Inline Network Appliance Optical Signal Splitter Connectivity Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inline network appliances experience logical loss of network traffic when switching between bypass and pass-through modes due to connectivity gaps, resulting in irrecoverable data packet loss.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical signal splitter to continuously feed a portion of the incoming optical signal to the switching fabric, allowing the inline network appliance to maintain a logical connectivity state even in bypass mode, enabling seamless switching between traffic paths without disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an inline network appliance switches from bypass mode to pass-through mode, then the appliance can resume normal traffic processing function, but network traffic is momentarily disrupted and lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the pass-through traffic path before actually switching from bypass mode. The control circuitry sets up the necessary routing configurations and connectivity states in advance, so when the switch occurs, traffic can continue without disruption. This eliminates the connectivity gap that would otherwise occur during mode transition.
2Reliability
If an inline network appliance operates in bypass mode to avoid connectivity issues, then network traffic flow is maintained, but the appliance cannot process traffic through its normal function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the network appliance to seamlessly transition between bypass mode and pass-through mode based on operational requirements. The system dynamically switches traffic paths using control circuitry that manages the switching fabric, allowing the appliance to adapt its function while maintaining continuous network connectivity. This dynamic capability resolves the trade-off between maintaining traffic flow and providing traffic processing functions.
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
This approach eliminates the logical loss typically incurred during mode switches, ensuring continuous network traffic flow by maintaining connectivity even when switching between bypass and pass-through modes.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signal splitter to split an incoming optical signal into a plurality of portions
Data Source
AI summary
A network appliance may include a signal splitter that splits an incoming signal into multiple portions. The signal splitter can direct one portion of the incoming signal to a switching fabric and another portion of the incoming signal to an optical switch. By monitoring the power intensity of the portion of the incoming signal received by the switching fabric, the network appliance can seamlessly switch between a bypass traffic path and a pass-through traffic path without losing network traffic caused by gaps in network connectivity. Such a configuration also enables the network appliance to maintain an accurate record of the logical connectivity state even when the network appliance is in the bypass state (i.e., when network traffic bypasses the switching fabric of the network appliance).