediator that confirms data receipt and integrity without creating feedback loops that could introduce security vulnerabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If unidirectional data transfer is implemented using network TAP, then network security is improved, but data loss occurs due to absence of error-free confirmation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoiddata loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

A unidirectional feedback mechanism is implemented where the second network can send acknowledgment signals back to the first network to confirm successful data receipt. This feedback does not enable bidirectional communication but provides necessary error confirmation to prevent data loss while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Error checking and acknowledgment mechanisms are implemented in advance before data loss can occur. The system proactively verifies data integrity and confirms successful transmission, preventing data loss rather than reacting to it after the fact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional bidirectional communication protocols are used, then error confirmation is achieved, but transmission efficiency is reduced due to feedback loops and retransmission overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror confirmationVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication protocol is segmented into forward data transmission and reverse acknowledgment channels. This segmentation eliminates feedback loops and retransmission overhead while maintaining error confirmation, significantly improving transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using traditional bidirectional communication where both sides can send and receive data, the system inverts the approach by allowing data to flow only one way with separate acknowledgment signals, eliminating the inefficiencies of bidirectional protocols while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3662601B1Concept for the unidirectional transmission of data
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH
  • EP3662601B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3662601B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for the unidirectional transmission of data from a first network to a second network, comprising: a network TAP for reading data which has been transmitted from a first participant of the first network to the first network and for outputting the read data to a second participant of the second network; and a testing device for testing the read data for freedom from errors. The testing device comprises a processor which is designed to test the read data for freedom from errors, wherein the testing device comprises a first digital output for outputting a digital signal, and the processor is designed to actuate the first digital output depending on the result of the test for freedom from errors of the read data such that the digital output outputs a first digital signal depending on the result of the test for freedom from errors of the read data so that a feedback channel to the first participant can be formed by means of the output first digital signal in order to indicate the result of the test for freedom from errors of the read data to the first participant. The invention relates to a corresponding method, a corresponding network system, and a corresponding computer program.