Tamper-Sensitive Optical Splitter for Network Traffic Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traffic on communication networks is susceptible to modification and manipulation by third parties, leading to decreased quality and loss of integrity.
Innovation Solution
A splitter device that converts electromagnetic signals to optical signals and splits them into multiple streams, which are then converted back to electromagnetic signals for comparison, ensuring the integrity of the signal by checking for identity between the original and split packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network traffic is monitored by third parties, then traffic analysis and monitoring capabilities are improved, but traffic integrity and security deteriorate due to susceptibility to modification and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The network traffic monitoring system is segmented into multiple independent functional components: a passive optical splitter that divides the traffic stream, a monitoring port for analysis, and a through port for uninterrupted data flow. This segmentation allows monitoring without centralizing control, reducing vulnerability to manipulation while maintaining monitoring precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A passive optical splitter acts as an intermediary device that copies network traffic without active processing or control. The splitter passively divides the optical signal into multiple paths, enabling monitoring functionality while maintaining the original traffic integrity. The passive nature of the intermediary prevents active manipulation of the traffic stream.
2Reliability
If signal copying and comparison mechanisms are implemented, then tamper detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a passive optical copy of the network traffic stream using a passive optical splitter. This copy is directed to a monitoring port for analysis while the original stream continues through the through port. The copying mechanism enables tamper detection through comparison without requiring complex active processing or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex active electronic monitoring systems with a passive optical splitting mechanism. Instead of using active signal processing, control systems, or mechanical switching devices, the invention uses passive optical components that inherently provide signal duplication and distribution, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
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
The solution effectively monitors and maintains the integrity of network traffic by detecting any modifications or manipulations, ensuring that only unaltered packets are outputted, thus maintaining traffic quality.
Implementation Method 1
converting the signal to an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
splitting the optical signal into first and second optical signals
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device in which a processing system receives an electromagnetic signal including a plurality of packets, stores a copy of the packets in a memory, converts the signal to an optical signal, and splits the optical signal into first and second optical signals each including the packets. A first converter and second converter then convert the optical signals to electromagnetic signals. A timing coordinator sends a timing signal to the memory and to the first and second converters, resulting in simultaneous release of a copied packet from the memory and first and second packets from the first and second converters. The system compares the copied packet with the first and second packets; if those packets are identical to the copied packet, the system outputs the first and second packets in outgoing signals. Other embodiments are disclosed.