High-Speed Network Tap With Zero-Delay Data Duplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network taps introduce significant delay in high-speed communications networks due to store and forward techniques, which is undesirable and affects network performance, especially in gigabit-speed environments.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed communications network tap that duplicates network traffic in a parasitic manner by sensing and replicating it in parallel, allowing the original traffic to continue uninterrupted while forwarding a copy to monitors, utilizing uni-directional or bi-directional coupling circuits and a processor for data conversion and correlation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If store and forward techniques are used in conventional network taps, then network traffic can be monitored, but significant delay is introduced into the network traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The network traffic flow is segmented into two parallel paths: the original traffic path that bypasses the monitoring function, and a copied traffic path that routes through the monitoring equipment. This segmentation allows monitoring without interfering with the timing of original traffic
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a duplicate copy of the network traffic using coupling circuits that extract a portion of the original signal. This copy is then sent to monitoring equipment while the original traffic continues uninterrupted, enabling monitoring without delay
2Loss of information
If store and forward techniques are used in network taps, then data can be captured for analysis, but communication latency increases adversely affecting network performance
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling circuits act as intermediaries that extract monitoring data from the main traffic flow without blocking or slowing it down. The original traffic passes through the tap with minimal insertion loss, while monitoring data is extracted simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a monitoring dimension to the network by creating a parallel signal path. This allows data to be captured for analysis in one dimension (the monitoring path) while the original high-speed communication continues in another dimension (the original path)
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 duplication of high-speed network data for monitoring with essentially zero delay, maintaining network performance and reducing communication latency.
Implementation Method 1
a coupler includes a detector configured to generate a phase and amplitude modulation signal for each of the communication lines between the network devices
Data Source
AI summary
A high-speed communications network tap includes a first terminal and a second terminal adapted to couple the tap in-line in the network and communicate data with network devices. A duplicator is coupled to the first terminal and the second terminal and configured to duplicate the data as a copy of the data. A processor is coupled to the duplicator and to a third terminal, and is configured to receive the copy of the data from the duplicator and to provide the data to the third terminal. The third terminal is adapted to couple the tap to a network monitor and send data to the network monitor. Advantages of the invention include the ability to duplicate high-speed communication network data for monitoring in an essentially zero delay.