Network Test Interface for Protocol-Layer Error Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test equipment for network circuitry generates overwhelming amounts of data, making it difficult and time-consuming for users to pinpoint errors within the network system, as it outputs information from all protocol layers simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating test equipment that processes received signals according to a stacked protocol hierarchical structure, allowing users to easily identify errors by displaying only selected information specific to each network protocol layer, such as the physical and data link layers, on a graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If test equipment outputs data from all protocol layers simultaneously, then comprehensive test coverage is achieved, but data volume becomes unmanageable and error identification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol stack into distinct layers (physical layer, data link layer, network layer, etc.) and allows the test equipment to selectively display status information from specific layers. This segmentation enables users to focus on particular protocol layers where errors are suspected, rather than being overwhelmed by data from all layers simultaneously, thus reducing the effective data volume while maintaining comprehensive test coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and displays only the relevant status information from specific protocol layers that are suspected to contain errors. Instead of outputting all test data from every layer, the system extracts and presents only the necessary subset of information, making error identification more efficient while preserving the ability to access comprehensive data when needed.
2Loss of information
If test equipment displays massive amounts of data from all protocol layers, then complete test information is provided, but time to analyze and pinpoint errors increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic display system where the test equipment can adaptively adjust which protocol layer status information is displayed based on error detection results. When errors are detected at a specific layer, the system dynamically prioritizes displaying information from that layer, allowing users to quickly focus their analysis on the problematic area without manually filtering through all data, thus reducing error analysis time while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the test equipment monitors test results and automatically adjusts the displayed information based on detected errors. When errors are identified in specific protocol layers, the system provides feedback by highlighting or prioritizing status information from those layers, guiding users efficiently to the source of problems without requiring them to analyze all test data, thereby reducing analysis time while preserving complete test information availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a test equipment system that is coupled to network circuitry is described. The method displays only selected information. Furthermore, the method may display the selected information in a manner as to allow a user of the test equipment to easily identify errors in the network circuitry. The method may select the information to be displayed by processing received signals according to a stacked protocol hierarchical structure.